The Ijssel River and Holland's Hanseatic Cities

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp

Welcome to Amsterdam! The Merlijn is ready for check-in between 3:30 and 4:30 pm. Shortly thereafter, the boat sets sail for Weesp where you'll spend the first night. You'll be greeted with a welcome drink and an introduction to the crew. You'll receive all the details on the tour, the ship, and important safety info. Dinner will be served while you cruise, and once docked, you can take a stroll through Weesp. This is only the first of many charming cities you will see on this tour.

Day 2: Weesp - Wijk bij Duurstede

After your first breakfast on board, the crew will hand out the bikes and you will start to familiarize yourself with how they work. The first bike tour is nice and easy as the guide leads you through varied Dutch landscapes. After boarding the Merlijn once again, you'll sail the rest of the way to Wijk bij Duurstede. Wijk bij Duurstede is built where the old trading town of Dorestad used to stand but was raided by the Vikings in the 850s. Another fun fact, Wijk bij Duurstede is the only place in the world where you can find a drive-through windmill!

Day 3: Wijk bij Duurstede - Arnhem

After enjoying a sailing breakfast, you'll disembark in Amerongen and start pedaling. You’ll be biking through the Betuwe region, nestled between the Waal and Rhine/Lek rivers and known for its fruit orchards. The ride wraps up in Arnhem, the capital of Gelderland. You’ll have some time to explore the city center before or after dinner, and your tour guide will point out all the cool spots and highlights.

Day 4: Arnhem - Deventer

Another sailing breakfast allows you to enjoy the views of the beautiful River Ijssel as you head toward Doesburg. From here, your cycling tour begins along the same sparkling river, described as the most beautiful river in the Netherlands. Arriving in Deventer, you'll want to pull out your camera immediately as this city is incredibly photogenic. Deventer was lucky enough to avoid the WWII bombings that other Dutch cities suffered, and because of that, you can still enjoy the antique beauty of this place.

Day 5: Deventer - Kampen

After breakfast, you’ll kick off your bike tour from Deventer and ride through several other super charming Hanseatic cities. Once you’re done exploring, hop back on the Merlijn to cruise over to Kampen in the afternoon, where you'll spend the night. After dinner, you’ll have the chance to take a walk around this historic city.

Day 6: Kampen - Harderwijk - Spakenburg

In the morning, the Merlijn cruises the last stretch of the Ijssel River, making a quick stop where you'll disembark and get on your bike once again. Across the water, you’ll spot the eastern part of Flevoland, one of the newer Dutch provinces. On your bike tour, you’ll head to the Veluwe and check out Elburg, a lovely little fishing village. The Veluwe is known for its mix of landscapes, including forests, heathlands, small lakes, and Europe’s largest sand dunes. The bike ride finishes in Harderwijk, another charming medieval town by the Veluwemeer (Veluwe Lake). From there, you’ll board the Merlijn and sail to Spakenburg, where you’ll stay the night. Spakenburg, located south of the IJsselmeer, is one of the few places in the Netherlands where some women still wear traditional local outfits.

Day 7: Spakenburg - Amsterdam

Your last biking day starts in Spakenburg. You'll bike along the Gooimeer (Gooi Lake) and through the beautiful Gooi, which is characterized by its green landscape, its historical charm, and the expensive villas. Here the Merlijn awaits you for your last trip back to Amsterdam. For the final evening, you'll have a farewell dinner when, no doubt, you'll be recounting your many adventures on the tour.

Day 8: Amsterdam

Departure takes place in the morning, after breakfast.