Hanseatic Route Boat & Bike Tour
Boat & Bike • 7 nights
VISITING: The Netherlands
Overview
Why we love this tour
Hanseatic cities with medieval houses, gates and towers
Fortress towns, fishing harbours and peaceful villages
Woods, moorlands and the beautiful Ijssel border lakes
Flat and leisurely cycling, with longer and shorter options on most days
Guiding
Distance
Level
Standard
Departs
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Delve into the Netherlands' Hanseatic history as you cycle and cruise along the Rhine and the river IJssel - one of Europe's key medieval trade routes. Experience riverine landscapes, ancient cities and scenic harbour towns that have thrived since the Middle Ages. Along the way, you'll pedal past castles, heathlands and The Netherlands' smallest town, with the IJssel border lakes a highlight on day five. You will also visit Arnhem, riding through an area which played host to the WWII Battle in 1944.
A naturally beautiful area that's cherished by Dutch cyclists, you'll be riding on flat terrain and winding trails. Most evenings, you'll have the option to explore important Hanseatic cities, like Deventer and Kampen, on foot. Choose between longer and shorter distances each day, or take a day off to relax on deck and cruise to the next town. Your round-trip starts and finishes in Amsterdam, giving you time to enjoy the Dutch capital’s famous canals and museums.
Guests can choose between a self-guided tour or a guided tour.
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
or click on individual days
Accommodation
MS Magnifique II - Guided
View full details of the MS Magnifique II.
The Magnifique II was built in 2016 after the success of the Magnifique. She is a 63 meter long premium barge that can accommodate up to 34 guests and sails under Dutch flag and management. The lower deck has 13 cabins: 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M²), 1 premium twin (approx. 13M²). The upper deck has four beautiful suites with a large panoramic window (14 M²). The cabins on the lower deck have fixed portholes with the upper deck suites having a 2 meter wide window (one window can be opened). All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer. If requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins above one of the other beds.
On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished air conditioned saloon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (limited use of data) and a partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables and on the aft deck cycle storage. On the top deck there is a hot tub and some deck chairs that you can enjoy after your cycle.
Lena Maria - Guided
View full details of the Lena Maria.
The comfortable Lena Maria barge has 12 lower deck twin cabins with a shower, toilet, hairdryer and a window.
The upper deck has a lounge with a bar and a dining area and you can relax on the sundeck with a drink as you take in the views.
Guests on the Lena Maria will have guided daily cycling with an English speaking tour leader.
De Nassau - Self Guided
The De Nassau river cruiser was partially renovated and restyled in 2019 and has 33 cabins for up to a maximum of 67 guests. The lower deck has 12 twin cabins (9 M²) and 7 superior twin cabins and 2 superior double cabins (9.5 – 11.5 M²). All lower deck cabins have a small window that can be opened. The upper deck has 10 twin cabins and 2 double cabins. All upper deck cabins have a window that opens. All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, small safe and hairdryer.
The upper deck has a large panoramic saloon with a restaurant, lounge and a bar. The sun deck is partially shaded and is a great place to relax after your cycle rides.
What's included
Price includes
7 nights accommodation on the ship and cabin of your choice
Board basis: Full board including breakfast, packed lunches and three course dinners (Guests on the guided tour will have 6 dinners)
Services of an English speaking guide on-board only with daily briefings
Maps and route information (1 set per cabin) - GPS tracks available on request
Welcome meeting and drink on the first evening
Free tea and coffee until 4 p.m.
Some short city walking tours
Daily cabin cleaning
Local contact number for assistance
Guided cycling (on guided tour)
Ferry Fees (on guided tour)
Helmet (on guided tour)
Entrance to the airborne museum, visit to a Dutch cheese farm & a guided walk in Deventer ((on guided tour)
Water bottle
Price excludes
Flights and transfers
Bike hire
Entrance fees & excursions
Drinks & tips on board
Special dietary requests - see below
Transfers to/from the docking in Amsterdam
Ferry fees (on self-guided tour)
Bike hire and extras
Bike hire
Bikes come with a pannier, a small repair kit, and lock all included at no extra cost.
Hybrid bike - Guided tour
Hybrid bike - Self-guided tour
E-bike - Guided tour
E-bike - Self-guided tour
Bringing own bike
Bringing own E-bike (includes a charge station)
Other Extras
Helmet
Helmet hire for self-guided tour guests
Board upgrade
Gluten or lactose free diet (65 Euros payable locally) - please select if applicable
:
Friendly service with expert knowledge
Easy to book and pay online
Full financial protection
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Take the train (NS) from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Alternatively, take the Eurostar from Amsterdam or ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich, UK.
Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!
We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.
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For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.
There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.
Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling.
Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement.
Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.