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 rivers were among the most important trade routes in Europe. Many towns along their banks were members of the Hanseatic League, a confederation that protected its members' economic interests and stretched across much of the Netherlands, Germany, and Northern Europe. The wealth from that period is still visible everywhere, particularly through the rich civil and religious architecture.
Cycling through the Natural Beauty of the Rhine Valley
Your tour begins in the charming city of Amsterdam. From there, you will sail and cycle to several Hanseatic cities of various sizes, such as Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Harderwijk, and Elburg. The natural beauty of the Rhine Valley and its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, will surely impress you.
Another highlight along the route is the so-called "Bordering Lakes," located between the "old" continent, with its many magnificent port towns, and the "new land" of the Flevoland province, which was once an inland sea. The 125 km-long IJssel Valley is a perfect playground for those who enjoy cycling along winding paths through a region of varied landscapes.
Day 1: Amsterdam | From Amsterdam to Wijk bij Duurstede 🛥️
Boarding and registration take place between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm in Amsterdam. After being welcomed by the crew, the barge will leave Amsterdam and sail along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal towards Wijk bij Duurstede, a town on the Rhine where you will spend your first night.
Day 2: From Wijk bij Duurstede to Wageningen 🛥️ | From Wageningen to Arnhem (35 km or 44 km)
During breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen, where your cycling journey through the picturesque Rhine Valley begins. Along the way, you will pass through the woods and heaths of the Veluwe and its National Park. At the end of the day, you will visit beautiful parks such as Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal, arriving in Arnhem for the night.
Arnhem was the site of Operation Market Garden during World War II, the largest airborne operation in history. It ended in failure due to the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine, resulting in the complete destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.
Day 3: From Arnhem to Doesburg 🛥️ | From Doesburg to Zutphen and Deventer (45 km or 55 km)
Today's cycling tour begins in the small village of Doesburg. To reach Zutphen and Deventer, you'll pass through Bronkhorst, considered the smallest town in the Netherlands. There are two possible routes for your journey:
- A shorter route takes you by ferry to the west bank of the IJssel.
- A longer route stays on the east bank.
Both options take you through the countryside to Zutphen. You will continue cycling to Deventer, where you will have the option to join a short guided walking tour in the evening.
Day 4: From Deventer to Wijhe 🛥️ | From Wijhe to Kampen (40 or 56 km)
After breakfast this morning, you'll disembark at Wijhe, the starting point of your route. Begin your day with a lovely ride to Hattem, a town with 800 years of history that is still visible today. You can choose between a short ride along the river or a longer route through the eastern Veluwe. After a few kilometers, you'll arrive in Zwolle, likely one of the most beautiful Hanseatic towns. Continue to Kampen, where you can join an optional guided walking tour (after dinner) of the largest Hanseatic city in the Netherlands.
Day 5: From Kampen to Elburg and Harderwijk (48 or 56 km)
Early in the morning, the barge will sail towards the IJssel estuary and cross the "border lakes." The day's cycling route begins at Roggebotsluis, a lock. From there, you will cycle along the lakes to the fishing port of Elburg, a popular spot for summer activities like swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing.
From Elburg, the ride continues through the forests and heaths of Veluwe to the charming town of Harderwijk, where you will spend the night in the former fishing port. In the 16th century, Harderwijk hosted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region and remains a fascinating city to explore.
Day 6: From Harderwijk to Spakenburg and Huizen (45 or 56 km)
Today, you can choose between:
- A short ride along the coast.
- A combination of the coastal route and a longer option through adjacent woods.
In the afternoon, you will visit Spakenburg, a fishing village known for its traditional costumes. Your barge will dock in Huizen at the end of the day.
Day 7: From Huizen to Naarden, then Muiden and Amsterdam (35 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 famous city of Amsterdam. The afternoon and evening will be dedicated to exploring the city. Enjoy visiting the Anne Frank House, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square (the heart of the city), or perhaps take a boat tour on the canals.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembark after breakfast, before 9:30 am.
