Historical Sites of the Netherlands by Bike and Boat
The region you will travel through has been shaped over millennia by rivers and streams. It flourished during the Middle Ages when the Rhine and IJssel were among the most important trade routes in Europe. Many towns along their banks were members of the Hanseatic League, a confederation that protected the economic interests of its members across much of the Netherlands, Germany, and Northern Europe. The affluence of this era is visible everywhere, particularly in the rich civil and religious architecture.
Through the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley by bike
Your tour begins in the charming city of Amsterdam. From there, you will sail and cycle to various Hanseatic towns, both large and small, such as Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Harderwijk, and Elburg. The natural beauty of the Rhine Valley and its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, will undoubtedly impress you.
Another highlight along the route is the so-called "Bordering Lakes." These lakes are situated between the "old" mainland, with its numerous beautiful harbor towns, and the "new land" reclaimed from the province of Flevoland, which was once a sea.
The 125 km long IJssel Valley offers a perfect playground for those who enjoy leisurely cycling along winding trails in a region of varied landscapes.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam to Wijk bij Duurstede 🛥️
Embarkation and check-in take place between 1:00 and 2:00 pm in Amsterdam. After being welcomed by the crew, the barge will depart from Amsterdam, sailing along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal toward Wijk bij Duurstede, a town on the Rhine. You will spend your first night there.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede to Wageningen 🛥️ | Wageningen to Arnhem (35 km or 44 km)
During breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen, where you will begin cycling through the picturesque Rhine river valley. Along the way, you will pass through the woods and moors of the Veluwe National Park. At the end of the day, you will cycle through beautiful parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal before arriving in Arnhem, where you will spend the night.
During World War II, Arnhem was the scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. The operation ended in failure due to the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine, leading to the destruction of the entire British 1st Airborne Division.
Day 3: Arnhem to Doesburg 🛥️ | Doesburg to Zutphen (27 km or 44 km) | Zutphen to Deventer 🛥️
Today's bike ride follows the Hanseatic Town Route to the small village of Doesburg. You will cycle along the IJssel River to Bronkhorst, considered the smallest town in the Netherlands. You have two options today:
- A shorter route along the riverbanks to Zutphen
- A longer route passing through Vorden with its country houses, castles, and rural estates
During dinner, the barge will sail to Deventer, where you can take a short evening guided walking tour if you wish.
Day 4: Deventer to Hattem (35 km or 45 km) | Hattem to Kampen 🛥️
This morning, you will enjoy a short bike ride along the IJssel riverbank before taking a ferry at Wijhe to cross to Hattem. This 800-year-old town has a rich history still visible today. You can extend your bike ride with a longer excursion through the eastern Veluwe if desired. During dinner, the boat will sail to Kampen, where you have the opportunity for an optional guided walking tour of the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5: Kampen to Roggebotsluis 🛥️ | Roggebotsluis to Elburg and Harderwijk (48 km)
Early in the morning, the barge will sail to the IJssel estuary and across the "border lakes." Today's bike ride will begin at the Roggebotsluis lock. From there, you will cycle along the lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg, where swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing are popular summer activities.
From Elburg, the ride continues through the woods and moorlands of Elspeet to the charming town of Harderwijk. You will spend the night in Harderwijk's old fishing harbor. In the 16th century, Harderwijk hosted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region, and it remains a fascinating old city to explore. Dinner is not included on board this evening, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a meal at one of Harderwijk’s excellent restaurants.
Day 6: Harderwijk to Bunschoten and Spakenburg (35 km or 59 km)
Today, guests have two cycling route options:
- A short ride along the coast
- A combination of the coastal route with a longer alternative through the adjacent woodlands
The night will be spent in Spakenburg, a village famous for its traditional costumes.
Day 7: Spakenburg to Huizen 🛥️ | Huizen to Naarden, Muiden, and Amsterdam (35 km or 49 km)
During breakfast, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen, you will cycle to the beautiful fortified towns of Naarden and Muiden, famous for its historic castle. From Muiden, you will ride along quiet roads to your final destination, the world-famous city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening will be spent in Amsterdam. Take the opportunity to visit the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, or perhaps enjoy a canal boat tour.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembark after breakfast, before 9:30 am.
