Dutch Hanseatic Cities, Harbor Towns & Natural Wonders by Bike and Boat
7 nights from €2010
4.75
Holland's history, cultural treasures, and natural wonders
Get ready for some great cycling and much, much more! On this incredible bike and boat tour, you'll find yourself out and about in authentic and historical Holland, exploring its past oceanic glory and enjoying its present day beauty and charm.
The Dutch call this itinerary The Hanseatic Tour, referring to the vast sea trade that once held immense importance. You'll visit major historical hubs, including Zutphen, Deventer, and Kampen. These cities played a pivotal role in connecting trade across a network of northern countries, spanning the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, and even Norway!
You'll also delve into the maritime history of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) by visiting the three major harbor towns of Amsterdam, Enkhuizen, and Hoorn. These towns thrived during the 17th Century, and the Hanseatic influence remains.
The itinerary also includes nature in the grandeur of Hoge Veluwe, the largest national park in Holland. Once shaped by the aftermath of the Ice Age, it's now a stunning nature reserve and home to an extraordinary museum showcasing a private collection of Van Gogh's masterpieces.
There is exceptional cycling on this tour and a rich tapestry of history, art, vibrant culture, and the beauty of nature!
Daily Program
Day 1: Amsterdam
Today is for settling in, with no sailing or biking just yet! You can drop off your luggage after 9:15 am and official boarding begins at 1:30 pm. Explore the city center, conveniently close to the Oosterdok docking area. In the afternoon, you will join the crew for a welcome meeting followed by a guided walk through the charming streets of Amsterdam.
Day 2: Amsterdam - Wijk bij Duurstede
The Iris starts sailing along the Amsterdam Rijn Channel as you enjoy breakfast. Later, the cyclists will disembark, and the biking adventure begins. You decide if a pickup along the route is in order or if cycling to Wijk Bij Duurstede is what you would like. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhine (Rijn) and Lek, this charming town carries a rich historical significance that dates back centuries. Its walled inner city provides a glimpse into its medieval defensive history.
Day 3: Wageningen - Arnhem
Today you will bike through the largest national park in the Netherlands - De Hoge Veluwe - which boasts a remarkable variety of natural environments. You will find dense forests, vast heathlands, unique shifting dunes, and tranquil meadows. This diversity provides habitats for a wide array of flora and fauna. Nature is at its best here. A cultural highlight within the park will be your visit to the Kröller-Müller Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of art, including works by Vincent van Gogh. The museum also features an impressive sculpture garden showcasing sculptures by prominent artists.
After this artistic pause, you'll cycle down to the Rhine Valley to Arnhem. The city was a strategic location during World War II, particularly notable for the Battle of Arnhem, a part of the more extensive Operation Market Garden. You will find the Iris next to the John Frost Bridge, also known as the "Bridge Too Far". The bridge and the adjacent Airborne Museum pay homage to the bravery and sacrifices made during the battle.
Day 4: Arnhem - Deventer
Sailing along the Rhine and entering the IJssel, you pass through picturesque meadows and along dikes. Your cycling starts at Doesburg, with Zutphen providing a delightful break en route to Deventer. This town's narrow streets transport you back in time, inviting you to unwind at the town square. And guess what? The ship's conveniently docked nearby!
Day 5: Deventer - Kampen
Today will be a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. The route unveils scenic landscapes, dikes, and the meandering IJssel River. The day's destination, Kampen, was once an influential member of the Hanseatic League, a medieval trading alliance. Its strategic location on the river IJssel contributed to its prosperity as a trading hub, and remnants of its Hanseatic history can still be seen in its architecture and layout.
Day 6: Kampen - Hoorn
After some pleasant sailing, the cycling will begin, following the dike connecting Lelystad and Enkhuizen in the province of Flevoland. Both Lelystad and Enkhuizen have undergone transformations that reflect the dynamism of Dutch society and culture. Lelystad's reclamation of land through the massive Zuiderzee Works Project and planned urban development exemplify the Netherlands' innovative engineering, while Enkhuizen's preservation of its maritime heritage showcases the country's deep historical roots.
The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen is a renowned open-air museum that showcases life around the former Zuiderzee. The final destination, Hoorn, is a town of monumental beauty, invoking the splendor of the 1800s.
Day 7: Hoorn - Volendam - Amsterdam
A final morning sail leads to the iconic Volendam. Historically, Volendam was a thriving fishing village, and its maritime heritage is deeply ingrained in its culture. The town's waterfront and harbor continue to be central to its identity. A stroll through this unique former fishing village is a must before you cycle into the tranquil countryside. You would never guess from the serenity how close you now are to Amsterdam. You'll pedal along canals, returning to the city via ferry, where the Iris awaits at the harbor.
Day 8: Farewell Amsterdam
It's time to bid farewell. Enjoy your last breakfast at 8:00 am, departing by 9:00 am. Reflect on the memories of your Dutch adventure as you head homeward or extend your stay in Holland, perhaps with a cycling day tour.
Boats
Iris
12 cabins, 2 decks, 6 tours The Iris navigates on rivers and canals in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Germany.
Bikes
Touring Bike
Giant - LIV collection
- 8 speeds
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Gel saddle
- Platform pedals
Touring Bike
Sensa
- Derailleur gear system
- 27 speeds
- Standard touring tires
- Gel saddle for comfort
- Platform pedals
- Rear rack
- Helmet
Electric Bike
Gazelle Ultimate C8
- Stable and rigid step-through frame
- Integrated 500wh battery
- Bosch Active Line Plus motor
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Selle Royal Loire saddle
Accessories
All rental bikes are equipped with:
- Panniers
- Water bottle
- Helmet
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be included at the time of your booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection is included with your booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The terrain is primarily flat. You will enjoy Holland's excellent cycle path infrastructure.
How to get there
Tour start and end:
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
From AMS airport, it is just a short train ride to Amsterdam Central Train Station, close to the center where the ships are moored.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Bozena
Authentic Holland trip
I absolutely loved this tour! Biking through the historic Dutch Hanseatic cities and quaint harbor towns felt like stepping back in time, and exploring the beautiful natural landscapes by boat was pure magic. The pace was perfect, the scenery breathtaking, and every day brought a new adventure. It’s the kind of trip that stays with you long after you return.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Linda F.
Treated well
Saw a variety of different scenery of the Netherlands. Was very enjoyable. I had an e-bike. That part worked great but the gears did not work.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 9
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Brittney Brooks
A tour of appreciation for authentic Holland
This trip should be your one-stop-shop when seeking to experience authentic Holland. We spent a week sailing along the country's grand rivers, watching the authentic Dutch countryside drift by outside the window and biking out to discover the stunning architecture of the historical Hanseatic towns, as well as Amsterdam on the first and final day.
Our tour guides, Hans and Tom, almost felt like family by the end of the trip. Hans was upbeat and full of passion and Tom was full of recommendations when we explored each town.
The atmosphere on board the boat was great and the staff were exceptional. All of them were friendly, full of fun, and helpful so mealtimes were brilliant (as was the food). The boat was extremely clean and our cabins were very comfortable.
The biking itself was very enjoyable and at a pace that meant everyone could enjoy the experience of cycling and soaking up the rural views. My favourite sections were in the atmospheric forests with the dancing trees - we went in autumn so the colours were incredible!
Overall, this was a relaxing and comfortable way to bike and boat through Holland.
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 6
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ AK Winters
Unforgettable trip, memories that will last a lifetime!
The Best Way to Experience Dutch Culture in the Netherlands is soaking up all the culture and vast landscapes by bike. The towns were beautiful and the routes did not have much traffic. The majority of this tour is flat and takes place on quite bike routes which are very scenic and calm. The guides were more than helpful, patient and knowledgeable assuring everyone in the group was safe and offered knowledge about the areas (thanks Hans!). The accommodations aboard the Maginifique II were more than I expected, very comfortable and clean. The crew was fantastic and so much fun! Our meals were superb as the chef was amazing. I definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to explore Holland. Thank you Biketours.com, great job!
- What was the date of your tour?
- Oct 16-24th 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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