‹ ›

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 /Volendam

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 or Volendam. From the port of this former fishing village, you can take a nice stroll through the histiric center after dinner.

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 lovely town of Giethoorn, known as “small Venice of the North”.

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. The captain sails the ship out of the narrow channels toward open water. Early afternoon the Elizabeth will arrive in Lelystad, capital of the province of Flevoland that was entirely reclaimed from the sea. After docking, the ship serves a real captain’s dinner.

Day 7 (Fri): Lelystad – Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler – Amsterdam (20 km/12 mi. or 29 km/18 mi.)

In the morning you can 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. After these optional visits you depart 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.

Clipper Elizabeth

On board the three-mast clipper Elizabeth

The stylish and beautifully appointed three-mast clipper Elizabeth was built in 1913 and 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 and creating a comfortable atmosphere. The impressive clipper Elizabeth is a very popular sailing vessel on the IJsselmeer tour.

Cabins

The Elizabeth has ten twin cabins (6 m² – 65 sq.ft.), which all have been fully renovated recently. Eight cabins are situated on the lower deck, two on the upper deck. All cabins have 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). Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have central heating and a window that can be opened.

Description of the ship
On the lower deck, the Elizabeth offers a large lounge with a snug seating corner, dining area and a bar. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck the Elizabeth also offers a beautiful sundeck with benches and tables where you can relax on nice evenings and enjoy the scenery while sailing.

Ship Details

Currency on board: Euros, only cash accepted
Languages on board: German, Dutch, English

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://travelydays.com/boatbike/holland/lake-ijssel#sigProId622fd654b2

Travel Dates & Prices 2025

Sail & Bike IJsselmeer / Elizabeth

Travel Dates and Prices 2025 per Person

Please click at the travel data to open the request form.

Travel Dates

Jun 07 - Jun 14

Jun 14 - Jun 21

Jun 21 - Jun 28

Jun 28 - Jul 05

Jul 05 - Jul 12

Jul 12 - Jul 19

Jul 19 - Jul 26

Jul 26 - Aug 02

Aug 09 - Aug 16

Aug 23 - Aug 30
- Aug 30 - Sep 06

Prices 2025 per Person in €

June - Sep 6

Sep 13, Sep 20

small Twin Cabin

1219,-

1099,-

Twin Cabin

1319,-

1199,-

Twin for single use

1978,-

1798,-

Triple Cabin

1269,-

1149,-

Quadruple Cabin

1219,-

1099,-

Optional services / Notes

Cycle hire (7 gears)

91,- €

E-bike hire (on request)

245,- €

Bike helmet rental

10,- €

Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)

14,- €

Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)

28,- €

Parking own bicycle

14,- €

Parking + charge station own E-Bike

28,- €

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
Biodegradable water bottle
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)

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.

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.

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 (price status 2024)

Oosterdok underground car park near the station for € 45,– 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.

Discounts