Bike and Barge
Heart of Holland
- NL028 / Netherlands
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
-
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Jun, Jul, Aug, May, Sep
- 8 days
-
- round tour from Amsterdam
- Some meals included
Highlights
A bike and boat tour in the Dutch hinterland. Experience a full immersion in an area of forested reserves, lakes and small traditional villages, on a bike tour also popular with Dutch cyclists. The cities of the Hanseatic League welcome you with their traditional architecture and their history, rooted in the Middle Ages and ancient histories of navigation and trade.
- The charm of ancient Hanseatic cities
- Veluwe, the largest forested area in the Netherlands
- Amsterdam, the capital of bicycles
What awaits you
A week-long bike and barge tour in Holland: the land of bicycles! Its terrain is completely flat, and the bike paths, almost all of which are paved, are always well marked. Some stages include a choice between a short and a longer ride, and if one day you don't feel like cycling, you have the option of relaxing on board the boat. The only variable to keep an eye on is the weather: a little wind or rain could make your ride more adventurous.
The itinerary and schedule of some days vary according to the comfort level chosen.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. During dinner, the chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Embarking in Amsterdam and sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. After you’ve settled into your cabins, the barge takes you on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a quaint town on the banks of the Rhine River.
2. By boat to Wageningen and first stop in Arnhem, on the Lower Rhine
During breakfast, a leisurely cruise takes you to Wageningen. This is where the first cycling stage of the week begins, along a route in the lovely Lower Rhine Valley. You’ll pass through the parks of Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal, then at the end of the day reach the town Arnhem, where the boat is moored for the night.
* There is the possibility of shortening the bike ride by 10 kilometers.
3. The banks of the river IJssel toward Deventer
The boat will take you from Arnhem to the small town of Doesburg. Here, you can choose between two routes to Zutphen and Deventer. In both stage variants, we pass through Bronkhorst, a quaint village, proud to be the smallest town in the Netherlands. From Bronkhorst, the shorter route (15 km shorter) takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel River, while with the longer option you continue cycling on the eastern bank of the river. The stage, passing through Zutphen, ends in Deventer, a town known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, your tour leader will lead you on a short walking tour of the city.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of 15 km
4. Discovering the ancient Hanseatic cities: Hattem, Zwolle and Kampen
Comfort Platinum – Magnifique II
Today’s ride starts from Wijhe in the direction of Hattem. You can choose a shorter route (15 km less), along the banks of the river, or opt for a longer tour through the eastern area of the Veluwe. Leaving Hattem, you’ll continue pedaling to Zwolle, one of the most charming Hanseatic cities. The destination for the day is Kampen, where you’ll rejoin your floating hotel. In the evening, an optional guided walking tour takes you through some of the most interesting places in this great Hanseatic city.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of 15 km
Comfort Bronze – Lena Maria and La Mar
This morning you will enjoy a short bike ride along the Ijssel riverbank, before boarding a ferry at Wijhe to cross the river to Hattem. You then have the opportunity of a bike trip through east Veluwe (that can be shortened). During dinner the ship will sail to Kampen, where you have opportunity to go on an optional guided walking tour in the largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of 10 km. Total km of this stage: 45
5. The border lakes and the woods and moors of the Veluwe toward Harderwijk
Comfort Platinum – Magnifique II
In the morning, you’ll start cycling from Kampen along the border lakes to the fishing port of Elburg. Swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are the most popular summer activities here. From Elburg, your bike tour continues, through the woods and moors of the Veluwe, to charming Harderwijk, where the boat is moored in the old fishing harbor. In the 1500s, Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Hardewijks restaurants.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of 5 kms
Comfort Bronze – Lena Maria and La Mar
In the morning the barge will sail to the IJssel estuary and across the so-called border lakes. Today’s cycling tour starts in Roggebotsluis. From the lock of Roggebotsluis, you cycle along the border lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg. From here, 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. Dinner on board is not included this evening.
*Total km of the stage: 50
6. Stage along the border lakes or in the forested territory nearby to Spakenburg or Huizen
Comfort Platinum – Magnifique II
Again today you can choose between two routes: a shorter bike ride along the shoreline of the border lakes or a longer tour through the adjacent forests. The final destination of the ride is Huizen.
*Possibility to shorten the stage of 10 kms
Comfort Bronze – Lena Maria and La Mar
Again today you can choose between two routes: a shorter bike ride (25 km less) along the shoreline of the border lakes or a longer tour through the adjacent forests. The final destination of the ride is Spakenburg.
*Total km of this stage: 60
7. The fortress cities of Naarden and Muiden and return to Amsterdam
Comfort Platinum – Magnifique II
Huizen is the starting point of the last bike stage. You’ll ride first to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. The latter is famous for its historic waterfront castle. From Muiden, continue to ride along quiet roads to your final destination: Amsterdam. Spend the afternoon and evening in the lively Dutch capital: take the opportunity to take a stroll along its canals, or visit the Anne Frank House or one of the many world-famous museums around Museumplein.
Comfort Bronze – Lena Maria and La Mar
If you are onboard Lena Maria and La Mar, the starting point of your tour is Spakenburg. You will cycle to the towns of Naarden and Muiden, to reach then the Dutch capital, Amsterdam.
*Total km of this stage: 50
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
read more
La Mar
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Converted into a modern and spacious passenger boat back in 2000, La Mar was completely restored in 2013. Today it is a comfortable floating hotel with a restaurant, lounge area, cozy bar and a spacious sundeck. View more details
Cabins
- 10 twin cabins with low beds
- 2 twin cabins with split level beds
All cabins have private bathroom, windows that can be opened, small safe and hairdryer.
Common areas
- lounge area with cozy atmosphere
- bar and dining room
- sundeck
2025
Multiple departures
go to online quote
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Lena Maria
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
The Lena Maria began her second life as a passenger ship in 2006 and has been taking guests along the Dutch canals ever since.
On the deck are the restaurant, where meals are served daily, the lounge, the bar, and the spacious outdoor deck.
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins
All cabins have 2 low beds, private bathroom, opening windows, hair dryer.
Common areas
- lounge area with cozy atmosphere
- bar and dining room
- sun deck
2025
Departures on Friday
go to online quote
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
Magnifique II
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
The boat Magnifique II combines the classic style of a Dutch barge with the comfort of a star hotel.
Common areas are located on the upper deck: dining room, bar, lounge with TV and relaxation area. Sun decks, with chairs and tables outside, allow people to enjoy the sailing and have a drink while admiring the scenery. View more details
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins on the lower deck of 11 sq. meters with fixed portholes
- 1 premium cabin of approx. 13 sq. meters with fixed portholes and a sitting area
- 4 suites on the upper deck of 14 sq. meters, with a sitting area and large panoramic windows, which can be partially opened
All cabins have two single beds (can be joined to form a double on request), private bathroom, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- Spacious and refined lounge with dining area
- Bright bar and lounge with large panoramic windows
- whirlpool/jacuzzi
2025
Departures on Thursday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Bed sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 packed lunches
- 6 dinners, excluding drinks
- Coffee and tea until on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- maps and route descriptions
- GPS tracks
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Visit to a Dutch cheese farm
- Guided walking tour in Deventer
- Entrance to the Airborne Museum
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Dinner in Harderwijk
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Total length: 290 km
- Terrain: mainly on paved cycle paths or on secondary roads with little traffic
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled between 1 PM and 2 PM in Amsterdam. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schipol (AMS).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
By train
Amsterdam Centraal is the closest station. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Marinella
Published: 20 Aug 2024
Cristina
Published: 30 Aug 2023
Giovanna
Published: 13 Aug 2019
Ottimo giro per scoprire che l’Olanda non è tutta piatta e può essere anche selvaggia, oltre che ricca di storia.
Per la sistemazione in barca può essere necessario un po’ di spirito di adattamento, ma si mangia bene.
Browse the suggestions to discover other destinations and trips similar to this holiday.
Need advice? We are here to help
Contact us
Southern Dalmatia
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatian Islands
8 days, from Split to Dubrovnik
Dalmatian islands for families
8 days, round tour Trogir - Split - Trogir
Dalmatia and Kornati Islands
8 days, round tour Trogir - Zadar - Trogir
Amsterdam and Flanders
8 days, from Amsterdam to Bruges
Holland tulips tour
5 days, round tour Amsterdam - Keukenhof - Amsterdam
Gulf of Corinth and the Ionian Islands
8 days, from Athens to Corfu
Athens and the Gulf of Aegina
8 days, round tour from Athens
Cyclades islands
8 days, round tour Athens - Sifnos - Athens
Ionian islands for families
8 days, round tour Corfu Island - Cephalonia - Corfu Island
Bike tours in the Netherlands
Holland is truly the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. The network of bicycle paths is extensive: more than 37,000 kilometers of safe and well-marked routes allow cycling between the city and the countryside.
Learn more
Bike and barge tours
A holiday along rivers, canals and coastal routes, with bike days and overnight stays in a hotel-float that follows cyclists stage by stage
Learn more
Receive our newsletter
Loving what you have read so far? Stay in the loop and get free travel tips, ideas, and news from us!
Yes, sign me up!
