Holland's Hanseatic Cycling Route
7 nights from €1490
5
Cruise and cycle from Amsterdam through the Rhine Valley and along the IJssel River
Experience Dutch culture and history on this bike and boat tour through the Netherlands' scenic heartland. Starting in Amsterdam, this journey follows the Rhine Valley and IJssel River, leading you through historic Hanseatic cities that once thrived along Europe’s medieval trade routes. The cycle paths pass through peaceful countryside and wooded trails, leading to cobblestone streets that reflect centuries of history. Along the way, the border lakes mark the divide between reclaimed land and ancient farmland, a testament to Dutch engineering.
Each day introduces new stops, from Arnhem’s WWII sites to the gingerbread-scented streets of Deventer. As you cycle along scenic trails and relax each night aboard the boat, this journey takes you deeper into the heart of Dutch history. Every stop brings fresh stories, from bustling ports to quiet medieval villages, revealing a side of the Netherlands few ever see.
Daily Program
Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
The tour itinerary and route may change due to nautical, technical, weather-related, or other unforeseen circumstances. The cycling route distances provided in the itinerary are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam and cruise to Wijk bij Duurstede
Check-in begins between 1 and 2 p.m. in Amsterdam, where you’ll be welcomed by the crew aboard your floating hotel. You can stow your luggage as early as 11 a.m. to explore Amsterdam, though cabins open for check-in later. Around 2 p.m., the ship sails from Amsterdam, cruising along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal toward Wijk bij Duurstede, a peaceful town along the Rhine, where you’ll settle in for your first night on board.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede - Wageningen - Arnhem, 21 or 28 mi.
35 or 44 km
As you enjoy breakfast, the boat heads toward Wageningen. From there, your first ride takes you through the lush Lower Rhine valley and into the Veluwe, an expansive region known for its woods and heaths. Cycle through Arnhem’s suburbs and pass the scenic Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal parks on your way to the city center. Arnhem’s history includes the dramatic WWII Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history, marked by an intense struggle over the city’s Rhine bridge.
Day 3: Arnhem - Zutphen - Deventer, 27 or 35 mi.
44 or 56 km
Set out from Arnhem to Doesburg, where today’s ride begins. Choose from two routes to reach Zutphen and Deventer. The shorter route follows the IJssel River through Bronkhorst, known as the smallest town in the Netherlands, while the longer option takes you via Vorden’s countryside, filled with classic Dutch estates and castles. End the day in Deventer, famous for its spicy gingerbread. In the evening, join a guided walk led by your tour leader for a deeper look into Deventer’s history and charm.
Day 4: Deventer - Wijhe - Kampen, 25 or 35 mi.
40 or 56 km
Breakfast comes with a view as the boat takes you to Wijhe, where the day’s cycling begins. Ride to Hattem, a town steeped in history, with the option to stick to the riverbank or take a longer path through the Veluwe’s eastern landscape. Continue to Zwolle, a beautiful Hanseatic city, then head to Kampen. In the evening, explore Kampen’s impressive Hanseatic sites with an optional guided walking tour through the Netherlands’ largest Hanseatic town.
Day 5: Kampen - Elburg - Harderwijk, 29 or 37 mi.
48 or 56 km
Cycle from Kampen along the Border Lakes to Elburg, a former fishing hub where you’ll find activities like swimming and boating in the warmer months. Continue through Veluwe’s woods and moors to Harderwijk, an old fishing harbor with a fascinating past as the Zuiderzee’s largest fish market in the 1500s. Tonight, dinner is on your own, a great chance to explore Harderwijk’s dining spots.
Day 6: Harderwijk - Spakenburg - Huizen, 28 or 35 mi.
45 or 56 km
Choose between a scenic ride along the coast of the Border Lakes or a mix of lakeside paths and woodlands. In the afternoon, pass through Spakenburg, a village famous for its locals’ traditional attire. Today’s destination is Huizen, where the boat will dock for the night.
Day 7: Huizen - Naarden - Muiden - Amsterdam, 21 mi.
35 km
Starting in Huizen, pedal toward the historic fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. Muiden’s waterfront is home to a storied castle, well worth a stop. From here, it’s a peaceful ride into Amsterdam, where you’ll have the afternoon free to explore. Wander through the canals, visit famous spots like the Anne Frank House or the Museumplein, or simply soak up the vibrant city atmosphere.
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
The tour ends following breakfast. You will need to depart the boat by 9:30 am.
*On certain days, you can select between a longer or shorter cycling route. Please keep in mind that some highlights may be missed on the shorter routes. If you prefer a day off from cycling, you’re welcome to relax on board as the ship sails to the next stop. A detailed cycling map and GPS app are available for those who wish to ride independently and at their own pace. The tour guide remains accessible by cell phone for any questions, assistance, or emergencies.
Boats
Magnifique II
17 cabins, 2 decks, 2 tours The Magnifique II is a deluxe-class premium barge that offers both comfort and classical style. On the upper deck is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, and lounge with wide…
Bikes
Hybrid Azor
- Frame: Lightweight aluminum, low-entry design
- Brakes: Handbrakes
- Gearing: Shimano 7-speed Nexus
- Tires: Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture
- Saddle: Selle-Royal adjustable gel
Azor electric bike
- Frame: Lightweight aluminum, low-entry (step-through)
- Gearing: Nexus 7-speed
- Brakes: Hand brakes
- Motor: Shimano, 400 WH with 4 levels of support
- Saddle: Comfortable gel
Surface and terrain
The cycle routes feature flat and well-maintained paths, making them ideal for cyclists of all experience levels. The terrain is a mix of paved cycling lanes, scenic riverbanks, and countryside roads, with minimal elevation changes. In some areas, you’ll cycle through wooded sections, charming villages, and open farmland, with occasional cobblestone streets in historic towns.
How to get there
Tour start and end:
Amsterdam
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Centraal
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Ian Johnson
Hanseatic cycling trip July
Excellent way to travel around the Netherlands. The magnifique 11 was fantastic and the crew and guides were all very good.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 3rd
- How many tours have you completed?
- Many
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ T. Aspanadze
Just WOW
Amazing trip… So many small towns and villages that were cute. All parts of the trip were memorable. From the start to the finish.
A perfect experience - great staff - very flexible - excellent meals.The barge and room was very comfortable. Our guides were helpful and fun! They even offered walking tours thru some of the towns.
The Dutch are very warm and kind people!!
I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ J. Anderson
Glorious!
This is an amazing way to see the heart of Holland and all its history. Our guides were fantastic, the weather in late October was on our side, and the accommodations, food, and staff on the Magnifique II did not disappoint.
- ★★★★★ I. Anderson
An unforgettable trip: Exploring the Netherlands by bike and boat
This tour was an incredible experience! I made wonderful friends and had a fantastic time cycling through beautiful landscapes and sailing along charming waterways—a truly unique way to explore the Netherlands. The Magnifique II was top-notch, featuring lovely, comfortable cabins, an elegant dining area, and a cozy lounge.
Each stop provided a perfect blend of history and nature, from the picturesque Hanseatic cities like Zwolle and Deventer to quiet coastal towns that felt like hidden gems. One highlight was the evening tour in Deventer, where we strolled through charming streets and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere. The crew was outstanding—friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to my dietary needs. The cycling routes were well-planned, accommodating all skill levels, and the views were stunning. Overall, this tour is a fantastic mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to have an amazing time exploring the Netherlands!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Brittney Brooks
Authentic Dutch Trip of Discovery
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
- ★★★★★ O. Gray
The most delightful trip!
This tour had the perfect mix of countryside and cityscapes! Most of the cycling was on cycle paths through the countryside, before we would navigate back towards town for a sweet treat and coffee about mid-way through the ride. Then we would follow the paths back through the woodlands or fields of heather. Then at the end of the day we would reach our destination with enough time to spend exploring town!
The guides did an excellent job making everyone feel comfortable on their bikes and in the group setting. They were knowledgable about the local landscapes and historic details of the towns that we would pass through. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how FUN the guides! They truly added to the experience, as did the rest of the crew!
The Magnifique II was very nice and the bedding was SO COMFORTABLE! The food was amazing for the entirety of the tour and the snacks when we arrived back from our ride was an added bonus.
I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone!
- What was the date of your tour?
- October 2024
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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