Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
8 days
Guidance
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
Independent cycling
This tour leads you through a region that’s one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, you’ll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, you’ll return to your floating hotel barge, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. You’ll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is only a phone call away for your questions, problems or emergencies. The ship – […]
This tour leads you through a region that’s one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it yourself, by bike and barge. Every day while cycling, you’ll get to know more of its numerous historical cities, beautiful river landscapes and diverse natural areas. Every evening, you’ll return to your floating hotel barge, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. You’ll cycle at your own pace, while your well trained tour leader is only a phone call away for your questions, problems or emergencies.
The ship – 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. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s 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.
Cycle along an important trading route The area you’ll 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, you’ll 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 “old” mainland with many beautiful harbor towns, and the “new” 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.
You cycle independently
During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s 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.
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – 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 – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem – Doesburg (50 km /31 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 the city center of Arnhem, the former Hanseatic city. Here you can spend some time; 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.
Then continue your bike tour further along the river until you reach the small Hanseatic city of Doesburg. It is definitely worth taking a stroll through this Hanseatic city after dinner.
Day 3: Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)
From Doesburg, there are two cycling options to get you to Zutphen and Deventer. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet that’s 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 – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 mi.)
During breakfast the De Nassau 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 – Elburg – Harderwijk (48 km/29 mi. or 56 km/33.6 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 – Spakenburg – Huizen (45 km/28 mi. or 56 km/35 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 – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam (35 km/21 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 Frank’s 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 won’t 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, you’re 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. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s 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 Tours’s e-bikes.
Bicycle helmets
The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s 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 “limit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.
Other rental items
Other items such as children’s 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 €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €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 guest’s 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.
Touring bikes
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 doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ 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
To view the availability of this tour and/or book online please click on the button below. A new screen will open.
Cabin typeForSeason A Season B Season C Season D Season E
Twin cabin lower deck2 pers.€ 749€ 849€ 999€ 1149€ 1249DNA: Superior twin/double cabin lower deck2 pers.€ 899€ 999€ 1149€ 1299€ 1399DNA: Single cabin lower deck1 pers.€ 974€ 1104€ 1299€ 1494€ 1624Twin lower deck for single use (max. 2)1 pers.€ 1123.50€ 1273.50€ 1498.50€ 1723.50€ 1873.50DNA: Twin/Double cabin upper deck2 pers.€ 899€ 999€ 1149€ 1299€ 1399DNA: Twin/Double upper deck for single use (max. 1)1 pers.€ 1348.50€ 1498.50€ 1723.50€ 1948.50€ 2098.50DHO: Twin cabin upper deck2 pers.Not availableNot availableNot available€ 1399Not availableDHO: Twin/Double upper deck for single use (max. 1)1 pers.Not availableNot availableNot available€ 2098.50Not availableDHO: Suite upper deck2 pers.Not availableNot availableNot available€ 1699Not available
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 – data use is not included
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Excluded in this tour
Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Helmet rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
Fees for ferries
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
SGR Insolvency protection
(mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person - will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
Additional options & information - 2025
2025:
Rental bicycle: € 91 per week
Rental E-Bike: € 245 per week (only on request, limited number available)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 14/week (only bookable in advance)
Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 28/week (only bookable in advance)
Parking own bicycle: € 14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: € 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 € 10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment.
Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: € 18 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 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, you’ll 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 2025.
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!
We had a great experience on the Hansa Highlights bike tour. Can’t say enough good things about the whole trip and have referred several friends to this company already! We really like the simplicity of this type of trip where everything is planned and you have a floating hotel where you sleep every night. We chose this boat (De Nassau) because it had operable windows in all rooms. The staff on the boat was so friendly and helpful, they really made us feel welcome and provided “over the top” service the whole time. The bike tour was great too, as was our tour leader Olga. Having the GPS app guide us through the country was great and simple (for the most part…;-)). The Dutch countryside and waterways are beautiful to ride through. Lots of interesting, historic towns on the route. If you haven’t ridden a bike in the Netherlands, you will be amazed at the extensive network of bike paths Everywhere! It’s unbelievable even through some fields between towns! Wish we had it in the US. Most of the time you’ll ride on a dedicated bike path and at times on a smaller road with cars and a bike path. When you exit and enter towns, especially Amsterdam, there will be interaction with road crossings and bikes zipping around you so you have to be ready for that too, but you get accustomed to it. The food was very good and you pack your lunch to take each day on your ride. Overall we thought the trip was very well organized and great fun and a great value. We met lots of nice folks on the trip too from Holland, Canada, Germany and the US. We’d definitely do a trip with Boat Bike Tours again! A couple tips we’d make is to bring a rear view mirror and don’t forget your padded bike shorts!
Reply from Boat Bike Tours10 Sep 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a great time on the Hansa Highlights tour and that our staff, the boat, and the overall experience exceeded your expectations. It's wonderful that you've already referred friends, and we can't wait to welcome you back on another tour soon! Kind regards, Boat Bike Tours
Great holiday with excellent crew and support staff. The bikes were in great condition and we had no issues with them. The cycling routes are really lovely with the provided maps and instructions clearly leading us through every step. The online app was very beneficial. The only downside was the food. It was ok but relied heavily on sauces and the breakfast buffet was the same every day without much choice to make our packed lunch interesting.
Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
Independent cycling
Difficulty
Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1
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