Itinerary
Sail and Bike Netherlands: Sailing and biking around the IJsselmeer
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: Clipper Elizabeth | Self guided cycling tours
Cycling to historic harbour towns, green polder scenery and former islands on the Ijsselmeer.
Take with bikes an exciting discovery tour on a stylish and beautifully appointed sailing ship. Your boat and bike tour starts in Amsterdam and takes you along the Ijsselmeer coast. The charming historic towns, the polders and the villages of the interior are connected by excellent cycle paths. In Monnickendam, Hoorn and Enkhuizen you’ll discover the old trading towns from the era of the Dutch East India Company. On the Ijsselmeer’s eastern shore you can visit the provinces of Friesland and Flevoland with the former islands of Urk and Schokland. On the final day, wind and weather permitting, you set off under full sail again for Amsterdam. Here you have plenty of time to enjoy an evening seeing the sights of the capital.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Sailing on an historical sailing ship
✔ Picturesque harbour towns around the IJsselmeer
✔ Discovering the history of the Dutch Golden Age
✔ The National Park Weerribben
Itinerary Amsterdam - Amsterdam
Day 1 (Sat): Amsterdam – Monnickendam | Testride Monnickendam (10 km/6 mi.)
Your week of sailing and cycling starts in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board around 2 P.M. Once all guests have checked in, the ship sails under motor to Monnickendam. From the port of this former fishing village, a short warm-up ride leads you through the rural nature reserve of Waterland with its many villages.
Day 2 (Sun): Monnickendam – Volendam | Volendam – Hoorn (32 km/19 mi. or 51 km/31 mi.)
A very Dutch start of the day: you cycle to a nearby, family-run cheese and clog shop for a short demonstration of cheese and clog making, and of course a cheese tasting. Continue pedaling along the dikes to Purmerend, in the heart of a polder named De Beemster, 11½ feet (3.5 meters) below sea level. Divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and quadrants, it is recognized by UNESCO as "a creative masterpiece". Your next destination is Edam, a lovely town whose lanes and canals deserve a stroll. Edam is known worldwide for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax. Via the main dike of the IJsselmeer you arrive at the promenade of Volendam, where the ship is docked. You will have some time on your own to check out the souvenir shops. After dinner, let the historical city center lure you into a digestive walk. Later in the evening, the ship sails to Hoorn.
Day 3 (Mon): Hoorn – Enkhuizen – Urk (28 km/17 mi. or 39 km/24 mi.)
Through small rural hamlets and villages, today's ride brings you to Enkhuizen. Pass by windmill De Krijgsman (The Warrior), the highest windmill in the province of North-Holland and one of a handful of old Dutch windmills still in use to produce flour commercially. In the 17th century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in Holland, thanks to its harbour that shipped then-costly spices from Asia. Be astonished by the stately mansions, canals, churches and city walls that to this day reflect the city's rich history and wealth. In the afternoon, weather permitting, we sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Urk. On board, you can help the captain sail the ship if you wish. In the evening you may stroll through the narrow streets and alleys of Urk. The houses in this picturesque fishing village were built close to one another on elevated grounds to protect them against the water, and that is still visible today.
Day 4 (Tue): Urk – Vollenhove | (37 km/23 mi.)
After breakfast, cycle along the lake on a tarmacked cycle path to the former island of Schokland. Since the reclamation of the Northeast polder (Noordoostpolder) in 1942, Schokland – just as Urk – is no longer an island. Since 1995, it belongs to the cultural heritage of UNESCO. Continue your bike ride through the polder to Vollenhove, another charming, former fishing village.
Day 5 (Wed): Vollenhove – Giethoorn (37-49 km /22-30 mi.)
From Vollenhove, cycle paths through open countryside lead you to the small town of Blokzijl. This is where you enter the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, the largest freshwater wetland in northwestern Europe and a peaceful oasis for plants, animals and humans. A bicycle path through the center of the park takes you far away from roads, immersing you in the tranquility of this region. Keep your eyes peeled for a fleeting kingfisher or—if you're really lucky—an otter, the symbol of the park. You pass through Kalenberg, a village that till the fifties of the last century could be reached by boat only. A twisting route through an agricultural landscape of narrow strip fields surrounded by dikes takes you to the town of Sint-Jansklooster and subsequently to the small city of Giethoorn. Here you'll get back on the ship.
Day 6 (Thu): Giethoorn – Lelystad
Today you can enjoy a full day of sailing and relaxing on board. Again, you can help the captain sail the ship if you wish. Or you can simply sit back on deck and relax. Early afternoon the ship will arrive in Lelystad, capital of the province of Flevoland that was entirely reclaimed from the sea. Here you can stretch your legs and visit the Batavia Werf, an extraordinary shipyard, where ships with an important maritime history are taken from oblivion and returned to their former glory. Or go shopping at Batavia Stad, an outlet center with all the famous brands.
Day 7 (Fri): Lelystad – Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler - Amsterdam (20 km/12 mi. or 29 km/18 mi.)
In the morning you'll disembark for your last half day of cycling. You'll ride through the Oostvaardersplassen—a nature reserve on new land, left to find its own balance like nature did in old times on old land. Sections of the ride wind through forested areas, while others give you panoramic views of expansive reed beds and marshes. This is a birdwatchers' paradise. The ship picks you up in the small harbor of Oostvaardersdiep for the return voyage to Amsterdam. Celebrate this marvelous week around the IJsselmeer while having a farewell dinner aboard the ship.
Day 8 (Sat): Amsterdam
Your tour ends today with a nice breakfast. Disembarkation afterwards until 9.30 AM.
Please note: All cycling distances stated above are approximate only. The tour operator and the captain of the ship reserve the right to change the routes and programme due to nautical, technical or other reasons including weather conditions.
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 to stay on 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.
- Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Map

Clipper Elizabeth
On board the three-mast clipper Elizabeth
The impressive clipper built in 1913 boasts a plush interior design. During the painstaking renovation to become a modern passenger sailing vessel great attention was paid to retaining the original features of the characteristic Dutch flat bottom boat. Roomy cabins with ensuite shower and lavatory, a large salon with bar and a snug seating area ensure your stay will be comfortable.
On the benches between saloon and upper deck you can sit comfortably under the white sails of the Elizabeth. The captain communicates his enthusiasm for sailing and the beautiful harbors around the IJsselmeer. He knows how to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere on board.
Cabins
The vessel has a total of 10 guest cabins with two single beds. Some of the cabins can be booked as a three-bed or four-bed cabin (the third and fourth beds as bunks). Eight cabins are located on the lower deck, two cabins on the upper deck. You can open a window or porthole in all the cabins. All cabins have a 220-volt socket.
The rooms, beds and sanitation facilities have been completely renewed in April 2015.
Ship Details
Length: 41,00 m | Beam: 6,90 m | Sail surface: 445 m² | Guests 20-35 | Flag: NL
Currency on board: Euros, only cash accepted
Languages on board: German, Dutch, English
Travel Dates & Prices 2022
Sail & Bike IJsselmeer / Elizabeth
Travel Dates and Prices 2022 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2022 per Person in €
June - Sep 3
Sep 10
Twin Cabin
1039,- €
939,- €
Single Cabin
1558,- €
1408,- €
Triple Cabin
989,- €
889,- €
Quadruple Cabin
939,- €
839,- €
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
85,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
185,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
10,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
25,- €
Parking own bicycle
10,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
25,- €
- Reduction children till 15 yrs: 15% of the tour price
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Services included
- Seven nights' accommodation in the cabin class booked with shower and lavatory
- Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x lunch or packed lunch, 7 x three course dinner)
- Bedding and bed linen
- Hand towels (replaced as required)
- Cleaning of the cabin once a week
- Welcome drink
- Tour guide on board, daily briefing of bike trips by the crew.
- For guests who stay on board: lunchtime snack, tea and coffee in the afternoon.
- All port and lock fees
- Maps and route description, one set per cabin.
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Wi-Fi
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
Not included
Transfers to/from the docking place in Amsterdam, Other transfers, Rental of bike or E-Bike, Rental bike helmet, Parking fees, Entrance fees & excursions, Fees for ferries, Drinks on board, Personal (travel) insurances, Gratuities (at your discretion)
Vaccination and health requirements for this tour:
For most of our tours, all travelers are subject to the rules that are imposed by the relevant authorities in the country of travel at the time of the trip. Currently (as of Nov. 1, 2021) this means either fully vaccinated, recovered or tested for almost all trips within the EU for EU citizens. In short: If you are allowed to (enter) a country and are healthy, you can also check in with us on board and enjoy your journey.
Bicycle rental (with pannier)
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring or trekking bikes with normal mount (ladies model), with 7 or 8 gears, hand brake and pannier bag. The e-bikes have 4 support levels, hand brakes (no coaster brake), 7-gear shift and a range of approx. 60-65 km. Other bikes (children's bikes, tandems etc.) can only be rented on request and in exceptional cases. Requests with a minimum of 2 months before departure date and only valid after a written confirmation by the tour operator.
A rental bicycle is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles.
You can also bring your own bicycles or e-bikes, but there is only a limited number of spaces for your own bikes available on board. For a small fee, you can book a parking space for a normal bike or a parking and charging station for an e-bike.
For safety reasons, it is not possible to charge the batteries of your own electric bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you on board where you can safely charge your batteries. The ship's crew and tour operator are not liable for any damage, loss or theft of their own bicycles or e-bikes.
In Germany bikers are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet. Bike helmets are not available on board.
Tour info
Total distance: approx. 200 km. The cycle routes are on sealed cycle paths, farm roads and along secondary roads with little traffic. There are no significant gradients.
Arrival by plane, rail
Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol. From here to Amsterdam's main station (Amsterdam Centraal) a train leaves every 10 minutes (approx. € 4.30). The berth is not far from the railway station.
Arrival by car, parking in Amsterdam
Oosterdok underground car park near the station for € 20 for 24 hours, but only for cars up to 2.1 metres high. You cannot reserve parking spaces.
Alternative: Centralparking, secure parking can be reserved in advance for € 145 per week including pick-up service. A valet will bring your car from the vessel to the underground car park and back to the vessel on the day of your departure. Full details are included with your travel information.
Please note
- Routes are subject to change.
- You undertake these bike trips at your own risk.
Travel Dates & Prices 2023
Sail & Bike IJsselmeer / Elizabeth
Travel Dates and Prices 2023 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2023 per Person in €
June - Sep 2
Sep 09
Twin Cabin
1149,- €
999,- €
Single Cabin
1723,- €
1498,- €
Triple Cabin
1099,- €
949,- €
Quadruple Cabin
1049,- €
899,- €
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
90,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
195,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
10,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
25,- €
Parking own bicycle
10,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
25,- €
- Reduction children till 15 yrs: 15% of the tour price
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Services included
- 8 days/7 nights
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches
- 7 x 3-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board
- Welcome drink
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Cleaning of the cabin once a week
- Daily briefings by the crew
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Wi-Fi
- Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
Not included
Transfers to/from the docking place in Amsterdam, Other transfers, Rental of bike or E-Bike, Rental bike helmet, Parking fees, Entrance fees & excursions, Fees for ferries, Drinks on board, Personal (travel) insurances, Gratuities (at your discretion)
Vaccination and health requirements for this tour:
For most of our tours, all travelers are subject to the rules that are imposed by the relevant authorities in the country of travel at the time of the trip. Currently (as of Nov. 1, 2021) this means either fully vaccinated, recovered or tested for almost all trips within the EU for EU citizens. In short: If you are allowed to (enter) a country and are healthy, you can also check in with us on board and enjoy your journey.
Bicycles / E-bikes
The bicycles on board are unisex city bikes of the brand Gazelle Chamonix and of the brand Velo de Ville C100, both with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, hand brakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons. For large gentlemen (from 1.90 m and above) we have a few traditional men’s models (with a horizontal bar) available.
The e-bike is a Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available (on request, limited stock, pending availability).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available).
Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.
Tour info
Total distance: approx. 200 km. The cycle routes are on sealed cycle paths, farm roads and along secondary roads with little traffic. There are no significant gradients.
Important observations for the Sail & Bike program
A little bit of adventure is a part of every Sail & Bike tour: the departure and arrival day and the location – Amsterdam – are a certainty, 100%. For the rest, the planned daily sailing routes are partially dependent on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides the best route to be taken day by day, and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does everything in its power to enable the program to run according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied and a active a week as possible, in which nature and cultur play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the the program itself – may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would lik one who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary.
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.
Perfect for more experienced cyclists
With a detailed map of the area and a suggested route for close-range explorations, you decide where you head and how fast you ride. During the evening prior to next day’s cycling tour the ship’s crew will explain some difficult parts, offer tips about the nicest places to stop for a drink or lunch, and mention the best highlights. In case of emergencies or problems, the crew can be contacted. But – as the ship is sailing to the next port – they can only offer assistance by phone.
Arrival by plane, rail
Airport: Amsterdam Schiphol. From here to Amsterdam's main station (Amsterdam Centraal) a train leaves every 10 minutes (approx. € 4.30). The berth is not far from the railway station.
Arrival by car, parking in Amsterdam
Oosterdok underground car park near the station for € 20 for 24 hours, but only for cars up to 2.1 metres high. You cannot reserve parking spaces.
Alternative: Centralparking, secure parking can be reserved in advance for € 145 per week including pick-up service. A valet will bring your car from the vessel to the underground car park and back to the vessel on the day of your departure. Full details are included with your travel information.
Please note
- Routes are subject to change.
- You undertake these bike trips at your own risk.