La Frise et le lac d'Ijssel by bike and boat - Zwaan

Friesland and Lake Ijssel by bike and boat

This bike and boat trip in the Netherlands starts with the crossing of the Ijsselmeer and the old South Sea to the Friesland region. Here, the natural and calm environment attracts both sailors and cyclists. You will pass through the countryside, picturesque and historical villages and pretty harbors around the Ijsselmeer. 
You can then discover the city of Amsterdam after visiting Hoorn, Stavoren or Enkhuizen.
The Ijssel lake and Friesland by bike offer beautiful landscapes on the Zwaan. This is an opportunity to discover a new way of travelling that you will not soon forget. 
 
Highlights of the trip: 

• The Frisian towns of Stavoren and Sneek
• The Zuiderzee museum
• Amsterdam 
• Sailing aboard the Zwaan

Day 1: Amsterdam 

 
You are expected on board the Zwaan at 2:00 pm. The ship leaves the harbor for Lelystad. You will have the opportunity to do a first test ride of 15 km in the surroundings. 

 
Day 2: Lelystad - Sneek / 45 km

 
The Zwaan leaves the port of Lelystad and crosses the Ijsselmeer to Lemmer. Your cycling route starts here and leads through the wooded Gaasterland to Sneek. You will discover the village of Balk before reaching the beautiful town of Ijlst with its low houses and lime trees. 
You follow a waterway through green landscapes lined with alders and willows. 
Sneek is the water sports capital of Friesland with its canals and its famous Watergate.  

 
Day 3: Sneek - Leeuwarden / 40 km

 
Your cycling trip in the Netherlands continues towards Boazum to discover the beautiful Romanesque architecture of the St. Maartenskerk church.
On this bike ride you can admire the picturesque Slachtedijk dike that winds through the landscape. You end your day cycling in the capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden. It is a typical Dutch city with narrow streets, canals and beautiful brick houses. Join the Zwaan for the night. 

 
Day 4: Leeuwarden - Makkum / 45 km 

 
You leave Leeuwarden by bike. The stage guides you to Franeker, the old university town. Take time to visit the famous 17th century planetarium of Eise Eisinga. Your journey continues through beautiful Dutch villages to Makkum, famous for its pottery. If you wish, this is the time to make a detour to admire the harbor of Harlingen. 
Your boat is moored in Makkum. 

 
Day 5: Makkum - Stavoren / 40 km 

 
 
Leave Makkum after breakfast and head for Workum and then Hindeloopen on the banks of the Ijsselmeer. The town is famous for having kept its old traditions. You may still hear the singing of the sailors through the narrow streets of the town. 
After visiting Hindeloopen, you will arrive at the historic port town of Stavoren by bike to spend the evening and night. 

 
Day 6: Stavoren - Hoorn / 30 km

 
The day begins with a sail on the Ijssel lake towards Enkhuizen in the province of North Holland. You can walk along the 16th century fortress, admire its many historical monuments and visit the Zuiderzee museum. Then cycle along the Ijsselmeer dike to Hoorn, a beautiful harbor town. 
 

Day 7: Hoorn - Amsterdam / 45 km 

 
Your cycling trip in Holland continues with a first sailing stage to Volendam. Continue your bike tour to Monnickendam and then Marken, beautiful and picturesque towns. 
Enter the Waterland region where the buildings are at the same level as the sea. 
The day's journey ends in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. You can visit this beautiful city with its elaborate canal system and narrow gabled houses. 

 
Day 8: End of the bike and boat trip in the Netherlands

 
You will be asked to vacate the cabins after breakfast. End of the trip at 10:00 am. 

General Information:

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Level of comfort of the boat : Comfort
• Children rates : contact us
• Languages spoken on board : English and Dutch

Dates:
 
Departure from Amsterdam 13/05/2023

Included :

• Full board stay (picnic lunch)
• coffee and tea on board
• tour guide
• at least 3 city walks
• Free Wi-Fi (limited to the deck and lounge)
• road book in English on site
• gps tracks on request 

Not included :

• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits

The options :

• VTC or VAE rental (helmet included)
• Bike theft insurance (for rented bikes)
• cancellation insurance
• Additional night (s) at the start or end of the tour in a hotel in Amsterdam

Level :
 
1 2 3 4 5 6
 
Ground :
 
Flat, very smooth roads and paths. 90% program on cycle paths.
 
Weather :
 
Contrary to popular belief, the temperature in the Netherlands is similar to the temperature in France. Near the coast, the climate is sometimes windy.
 
Technicality:
 
- 0 to 49 km of hiking per day, or 3 to 4 hours of cycling.
- Easy to follow route. No difficulties, accessible to all.
 
Bibliography:
 
Guide and maps of the Netherlands on cartovelo.fr
 
The participants :
 
On board you will meet an international community of all ages, men, women, singles and couples with children. We offer you on this boat 20 to 26 places in cabins of 2 and 3 people.
 
Support:
 
Here are the people responsible for your bike and boat holidays:
On board, the captain and his boy. They are responsible for the smooth running of the vacation on the boat, and take the boat from stage to stage. The cook prepares the meals.
Participants are accompanied by a guide. This will help you in the event of a breakdown, advise you on the route to follow and give you the necessary tourist information. He or she is multilingual.
 
Meals :
 
Breakfasts: on the boat you will find a hearty, Dutch breakfast, fit for a cyclist.
Lunches: after breakfast, you will prepare a “lunch” yourself (sandwiches, fruits, snacks, drinks).
Snack: after the daily trip, you will find, when you arrive on the boat, various drinks such as tea and coffee prepared for your return, with a cake.
Dinners: at least three very good quality dishes. After dinner you will have a choice of coffee and tea.
Other drinks, such as wine, beer, lemonade and mineral water, are not included but can be purchased on board at a reasonable price.
 
The bike :
 
At the start, on Saturday afternoon, a bike corresponding to your size will be assigned to you. After a test ride, you will sign a receipt. The bike (VTC: 21-speed bike) will be at your disposal all week until Friday afternoon, when the bike is handed over.
 
The bikes will be fitted with saddlebags as well as an anti-theft device, a container and a tire repair kit. If you prefer a 7-speed bike, please let us know (this must be specified when booking). It will not be possible to order a bicycle once on the boat.
If you take your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company, you will have to make the necessary arrangements with your usual insurer. Don't forget your anti-theft. The return of your bike will be at your expense.
 
Transport :
 
By train: The departure towns for the bike and boat tours are served by the railway.
Amsterdam train station is very well connected: several trains run to and from France daily.
The Thalys is the fastest.
By plane: AMSTERDAM international airport.
 
Your vehicle:
 
We strongly advise against parking cars on the streets of Amsterdam. You have the possibility of reserving a place in a guarded car park in the city.
 
Cancellation insurance :
 
In order to guarantee the reimbursement of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance.

Boat description : click here.