This tour leads you through a region thatβs one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, youβll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, youβll return to your floating hotel barge, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. Youβll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is only a phone call away for your questions, problems or emergencies. Cycle along an important trading route The area youβll be traversing was shaped over millennia by numerous rivers and streams. It thrived during the Middle Ages, when the rivers Rhine and IJssel were among the most important trade β¦
This tour leads you through a region thatβs one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, youβll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, youβll return to your floating hotel barge, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. Youβll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is only a phone call away for your questions, problems or emergencies.
Cycle along an important trading route
The area youβll be traversing was shaped over millennia by numerous rivers and streams. It thrived during the Middle Ages, when the rivers Rhine and IJssel were among the most important trade routes in Europe. Many of the cities along their banks were members of the Hanseatic League. This confederation protected the economic interests of its members in large parts of the Netherlands, Germany and Northern Europe. The affluence of those years is visible everywhere in abundant civil and religious architecture.
Through the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley
Your tour starts in the delightful city of Amsterdam. From there, youβll sail and cycle to many larger and smaller Hanseatic towns like Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg. The natural beauty of the Rhine valley and its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, will duly impress you. Another attraction along the way are the so-called Bordering Lakes. These are situated between the βoldβ mainland with many beautiful harbor towns, and the βnewβ reclaimed land of the province of Flevoland, that was once the bottom of the sea.
The flat terrain in the 125 km long IJssel valley makes this a perfect tour for those who love to cycle leisurely along many winding trails in a diverse area.
The ship β Your sailing hotel
In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. Youβll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. Itβs also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.
You cycle independently
During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next dayβs cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.
Day 1 Amsterdam | Amsterdam β Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation and check-in in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2 p.m. At approximately 2 p.m. the ship sails from Amsterdam on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a town on the Rhine River. Here, you will spend your first night aboard the ship.
Day 2 Wijk bij Duurstede β Wageningen | Wageningen β Arnhem
44km27 mi
While you are enjoying breakfast, the ship sails to Wageningen. From this town, your first cycling tour of the week takes you through the lovely valley of the Lower Rhine river to todayβs destination, the city center of Arnhem, the former Hanseatic city. Here you will have plenty of time to stroll through the shopping streets, grab a terrace or visit a museum. During World War II, Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. It ended in a failure, as the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulted in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.
During breakfast the ship cruises to Doesburg, a small Hanseatic city. First, cycle or walk through this charming town before you start the actual bike tour. From Doesburg, there are two cycling options to get you to Zutphen and Deventer. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet thatβs proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, the shorter option takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel river, whereas the longer option stays on the eastern bank. Both options lead you through the countryside to Zutphen. The tour ends in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, your tour leader offers a short, guided walking tour of the city. Make sure to join!
Day 4 Deventer β Wijhe | Wijhe β Kampen
40km24 mi or 56km34 mi
During breakfast the ship will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. In the morning you will enjoy a nice bicycle ride to Hattem. You can choose a short option along the banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. Hattem has a rich history, which is still clearly visible today. Leaving Hattem, it is only a short ride to the city of Zwolle, one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities. From Zwolle you continue to Kampen. After dinner, you can enjoy the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5 Kampen β Elburg β Harderwijk
48km29 mi or 56km34 mi
From Kampen, our cycling tour leads along the Border Lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg. Here, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour continues through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe to lovely Harderwijk, where the night will be spent in its old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region. Today, it is still a lovely old city very much worth exploring.
Day 6 Harderwijk β Spakenburg β Huizen
45km27 mi or 56km34 mi
Again, you have two routes to choose from. A shorter bike ride along the coast of the Border Lakes, or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that runs through adjacent woodlands. In the afternoon you will pass Spakenburg, a fishing village well-known for its traditional costumes that are worn to this day. Docking destination for today is Huizen.
Day 7 Huizen β Naarden β Muiden β Amsterdam
35km21 mi
Huizen is the starting point for a ride to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. The latter is famous for its historic castle on the waterfront. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world famous city of Amsterdam. You have the afternoon and evening to spend in the Dutch capital any way you like. Seize the chance to do a canal tour, to visit Anne Frankβs home or any of a number of world renowned museums around the Museumplein. Or just enjoy looking at everyday life in this bustling city.
Day 8 Amsterdam
The last part of your tour is today, but we wonβt let you leave with an empty stomach. So before disembarkation until 9.30 a.m., enjoy a nice breakfast first.
Good to know
Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, youβre welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
A detailed cycling map, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests. You cycle individually and at your own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours
Always the best rental bikes
The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. Weβll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tourβs price.
Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.
Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Toursβs e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safetyβs sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a βlimit of liability for damage or lossβ for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items Other items such as childrenβs bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.
Taking your own bike or e-bike? The fee for parking your own bicycle is β¬10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is β¬25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guestβs own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.
Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.
E-bikes
Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.
Taking your own bicycle
It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesnβt have mirrors or other elements that stick out. Thereβs only limited space available on board for guestsβ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.
Prices & availability
Date
Departure
Ship
Saturday
May 2, 2026
Saturday
May 9, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
May 9, 2026
Saturday
May 16, 2026
Amsterdam, Minervahaven
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
May 16, 2026
Saturday
May 23, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
May 23, 2026
Saturday
May 30, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,529.00 p.p.
Saturday
May 30, 2026
Saturday
Jun 6, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,529.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 6, 2026
Saturday
Jun 13, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 13, 2026
Saturday
Jun 20, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 20, 2026
Saturday
Jun 27, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,529.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jun 27, 2026
Saturday
Jul 4, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 4, 2026
Saturday
Jul 11, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,529.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 11, 2026
Saturday
Jul 18, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 18, 2026
Saturday
Jul 25, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Jul 25, 2026
Saturday
Aug 1, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 1, 2026
Saturday
Aug 8, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 8, 2026
Saturday
Aug 15, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 15, 2026
Saturday
Aug 22, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,249.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 22, 2026
Saturday
Aug 29, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Aug 29, 2026
Saturday
Sep 5, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 5, 2026
Saturday
Sep 12, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,379.00 p.p.
Saturday
Sep 12, 2026
Saturday
Sep 19, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Prices from
β¬1,399.00 p.p.
Sep 19, 2026Sep 26, 2026
Fully booked
Saturday
Sep 26, 2026
Saturday
Oct 3, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬1,049.00 p.p.
Saturday
Oct 3, 2026
Saturday
Oct 10, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬949.00 p.p.
Saturday
Oct 10, 2026
Saturday
Oct 17, 2026
Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
Semi-Guided
De Nassau
Available
Prices from
β¬949.00 p.p.
Practical information
Included in this tour
8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
7 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Semi guided cycling tours (independent cycling, tour leader is available for questions and/or emergencies)
Some short walking tours
BBT cycling map and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Biodegradable water bottle
Wi-Fi is available in restaurant
The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: β¬ 5 per person β will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Rental E-Bike: β¬ 252 per week (only on request, limited number available)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle β¬14/week (only bookable in advance)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike β¬28/week (only bookable in advance)
Parking own bicycle: β¬ 14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: β¬ 28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
Helmets: A helmet can be rented for β¬ 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam β special price for our guests: β¬ 19 (at the ticket desk approx.: β¬ 22). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.
Loyalty Discount
Explore our Loyalty Discount!
After your tour, youβll receive an exclusive discount code:
You get 3% on your second tour with us.
From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.
Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!
Discover more
The Netherlands is a paradise for cycling and sailing enthusiasts. Discover more tours in the Netherlands with routes through tulip fields, historic cities, and scenic countryside.
Our tour guide worked very hard to ensure we were all fully briefed on each dayβs route and timetable. The routes were varied and interesting and just the right length. The onboard accommodation and catering were fine.
Mr Richard Burrow
Oct 1st, 2025
5 / 5
Good experience despite the rain
Everything was well organized. Our tour guide was very thorough and helpful. My e-bike was not working and replacement was readily. Food and accommodations were good. One evening we had entertainment on board, which was a lot of fun. We endured a few days of rain on our tour, we had rain jackets, but still got very soaked, including our shoes. No opportunity to dry things out, so dress accordingly or take extras with. That was the only negative we experienced.
Aileen& Jake Dekkers
Oct 1st, 2025
4 / 5
Really great food with a good ebike
Really great food with a good ebike
Jeff Nutting
Sep 27th, 2025
5 / 5
Excellent tour
Excellent tour, beautiful area to be exploring. Tour guide was amazing and the boat staff and hosts were attentive and focused on making our stay as good as possible. We had a great week!
Reply from Boat Bike Tours
Thank you for your kind words. Weβre glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and felt well cared for by both the guide and the crew. We hope to welcome you on board again in the future. Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
Real stories and experiences from guests and guides β weekly inspiration in your inbox.
Your selected tour:
Netherlands: Hansa Highlights
Request a quote
Please fill out the form below to receive tailored offers according to your preferences and availability. After completing the form, you will receive your personalized offers via email. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days.
Please enter your information. The required fields are marked with an * .
