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Hansa Highlights 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (dN)

  • 8days
  • Netherlands

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Twin bed room:
Double bed room:
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Bike & Barge Tours Europe
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Highlights of the Hanseatic region Bike & Barge 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, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route.

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. 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. 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.

Tour Character: Level 1 Independent cycling

Easy tours, very flat terrain. 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 about 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

Accommodation:

The cozy river cruiser offers a home away from home for about 67 passengers. The ship has been partly renovated and restyled in the winter of 2018/19. All of the 33 cabins are well-equipped and perfect for a good night’s’ sleep. In the large salon on the upper deck, with large panoramic windows around, you will find the restaurant, bar and lounge area. This is a great spot for some serious relaxing, drinking and eating after a day on the pedals! Unless there is sun, then you should go to the partially covered sun deck, where chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay.

  • 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 have an individual climate control system, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin.

Included in the Bike and Barge Tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7x Breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board till 4pm
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Daily cleaning of the cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Climate controlled cabins
  • Semi Guided cycling tours (independent cycling, tour leader is available for questions and/or emergencies)
  • Some short walking tours
  • Fees for ferries
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant - data use is not included

Not included in the tour:

  • Drinks
  • Coffee and tea on board after 4pm
  • Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
  • Helmet rental (10 EUR)
  • Personal insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)
  • Entrance fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers to/from the docking place
  • Parking fees
  • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person

Notes:

  • All distances shown are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
  • Cabin upgrades available (superior lower deck or twin/ double upper deck cabins) on request only
  • Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for guests: € 18 (at the ticket desk approx.: € 22). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.
  • 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. 

Arrival/parking/departure:

  • Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.
  • Departures Saturday only

If you would like to rent a bike (91 EUR ) or e-bike (245 EUR) helmet (10 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]

Slow Tours offers a number of other Bike & Barge Tours in Europe

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  • Day 1

    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

    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 De Holland 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

    Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)

    We leave Arnhem on the De Holland, 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

    Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 mi.)

    During breakfast the De Holland 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. After dinner, you can enjoy the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.

  • Day 5

    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

    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

    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

    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.

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Tours marked with are special prices.

Start End Max. No. Guests Accommodation Price p.p.
Apr 05 2025 Apr 12 2025 71 Single rooms 1,350€
Double rooms 899€
Apr 12 2025 Apr 19 2025 71 Single rooms 1,499€
Double rooms 999€
Apr 19 2025 Apr 26 2025 71 Single rooms 1,499€
Double rooms 999€
Apr 26 2025 May 03 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
May 03 2025 May 10 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
May 10 2025 May 17 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
May 17 2025 May 24 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
May 24 2025 May 31 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
May 31 2025 Jun 07 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Jun 07 2025 Jun 14 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Jun 14 2025 Jun 21 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Jun 21 2025 Jun 28 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Jun 28 2025 Jul 05 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Jul 05 2025 Jul 12 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Jul 12 2025 Jul 19 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Jul 19 2025 Jul 26 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Jul 26 2025 Aug 02 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Aug 02 2025 Aug 09 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Aug 09 2025 Aug 16 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Aug 16 2025 Aug 23 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Aug 23 2025 Aug 30 2025 71 Single rooms 1,874€
Double rooms 1,249€
Aug 30 2025 Sep 06 2025 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,399€
Sep 06 2025 Sep 13 2025 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,399€
Sep 13 2025 Sep 20 2025 71 Single rooms 1,724€
Double rooms 1,149€
Sep 20 2025 Sep 27 2025 71 Single rooms 1,499€
Double rooms 999€
Sep 27 2025 Oct 04 2025 71 Single rooms 1,274€
Double rooms 849€
Oct 04 2025 Oct 11 2025 71 Single rooms 1,124€
Double rooms 749€

Car rental in Netherlands

If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.

Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote

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