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