self-guided
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Tour Description: Guided
(View Self-guided)
With the help of a map and an information package you will cycle around the largest Dutch lake, the IJsselmeer. You will get to know many towns that were once situated at this former inland sea Zuiderzee.
Your holiday starts in Hoorn, where you dine in the old harbour overviewing the traditional sailing ships. You cycle along the coastline of the IJsselmeer in direction ofEnkhuizen and from here you take the ferry across the IJsselmeer to Stavoren in the province of Friesland. The wide Frisian landscape surrounds you while cycling to the village of Rijs where you will stay overnight.
The town of Lemmer demonstrates an atmosphere of boats and water. The itinerary passes the Tjeukemeer, goes through rural villages and ends in Ossenzijl. The hotel is situated in national park De Weerribben a unique marshland. Because of the many small canals and waterways Giethoorn is often called ‘The Venice of the North’. It is worthwhile to make a canal cruise with a ‘punter’.
The cosy town of Zwartsluis is situated at a crossing of several waterways. On top of the former sea dike that now overlooks the polderlands you pedal to the hanseatic town of Kampen. The small fortified town of Elburg is very worthwhile visiting. Crossing moorlands and forestries you arrive in lively Harderwijk. Your hotel is located at the marketsquare. Via the artistic village of Laren your trip leads to the Tafelberg moorlands and to the small walled town of Naarden.
The river Vecht leads you to Weesp, your final destination.You’re only 20 minutes away by train from Amsterdam Centre.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Tour Description: Self-guided
With the help of a map and an information package you will cycle around the largest Dutch lake, the IJsselmeer. You will get to know many towns that were once situated at this former inland sea Zuiderzee.
Your holiday starts in Hoorn, where you dine in the old harbour overviewing the traditional sailing ships. You cycle along the coastline of the IJsselmeer in direction ofEnkhuizen and from here you take the ferry across the IJsselmeer to Stavoren in the province of Friesland. The wide Frisian landscape surrounds you while cycling to the village of Rijs where you will stay overnight.
The town of Lemmer demonstrates an atmosphere of boats and water. The itinerary passes the Tjeukemeer, goes through rural villages and ends in Ossenzijl. The hotel is situated in national park De Weerribben a unique marshland. Because of the many small canals and waterways Giethoorn is often called ‘The Venice of the North’. It is worthwhile to make a canal cruise with a ‘punter’.
The cosy town of Zwartsluis is situated at a crossing of several waterways. On top of the former sea dike that now overlooks the polderlands you pedal to the hanseatic town of Kampen. The small fortified town of Elburg is very worthwhile visiting. Crossing moorlands and forestries you arrive in lively Harderwijk. Your hotel is located at the marketsquare. Via the artistic village of Laren your trip leads to the Tafelberg moorlands and to the small walled town of Naarden.
The river Vecht leads you to Weesp, your final destination.You’re only 20 minutes away by train from Amsterdam Centre.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Highlights: Guided
(View Self-guided)
- IJssel Lake
- Hoorn
- Friesland
- Lemmer
- National parks
- Zwartsluis
- Elburg
- Weesp
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Highlights: Self-guided
- IJssel Lake
- Hoorn
- Friesland
- Lemmer
- National parks
- Zwartsluis
- Elburg
- Weesp
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Daily Program: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the starting point, your hotel in Hoorn. In the evening you will have dinner in a restaurant in the centre of Hoorn. After your dinner, you can tour a tall building from where you can see the traditional sailingships on the Havenhoofd.
Overnight in Hoorn.
Day 2: Hoorn - Rijs (22 miles/35 km)
After breakfast you leave for your first real bike ride: along the coast line of the IJssel Lake you cycle to Enkhuizen, another splendid port from the rich Dutch past. From here you make the crossing by ferry to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland (± 80 minutes). From Stavoren it is a one hour bike ride to your next hotel in Rijs.
Overnight in Rijs.
Day 3: Rijs - Ossenzijl (28 miles/45 km)
From Rijs, the cycle trip leads via Lemmer. From here you ride along The Tjeuke Lake and several tiny rural villages like Echtenerbrug to Ossenzijl. You’ll be staying overnight in hotel ‘De Kluft’ located in the National Park De Weerribben.
Overnight in Ossenzijl.
Day 4: Ossenzijl - Zwartsluis (25 miles/40 km)
Just outside Ossenzijl, you cycle in to the national reserve ‘De Weerribben’. Via Steenwijk, the route leads to Giethoorn, ‘Venice of the North’. You can make a cruise on the canals with a 'punter' ( a traditional barge especially used on these small canals) or just make a strol in this fascinating village.
The next part of today’s trip leads straight across some huge lakes and ends in Zwartsluis, a nice little town situated at a crossroad of waterways.
Overnight in Zwartsluis.
Day 5: Zwartsluis - Harderwijk (44 miles/70 km)
You take a small ferry to Genemuiden and cycle to the hanseatic town of Kampen, a town full off monuments. After this town, the road leads to Elburg, a former fishing-town with a beautiful harbour. Your itinerary leads through heath land and forestries and finally ends in Harderwijk.
Overnight in Harderwijk.
Day 6: Harderwijk - Eemnes (31 miles/50 km)
At the beginning of today’s cycle ride there’s a huge area of woods and moorland, which you’ll be crossing till Nijkerk. You may wish to visit the local cheese farm or the steam pumping station and then head for your hotel in Eemnes.
Overnight in Eemnes.
Day 7: Eemnes - Weesp (19 miles/30 km)
Through Blaricum, a villadom, and the Tafelberg moorlands you arrive in Naarden-Vesting. This is one of the finest walled towns in the Netherlands. Following the pictoresque river Vecht, you reach the finish of your tour in Weesp. If you feel like visiting Amsterdam at night: it’s only 20 minutes by train!
Overnight in Weesp.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you leave your hotel for your homeward journey.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Daily Program: Self-guided
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival in the starting point, your hotel in Hoorn. In the evening you will have dinner in a restaurant in the centre of Hoorn. After your dinner, you can tour a tall building from where you can see the traditional sailingships on the Havenhoofd.
Overnight in Hoorn.
Day 2: Hoorn - Rijs (22 miles/35 km)
After breakfast you leave for your first real bike ride: along the coast line of the IJssel Lake you cycle to Enkhuizen, another splendid port from the rich Dutch past. From here you make the crossing by ferry to Stavoren in the Province of Friesland (± 80 minutes). From Stavoren it is a one hour bike ride to your next hotel in Rijs.
Overnight in Rijs.
Day 3: Rijs - Ossenzijl (28 miles/45 km)
From Rijs, the cycle trip leads via Lemmer. From here you ride along The Tjeuke Lake and several tiny rural villages like Echtenerbrug to Ossenzijl. You’ll be staying overnight in hotel ‘De Kluft’ located in the National Park De Weerribben.
Overnight in Ossenzijl.
Day 4: Ossenzijl - Zwartsluis (25 miles/40 km)
Just outside Ossenzijl, you cycle in to the national reserve ‘De Weerribben’. Via Steenwijk, the route leads to Giethoorn, ‘Venice of the North’. You can make a cruise on the canals with a 'punter' ( a traditional barge especially used on these small canals) or just make a strol in this fascinating village.
The next part of today’s trip leads straight across some huge lakes and ends in Zwartsluis, a nice little town situated at a crossroad of waterways.
Overnight in Zwartsluis.
Day 5: Zwartsluis - Harderwijk (44 miles/70 km)
You take a small ferry to Genemuiden and cycle to the hanseatic town of Kampen, a town full off monuments. After this town, the road leads to Elburg, a former fishing-town with a beautiful harbour. Your itinerary leads through heath land and forestries and finally ends in Harderwijk.
Overnight in Harderwijk.
Day 6: Harderwijk - Eemnes (31 miles/50 km)
At the beginning of today’s cycle ride there’s a huge area of woods and moorland, which you’ll be crossing till Nijkerk. You may wish to visit the local cheese farm or the steam pumping station and then head for your hotel in Eemnes.
Overnight in Eemnes.
Day 7: Eemnes - Weesp (19 miles/30 km)
Through Blaricum, a villadom, and the Tafelberg moorlands you arrive in Naarden-Vesting. This is one of the finest walled towns in the Netherlands. Following the pictoresque river Vecht, you reach the finish of your tour in Weesp. If you feel like visiting Amsterdam at night: it’s only 20 minutes by train!
Overnight in Weesp.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you leave your hotel for your homeward journey.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Dates: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Dates: Self-guided
Jun 15, 22, 29; Jul 6, 13, 20, 27, 28; Aug 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 2013
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Route Map: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Route Map: Self-guided
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Packages and Prices: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Packages and Prices: Self-guided
| Tour package (self-guided) |
 |
|
|
| |
|
| Per person, double occupancy |
€719 |
| Luggage transport |
€88 |
| Ferry crossing (Enkhuizen-Stavoren) |
€16 |
| Hybrid touring bike |
€0 |
| Bicycle insurance (not including local taxes) |
€18 |
|
*The dollar amount is based on today's exchange rate and is subject to currency fluctuation.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Included Services: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Included Services: Self-guided
- 7-nights stay in different hotels
- Half board (breakfast + 3-courses dinner)
- Bicycle with gears and saddlebags
- Detailed map with marked routes
- Information package
- Route descriptions
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Bike Rentals: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The bikes included are 24-speed hybrid touring bike with saddlebags.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Bike Rentals: Self-guided
The bikes included are 24-speed hybrid touring bike with saddlebags.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Surface and Terrain: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The route follows field paths and asphalted side roads with some hilly stretches.
Please note that while this tour is rated Leisurely, there is one day of cycling of up to 44 miles.
This tour is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Surface and Terrain: Self-guided
The route follows field paths and asphalted side roads with some hilly stretches.
Please note that while this tour is rated Leisurely, there is one day of cycling of up to 44 miles.
This tour is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
How To Get There: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There is a very regular rail service between the airport and Amsterdam Centraal rail station, and the boarding point is a short bus or taxi ride from the rail station.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
How To Get There: Self-guided
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There is a very regular rail service between the airport and Amsterdam Centraal rail station, and the boarding point is a short bus or taxi ride from the rail station.
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Weather: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Weather: Self-guided
Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.
Get weather information.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Guided
(View Self-guided)
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Self-guided
HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.
Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.
Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland
In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!
What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge
- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Guided
(View Self-guided)
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
Circling the lake
IJssel Lake Countryside (hotel-based)
Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Self-guided
GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.
1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;
2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.
3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.
4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.
5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.
6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.
7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.
8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.
9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.
10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.
This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.
