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.
The natural beauty of the region is sure to impress as will the Hanseatic towns of the region that flourished during the Middle Ages when the IJssel was one of the most important trade routes in Europe. Another attraction is the so-called border lakes, between the “old” land with many beautiful harbor towns and the “new” land of the Flevoland, which was once the bottom of the sea, before the land was reclaimed in the 1950s and 1960s. In this area you will leisurely cycle through a number of picturesque fishing harbors where life seemingly moves at a much slower pace. For many Dutch, this probably not so well-known area is one of their favorite cycling areas.
The ship – Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
Fully Guided
Accompanied by a competent, professional and multilingual tour leader, you and the group will visit interesting sights and places on the daily cycling tours. During the bike tour, they will explain the local history and culture behind the things you encounter along the way. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of the Ride with GPS app and our BBT cycling map (available on board).
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.
While you enjoy breakfast, the barge will cruise to Wageningen. From there, you’ll set off by bike, cycling through the picturesque Rhine River valley to Oosterbeek, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Airborne Museum. From there, you continue the bike tour to today’s destination, the city center of Arnhem, the former Hanseatic city. Here you will have plenty of time to walk around, visit a museum, or go shopping. 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.
During breakfast the barge cruises to Doesburg, a small Hanseatic city. First, cycle or walk through this charming town before you start the actual bike tour. From Doesburg the cycling tour takes you first 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.
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.
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.
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.
During breakfast, you can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of the barge. From Huizen, you’ll cycle to the charming fortified towns of Naarden and Muiden, the latter famous for its historic castle. From Muiden, you’ll continue along quiet roads to your final destination: the world-renowned city of Amsterdam. You can spend the mid-afternoon and evening in Amsterdam. While there, take the opportunity to stroll through the city center, visit a highlight or perhaps enjoy a scenic canal cruise.
End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.
Included in this tour
Excluded from this tour
On June 26 and July 3 you can book this tour with ship Sarah
| Prices 2027 p.p. | All dates | Sept 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Twin cabin lower deck | € 1.549,- | € 1.399,- |
| Double lower deck | € 1.549,- | € 1.399,- |
| Twin for single use | € 2.323,50 | € 2.098,50 |
2027:
Flora
22 guests max
22 beds
40 x 6 m
Private charter on request
Interested in this tour? Tell us your preferred dates, cabins, and bikes, and we’ll confirm real availability with the barge.
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