Historic Hanseatic Cities Bike+Boat

Holland, niederlande, hanse, staedte, hanseatic, schiff, boat, ship, amsterdam

Historic Hanseatic Cities Bike+Boat

From/to Amsterdam

Holland, niederlande, hanse, staedte, hanseatic, schiff, boat, ship, amsterdam

On the Bike through Ijssel Valley

The Hansa Highlights Tour will take you through the central region of the Netherlands, a region shaped over millennia by the numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the area. You will cycle through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel River, cross the so-called border lakes region of the Netherlands and will visit fascinating cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Arnhem, Deventer, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg, to name a few. Given the flat terrain along the 125 km IJssel valley, the tour is perfect for anyone who wants to leisurely cycle along the many winding trails in this diverse area.

Dates 2025:

Arrival:
Ships Lena Maria+Flora: Friday
Ships Magnifique II: Thursday
Duration: 8 days

Ship Lena Maria
Season 1: June 06./20., Aug 15./22./29., Sept 05./26.

Ship La Mar
Season 1: July 18.

Ship Magnifique II
Season 1: July 03./24./31.
Season 2: May 15./22., June 26.

Min. number of participants:
24 persons/ Mag.II+La Mar
12 persons/ Lena Maria

Program Lena Maria

1st Day: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 and 2 p.m. in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 p.m. the barge will leave Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine where you will spend your first night.

2nd Day: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem (35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/28 mi.)

While you are enjoying breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen where you are finally off and cycling through the picturesque river valley of the Rhine. Along the way you will cycle through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe. At the end of the day you pedal through the suburbs and past lovely parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal to Arnhem, where you spend the night close to the city center. During the second world war Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. The operation ended in a failure because of the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulting in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.

3rd Day: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen (27 km/16 mi. or 44 km/27 mi.) | Zutphen – Deventer

Today’s cycling tour takes you along the Hanseatic Town Route to the small village of Doesburg and along the IJssel to Bronkhorst, which has the distinction of being recognised as the smallest town in Holland. Guests will have two choices today – a shorter tour along the riverbank to Zutphen; or a longer bicycle trip via Vorden passing country houses, castles and rural estates. During dinner the barge will sail to Deventer where you have the option of a short guided walking tour in the evening.

4th Day: Deventer – Hattem (35 km/21 mi. or 45 km/27 mi.) | Hattem – Kampen

This morning you will enjoy a short bicycle ride along the IJssel riverbank before boarding a ferry at Wijhe to cross the river to Hattem. The 800-year-old town of Hattem has a rich history that is still clearly visible today. Guests have the opportunity, if they want, to stretch their legs with a longer bicycle trip through east Veluwe. During dinner the ship will sail to Kampen where you have the opportunity to go on an optional guided walking tour in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.

5th Day: Kampen – Roggebotsluis | Roggebotsluis- Elburg – Harderwijk (48 km/29 mi.)

In the morning the barge will sail to the IJssel estuary and across the so-called border lakes. Today’s cycling tour starts at a lock, Roggebotsluis. From the lock you cycle along the border lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg, where swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour goes to lovely Harderwijk through the woods and moorland at Elspeet. The night will be spent in Harderwijk’s old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region and it is still a fascinating old city to explore. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.

6th Day: Harderwijk – Bunschoten – Spakenburg (35 km/21 mi. or 59 km/36 mi.)

Today guests have two cycling choices: a short pedal along the coast or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that also takes in adjacent woodlands. The night will be spent in Spakenburg, a village well-known for its traditional costumes.

7th Day: Spakenburg – Huizen | Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam (35 km/21 mi. or 49 km/30 mi.)

During breakfast you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen you will cycle to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden, famous for its historic castle. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world famous city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening are spent in Amsterdam. While you are there take the opportunity to visit Anne Frank’s home, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, the very centre and heart of the city or maybe you could go on a canal tour.

8th Day: Amsterdam

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

PROGRAM Magnifique II

1st Day: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation and check-in in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2 p.m. At approximately 2 p.m. the ship sails from Amsterdam on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a town on the Rhine River. Here, you will spend your first night aboard the ship.
2nd Day: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem (35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/28 mi.)
While you are enjoying 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. During World War II, Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. It ended in a failure, as the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulted in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.
3rd Day: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)
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, a seeming hamlet 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, a guided walk with a local guide is on the program. Make sure to join!
4th Day: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 mi.)
During breakfast the ship will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. In the morning you will enjoy a nice bicycle ride to Hattem. You can choose a short option along the banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. Hattem has a rich history, which is still clearly visible today. 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. In the evening, an optional guided walking tour takes you to some of the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
5th Day: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk (48 km/29 mi. or 56 km/33.6 mi.)
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. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.
6th Day: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen (45 km/28 mi. or 56 km/35 mi.)
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.
7th Day: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam (35 km/21 mi.)
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.
8th Day: Amsterdam
The last part of your tour is today, but we won’t let you leave with an empty stomach. So before disembarkation until 9.30 a.m., enjoy a nice breakfast first.

Important Information

The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.

Good to know
  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION:

ship MAGNIFIQUE II

This younger sister of the Magnifique, the Magnifique II, was built in 2015-2016 and offers a wonderful stay to a maximum of 34 guests. All of the 13 cabins on the lower deck and 4 suites on the upper deck are very comfortable: excellent beds and a private bathroom, as well as air conditioning, satellite TV, and a wardrobe with a mini-safe. In the tastefully furnished and air conditioned salon on the upper deck, the bar is a real eye catcher. On one side you’ll find the restaurant area and on the other there is the lounge. The captain and his crew will take good care of you!

Cabins:
All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower, toilet and sink. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have 2 m / 6.6 ft. wide windows (which can be partly opened) and the air conditioning in all cabins can be individually regulated. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a flat screen satellite TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.
Upper deck: has four spacious suites (14 m² – 151 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds, a small sitting area and large panoramic windows, of which the middle part can be opened.
Lower deck: has thirteen cabins: one premium twin cabin (13 m² – 140 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and a small sitting area and twelve beautiful twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) with 2 separate single beds. In most cabins, on prior request, the beds can be set together as a double bed.
On request, an extra bed is available in two twin cabins and one upper deck suite for children up to age 16 (above one of the other beds).

ship LENA MARIA

Ideal for bike and barge tours is this spacious river cruiser, Lena Maria. She offers lots of room and comfort to a maximum of 24 passengers. All of the 12 cabins, that are located on the lower deck, are provided with 2 low beds, storage facilities for your luggage, and a small, private bathroom. On the upper deck you’ll find a restaurant area on one side and on the other a salon with nice seats. A perfect spot to regain your strength after a few hours on your bicycle.

Cabins:
The Lena Maria has twelve spacious twin cabins (10,5 m² – 113 sq.ft.) with two separate beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. Windows can be opened and the cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning, ventilation and central heating. Furthermore, you will find a hair dryer in each cabin.

shiP LA MAR

The spacious, former cargo ship La Mar has been stylishly renovated. There are two decks, with the upper deck containing the saloon, a spacious seating area with widescreen TV, a cozy bar and a large sundeck. WLAN (Wi-Fi) is available. You can enjoy a cup of coffee or an aperitif on the sun deck. On the lower deck is the air-conditioned restaurant area where meals of excellent quality are served.

Kabinen:
The La Mar has twelve comfortable cabins on the lower deck. Ten two-person cabins (10 m²) with two separate single beds and two two-person cabins (8 m²) with “split-level” beds (“around the corner”, 1 bed slightly higher). These two cabins can also be used as a single cabin; the upper bed is then folded up. Each cabin has a shower, a toilet and a sink. The windows can be opened and the room has central heating and air conditioning. There is also a small safe and a hairdryer in each cabin.

YOUR BICYCLES:

7-speed unisex
E-Bikes

  • Velo de Vile or similar
  • comfort-entrance unisex
  • 28″ tires
  • Shimano-circuit
  • E-Bikes with 400 WH Bosch-engine
  • luggage rack
  • comfort-gel-saddle
  • Handbreak
  • lock-on-frame

Please note: Bringing own bikes is – depending on the ship, either against surcharge or due for reasons of space not possible.

ARRIVAL INFORMATION:

Parking

  • public parking areas

Train station

  • Station: Amsterdam Centraal

Flughafen

  • Next Airport: Amsterdam (AMS)
  • 7 nights incl. breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 6 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Fully guidedcycling tours (Magnifique: as from 18 guests, 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
  • Some short walking tours
  • Fees for ferries
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a helmet
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Entrance airborne museum
  • Visit Dutch cheese farm
  • Guided walk Deventer
  • Wi-Fi
  • Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Ship Lena Maria / La MarSeason 1
2-bed cabin Split Level (La Mar only)1.399,-
2-bed cabin1.549,-
2-bed cabin for single use2.323,50,-
2-bed cabin for single use Split Level (La Mar only)2.098,50,-
Ship Magnifique IISeason 1Season 2
2-bed cabin 1.599,-1.749,-
2-bed cabin Premium 1.869,-2.019,-
2-bed Suite upper deck2.229,-2.379,-
2-bed cabin for single use2.398,50,-2.623,50,-
prices in EUR/person

SGR contribution €5/person obligatory (legal fee in the Netherlands)

Discount 3rd person: – 50€/person in 2-bed cabins, – 100€/person in Suite (only available on Mag II)

Additional bookable

Rental bikes
7-speed105,-
E-Bike266,-
Own, normal bike – parking (not Zwaantje)14,-
Own E-Bike – parking + charging station (not Zwaantje)28,-
Diet
(upon request, payable on site)
50,-
prices in EUR/person

Operator: BoatBikeTours

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