Hanseatic Route Boat & Bike Tour

Boat & Bike 7 nights

VISITING: The Netherlands

Why we love this tour

"Get to know the medieval trade routes of the Netherlands as you cycle and cruise from and back to Amsterdam. Your onboard guide will help to provide interesting information for your rides. The city of Kampen has wonderful merchant ships and a historic centre that are well worth seeing."

Hanseatic cities with medieval houses, gates and towers

Fortress towns, fishing harbours and peaceful villages

Woods, moorlands and the beautiful Ijssel border lakes

Flat and leisurely cycling, with longer and shorter options on most days

Guiding
Self-Guided, Guided
Distance
145miles/233km
Level
Easy
Standard
Standard
Departs
Sat, Thu
Runs
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Code
NL041
Fly to
Amsterdam
Good for
Riverside Routes
Return
Amsterdam

Delve into the Netherlands' Hanseatic history as you cycle and cruise along the Rhine and the river IJssel - one of Europe's key medieval trade routes. Experience riverine landscapes, ancient cities and scenic harbour towns that have thrived since the Middle Ages. Along the way, you'll pedal past castles, heathlands and The Netherlands' smallest town, with the IJssel border lakes a highlight on day five. You will also visit Arnhem, riding through an area which played host to the WWII Battle in 1944.

A naturally beautiful area that's cherished by Dutch cyclists, you'll be riding on flat terrain and winding trails. Most evenings, you'll have the option to explore important Hanseatic cities, like Deventer and Kampen, on foot. Choose between longer and shorter distances each day, or take a day off to relax on deck and cruise to the next town. Your round-trip starts and finishes in Amsterdam, giving you time to enjoy the Dutch capital’s famous canals and museums.

Guests can choose between a self-guided tour or a guided tour.

 

Accommodation

MS Magnifique II - Guided

View full details of the MS Magnifique II.

The Magnifique II was built in 2016 after the success of the Magnifique. She is a 63 meter long premium barge that can accommodate up to 34 guests and sails under Dutch flag and management. The lower deck has 13 cabins: 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M²), 1 premium twin (approx. 13M²). The upper deck has four beautiful suites with a large panoramic window (14 M²). The cabins on the lower deck have fixed portholes with the upper deck suites having a 2 meter wide window (one window can be opened). All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer. If requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins above one of the other beds.

On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished air conditioned saloon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (limited use of data) and a partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables and on the aft deck cycle storage. On the top deck there is a hot tub and some deck chairs that you can enjoy after your cycle.

Magnifique II

Magnifique II

Lena Maria - Guided

View full details of the Lena Maria.

The comfortable Lena Maria barge has 12 lower deck twin cabins with a shower, toilet, hairdryer and a window.

The upper deck has a lounge with a bar and a dining area and you can relax on the sundeck with a drink as you take in the views.

Guests on the Lena Maria will have guided daily cycling with an English speaking tour leader.

Lena Maria

Lena Maria

De Nassau - Self Guided

The De Nassau river cruiser was partially renovated and restyled in 2019 and has 33 cabins for up to a maximum of 67 guests. The lower deck has 12 twin cabins (9 M²) and 7 superior twin cabins and 2 superior double cabins (9.5 – 11.5 M²). All lower deck cabins have a small window that can be opened. The upper deck has 10 twin cabins and 2 double cabins. All upper deck cabins have a window that opens. All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, small safe and hairdryer.

The upper deck has a large panoramic saloon with a restaurant, lounge and a bar. The sun deck is partially shaded and is a great place to relax after your cycle rides.

De Nassau

De Nassau

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What's included

Price includes

7 nights accommodation on the ship and cabin of your choice

Board basis: Full board including breakfast, packed lunches and three course dinners (Guests on the guided tour will have 6 dinners)

Services of an English speaking guide on-board only with daily briefings

Maps and route information (1 set per cabin) - GPS tracks available on request

Welcome meeting and drink on the first evening

Free tea and coffee until 4 p.m. 

Some short city walking tours 

Daily cabin cleaning 

Local contact number for assistance

Guided cycling (on guided tour)

Ferry Fees (on guided tour)

Helmet & water bottle (on guided tour)

Entrance to the airborne museum, visit to a Dutch cheese farm & a guided walk in Deventer ((on guided tour)

Price excludes

Flights and transfers

Bike hire

Entrance fees & excursions 

Drinks & tips on board

Special dietary requests - see below

Transfers to/from the docking in Amsterdam

Ferry fees (on self-guided tour)

Bike hire and extras

Bike hire

Bikes come with a pannier, a small repair kit, and lock all included at no extra cost.

Hybrid bike - Guided tour

£90

Hybrid bike - Self-guided tour

£90

E-bike - Guided tour

£248

E-bike - Self-guided tour

£224

Bringing own bike

£11

Bringing own E-bike (includes a charge station)

£26

Other Extras

Helmet

Helmet hire for self-guided tour guests

£11
Board upgrade

Gluten or lactose free diet (65 Euros payable locally) - please select if applicable

£0

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Friendly service with expert knowledge

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Easy to book and pay online

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Full financial protection

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.

How do I get there?

Fly to Amsterdam Aiport Schiphol and take the train (NS) to Amsterdam Central Station and then take a taxi to your barge. 

Alternatively by train, take the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam.

How do I get back?

Take the train (NS) from Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Alternatively, take the Eurostar from Amsterdam or ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich, UK.

What is an ‘Easy’ cycle holiday?

Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!

We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.

 

What is the average temperature on this tour?
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
10°C

14°C

17°C

18°C20°C17°C13°C

 

Will the itinerary ever change?

For Boat & Bike tours the boat will generally keep to the advertised itinerary, however the captain may have to adapt the itinerary due to the river or sea conditions.

How much space will I have in my cabin?

There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.

Can I stay on the boat during the day and not cycle?

Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling. 

Can the boat cater for special dietary requirements?

Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement. 

Can I book by myself?

Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.

Have another question? Get in Touch with us
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Freedom Treks is run by a small team of passionate cyclists, we can help find a tour that is right for you.

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