Day 1: Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation between 1 and 2 pm in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 pm the boat leaves Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine.
Day 2: Wageningen/Rhenen – Arnhem, approx. 35-44 km
During breakfast, the ship sails to Wageningen. From this town, your first cycling tour of the week takes you through the lovely valley of the Lower Rhine river, and then on through the Veluwe, a large area of woods and heathlands. At the end of the day you pedal to Arnhem, via suburbs and past the lovely parks named Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal. Close to the center of this former Hanseatic city, the ship docks for the night.
Day 3: Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer, approx. 45-55 km
We leave Arnhem on the ship, and then today’s cycling tour starts in the small town of Doesburg. There are two cycling options to get you to Zutphen and Deventer. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, the shorter option takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel river, whereas the longer option stays on the eastern bank. Both options lead you through the countryside to Zutphen. The tour ends in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, your tour leader offers a short guided walking tour of the city.
Day 4: Deventer – Zwolle – Kampen, approx. 40-56 km
During breakfast the ship will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. You can choose a short option along banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. Leaving Hattem, it is only a short ride to the city of Zwolle, one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities. From Zwolle you continue to Kampen, where you will have an optional guided walking tour and spend the night in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk, approx. 48-54 km
From Kampen, our cycling tour leads along the Border Lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg. Here, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour continues through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe to lovely Harderwijk, where the night will be spent in its old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region. Today, it is still a lovely old city very much worth exploring.
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen, approx. 45-56 km
Again, you have two routes to choose from. A shorter bike ride along the coast of the Border Lakes, or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that runs through adjacent woodlands. In the afternoon you will pass Spakenburg, a fishing village well-known for its traditional costumes that are worn to this day. Docking destination for today is Huizen.
Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam, approx. 35 km
Huizen is the starting point for a ride to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. The latter is famous for its historic castle on the waterfront. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world famous city of Amsterdam. You have the afternoon and evening to spend in the Dutch capital any way you like. Seize the chance to do a canal tour, to visit Anne Frank’s home or any of a number of world renowned museums around the Museumplein. Or just enjoy looking at everyday life in this bustling city.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Individual departure. Disembarkation after breakfast until 09:30 am.