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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Easy |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 15 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: Jul 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2013. |
| Tour price: | €898 |
| Start city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
| End city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
This cycle and sail holiday is especially developed for families with children ages 7-11. Both the cycling rides and the tour program have been adjusted to children, which includes some very interesting visits and activities.
Along the coastline of the IJssel Lake you'll sail to the beautiful historic port town of Hoorn. Before crossing this former inland sea 'Zuiderzee' to Urk in the province of Flevoland, you will visit the Zuiderzee open air museum, which visualizes life in the former fisherman's villages.
Sailing lakes, waterways and canals you arrive in the beautiful village of Blokzijl, located in the heart of National Park 'De Weerribben'. In this unique area of marshland, you will enjoy a very special canoe trip.
You then cycle to Giethoorn, known as the Venice of the North. A round trip by 'punter'on the canals of this restored village is a must. Elburg, a well preserved fortified town, is worth wandering around its small streets.
Learn more about guided tours.
This cycle and sail holiday is especially developed for families with children ages 7-11. Both the cycling rides and the tour program have been adjusted to children, which includes some very interesting visits and activities.
Along the coastline of the IJssel Lake you'll sail to the beautiful historic port town of Hoorn. Before crossing this former inland sea 'Zuiderzee' to Urk in the province of Flevoland, you will visit the Zuiderzee open air museum, which visualizes life in the former fisherman's villages.
Sailing lakes, waterways and canals you arrive in the beautiful village of Blokzijl, located in the heart of National Park 'De Weerribben'. In this unique area of marshland, you will enjoy a very special canoe trip.
You then cycle to Giethoorn, known as the Venice of the North. A round trip by 'punter'on the canals of this restored village is a must. Elburg, a well preserved fortified town, is worth wandering around its small streets.
Learn more about guided tours.
Day 1: Arrival, afternoon sail, evening ride (6 miles/10 km)
From Amsterdam, your boat sails through the locks to the IJssel Lake. The sailing trip to Hoorn takes approximately 4 hours and you will see several traditional sailing ships on the way. In the evening there will be a warm-up, test ride on your bike in and around Hoorn.
Overnight in Hoorn.
Day 2: Shores of IJssel Lake (13 miles/20 km + excursion and sailing trip)
By bike we continue along the coastline of the IJssel Lake. In Enkhuizen you’ll visit the Zuiderzee museum. In this open air museum, you will get a nice impression about everyday life in former days in the fishermen’s villages around the old 'Zuiderzee'. In the afternoon the barge crosses the IJssel Lake to Urk in the province of Flevoland.
Overnight in Urk.
Day 3: Weerribben Nature Reserve (16 miles/25 km + canoe trip)
During the barge trip to Blokzijl, you can see a range of small to large boast. In the afternoon we’ll give it a try ourselves, as you partake on a adventurous canoe trip through to reedlands of the nature reserve the Weerribben. You will also do a short 16 miles bike ride before staying overnight in Blokzijl.
Overnight in Blokzijl.
Day 4: Blokzijl - Giethoorn (19 miles/30 km)
The area called North-West Overijssel is dotted with little lakes surrounded by reedland and meadows. A visit to the village of Dwarsgracht is one of the highlights of today. Our destination today is Giethoorn, where in old days all transportation used to go by ship. We may recommend the rental of a so-called ‘whisper boat’, which you can steer yourself through the canals!
Overnight in Zwartsluis.
Day 5: Elburg - Harderwijk (19 miles/30 km)
A sailing trip over lakes and canals takes you to the protected fortified town of Elburg. Here you disembark and after a visit you start cycling cross the woodlands of the Veluwe to the hanseatic town of Harderwijk.
Overnight in Harderwijk.
Day 6: Day off
Today is your day to do whatever you like. Some potential ideas for the day in Harderwijk include a visit to attraction park Walibi World, the dolphin show in the Dolphinarium, a day at the beach at the Lake ‘Veluwemeer’, a visit to a swimming pool or shopping in downtown.
Overnight in Harderwijk.
Day 7: Almere-Haven - Amsterdam (16 miles/25 km)
By barge you head for Almere-Haven, an attractive 'new' town. You then bike to Muiden, Schellingwoude and back to the ship in the center of Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk through the center or you may (on your own) 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 holiday ends.
Saturdays: Jul 13, 20, 27; Aug 3*, 10*, 17* and 24, 2013.
* Each date has 2 departures on the Amsterdam and Waterland boats.
| Package A: 2 adults and 2 children (under 11 years) |  |
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When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form. |
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| Package B: 2 adults and 1 child (under 11 years) | |
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When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form. |
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| Package C: 1 adult and 2 children (under 11 years) | |
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When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form. |
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| Package D: 1 adult and 1 child (under 11 years) | |
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When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form. |
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Please note that the barges used for this tour offer only shared bathrooms and showers.
Amsterdam
(Jul 13, 20; Aug 3, 10, and 17, 2013)
This ship is an ideal accommodation for sailing holidays with a large group. The view from the spacious living room is superb, and when weather permits, the sun deck offers a well sheltered sitting area. Many guests can be accommodated on this large hotel ship. All two-person cabins, together with two hygienic sanitary sections that are on the lower deck (shared facilities).
Vita Nova
(Jul 27, 2013)
The VITA NOVA, originally named the Tijdgeest was built and launched in 1913. It plied for trade in and around Holland carrying various types of cargos in the winter and pleasure passengers in the summer. The first passengers were members of the Christian church and had to sleep in hammocks slung between the decks. The present owners took over the boat in 1996 and after a major refit it has been used for the pleasure of clients along cycle routes ever since.
Waterland
(Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2013)
For a wonderful sailing trip you can try the ship WATERLAND. This cozy passenger ship is ideal for group bookings, but the crew also welcomes the individual traveller. The informal atmosphere aboard makes everybody feels at home quickly. The living area has a small bar, while the sun deck has room for every passenger.
Amsterdam
(Jul 13, 20; Aug 3, 10, and 17, 2013)
This ship is an ideal accommodation for sailing holidays with a large group. The view from the spacious living room is superb, and when weather permits, the sun deck offers a well sheltered sitting area. Many guests can be accommodated on this large hotel ship. All two-person cabins, together with two hygienic sanitary sections that are on the lower deck (shared facilities).
Vita Nova
(Jul 27, 2013)
The VITA NOVA, originally named the Tijdgeest was built and launched in 1913. It plied for trade in and around Holland carrying various types of cargos in the winter and pleasure passengers in the summer. The first passengers were members of the Christian church and had to sleep in hammocks slung between the decks. The present owners took over the boat in 1996 and after a major refit it has been used for the pleasure of clients along cycle routes ever since.
Waterland
(Aug 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2013)
For a wonderful sailing trip you can try the ship WATERLAND. This cozy passenger ship is ideal for group bookings, but the crew also welcomes the individual traveller. The informal atmosphere aboard makes everybody feels at home quickly. The living area has a small bar, while the sun deck has room for every passenger.
The bikes available for this tour are adult bicycle with gears and saddle bag, children's bikes and tag-alongs.
The bikes available for this tour are adult bicycle with gears and saddle bag, children's bikes and tag-alongs.
This tour is rated easy and includes cycling in mostly flat terrain and distances of up to 30 km per day.
This tour is rated easy and includes cycling in mostly flat terrain and distances of up to 30 km per day.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There are excellent rail links from Amsterdam airport to central Amsterdam.
Tips for getting and to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
There are excellent rail links from Amsterdam airport to central Amsterdam.
Tips for getting and to and from your tour
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
