Netherlands
Bike & barge tour along Dutch Historic Hanseatic Cities
8 days
Bike and barge tours
Departure days: Friday, Saturday
230km
Easy
8 days / 7 nights · Amsterdam round trip · approx. 228–310 km (142–193 miles) depending on your route · Easy, flat · Guided, with the option to ride on your own · Departures on Saturdays, May to September
8-day guided bike and barge tour from Amsterdam | Rhine, IJssel, Veluwe and Dutch Hanseatic cities
About this bike and barge tour in the Netherlands
Cycle through the Netherlands for 8 days and sleep on your ship every night on this Netherlands bike and barge tour — also called a bike and boat tour. You ride along the Rhine and IJssel rivers to historic Hanseatic cities such as Arnhem, Zutphen, Deventer, Kampen and Elburg. Your barge sails to the next port while you cycle, so you unpack only once and your luggage stays on board.
Along the way you’ll cross the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem, the site of Operation Market Garden in 1944, and trace the trading routes once used by Amsterdam’s 17th-century merchants — the same maritime history that shaped the Dutch East India Company (VOC).
Each day you choose a shorter or longer route, from about 27 to 61 km (17 to 38 miles). The routes are flat and easy. A tour leader rides with the group, and you can also ride on your own with the GPS routes.
Quick answers
| Description | Info |
|---|---|
| Tour type | Guided bike and barge tour |
| Duration | 8 days / 7 nights |
| Start and finish | Amsterdam (Oosterdok) |
| Cycling days | 6 |
| Distance per day | 27–61 km (17–38 miles), short or long route |
| Total distance | approx. 228–310 km (142–193 miles) |
| Terrain | Flat, easy |
| Ship | Small ship, 22 to 24 guests |
| Departures 2027 | Saturdays, 22 May to 25 September |
| Price | From €1,299 per person (prices in euros) |
Why choose this Netherlands bike and barge tour?
- Cycle through historic Hanseatic cities along the IJssel
- Start and finish in Amsterdam
- Stay on the same ship all week: pack once
- Choose the short or long route every day
- Ride with the tour leader or on your own with GPS
- Stay on board and sail if you do not want to cycle one day
- Flat routes through river valleys, forests, heathlands and polders
- E-bikes available on request
- All departures guaranteed, no minimum number of participants
Cycle Through the Historic Heart of the Netherlands
TThe Hanseatic League was a medieval network of trading cities across northern Europe. Several cities on the IJssel joined it. Today you can still see their old city gates, merchant houses, harbors and churches.
On this tour you cycle through:
the Randmeren lake district
the Rhine Valley and the IJssel Valley
the Veluwe, with forests and heathlands
traditional Dutch polders
former Zuiderzee fishing villages
Day to day itinerary
Check in on board between 1:00 and 2:00 pm at Amsterdam Oosterdok, the departure point for this Netherlands bike and barge tour. At 2:00 pm the ship leaves through the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal for Wijk bij Duurstede, where you spend your first night. Amsterdam itself was the trading hub of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) in the 17th century — the same commercial network that later linked up with the Hanseatic cities you’ll cycle to this week.
While you have breakfast, the ship sails to Wageningen. You cycle through the Rhine Valley to Oosterbeek, home to the Airborne Museum, then continue into Arnhem — a former Hanseatic city and the site of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem (Operation Market Garden). You’ll cross the John Frost Bridge, made famous by that battle, on your way into the city center.
Cycle through the Hanseatic town of Doesburg and along the IJssel River to Bronkhorst, the smallest officially recognized town in the Netherlands. Take the shorter riverside route to Zutphen, or the longer route past country estates and castles. In the evening the ship moors in Deventer, one of the best-preserved Hanseatic cities on the IJssel, where an optional guided walk (on selected ships) covers its medieval merchant history.
Cycle to historic Hattem and on to Zwolle, a former Hanseatic trading city with a well-preserved medieval center, before finishing in Kampen — the largest Hanseatic city in the Netherlands. Explore Kampen’s historic gates, churches and merchant houses in the evening.
Ride along the Randmeren lake district to the fortified former Hanseatic port of Elburg, then through the forests and heathlands of the Veluwe to Harderwijk, a historic city on the former Zuiderzee coast. Dinner is not on board tonight, enjoy a meal at one of Harderwijk’s restaurants.
Cycle along the IJsselmeer coast, or combine it with the adjoining forests for the longer route. Overnight in Spakenburg, a traditional Dutch fishing village still known for its historic harbor and traditional folk costume.
Ride through the star-shaped fortified town of Naarden and past the medieval Muiderslot castle in Muiden before returning to Amsterdam. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the Dutch capital.
Disembark after breakfast, by 9:30 am. Your 8-day Netherlands bike and barge tour through the historic Hanseatic cities ends here, see you next time!
Routemap of this 8-day bike and barge tour
Which Hanseatic Cities Will You Visit?
This Netherlands bike and barge holiday combines several historic Hanseatic cities with Dutch nature, rivers and traditional towns.
Depending on the route, you will discover destinations including:
Arnhem
A historic city on the Rhine, known internationally for its role in the Battle of Arnhem.
Doesburg
A beautifully preserved historic town on the IJssel with medieval roots and a rich Hanseatic past.
Zutphen
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, situated along the IJssel and known for its historic centre and monuments.
Deventer
One of the most important historic Hanseatic cities on the IJssel, with medieval streets and impressive merchant houses.
Zwolle
A former Hanseatic trading city with a historic city centre and impressive medieval architecture.
Kampen
A former trading powerhouse on the IJssel, with historic gates, churches and merchant buildings.
Elburg
A fortified former Hanseatic town near the former Zuiderzee.
Harderwijk
A historic city on the former Zuiderzee, now situated on the Veluwe Randmeren.
Spakenburg
A traditional fishing village famous for its harbour and maritime heritage.
Naarden
A remarkably well-preserved fortified town with distinctive star-shaped defensive works.
Muiden
A historic town near Amsterdam, best known for the medieval Muiderslot castle.
Your barge is your floating hotel
One of the biggest advantages of a bike and barge holiday in the Netherlands is that your accommodation travels with you.
While you cycle during the day, the ship sails to your next destination.
You therefore do not have to:
- pack your suitcase every morning;
- transport luggage between hotels;
- check into a different hotel every evening;
- worry about where your luggage will be at the end of the cycling day.
Instead, your cabin remains your base throughout the journey.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board, relax on deck after cycling and take in the Dutch landscape from the water.
Ships
Depending on your departure date, you may travel on one of the following ships:
Flora – Comfort class, maximum 24 guests
Sarah – Comfort class, maximum 22 guests
Lena Maria – Premium class, maximum 26 guests
The ship depends on the selected departure date.
Sights along the route
Amsterdam
Your journey begins in Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. With its UNESCO-listed canal ring, world-famous museums and lively harbour terraces, Amsterdam is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable bike and barge holiday through the Netherlands, exploring the country’s historic Hanseatic cities.
Deventer
Deventer is one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful and best-preserved Hanseatic cities. Its picturesque canals, medieval city centre and excellent museums make it a highlight along the IJssel River. During a guided walking tour with a local guide, you’ll discover the fascinating trading history and rich heritage of this historic Dutch city.
Kampen
Kampen, the largest Hanseatic city in the Netherlands, brings medieval history to life around every corner. Impressive historic city gates, a beautifully preserved medieval city centre and a lively harbour along the IJssel River make Kampen a memorable stop on your Hanseatic cities bike and barge holiday in the Netherlands.
Doesburg & Bronkhorst
Doesburg is one of the smallest yet best-preserved Hanseatic towns in the Netherlands. Just a short bike ride away lies Bronkhorst, officially the smallest town in the Netherlands, known for its charming half-timbered houses and peaceful, rustic atmosphere along the IJssel River.
Spakenburg
Spakenburg is a picturesque Dutch fishing village where time seems to have stood still. Traditional Dutch costumes, colourful wooden fishing boats and an authentic historic harbour make Spakenburg one of the most distinctive and photogenic stops on a bike and barge holiday in the Netherlands.
Naarden & Muiderslot
Naarden is one of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe, famous for its unique star-shaped fortifications, which can be clearly seen from the air. Nearby, Muiderslot Castle, the Netherlands’ most famous medieval moated castle, provides a spectacular finale to your bike and barge holiday through the historic Hanseatic cities of the Netherlands.
Zutphen
Zutphen is one of the Netherlands’ most beautiful and lesser-known Hanseatic cities. The impressive St. Walburgis Church, home to the Netherlands’ oldest public library, the medieval Berkel Gate and picturesque canals make Zutphen a hidden gem along the IJssel River. It’s an ideal stop for cyclists who enjoy history, culture and an authentic Dutch city atmosphere.
New to the Netherlands?
Our travel guide has fun facts, tips on weather and bike paths, and the best time to visit. Read the Netherlands travel guide
Who Is This Netherlands Bike & Barge Tour For?
This tour is suitable for travellers who want to:
- discover the Netherlands actively;
- explore historic Hanseatic cities;
- cycle predominantly flat routes;
- combine cycling with a relaxing boat journey;
- avoid changing hotels every night;
- travel with a small group;
- have the option of shorter or longer cycling routes;
- rent an e-bike if preferred.
It is particularly suitable for couples, friends and active travellers looking for a comfortable way to explore the Netherlands by bicycle.
Prices & departure dates
Book with confidence – all departure dates are guaranteed!
Enjoy a bike and barge tour through the historic Hanseatic cities of the Netherlands with no minimum number of participants. Your departure is guaranteed, so you can book with complete peace of mind.
2027
Book with Confidence – All Departure Dates Are Guaranteed!
Bike & barge tour along the Historic Hanseatic Cities – No Minimum Number of Participants Required, Your Departure Is Guaranteed.
| Ship & departure dates 2027 | Cabin type | Price p.p. (2 persons) | Single occupancy | 3 or more persons, p.p. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flora 22 May, 29 May, 5 June, 17 July, 24 July, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 18 Sep | Twin, lower deck (2 separate beds) | €1,649 | €2,423.50 | €1,549 |
| Double, lower deck (1 double bed) | €1,649 | €2,423.50 | N/A | |
| Flora 25 Sep | Twin, lower deck | €1,499 | €2,198.50 | €1,399 |
| Double, lower deck | €1,499 | €2,198.50 | N/A | |
| Sarah 26 June, 3 July | Twin, lower deck | €1,649 | €2,423.50 | N/A |
| Twin or triple, lower deck (for 2 or 3 persons) | €1,649 | €2,423.50 | €1,549 | |
| Double, lower deck | €1,649 | €2,423.50 | N/A | |
| Lena Maria 27 Aug | Twin, lower deck | €1,999 | €2,948.50 | N/A |
| Single cabin, lower deck | N/A | €2,569 | N/A |
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights on board
- 7 x breakfast (buffet)
- Packed lunches
- 7 x three-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board
- Welcome drink
- Bed linen and towels
- Cabin cleaning during the trip
- Daily briefings
- Semi-guided cycling tours (you ride independently; the tour leader cycles the route too)
- A few short guided walks
- Cycling map and route notes (1 set per cabin)
- GPS routes
- Use of a waterproof bike bag
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Wi-Fi on board
- CO2 emissions of this trip are offset
Not included
- Drinks
- Bicycle or e-bike rental
- Bike helmet rental
- Personal travel and cancellation insurance
- Tips
- Sightseeing and entrance fees
- Travel to and from Amsterdam
- Ferry costs
- Parking
Optional extras
| Extra | Price |
|---|---|
| Rental bike | €108 |
| Rental e-bike | €300 |
| Bringing your own bike | €16 |
| Bringing your own e-bike | €319 |
| Damage liability waiver – rental bike | €16 |
| Damage liability waiver – rental e-bike | €31 |
| Helmet | €11 |
E-bikes are available on request and are subject to limited availability. Early reservation is recommended. Helmets and liability waivers must be booked in advance. Limited parking is available – advance reservation is required at the time of booking.
Bikes & E-Bikes
During the Historic Hanseatic Cities Bike & Barge Tour, you’ll discover some of the Netherlands’ most fascinating historic cities by bike. A comfortable and reliable rental bike makes it easy to explore historic town centers, riverside landscapes and the scenic countryside along the route.
Azor Rental Bike
The standard rental bike on board is a comfortable Azor unisex city bike with a low step-through frame and an upright riding position. It is designed for relaxed cycling and is an excellent choice for exploring the historic Hanseatic cities along the route.
The bike features a lightweight aluminum frame, responsive hand-operated roller brakes and a Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub gear system. A comfortable, adjustable Selle Royal gel saddle, a practical frame-mounted lock and Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires complete the bike.
The combination of a lightweight frame, stable handling and reliable components makes the Azor a comfortable choice for daily cycling during your Hanseatic Cities bike and barge tour.
Three different frame sizes are available on board, allowing you to choose a bike that suits your height.
Each rental bike comes with a removable pannier, bicycle pump and repair kit. These items are included in the bike rental price.
Granville E-Bike
Prefer some extra assistance while cycling? A limited number of e-bikes are available on board. E-bikes can be reserved upon request when booking and are available for an additional fee.
You should be an experienced cyclist and comfortable operating an electric bicycle before starting your cycling tour.
The Granville E-Urban e-bike features a Shimano Nexus 7-speed hub gear system and hand brakes. Its Bosch 500 Wh mid-drive motor offers four levels of electric assistance, allowing you to adjust the support to your preferred pace and the conditions along the route.
The e-bike is equipped with a comfortable gel saddle and a practical frame-mounted lock.
If a Granville e-bike is not available, a comparable make and model will be provided.
Practical information
- Tour type: Self-guided bike and barge tour, tour leader present
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Guiding: Semi-guided — you cycle independently at your own pace; the tour leader rides the same route and is reachable by phone
- Cycling days: 6 active cycling days
- Distances: approx. 35–56 km per day, choice of shorter or longer route
- Elevation: Minimal — level 1, very flat terrain
- Difficulty: Easy — suitable for everyone with basic fitness
- Start point: Amsterdam
- End point: Amsterdam
- Bring your own bike or e-bike: possible, limited on-board parking, reserve in advance
- Ships: Flora (Comfort), Lena Maria (Premium), Sarah (Comfort)
Frequently Asked Questions
On a bike and barge tour, you combine cycling with sailing. During the day you cycle at your own pace past historic cities and beautiful nature. In the evening your ship moors in a new harbor, where you enjoy dinner, an overnight stay and breakfast on board — the best way to discover the Netherlands.
On this tour you visit Amsterdam, Arnhem, Doesburg, Bronkhorst, Zutphen, Deventer, Kampen, Elburg, Harderwijk, Spakenburg, Naarden and Muiden. Each city has its own character and rich Hanseatic history.
Yes. The terrain along the Rhine and IJssel is completely flat — level 1. Each day you choose the shorter or longer route (27–61 km), so the Hanseatic Cities tour suits anyone with a basic level of fitness.
Yes, e-bikes are available on all ships. Numbers are limited, so early reservation is strongly recommended. The e-bike has a 400 Wh battery with three support levels.
No problem. You’re always welcome to stay on board and sail for the day, enjoying the Dutch landscape in comfort from the deck.
Yes, an experienced tour leader accompanies you on all daily cycling routes. You can also ride independently using the free Ride with GPS app and the onboard cycling map.
7 nights on board, 7× breakfast, packed lunches, 6× three-course dinner, coffee and tea on board, guided cycling tours, GPS routes, cycling map, waterproof bike bag, water bottle and ferry costs. Bicycle rental is not included.
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