Tap to search

loading

Hansa Hilites 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (dH)

  • 8days
  • Netherlands

Single bed room:
Twin bed room:
Double bed room:
Pay your deposit online
Bike & Barge Tours Europe
Print

Historic Hansa Hilites Bike & Barge Tour

During this fascinating bike and barge cruise onboard you will be given the opportunity to immerse yourself in the medieval Hanseatic period of Dutch history. On a daily basis, you will cycle through the central region of Holland and will have the opportunity to discover the region’s fascinating history, beautiful river landscapes, diverse natural areas, numerous historical cities and picturesque harbour towns.

Numerous rivers and streams, the Rhine valley and diverse natural areas - Hanseatic Tour

This area of modern-day Holland thrived during the Middle Ages under the auspices of the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation created to protect the economic interests of cities and countries throughout the Baltic region. Explore this area – one of the most loved amongst Dutch cyclists – by bike and barge.

The Hanseatic Tour will take you through the central region of the Netherlands, a region shaped over millennia by the numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the area. You will cycle through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel River, cross the so-called border lakes region of Holland and will visit fascinating cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Doesburg, Deventer, Hardenwijk and Elburg, to name a few. Given the flat terrain along the 125 km IJssel valley, the tour is perfect for anyone who wants to leisurely cycle along the many winding trails in this diverse and fascinating area. The natural beauty of the region is sure to impress as will the Hanseatic towns of the region that flourished during the Middle Ages when the IJssel was one of the most important trade routes in Europe. Another attraction is the so-called border lakes of the IJssel, which lie between the “old” land of many beautiful harbour towns and the “new” land of the Flevoland, which was once the bottom of the IJssel lake before the land was reclaimed in 1932. In this area, you will leisurely cycle through a number of picturesque fishing harbours where life seemingly moves at a much slower pace.

Accommodation:

The cozy river cruiser offers a home away from home for about 70 passengers. The ship has been completely renovated and restyled in the winter of 2017 – 2018. All of the 34 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 roofed sun deck, where chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay

Included in the Bike and Barge Tour:

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 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
  • Climate-controlled cabin
  • Daily briefings
  • Semi-guided cycling tours (independent cycling, tour leader is available for questions 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 the restaurant – data use is not included

Not included in the tour:

  • Coffee and tea on board after 4pm
  • 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

Notes:

  • All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
  • A knowledgeable and multilingual tour leader is available onboard. He/she will provide you with all necessary tour information during daily briefings.  You will cycle the tours independently, at your own pace, with the help of a detailed cycling map, GPS-tracks and printed route notes (available onboard).
  • The tour leader will also be cycling the daily tours and can be reached for assistance on his/her mobile phone in cases of emergency or technical breakdown of the bicycle.
  • During days when several bicycle options are possible, not all mentioned highlights can be visited during the shorter cycling options.
  • If you don’t feel like cycling for a day you are welcome to relax and stay on board while the ship is sailing. But please note: lunch will not be served on board. So you can enjoy your packed lunch.
  • On the arrival please bring your luggage on board from 11:00am
  • Canal cruise Amsterdam: Ticket for a 1-hour canal cruise through Amsterdam – special price for our guests: 14 EUR (at the ticket desk approx. 18 EUR). Please book your ticket in advance and you can collect it on board of your ship on the first day of the tour.

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 (90 EUR) or e-bike (195 EUR) helmet (10 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]

Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe

Read More

  • Day 1

    Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede

    Embarkation and check-in in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board between 1 and 2pm. At approximately 2pm your barge 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.

  • Day 2

    Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem 35km or 44km

    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 centre 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

    Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer 45km or 55km

    We leave Arnhem on the barge, 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. The shorter option goes along the river IJssel to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, you continue to Zutphen along the riverbank. The longer trip goes via Vorden, where you’ll be passing country houses, castles and rural estates. Both options end 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.

  • Day 4

    Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen 44km or 56km

    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

    Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk 48km

    From Kampen, our cycling tour leads along the Border Lakes to the fishing harbour of Elburg. Here, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favourite 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 harbour. 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 45km or 56km

    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 35km

    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 9.30am, enjoy a nice breakfast.

    The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

  • Read More

Tours marked with are special prices.

Start End Max. No. Guests Accommodation Price p.p.
May 27 2023 Jun 03 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jun 03 2023 Jun 10 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jun 10 2023 Jun 17 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jun 17 2023 Jun 24 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jun 24 2023 Jul 01 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jul 01 2023 Jul 08 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jul 08 2023 Jul 15 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jul 15 2023 Jul 22 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jul 22 2023 Jul 29 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Jul 29 2023 Aug 05 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Aug 05 2023 Aug 12 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Aug 12 2023 Aug 19 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Aug 19 2023 Aug 26 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Aug 26 2023 Sep 02 2023 71 Single rooms 1,589€
Double rooms 1,059€
Sep 02 2023 Sep 09 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 1,059€
Sep 09 2023 Sep 16 2023 71 Single rooms 1,424€
Double rooms 949€
Sep 16 2023 Sep 23 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 949€
Sep 23 2023 Sep 30 2023 71 Single rooms 0€
Double rooms 839€
Sep 30 2023 Oct 07 2023 71 Single rooms 1,634€
Double rooms 1,089€
Oct 07 2023 Oct 14 2023 71 Single rooms 1,034€
Double rooms 689€

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

Is this what you're looking for? We have other tours like this one.
TapClick here to get in touch with our friendly customer service.
Stay in the loop, find out about our upcoming Slow Tours and be inspired
  Follow us on Facebook

In Bike & Barge Tours Europe, you could also check out these tours

Tours Europe bikes
Bike & Barge Tours Europe
Bruges to Amsterdam 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (MGIII)
from 1,489€
Add this tour to your wishlist
Your wishlist is where you can save tours for later to view and compare prices
Read more
Maximum participants  40
The maximum capacity that this boat may carry is: 40 people
cycling
Bike & Barge Tours Europe
Mantua to Venice 8-day Bike & Barge Tour Level 1 (AM)
from 1,130€
Add this tour to your wishlist
Your wishlist is where you can save tours for later to view and compare prices
Read more
Maximum participants  33
The maximum capacity that this boat may carry is: 33 people
tulips
Bike & Barge Tours Europe
Holland's Tulips 8-day Bike and Barge tour (SH)
from 0€
Add this tour to your wishlist
Your wishlist is where you can save tours for later to view and compare prices
Read more
Maximum participants  22
The maximum capacity that this boat may carry is: 22 people
Scroll Down
Send an Enquiry
Enquire
Send an enquiry