Sailing and cycling round Ijsselmeer

Around the Ijssel Lake by Bike and Barge

Tour Description: Guided

This itinerary roughly follows the coastline of the former Zuiderzee, now called IJsselmeer. Lively harbor towns with lots of traditional sailing boats and a variety of landscapes are the ingredients of this remarkable tour. A 4 hour cruise takes you across the IJssel Lake to Hoorn. A short cycle tour gets you acquainted with this old Dutch harbor town. Surrounded by polder landscape, so typical for this region, you reach Enkhuizen. Here you embark for the crossing of the IJssel Lake to Friesland.

Starting in Lemmer you pass lakes, waterways and canals before you arrive in Ossenzijl, situated in the heart of national reserve the Weerribben. Cycling through this unique marshland you reach Blokzijl or Vollenhove, two small towns formerly located at the Zuiderzee. Of course a visit to Giethoorn, Venice of the North, is part of the program. A round trip by ‘punter’ on the small canals of this restored village is a must. From Zwartsluis, a lively town situated on a crossing of waterways, a ferry takes you to the other side of the Zwarte Water (Black Water).

Cycling on top of the Kamper Zeedijk you reach the hanseatic town of Kampen. Passing the beautiful conserved fortified town of Elburg you cycle through moorlands and forestries before arriving in Harderwijk. Spakenburg is a traditional village, where you can still find people wearing their traditional costumes. The cycle trip takes you through the exurb of Blaricum to the walled town of Naarden. A round trip of the Amsterdam Canals might be a nice closing of your holiday.

Learn more about guided tours.

Tour Description: Self-guided

This itinerary roughly follows the coastline of the former Zuiderzee, now called IJsselmeer. Lively harbor towns with lots of traditional sailing boats and a variety of landscapes are the ingredients of this remarkable tour. A 4 hour cruise takes you across the IJssel Lake to Hoorn. A short cycle tour gets you acquainted with this old Dutch harbor town. Surrounded by polder landscape, so typical for this region, you reach Enkhuizen. Here you embark for the crossing of the IJssel Lake to Friesland.

Starting in Lemmer you pass lakes, waterways and canals before you arrive in Ossenzijl, situated in the heart of national reserve the Weerribben. Cycling through this unique marshland you reach Blokzijl or Vollenhove, two small towns formerly located at the Zuiderzee. Of course a visit to Giethoorn, Venice of the North, is part of the program. A round trip by ‘punter’ on the small canals of this restored village is a must. From Zwartsluis, a lively town situated on a crossing of waterways, a ferry takes you to the other side of the Zwarte Water (Black Water).

Cycling on top of the Kamper Zeedijk you reach the hanseatic town of Kampen. Passing the beautiful conserved fortified town of Elburg you cycle through moorlands and forestries before arriving in Harderwijk. Spakenburg is a traditional village, where you can still find people wearing their traditional costumes. The cycle trip takes you through the exurb of Blaricum to the walled town of Naarden. A round trip of the Amsterdam Canals might be a nice closing of your holiday.

Learn more about guided tours.

Highlights: Guided

• Amsterdam
• The former Zuiderzee
• Weerribben Nature Reserve
• Opportunity to punt on the canals at Giethoorn
• Hanseatic Kampen
• Spakenburg traditional village 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Amsterdam
• The former Zuiderzee
• Weerribben Nature Reserve
• Opportunity to punt on the canals at Giethoorn
• Hanseatic Kampen
• Spakenburg traditional village 

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival and warm-up ride (9 miles/15 km)
After your embarkation in Amsterdam, your boat sails through the locks to the IJssel Lake. The sailing trip to Hoorn takes about 4 hours. In the evening, we will take a test ride in and around Hoorn.
Overnight in Hoorn.

Day 2: Noordholland and Friesland (19 miles/30 km)
Today’s cycle trip leads through the Noordholland scenery and villages such as Nibbixwoud and Hoogkarspel. In Enkhuizen we embark and make the crossing to Lemmer in the province of Friesland. In the evening your guide invites you to take a walk through this beautiful port.
Overnight in Lemmer.

Day 3: Lemmer - Ossenzijl (22 miles/35 km)
The province of Friesland is well-known for its numerous lakes and other waterways. That’s why today you'll pass canals and 'Tjeukemeer' Lake. Your cycle trip ends in the tiny village of Ossenzijl, on the edge of the Weerribben National Park. We certainly recommend you to pay a visit to the visitor's center of this natural reserve, which is unique for Europe. Following the Kalenberger canal, today’s cycle trip ends in Blokzijl/Vollenhove.
Overnight in Blokzijl/Vollenhove.

Day 4: Blokzijl - Geithoorn (25 miles/40 km)
The barge stays in Blokzijl/Vollenhove, as you pedal via Steenwijk to Giethoorn, also known as 'the Venice of the North'. One of the possibilities here is renting a 'punter', a local boat, to take a trip. After leaving Giethoorn, we’ll pass the Beulaker Wijde Lake and, passing through Dwarsgracht, return to Blokzijl/Vollenhove. As an alternative you could spend the day on your own and make a trip by canoe or by bike in the natural reserve the Weerribben.
Overnight in Blokzijl/Vollenhove.

Day 5: Blokzijl - Kampen (38 miles/60 km)
Today we’ll pass the lakes Belter Wijde and Schutsloter Wijde on our way to Zwartsluis. In this lively town, situated on a crossing of waterways, it is nice to sit down on one of the many terraces. We'll reach Genemuiden by ferry and cycle on top of the Kamper Zeedijk, an old dike, to the hanseatic town of Kampen. The ship will be moored at the IJssel River.
Overnight in Kampen.

Day 6: Kampen - Harderwijk (28 miles/45 km)
Our first stop, a 'must', is in the splendidly preserved fortified town Elburg. After having passed Nunspeet, we enter the moorlands of Elspeet and the forestries around country estate 'Huis te Leuvenum'. Finally we reach Harderwijk, a cozy port that is known for its dolphinarium.
Overnight in Harderwijk.

Day 7: Spakenburg - Amsterdam (35 miles/60 km)
The barge takes you to Spakenburg. This former fishing village has a traditional harbor and is known for its traditional clothing still worn by lots of locals. Next we will pass villadom Blaricum and cross the wood and moorlands of the Tafelberg. After a short visit to 14th century Naarden-Vesting, a fortified town. Alongside the IJ-Lake and via Muiden you arrive back in Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk though the center or you may (on your own account) go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 8: Depart
After breakfast your guide and the crew will say goodbye, as your stay aboard has comes to an end.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Saturdays: Jun 8, 15, 29; Jul 6, 13, 27; Aug 3, 10 and 24, 2013.

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per person, double occupancy €659 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin) €148 Additional person in cabin with two full-paying adults 12 years and older €541 4 to 11 years €442 0 to 3 years €264 Discount for using own bike Per person €20

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Accommodation aboard the barge (8 days/7 nights)
• Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 3-course dinner)
• Rental bicycle with gears and pannier
• Map with marked route
• Information package
• Tour leader
• Visit to Mill/Cheesefarm
• Several citywalks

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Holland
(Jun 8, 15; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013)
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable. 

Tijdgeest 
(Jun 29; Jul 6 and 13, 2013)
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers. Due to the availability of a WIFI point, you also have the possibility to use your laptop aboard. A laptop for general use is also available.\

Nooderzon
(Aug 3, 2013) 
In 2000, the Nooderzon was converted into a passenger chip. The cabins are very spacious and all have private facilities. From the living room, you have a great view over the surrounding scenery.  

Boats: Self-guided

Holland
(Jun 8, 15; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013)
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable. 

Tijdgeest 
(Jun 29; Jul 6 and 13, 2013)
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers. Due to the availability of a WIFI point, you also have the possibility to use your laptop aboard. A laptop for general use is also available.\

Nooderzon
(Aug 3, 2013) 
In 2000, the Nooderzon was converted into a passenger chip. The cabins are very spacious and all have private facilities. From the living room, you have a great view over the surrounding scenery.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes have gears and are equipped with a saddle bag. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes have gears and are equipped with a saddle bag. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is rated easy and includes generally flat terrain and short distances of up to 30 km per day.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is rated easy and includes generally flat terrain and short distances of up to 30 km per day.

How To Get There: 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

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

Weather: 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.

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.

More about Holland: Guided

From the famed canals and impressive art collections of Amsterdam and attractions of Rotterdam to the tulip fields carpeting the lush countryside, Holland packs a considerable punch for such a small country. Outside of the large cities, visitors can revisit the Middle Ages through its remaining castles and grand estates. Other highlights of the Dutch countryside include the marshlands, wetlands, and beaches. The walled towns of Holland’s trade and commerce routes are delightful to explore, and the maritime tradition of this coastal land is still seen in its quaint harbor towns.

Dutch tulips are iconic – a symbol of Holland. Mid-March through mid-May transforms the already beautiful countryside into a sea of reds, pinks, purples, and yellows. Another charming symbol of the country, Holland's many windmills are scattered across the landscape and make for postcard-perfect scenery.

More on bicycling in Holland> 

View all Holland bike tours >

More about Holland: Self-guided

From the famed canals and impressive art collections of Amsterdam and attractions of Rotterdam to the tulip fields carpeting the lush countryside, Holland packs a considerable punch for such a small country. Outside of the large cities, visitors can revisit the Middle Ages through its remaining castles and grand estates. Other highlights of the Dutch countryside include the marshlands, wetlands, and beaches. The walled towns of Holland’s trade and commerce routes are delightful to explore, and the maritime tradition of this coastal land is still seen in its quaint harbor towns.

Dutch tulips are iconic – a symbol of Holland. Mid-March through mid-May transforms the already beautiful countryside into a sea of reds, pinks, purples, and yellows. Another charming symbol of the country, Holland's many windmills are scattered across the landscape and make for postcard-perfect scenery.

More on bicycling in Holland> 

View all Holland bike tours >

Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: 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

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

Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: 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.

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.