Itinerary
Bike and barge Netherlands: Hansa Highlights
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: De Holland (Ship 2024: De Nassau) | Semi-guided tour
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 named the Nassau, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. The Nassau has room for up to sixty guests. 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. *
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.
* The Hanseatic Tour is a semi-guided tour. You’ll get a daily briefifing by the tour leader, but you cycle on your own.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Cycling along the rivers Rhine and IJssel
✔ Hanseatic cities like Deventer and Kampen
✔ Learn about the reclaimed polderlands
✔ Stay on the comfortable bike-cruise ship MS De Holland
Route
Day 1 (Sat): 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 (Sun): Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem (35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/28 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, and then on through the Veluwe, a large area of woods and heathlands. At the end of the day you pedal to Arnhem, via suburbs and past the lovely parks named Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal. Close to the center of this former Hanseatic city, the ship docks for the night. 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.
Day 3 (Mon): Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)
We leave Arnhem on the ship, and then today’s cycling tour starts in the small town of 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 (Tue): Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 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. In the evening, an optional guided walking tour takes you to some of the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Day 5 (Wed): 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 (Thu): 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 (Fri): 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 (Sat): 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.
Map

Ship De Holland
MS De Holland
Fully refurbished in 2017/2018, the 80 m long De Holland is a regular sight on the Northern Tour route, welcoming up to 68-72 guests on board. De Holland has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar and a lounge area. Wi-Fi is available for guests in the salon (limited data packages included / additional data packages can be purchased online). On the partially roofed sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay. Bicycles will be stored on a separate part of the sun deck. Inside areas of DE HOLLAND are non-smoking areas; the sun deck has a smokers’ area.
Onboard languages: English/German (international guests, international crew). All staterooms are well-equipped outside cabins. There are a total of 34 cabins (approx. 108 ft²) each with a modern en-suite bathroom (shower / toilet), 2 single beds next to each other, an individual climate control system, digital TV, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets. They also have a window (2.55 ft. x 1.28 ft.) that - for safety reasons - cannot be opened.
Cabins
Three “regular” twin cabins in the front have single beds, set in L-shape, and an additional Pullman Bed as optional third bed. Five twin cabins and 16 “superior” twin cabins have separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (78 x 62 inches). The difference between twin and superior twin cabins on the lower deck is their location in relation to engine room, stairs and salon and/or (in 3 cases) beds set in L-shape (optional triple cabin).
The upper deck offers 9 identical superior twin cabins (accommodation: s. lower deck) and 1 suite. The suite (approx. 140 sq. ft.) has the same amenities as the superior twin cabins, but is larger and – in addition – also has a mini-bar and a sofa. All upper premium deck cabins and the suite have a “French Balcony” (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) instead of a regular window. Beds in most cabins are normally set as hotel-style beds (78 x 62 inches) or, optional, on previous request, can be arranged as 2 separate single beds (78 x 31 inches).
Ship Details
Year Built: 1952, full refit: 2017/2018: Registry/flag: Dutch;
Length: 78.25 m (257 ft.) Width: 7.32 m (24 ft.);
Passenger capacity: 68-72, Cabins: 34; Number of crew: 11.
Currency on board: Euro; accepted cards: Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard (only with PIN).
Ship De Nassau
MS De Nassau (2024)
De Nassau is a cozy medium-sized river cruise ship. In the winter of 2018/19 the salon and restaurant on the upper deck, and the front “superior” cabins on the lower deck, were refurbished to create a more spacious and luxurious interior. The ship sails with Dutch management under the Dutch flag, and has always been a very popular match for various tours in Holland.
De Nassau has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar and a lounge area. Wi-Fi is available. On the partially covered sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay. Here you can relax, have a drink and enjoy the scenery while sailing. Bicycles are stored on a separate part of the sun deck.
Cabins
The lower deck features 21 twin cabins. There are 12 regular twin cabins (9m² / 97sq.ft.) at the back and middle of the lower deck, each with two single low beds (200x80cm / 78×31 inches).
At the front of the lower deck are nine newly-renovated “superior” cabins (9.5–11.5 m² / 102–124sq.ft.). Two superior cabins feature a double bed (200x160cm / 78×62 inches), while the other seven feature two separate beds set together as a hotel-style bed (200×160 cm / 78×62 inches). If requested in advance, these hotel-style beds can be arranged as two separate single beds (200x80cm / 78×31 inches).
All lower deck cabins have a small window that can be opened.
The upper deck offers 12 twin cabins (9m² / 97sq.ft.): 10 cabins with two single low beds (200x80cm / 78×31 inches), and two with a double bed (200x140cm / 78×55 inches). One upper deck cabin has the possibility for a third bunk bed (above one of the beds). All upper deck cabins have a window that can be opened.
All 33 cabins aboard De Nassau have an individual climate control system, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin.
Ship Details
Length: 72 m (236 ft.)
Width: 8,6 m (28 ft.)
Crew: 12
Cabins: 33
Pass.: 67 (max.)
Travel Dates & Prices 2023
Bike and Barge the Netherlands / Hansa Highlights - MS De Holland
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 €
Start Saturday Apr 04 - Oct 07, 2023
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
S. 4
Twin below deck
689,-
839,-
949,-
1059,-
Single below deck
1033,-
1258,-
1423,-
1588,-
Twin upper deck
939,-
1089,-
1199,-
1359,-
Twin upper als single
1408,-
1633,-
1798,-
2038,-
Suite upper deck
1189,-
1339,-
1449,-
1609,-
Triple below deck *
669,-
819,-
929,-
1039,-
Season 1
Apr 08, Oct 07
Season 2
Apr 15 + 22, Sep 23 + 30
Season 3
Apr 29 + Sep 09 + 16
Season 4
All departures May 06. - Sep 02
* 3-bed lower deck for one child only
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,- €
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 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 forquestions and/or emergencies)
- Some short walking tours
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Wi-Fi is available in restaurant – data use is not included
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
Not Included: 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
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, gelsaddle
(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 1.90m 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.
Route profile
The tour does not require a particularly high level of fitness. On the cycling tours you cycle through almost entirely flat terrain, often along rivers and lakes on good cycle paths, quiet side roads and farm tracks.
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 abou 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
How to get to Amsterdam
Arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal (main railway station). The mooring places is not far from the train station.
Arrival by car: Parking in Amsterdam: PARKING CENTRUM OOSTERDOK – directly at Central Station – for € 20,– per day – only for cars up to a height of 2.10 meters. 1355 parking places in a guarded by videos, brand new and clean building, close to the Central Station of Amsterdam. Address: Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
Arrival by plane: You can take the "Sneltrein" from the airport Amsterdam Schipol. It runs every 10 minutes to the railway station Amsterdam Centraal and takes about 20 minutes.
Travel Dates & Prices 2024
Bike and Barge the Netherlands / Hansa Highlights – MS De Nassau
Travel Dates and Prices 2024 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2024 per Person in €
Start Saturday Apr 06 - Oct 05, 2024
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
S. 4
Twin below deck
699,-
919,-
1029,-
1129,-
Superior Twin below deck
799,-
1019,-
1129,-
1229,-
Single below deck
1048,-
1378,-
1543,-
1693,-
Twin upper deck
799,-
1019,-
1129,-
1229,-
Twin upper als single
1198,-
1528,-
1693,-
1843,-
Season 1
Apr 06 + Oct 05
Season 2
Apr 13, Apr 20 + Sep 28
Season 3
Apr 27 + Sep 14 + Sep 21
Season 4
All departures May 04. - Sep 07
3rd bed upper deck for one child only
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
90,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
225,- €
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,- €
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 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 forquestions and/or emergencies)
- Some short walking tours
- Maps 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
Not Included: 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
Bicycles / E-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.
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 abou 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.
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.
How to get to Amsterdam
Arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal (main railway station). The mooring places is not far from the train station.
Arrival by car (Prices as of June 2023): Parking in Amsterdam: PARKING CENTRUM OOSTERDOK – directly at Central Station – for € 20,– per day – only for cars up to a height of 2.10 meters. 1355 parking places in a guarded by videos, brand new and clean building, close to the Central Station of Amsterdam. Address: Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
Arrival by plane: You can take the "Sneltrein" from the airport Amsterdam Schipol. It runs every 10 minutes to the railway station Amsterdam Centraal and takes about 20 minutes.