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| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 30 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: Jul 20 - Aug 31, 3013 |
| Tour price: | €755 |
| Start city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
| End city: | Amsterdam, Holland |
The Zuiderzee is irrevocably linked to the period in Dutch history called the Golden Age: the period in the 17th century when Holland was a powerful seafaring and trading nation.
Dotted around the Zuiderzee are towns whose names were household words in both hemispheres: Monnickendam, Hoorn, Vollenhove, Harderwijk and of course Amsterdam at the centre of the web, all bearing witness to their rich pasts. On Monday you can visit the Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen. This open-air museum makes you feel you are at the end of the 18th century. Crafts typical of the time are practised, and costumes can be admired (entrance not included in the price).
In the space of a week you will pass through four different landscapes: the archetypical Dutch polder with its windmills and drainage ditches, in the province of Overijssel the marshy region with the beautiful lakes of National Park ‘de Weerribben’, the heathed and wooded area of the Veluwe and the unique lake and peat bog region around the rivers Vecht and Amstel.
Learn more about guided tours.
The Zuiderzee is irrevocably linked to the period in Dutch history called the Golden Age: the period in the 17th century when Holland was a powerful seafaring and trading nation.
Dotted around the Zuiderzee are towns whose names were household words in both hemispheres: Monnickendam, Hoorn, Vollenhove, Harderwijk and of course Amsterdam at the centre of the web, all bearing witness to their rich pasts. On Monday you can visit the Zuiderzee museum in Enkhuizen. This open-air museum makes you feel you are at the end of the 18th century. Crafts typical of the time are practised, and costumes can be admired (entrance not included in the price).
In the space of a week you will pass through four different landscapes: the archetypical Dutch polder with its windmills and drainage ditches, in the province of Overijssel the marshy region with the beautiful lakes of National Park ‘de Weerribben’, the heathed and wooded area of the Veluwe and the unique lake and peat bog region around the rivers Vecht and Amstel.
Learn more about guided tours.
Day 1: Amsterdam boarding at 4 pm; round tour (12 miles/20 km)
When you arrive on board the ship you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew, and of course your fellow passengers. Your bicycle will be handed out to you and you can join a short tour on bike from the ship's berth through the quieter parts of the city. If time permits the tour will also take you a short way out of the city.
Day 2: Amsterdam – Hoorn (50 km/31 miles); or go ashore in Volendam (17 miles/27 km)
A ferry takes you to the Amsterdam Noord quarter and soon you will be cycling through the rural area of Waterland. Then the former isle of Marken is visited. The dike which was constructed in 1957 now links the island to the mainland. The local people are a close-knit community, a result of their centuries-long isolation. The route is now continued to historical Monnickendam, a flourishing town in the 16th and 17th centuries. This can easily be seen by its many old façades, stone tablets, churches and spires. The route then takes you along the Gouwzee dike to Volendam. Originally Volendam was a small fishing community, founded by shipwrecked sailors from a beaten Spanish fleet. Further along the dike in a northerly direction towards Hoorn.
Overnight in Hoorn.
Day 3: Hoorn – Enkhuizen (17 miles/27km)
Departure on the bikes to Enkhuizen, partly along the dike, with wide views, and partly through the long-stretched villages of De Streek, with beautiful houses, farms and gardens. In the past Enkhuizen was one of the main VOC cities, which is still visible by its many old façades. The centre surrounding the old defence tower called Dromedaris (Dromedary) still breathes the atmosphere of the famous old days. Enkhuizen houses the Zuiderzeemuseum. In the afternoon you sail to Vollenhove, another former Zuiderzee town. It used to have a great many old 'havezaten' (manorial farms) of which only a few are still left today.Family Tour Variant: children's activity in Visitor center de Wieden.
Overnight in Vollenhoven.
Day 4: Vollenhoven - round trip Giethoorn/Weerribben (28-38 miles/45-61 km)
The area of the Wieden and the Weerribben adds up to the most important marshland of northwestern Europe. Nowadays reed is the main product here, as is obvious by the large number of thatched roofs. De Wieden is old peat bogs land, where lakes came into being as a result of peat cutting. You cycle through the famous village of Giethoorn, with a little irony sometimes called 'Venice of the North. In the longer route you also pay a visit to the Weerribben, a large National Park, dominated by water and reed.
Overnight in Villenhoven.
Day 5: Vollenhove - Harderwijk (28 miles/45km)
The ship will take you to Roggebotsluis. Here today's trip starts off in the forests of the 'new land', polderland created in 1957. You will cycle about 6 metres below sea level. Back on the 'old land' you call at the fortified town of Elburg. As far back as the 14th century this was a lively trading port. The last part of the route will take you through the large woods of the Veluwe, with its undulating landscape a remainder of the Ice Age. The Veluwe is the largest connected nature reserve of the Netherlands.
Overnight in Hardewijk.
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg (17, 28 or 37 miles/27, 46 or 59 km)
Today's itinerary first leads you through the Veluwe forests and then through a peaceful agricultural area. Then you have the choice of cycling to your destination via Nijkerk and the Zuiderzee dike or making a detour via Amersfoort. If you do the latter a well laid out bike trail will lead you to and through the city, thus taking you to the very centre of town in an easy way. In the afternoon the trip continues along the Eem river, a small river flowing into the Eem lake, west of Spakenburg.
The 27 km option takes you all the way along the Zuiderzee shore. Another possibility is to sail the first part, pick up cycling near Nijkerk and then follow the route via Amersfoort. Family Tour Variant: Dolphinarium then sail to Spakenburg.
Overnight in Spakenburg.
Day 7: Spakenburg – Amsterdam (29-37 miles/47-60 km)
Today the route takes you through quiet polderland and a wooded area to one of the best preserved fortified towns of the country, Naarden-Vesting. In Muiden the Muiderslot (Muider Castle) can be visited, a medieval castle which is still in good condition. Winding roads along the little rivers Vecht and Gaasp will take you back to Amsterdam. A shorter way is also possible: from Muiden straight into town along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. At about 4 o'clock you will be back at the place you left on Sunday. Time to hand in your bicycle and several hours ahead of you to further explore the city of Amsterdam.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Debarkation before 10 AM near Central Station Amsterdam, end of trip after breakfast.
Saturdays: Jul 20 - Aug 31, 3013


Liza Marleen
The “Liza Marleen” is a luxury motor passenger barge, built in 1997-98 on the completely dismantled shell of a seafaring freight logger. It holds a maximum of 28 overnight passengers and 80 day passengers.
A robust barge, it is ideally suited for trips on the wider waterways, like the Dutch Waddenzee, the IJsselmeer and the Zeeland Streams, but it can also be found cruising on the smaller inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium.
It has 6 triple cabins and 8 double cabins. All 2-berth cabins have bunk beds. The triple cabins have one double bed on top and one single bed underneath. All cabins come with a private bathroom and central heating.
It has a beautiful, spacious and tastefully decorated salon for a day stay and plenty of room on deck. The dayroom has audio-equipment and TV, and has 220 voltage.
Liza Marleen
The “Liza Marleen” is a luxury motor passenger barge, built in 1997-98 on the completely dismantled shell of a seafaring freight logger. It holds a maximum of 28 overnight passengers and 80 day passengers.
A robust barge, it is ideally suited for trips on the wider waterways, like the Dutch Waddenzee, the IJsselmeer and the Zeeland Streams, but it can also be found cruising on the smaller inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium.
It has 6 triple cabins and 8 double cabins. All 2-berth cabins have bunk beds. The triple cabins have one double bed on top and one single bed underneath. All cabins come with a private bathroom and central heating.
It has a beautiful, spacious and tastefully decorated salon for a day stay and plenty of room on deck. The dayroom has audio-equipment and TV, and has 220 voltage.
The tour follows a flat terrain route. This tour is rated leisurely, meaning it has relaxed cycling.
The tour follows a flat terrain route. This tour is rated leisurely, meaning it has relaxed cycling.
Tour start and end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Tips on getting to and from your tour
Tour start and end
Nearest airport:
Nearest train station:
Tips on getting 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.
Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!
Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!
Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!
Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!
Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.
Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect
The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.
A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure. Cycletours Holidays will offer an adequate alternative in case of such cancellation.
Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.
Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect
The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.
A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.
Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure. Cycletours Holidays will offer an adequate alternative in case of such cancellation.
