Bike and Boat for families on the former Zuiderzee

Family Special: The IJssellake (bike and barge)

Tour Description: Guided

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.

In Harderwijk you have a 'day off' with your family in and around town. There are lots of options such as the Walibi World attraction show, dolphin shows in the Dolphinarium, or a day at the beach at the Veluwe Lake.

Tour Description: Self-guided

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.

In Harderwijk you have a 'day off' with your family in and around town. There are lots of options such as the Walibi World attraction show, dolphin shows in the Dolphinarium, or a day at the beach at the Veluwe Lake.

Highlights: Guided

• Child-focused itinerary
• Zuiderzee open air museum
• De Weerribben National Park
• Canoe trip
• Rest day in Harderwijk: Dolfinarium, Walibi World, Beach
• Amsterdam

Highlights: Self-guided

• Child-focused itinerary
• Zuiderzee open air museum
• De Weerribben National Park
• Canoe trip
• Rest day in Harderwijk: Dolfinarium, Walibi World, Beach
• Amsterdam

Daily Program: Guided

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.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Saturdays: Jun 23; Jul 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, 2012

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Package A: 2 adults and 2 children (under 11 years)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per party of 4 €1756 Additional adult (only possible on same booking as a family) Per person (double occupancy) €569 Single cabin supplement (1 person / 1 cabin) €145

Package B: 2 adults and 1 child (under 11 years)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per party of 3 €1470 Additional adult (only possible on same booking as a family) Per person (double occupancy) €569 Single cabin supplement (1 person / 1 cabin) €145

Package C: 1 adult and 2 children (under 11 years)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per party of 3 €1329 Additional adult (only possible on same booking as a family) Per person (double occupancy) €569 Single cabin supplement (1 person / 1 cabin) €145

Package D: 1 adult and 1 child (under 11 years)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per party of 2 €878 Additional adult (only possible on same booking as a family) Per person (double occupancy) €569 Single cabin supplement (1 person / 1 cabin) €145

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Accommodation aboard the barge (8 days/7 nights)
• Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 2-course dinner)
• Tour leader
• Visit open air Museum Zuiderzee
• Canoe trip in Weerribben National Park 
• Information booklet and map
• Bicycle with gears and saddle bag
• Bike insurance against accidental damage
• 1 city walk

Please note that the barges used for this tour offer only shared bathrooms and showers.

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Amicita
(July 14)
The AMICITIA is a pleasant motor barge. It has 17 cabins with bunk beds; 16 cabins with 2 single bunks; and 1 cabin with 4 bunks. Each cabin has it's own wash stand. There are 5 toilets and 5 showers aboard (shared facilities). The fully equipped bar specializes in group entertainment.

Amsterdam
(July 21; August 11)
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
(July 28; August 4, 18)
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
(August 4, 11, 18)
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.  

Boats: Self-guided

Amicita
(July 14)
The AMICITIA is a pleasant motor barge. It has 17 cabins with bunk beds; 16 cabins with 2 single bunks; and 1 cabin with 4 bunks. Each cabin has it's own wash stand. There are 5 toilets and 5 showers aboard (shared facilities). The fully equipped bar specializes in group entertainment.

Amsterdam
(July 21; August 11)
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
(July 28; August 4, 18)
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
(August 4, 11, 18)
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.  

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes available for this tour are adult bicycle with gears and saddle bag, children's bikes and tag-alongs. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes available for this tour are adult bicycle with gears and saddle bag, children's bikes and tag-alongs. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam

There are excellent rail links from Amsterdam airport to central Amsterdam. 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam

There are excellent rail links from Amsterdam airport to central Amsterdam. 

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.