Itinerary
Bike and barge Netherlands: Hansa Highlights
8 days / 7 nights | Ship: De Holland | Semi-guided 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 named the Nassau, docked in a picturesque harbor along the route. The Nassau has room for up to sixty guests. 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. *
Cycle along an important trading route 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.
Through the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley 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.
* The Hanseatic Tour is a semi-guided tour. You’ll get a daily briefifing by the tour leader, but you cycle on your own.
Highlights of this bike and boat trip
✔ Cycling along the rivers Rhine and IJssel
✔ Hanseatic cities like Deventer and Kampen
✔ Learn about the reclaimed polderlands
✔ Stay on the comfortable bike-cruise ship MS De Holland
Route
Day 1 (Sat): 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 (Sun): 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 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 (Mon): Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (45 km/27 mi. or 55 km/35 mi.)
We leave Arnhem on the ship, 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 (Tue): Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen (40 km/25 mi or 56 km/35 mi.)
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 (Wed): Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk (48 km/29 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 (Thu): 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 (Fri): 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 (Sat): 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
Good to know
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.
All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
A knowledgeable and multilingual tour leader is available on board. 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 on board). The tour leader will also be cycling the daily tours and can – for assistance – be reached 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 (or more) 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 (first) day it is possible to put your luggage on board from 11:00 a.m..
Map

Ship De Holland
MS De Holland
Fully refurbished in 2017/2018, the 80 m long De Holland is a regular sight on the Northern Tour route, welcoming up to 68-72 guests on board. De Holland has a large salon with large panoramic windows on the upper deck that combines the restaurant, bar and a lounge area. Wi-Fi is available for guests in the salon (limited data packages included / additional data packages can be purchased online). On the partially roofed sun deck, chairs and sun loungers invite for a stay. Bicycles will be stored on a separate part of the sun deck. Inside areas of DE HOLLAND are non-smoking areas; the sun deck has a smokers’ area.
Onboard languages: English/German (international guests, international crew). All staterooms are well-equipped outside cabins. There are a total of 34 cabins (approx. 108 ft²) each with a modern en-suite bathroom (shower / toilet), 2 single beds next to each other, an individual climate control system, digital TV, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets. They also have a window (2.55 ft. x 1.28 ft.) that - for safety reasons - cannot be opened.
Cabins
Three “regular” twin cabins in the front have single beds, set in L-shape, and an additional Pullman Bed as optional third bed. Five twin cabins and 16 “superior” twin cabins have separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (78 x 62 inches). The difference between twin and superior twin cabins on the lower deck is their location in relation to engine room, stairs and salon and/or (in 3 cases) beds set in L-shape (optional triple cabin).
The upper deck offers 9 identical superior twin cabins (accommodation: s. lower deck) and 1 suite. The suite (approx. 140 sq. ft.) has the same amenities as the superior twin cabins, but is larger and – in addition – also has a mini-bar and a sofa. All upper premium deck cabins and the suite have a “French Balcony” (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) instead of a regular window. Beds in most cabins are normally set as hotel-style beds (78 x 62 inches) or, optional, on previous request, can be arranged as 2 separate single beds (78 x 31 inches).
Ship Details
Year Built: 1952, full refit: 2017/2018: Registry/flag: Dutch;
Length: 78.25 m (257 ft.) Width: 7.32 m (24 ft.);
Passenger capacity: 68-72, Cabins: 34; Number of crew: 11.
Currency on board: Euro; accepted cards: Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard (only with PIN).
Travel Dates & Prices 2022
Bike and Barge the Netherlands / Hansa Highlights - MS De Holland
DISCOUNT
On selected tours, we are now offering a 200 Euro discount per person.
This offer is only valid for the selected tours departing in July and August 2022 and if you book before June 30, 2022.
Only valid for new bookings.
Cannot be combined with other discounts.
Travel Dates and Prices 2022 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2022 per Person in €
Start Saturday May 05 - Oct 10, 2022
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
S. 4
Twin below deck
649,-
799,-
899,-
999,-
Single below deck
973,-
1198,-
1348,-
1498,-
Twin upper deck
899,-
1049,-
1149,-
1299,-
Twin upper als single
1348,-
1573,-
1723,-
1948,-
Suite upper deck
1099,-
1249,-
1349,-
1499,-
Triple below deck *
629,-
779,-
879,-
979,-
Season 1
Oct 10
Season 2
Sep 24, Oct 01
Season 3
Sep 10 + Sep 17
Season 4
All departures May 21. - Sep 03
* 3-bed lower deck for one child only
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
85,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
185,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
10,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
25,- €
Parking own bicycle
10,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
25,- €
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 8 days/7 nights
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches
- 7 x 3-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
- 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 forquestions 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 restaurant – data use is not included
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
Not Included: Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.; 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
Vaccination and health requirements for this tour:
For most of our tours, all travelers are subject to the rules that are imposed by the relevant authorities in the country of travel at the time of the trip. Currently (as of Nov. 1, 2021) this means either fully vaccinated, recovered or tested for almost all trips within the EU for EU citizens. In short: If you are allowed to (enter) a country and are healthy, you can also check in with us on board and enjoy your journey.
Bicycles / E-bikes
The bicycles on board are unisex city bikes of the brand Gazelle Chamonix and of the brand Velo de Ville C100, both with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, hand brakes, gelsaddle
(height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons. For large gentlemen (from 1.90m and above) we have a few traditional men’s models (with a horizontal bar) available.
The e-bike is a Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available (on request, limited stock, pending availability).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
How to get to Amsterdam
Arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal (main railway station). The mooring places is not far from the train station.
Arrival by car: Parking in Amsterdam: PARKING CENTRUM OOSTERDOK – directly at Central Station – for € 20,– per day – only for cars up to a height of 2.10 meters. 1355 parking places in a guarded by videos, brand new and clean building, close to the Central Station of Amsterdam. Address: Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
Arrival by plane: You can take the "Sneltrein" from the airport Amsterdam Schipol. It runs every 10 minutes to the railway station Amsterdam Centraal and takes about 20 minutes.
Travel Dates & Prices 2023
Bike and Barge the Netherlands / Hansa Highlights - MS De Holland
Travel Dates and Prices 2023 per Person
Please click at the travel data to open the request form.
Travel Dates
Prices 2023 per Person in €
Start Saturday Apr 04 - Oct 07, 2023
S. 1
S. 2
S. 3
S. 4
Twin below deck
689,-
839,-
949,-
1059,-
Single below deck
1033,-
1258,-
1423,-
1588,-
Twin upper deck
939,-
1089,-
1199,-
1359,-
Twin upper als single
1408,-
1633,-
1798,-
2038,-
Suite upper deck
1189,-
1339,-
1449,-
1609,-
Triple below deck *
669,-
819,-
929,-
1039,-
Season 1
Apr 08, Oct 07
Season 2
Apr 15 + 22, Sep 23 + 30
Season 3
Apr 29 + Sep 09 + 16
Season 4
All departures May 06. - Sep 02
* 3-bed lower deck for one child only
Optional services / Notes
Cycle hire (7 gears)
90,- €
E-bike hire (on request)
195,- €
Bike helmet hire
10,- €
Bike insurance/week (booking in advance)
10,- €
Bike insurance E-bike/week (booking in advance)
25,- €
Parking own bicycle
10,- €
Parking + charge station own E-Bike
25,- €
- Minimum number of participants: 18
Included
- 8 days/7 nights
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches
- 7 x 3-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board till 4 p.m.
- 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 forquestions 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 restaurant – data use is not included
- Carbon offset payment to the Non-Profit organization Justdiggit
Not Included: Coffee and tea on board after 4 p.m.; 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
Vaccination and health requirements for this tour:
For most of our tours, all travelers are subject to the rules that are imposed by the relevant authorities in the country of travel at the time of the trip. Currently (as of Nov. 1, 2021) this means either fully vaccinated, recovered or tested for almost all trips within the EU for EU citizens. In short: If you are allowed to (enter) a country and are healthy, you can also check in with us on board and enjoy your journey.
Bicycles / E-bikes
The bicycles on board are unisex city bikes of the brand Gazelle Chamonix and of the brand Velo de Ville C100, both with lightweight frames and normal mount (ladies model), with easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, hand brakes, gelsaddle
(height adjustable), a lock on the frame and pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons. For large gentlemen (from 1.90m and above) we have a few traditional men’s models (with a horizontal bar) available.
The e-bike is a Velo de Ville CEB 200 with Nexus 7 gears, 4 support levels and hand breaks only (or a comparable brand/model). E-bikes available (on request, limited stock, pending availability).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
You cycle independently
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 abou 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
How to get to Amsterdam
Arrival by train at Amsterdam Centraal (main railway station). The mooring places is not far from the train station.
Arrival by car: Parking in Amsterdam: PARKING CENTRUM OOSTERDOK – directly at Central Station – for € 20,– per day – only for cars up to a height of 2.10 meters. 1355 parking places in a guarded by videos, brand new and clean building, close to the Central Station of Amsterdam. Address: Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK Amsterdam.
Arrival by plane: You can take the "Sneltrein" from the airport Amsterdam Schipol. It runs every 10 minutes to the railway station Amsterdam Centraal and takes about 20 minutes.