Through the Hanseatic towns of Eastern Holland

Holland's Castles and Walled Towns by Bike / Barge

Tour Description: Guided

In the Middle Ages a treaty existed among many trading towns that were located nearby waterways. On this cycle tour through the eastern part of the Netherlands, you will visit several of these so-called Hanseatic towns. In the vicinity you will find lots of grand castles and estates often situated in pretty nature areas.

You leave Amsterdam by barge and head for Wijk bij Duurstede, a fortified town founded in the year 1500 BC. You visit national park De Hoge Veluwe and the Kröller Müller Museum, that shows a fine collection of Van Gogh paintings. From Arnhem you pass castle Rosendael and follow the river IJssel through Doesburg in direction of Hanseatic town Zuthpen. Your cycle tour takes you through the typical rural villages like Lochem and you make a stop for a visit to Mansion Verwolde. In Deventer you leave the barge and pedal on the banks of the river IJssel to the Hanseatic town of Kampen. An evening walk through the historical center shows you lots of monumental buildings.

After a sailing trip on the lakes between the new and the old land you leave the barge in the hanseatic town of Harderwijk. A roundtrip by bike leads through the moorlands and the forestries that surround this lively town. Spakenburg is a former fishing village that values religious traditions. The costumes you see here are typical for this village and the surrounding area. Before arriving in Amsterdam you first bring a visit to the castle Muiderslot.

In the evening you can see and experience the glory and history of Amsterdam by making a round trip of the canals.

Learn more about guided tours.

Tour Description: Self-guided

In the Middle Ages a treaty existed among many trading towns that were located nearby waterways. On this cycle tour through the eastern part of the Netherlands, you will visit several of these so-called Hanseatic towns. In the vicinity you will find lots of grand castles and estates often situated in pretty nature areas.

You leave Amsterdam by barge and head for Wijk bij Duurstede, a fortified town founded in the year 1500 BC. You visit national park De Hoge Veluwe and the Kröller Müller Museum, that shows a fine collection of Van Gogh paintings. From Arnhem you pass castle Rosendael and follow the river IJssel through Doesburg in direction of Hanseatic town Zuthpen. Your cycle tour takes you through the typical rural villages like Lochem and you make a stop for a visit to Mansion Verwolde. In Deventer you leave the barge and pedal on the banks of the river IJssel to the Hanseatic town of Kampen. An evening walk through the historical center shows you lots of monumental buildings.

After a sailing trip on the lakes between the new and the old land you leave the barge in the hanseatic town of Harderwijk. A roundtrip by bike leads through the moorlands and the forestries that surround this lively town. Spakenburg is a former fishing village that values religious traditions. The costumes you see here are typical for this village and the surrounding area. Before arriving in Amsterdam you first bring a visit to the castle Muiderslot.

In the evening you can see and experience the glory and history of Amsterdam by making a round trip of the canals.

Learn more about guided tours.

Highlights: Guided

• Amsterdam
• Hanseatic Cities
• De Hoge Weluwe National Park
• Kroeller Mueller museum, with Van Gogh painings
• Arnhem
• Traditional villages
• Canals, Windmills and Drainage Dykes 

Highlights: Self-guided

• Amsterdam
• Hanseatic Cities
• De Hoge Weluwe National Park
• Kroeller Mueller museum, with Van Gogh painings
• Arnhem
• Traditional villages
• Canals, Windmills and Drainage Dykes 

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Tour of Amsterdam (9 miles 15 km/9 miles)
After the embarkation in Amsterdam you’ll be sailing the Amsterdam-Rijn canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, the stop for the night. In the evening there’s a short ‘warming-up’ cycle trip in the vicinity which passes the castles Zandenburg and Walenburg.
Overnight in Wijk bij Duurstede.

Day 2: De Hoge Veluwe National Park (30 miles/50 km)
The barge sails the river Nederrijn to the lock near the village Heveadorp, where the cyclists disembark to start their cycle trip. You will cycle to National park ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ . In this park you will find the museum Kröller-Müller, where you’ll find a fantastic exhibition of Vincent van Gogh paintings. A visit to the famous statue garden is also very worthwhile. The cycle trip ends in Arnhem, where the ship is moored in the river Nederrijn.
Overnight in Arnhem.

Day 3: Arnhem - Zutphen (30 miles/50 km)
Today you will cycle past castle Rosendael to the ferry near Rheden. The ferry takes you across the river IJssel and the trip continues through the villages Doesburg and Brummen to the Hanseatic & walled town of Zutphen, situated by the river IJssel.
Overnight in Zutphen.

Day 4: Lochem and the Twente Kanaal (38 miles/60 km)
As the barge stays in Zutphen, you make a roundtrip. You will pass castle Vorden and the rural community of Lochem. After a visit to Mansion Verwolde you follow the Twente canal back to Zutphen. Alternatively you may wish to spend a day shopping and/or visiting museum in Zutphen. The Stedelijk Museum has an interesting cultural-historical collection that creates a telling image of Zutphen and its surroundings.
Overnight in Zuphen.

Day 5: Deventer - Kampen (38 miles/60 km)
Today you sail by barge to the Hanseatic town of Deventer, where the cyclists disembark. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes while following the river IJssel to Diepenveen, castle Oude Rande and the rural estate Hoenderloo. Through the village of Windesheim the trip ends in Kampen, a historic Hanseatic town.
Overnight in Kampen.

Day 6: Around Harderwijk (19 miles/30 km)
Today’s motto is ‘relaxing aboard’ as there’s a 4 hour sailing trip to Harderwijk, where you’ll stay for the night. In the afternoon there’s a cycle trip through the rural area around Harderwijk.
Overnight in Harderwijk.

Day 7: Spakenburg - Amsterdam (36 miles/60 km)
By barge you will sail to Spakenburg today. After the disembarkation you will cycle to Spakenburg, a former fishing village which is still famous for the traditional costume. Via the lake area called Ankeveense Plassen you cycle to castle Muiderslot. After a visit to this beautiful situated castle, you continue cycling to Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk through the centre or you may (on your own account) go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 8: Departure
After breakfast you say good bye to your tour leader and the crew, as your bike and barge holiday comes to an end.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Saturdays: Jun 22; Jul 20; Aug 3 and 17, 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) €145 Additional person in cabin with two full-paying adults 12 years and older €532 4 to 11 years €435 0 to 3 years €260 Discount for using own bike Per person €20

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Stay aboard (8 days/7 nights)
• Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 3-course dinner)
• Map with marked route
• Information package
• Tour leader
• Visit Mansion Verwolde
• Visit National Park Hoge Veluwe
• Visit Kröller Müller Museum (exhibition van Gogh)
• Several city walks
• Bicycle with 4 gears and saddlebag
• Insurance coverage for damage to bicycle

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Holland
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
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.

Boats: Self-guided

Holland
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
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.

Bike Rentals: Guided

The bikes included on this tour are 4-speed touring bikes.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The bikes included on this tour are 4-speed touring bikes.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is rated easy. It has generally short distances (up to 30 km per day) and is in mostly flat terrain.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is rated easy. It has generally short distances (up to 30 km per day) and is in mostly flat terrain.

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 for 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 for 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.