Bike and Barge
Heart of Holland
- NL266 / Netherlands
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Bike and Barge
Easy
Route suitable for everyone, in good health
- Flat
- Paved terrain
- Up to 45 chilometers per day, with the possibility of skipping the stage by staying on the boat
- Recommended training: a few rides to get used to the saddle
- Self-guided Self-guided Travel at your own pace following maps, roadbooks and information material. When travelling, you can always count on our assistance.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
- 8 days
-
- round tour from Amsterdam
- Full board included
Highlights
This tour is perfect if you are fascinated by landscapes with large wooded expanses and ancient Hanseatic towns. Explore the Dutch hinterland at your own pace and spend the nights aboard an elegant riverboat. Pedal through the Veluwe National Park full of forests and heathlands, discover small villages where ancient traditions still reign. and enjoy relaxing Dutch views from your floating hotel.
- An immersion in the wild scenery of the Veluwe National Park
- The traditional architecture of Hanseatic towns
- The vibrant capital of the Netherlands: Amsterdam
What awaits you
A week-long bike and barge tour in Holland: the land of bicycles! Its terrain is completely flat, and the bike paths, almost all of which are paved, are always well marked. Some stages include a choice between a short and a longer ride, and if one day you don't feel like cycling, you have the option of relaxing on board the boat. The only variable to keep an eye on is the weather: a little wind or rain could make your ride more adventurous.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. During dinner, the chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Embarking in Amsterdam and sailing to Wijk bij Duurstede
Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. The barge sails at 2:00 p.m. and takes you on the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a quaint town on the banks of the Rhine River.
2. Riding to Arnhem, through lush forests and parks
While you enjoy breakfast, the boat sails gently to Wageningen. It’s off on the first ride of the week: ride through the Lower Rhine Valley, the great Veluwe forest area and the enchanting Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal parks. The day’s destination is Arnhem.
* Possibility to shorten the bike stage by about 10 km.
3. From little Doesburg to Deventer, through the Dutch countryside
Today the boat leaves you in tiny Doesburg, where the two-wheeled stage begins. You first reach Bronkhorst, the smallest town in Holland, and then you have two options to reach Zutphen and Deventer. You can take the ferry to reach the western bank of the IJssel River, or stay on the eastern bank.
Pedal through the gentle Dutch countryside to Zutphen. The day on the pedals ends in Deventer, known for its delicious spicy gingerbread! In the evening your escort offers a short guided walking tour of the city.
* Possibility to shorten the bike stage by about 10 km.
4. Along the river or through the woods to Kampen
Today you leave Wijhe for the fascinating Hattem. Here again you can choose two routes: a shorter one along the river, or a longer one of 20 km through the eastern Veluwe area. Cycle to Zwolle, an ancient Hanseatic city that is now dynamic and full of activity, and then on to Kampen, where the boat awaits you. In the evening you can discover the old town center, which holds more than 500 magnificent monuments.
*Possibility to shorten the bike stage by about 15 km.
5. The fishing port of Elburg and the charming Harderwijk
After breakfast, saddle up for today’s stage, which takes you from Kampen along the border lakes to Elburg, a fishing port and a great place for water sports enthusiasts. Some more nature immersion among the forests and moors of the Veluwe National Park to charming Harderwijk, where you find the boat moored in the old harbor.
*Possibility to shorten the bike stage by about 10 km.
6. Pedaling to Huizen along border lakes or through forests
Quiet pedaling along the shoreline of the border lakes or longer to the adjacent forests? Again, you choose which route to take today!
In the afternoon, pass through Spakenburg, a small fishing village where simple, traditional life still reigns. Finally arrive in Huizen, a pretty town where the boat stays moored for the night.
*Possibility to shorten the bike stage by about 10 km.
7. The fortified citadels of Naarden and Muiden and return to the capital city
For the last day of pedaling, set off from Huizen to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden, famous for its historic waterfront castle. The rest of the ride is on quiet roads that take you to your final destination: Amsterdam. Take advantage of the afternoon and evening to explore the capital and be enveloped in its vibrant atmosphere.
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 72 guests, 34 cabins
De Nassau
- comfort Gold
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 72 guests, 34 cabins
The boat De Nassau sails along Dutch canals and waterways. In the common areas: a welcoming restaurant, a sitting and lounge area with TV and a spacious, partially covered sundeck with chairs and sun loungers to enjoy the scenery while sailing.
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins on the lower deck with two single low beds
- 1 single cabin on the lower deck
- 9 superior double cabins on the lower deck with two separate beds set together as a hotel-style bed
- 12 double cabins on the upper deck with a double bed or two single low beds. One upper deck cabin has the possibility for a third bunk bed (above one of the beds)
Cabins on the lower deck measure 9-11 sq. meters and their windows cannot be opened; cabins on the upper deck measure 9 sq. meters and their windows can be opened.
All cabins have en-suite bathroom and shower, an individual climate control system, mini-safe, TV, small wardrobe and hair dryer.
Common areas
- spacious and bright salon with big panoramic windows
- restaurant, bar and lounge area
- sundeck with tables and chairs
2025
Departures on Saturday
go to online quote
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Bed sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 7 dinners, drinks excluded
- Welcome drink
- Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English-speaking tour leader on board
Each evening the tour leader gives a briefing of the next day’s stage, providing tips and information about the route and is your point of reference. During the day you cycle independently with tracks and route descriptions provided. The tour leader also cycles the routes and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material
On board you will find:
- maps and route description (1 set per cabin)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Beverages on board
- Entrance tickets
- Fees for ferries
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin/room
- Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 14 €/week for the standard bike, 28 €/week for the e-bike (only bookable in advance)
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Level: 1
- Total length: 300 km
- Terrain: mainly on paved cycle paths or on secondary roads with little traffic
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled between 1 PM and 2 PM in Amsterdam. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
The closest airport is Amsterdam Schipol (AMS).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
By train
For information on timetables and prices you can consult theDutch Railways NS official website.
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Luisa
Published: 08 Aug 2024
Felice
Published: 05 Aug 2023
Maria
Published: 21 Apr 2023
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