Bike cruises on the Dutch waterways

Accomodation on a comfortable sailing ship or a river cruiser.
Enjoy the landscape and cities by bike and boat.

Tulip Tour with Boat & Bike
Colourful Spring around Amsterdam

cycling holidays holland Tulip Tours

5 Days from/to Amsterdam    TUP

A shorter bike cruise in spring hrough the flowering tulip fields of Holland. With a visit to the world famous Keukenhof, the Zaanse Schans Museum and Aalsmeer.

Price from: € 789,-

Accommodation: MS Fluvius
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
85 kms /53 miles Guided

Sailing and biking around the IJsselmeer Clipper Elizabeth

Sailing and biking around the Lake Ijssel

8 Days from/to Amsterdam    ELI

Take an exciting discovery boat and bike-tour from Amsterdam on a beautifully appointed sailing ship. Route along the Ijsselmeer coast with charming historic towns, polders and excellent cycle paths.

Price from: € 1049,-

Accommodation: Elizabeth
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
154-205 kms /95-127 miles Self-guided

Bike and barge South Holland: The "Green Heart" Windmills & historical towns. MS De Amsterdam

South Holland holidays Windmills & historical towns

8 Days from/to Amsterdam    SUD

Beautiful polder landscape, the cities of Amsterdam, Delft and Rotterdam. Including a cycletour to the windmills of Kinderdijk.

Price from: € 799,-

Accommodation: De Amsterdam
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
198-288 kms /123-179 miles Self-guided

Cycling holidays Holland: Bike and barge - North Sea coast and IJsselmeer towns.

North Holland holidays

8 Days from/to Amsterdam    NOR

Cycletours with many highlights along the coast of North Holland, with the North Sea Island Texel, beaches and the cities of Amsterdam and Alkmaar.

Price from: € 759,-

Accommodation: MS De Willemstad
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
200-308 kms /124-191 miles Self-guided

North Holland by Boat and Bike I MS Serena

hotel and bike with luggage service North Holland

8 Days from/to Enkhuizen    SER

And there is so much more. Discover the Netherlands in a unique way on an 8-days-journey by bike and boat. Well-built cycle paths as well as wide and extensive waterways guarantee an unforgettable holiday.

Price from: € 699,-

Accommodation: MS Serena
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
205-279 kms /128-178 miles Self-guided

Discover Friesland: Boat Bike Cruises Holland

cycling holidays Friesland

8 Days from/to Enkhuizen    EDF

You'll cycle along canals and lakes, through open farmland and visit small villages that were granted city rights in medieval times. You'll not only show see the mainland, but also the Wadden Islands off the coast, which are another part of this diverse province.

Price from: € 1249,-

Accommodation: MS Lena Maria
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
175-237 kms /108-147 miles Self-guided

Bike and barge Amsterdam - Maastricht or Maastricht - Amsterdam

Cycling Amsterdam - Maastricht

8 Days from/to Amsterdam to Maastricht    AMM

Discover magical flat and green landscapes formed by the rivers Vecht, Lower Rhine, Waal, Linge and Meuse: a tangle of old gullies, cut-off meanders, dikes and flood plains with a typical flora and fauna.

Price from: € 1199,-

Accommodation: MS Sarah/Flora/Gandalf
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
284 kms /177 miles Guided

Bike & Sail North Sea Islands
Island Hopping and Frisian Lakes in Holland

North Sea Islands

8 Days from/to Enkhuizen    MFF

Explore the unique North Sea Islands by bike. And aboard one of the most luxurious sailing ships of the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea, you can enjoy the pure nature, water, sun and a stiff breeze

Price from: € 1099,-

Accommodation: Mare fan Fryslan
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
147-193 kms /91-120 miles Self-guided

Bike & Sail North Sea Islands
Island Hopping and Frisian Lakes in Holland

North Sea Islands

8 Days from/to Enkhuizen    LFF

Explore the unique North Sea Islands by bike. And aboard one of the most luxurious sailing ships of the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea, you can enjoy the pure nature, water, sun and a stiff breeze

Price from: € 949,-

Accommodation: Leafde fan Fryslan
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
147-193 kms /91-120 miles Self-guided

Bike & Sail North Sea Islands
Island Hopping and Frisian Lakes in Holland

North Sea Islands

8 Days from/to Enkhuizen    WFF

Explore the unique North Sea Islands by bike. And aboard one of the most luxurious sailing ships of the IJsselmeer and Wadden Sea, you can enjoy the pure nature, water, sun and a stiff breeze

Price from: € 1199,-

Accommodation: Wapen fan Fryslan
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
147-193 kms /91-120 miles Self-guided

Cycling in the Netherlands: South Holland by Bike & Boat. MS Normandie

South Holland holidays Windmills & historical towns

8 Days from/to Rotterdam    SNO

Discover the Netherlands in a unique way on an 8-days-journey by bike and boat. Well-built cycle paths as well as wide and extensive waterways guarantee an unforgettable holiday.

Price from: € 699,-

Accommodation: MS Normandie
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
235-281 kms /146-174 miles Self-guided

Hansa Highlights
Bike and barge Netherlands

Hansa Highlights

8 Days from/to Amsterdam    HOH

This bike and barge tour leads you through a region that's one of the most beloved among Dutch cyclists. Come and explore it by 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.

Price from: € 699,-

Accommodation: MS De Holland
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
248-293 kms /154-182 miles Guided

Boat and Bike from Rotterdam to Zeeland: Beaches, Fishing Villages and Historic Towns. MS Normandie

cycling holidays Rotterdam to Zeeland

8 Days from/to Rotterdam    ZEE

The province of Zeeland is located in the west of the Netherlands and mostly consists of islands and peninsulas. A perfect area for a bike cruise!

Price from: € 1049,-

Accommodation: Normandie
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
251-268 kms /148-168 miles Self-guided

With bike and barge from Holland to Belgium Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges

Cycling from Holland to Belgium

8 Days from/to Amsterdam to Bruges    M2A

Travel by bike & barge: A unique and "typical Dutch" concept, where a cycling holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined.

Price from: € 1449,-

Accommodation: MS Magnifique II
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
278 kms /172 miles Guided

With bike and barge from Holland to Belgium Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges

Cycling from Holland to Belgium

8 Days from/to Amsterdam to Bruges    M3A

Travel by bike & barge: A unique and "typical Dutch" concept, where a cycling holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined.

Price from: € 1399,-

Accommodation: MS Magnifique III
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
278 kms /172 miles Guided

With bike and barge from Holland to Belgium Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges

Cycling from Holland to Belgium

8 Days from/to Amsterdam to Bruges    M4A

Travel by bike & barge: A unique and "typical Dutch" concept, where a cycling holiday and a journey on a comfortable ship are combined.

Price from: € 1449,-

Accommodation: MS Magnifique IV
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
278 kms /172 miles Guided

Bike and barge Amsterdam - Bruges
Nature in Flandres and Cities of Art

Cycling Amsterdam - Bruge

8 Days from/to Amsterdam to Bruges    FLA

One of the most popular Boat & Bike Tours from Amsterdam via South Hollands "Green Heart" to Flandres' famous cities as Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges.

Price from: € 1109,-

Accommodation: MS Fluvius
Level 1-2  |  E-Bikes available
278 kms /173 miles Guided

You may also like Bike & Hotel Holidays:

Tour on two wheels in true Dutch style  

Star tour – North Holland

Star tour – North Holland

5 Days from/to Akersloot     NST

Star tour without changing accommodation. Go on a journey of discovery through North Holland, the land of picturesque little houses, mills and bridges.

Price from: € 579,-

Accommodation: 4*-Hotels
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
150-200 kms /93-125 miles Self-guided

Cycling holidays Frisian Towns & Lakes Peaceful wide open green spaces

Frisian Towns and Lakes

6 Days from/to Heerenveen     6FRI

Biketour with hotel accomodation. Cities, countyside and lakes in the Frisian Lake District. Each day a trip on good cycle-tracks to discover a charming landscape and historic cities and villages.

Price from: € 585,-

Accommodation: 3*/4*-Hotels
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
242 kms /150 miles Self-guided

Cycletour Green Heart of Holland: Countryside and Big Cities

Windmills Holland

5 Days from/to Utrecht     5GRH

Easy biketour with many highlights. Via Utrecht, Amsterdam and Gouda. Beautiful cycle-tracks in a green polder landscape and along the romantic river Vecht.

Price from: € 499,-

Accommodation: 3*/4*-Hotels
Level 1  |  E-Bikes available
202 kms /126 miles Self-guided

Cycletour Amsterdam - Bruges: Diverse Scenery and Charming Towns

Bike Holiday Amsterdam - Bruges

8 Days from Amsterdam to Bruges     8AMB

A wonderful 8-days cycling holiday through the Netherlands down into Belgium, past towns, villages, canals on high-quality cycling paths. You will visit Gouda, Willemstad, Zierikzee, Middelburg, Vlissingen and more...

Price from: € 799,-

Accommodation: 3*/4*-Hotels
Level 1-2  |  E-Bikes available
320 kms /199 miles Self-guided

Cycletour Amsterdam - Brussels: Extraordinary Dutch and Flemish cities

Amsterdam - Brussels Cycling

8 Days from Amsterdam to Brussels     ABR

A wonderful 8-days cycling holiday through the Netherlands down into Belgium, past towns, villages, canals on high-quality cycling paths. You will visit Gouda, Dordrecht, Willemstad, Zierikzee, Middelburg, Vlissingen and more...

Price from: € 889,-

Accommodation: 3*/4*-Hotels
Level 1-2  |  E-Bikes available
341 kms /212 miles Self-guided


General information cycling vacations Netherlands / Cycling vacations IJsselmeer.

Cycling and sailing vacations around the IJsselmeer  / Cycling and hotel vacations around the IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer
The IJsselmeer was created by closing off a part of the former Zuiderzee. The dyke separating the two was completed on 28 May 1932 and since 20 September 1932 the official name of the now closed Zuiderzee was changed into IJsselmeer. The lake was named after the river IJssel which flows into the IJselmeer. The Zuiderzee came into being at the beginning of the thirteenth century after seawater flooded into Almere. The Romans knew Almere under the name Flevomeer.
Around the current IJsselmeer and Markermeer (which is a closed off part of the IJsselmeer) you will find modern harbors and authentic towns, it is an ideal area for cycling vacations because there are always interesting sights on the route and you can relax at interesting places and terraces. Cycling on the Afsluitdijk is an experience and around the IJsselmeer there are several nature reserves that are worth cycling through, such as the Oostvaarders Plassen and the Weerribben. Culture and shopping can be done at Bataviastad Outlet in Lelystad. Amsterdam, Almere or the Frisian capital Leeuwarden are close by citities that worth a visit. Giethoorn is a special village and is also called the Venice of the North.

Amsterdam
The starting point of many cycling and sailing vacations is the colorful city of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and has over 870,000 inhabitants, about 5270 inhabitants per km². Atmospherically lit canals and shopping streets, coffee shops and plenty of cultural sights characterize the capital of the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, the colorful Dutch culture comes alive. Many cycling and sailing vacations / cycling and sailing vacations start in Amsterdam and the berths of the cruise ships used for cycling vacations are near the Central Station. This way, your ship is always easy to find and easily accessible. Some cycling and sailing vacations do not only involve cycling along the coast of the IJsselmeer; they sometimes also involve sailing through the Province of Friesland through the Frisian Lakes area and through Leeuwarden, or to the Wadden Island of Texel.

Volendam
North of Amsterdam lies the charming fishing village of Volendam, a famous traditional village with a busy harbor where boats sail to and from the former island of Marken. Volendam is known all over the world and is visited by many tourists every year. There are lots of restaurants, stores and terraces which offer you an unique place to rest and relax during your bike ride.

Edam
Edam is world famous for its cheeses and in the summer months you can still visit the cheese market here. You can visit the 18th century cheese warehouses and stroll through the historic town. You can cycle to the harbor and enjoy a wide view of the IJsselmeer.

Hoorn
Hoorn was once an important trading post on the Zuiderzee and still breathes the atmosphere of the Golden Age with the Dutch East India Company. The historic center is located directly on the harbor where numerous ships sail in and out. There are many historical buildings in the town center.

Enkhuizen
In the most eastern point of the West Friesland region lies Enkhuizen which, like Hoorn, owes its prosperity to the Golden Age. Up until today, you can find left overs of that time in the historical town center such as the Drommedaris. Enkhuizen is also known for its Zuiderzee Museum, for cyclists certainly worth a visit. Furthermore, it is the starting point for the "Waddenzee" cycling and sailing vacations to the Wadden Islands of Texel and Terschelling.

Medemblik
Medemblik was once an important trading place at the former Zuiderzee. You can still see the historic buildings in the town and It is the oldest city in West Friesland. You can visit the historic Castle Radboud and the Historical Steam Museum by bike.

Den Oever
This town is located at the western end of the Afsluitdijk on the former island of Wieringen and is best known for shrimp fishing. It has a large harbor with fishing halls; the village has a Viking Information Centre that reminds of the time that the Vikings settled on the former island of Wieringen.

Afsluitdijk
The Afsluitdijk is the dam between the provinces of Friesland and North Holland that separates the IJsselmeer from the Waddenzee. It protects the Netherlands from floods, which occurred regularly during the Zuiderzee era. The Afsluitdijk is part of the Zuiderzee works which started in 1927.

Makkum
Makkum is a small harbor town on the east side of the IJsselmeer directly south of the Asfsluitdijk. The town is known for its pottery factory Royal Tichelaar Makkum. It has a cozy harbor and many historic buildings in the center.

Hindeloopen
Hindeloopen received city rights in 1225 and became part of the Hanseatic League. The town is rich in maritime history and was a thriving trading town in the 17th and 18th centuries. Nowadays a small lock connects the IJsselmeer with the canals and lakes of the Frisian Lake District.

Stavoren
Stavoren is a former Hanseatic city and one of the 11 Frisian cities. In the 11th century Stavoren received city rights. In the summer there is a ferry service to Enkhuizen, which is much used by cyclists. Two locks here connect the IJsselmeer with the Frisian inland waterways and with the Princess Margriet Canal. The Stavoren lock is the old sea lock and dates from 1575.

Lemmer
Lemmer is one of the most famous water sports towns in Friesland. In the summer months Lemmer is a busy seaside resort and attracts many tourists. Many cycling and sailing vacations on the IJsselmeer call at Lemmer.

Giethoorn
Giethoorn is known for its many waterways, bridges and punters. The village is called the Dutch Venice. The surrounding lakes and ponds were created by peat extraction. Giethoorn is a fascinating place to ride a bike through.

Urk
Urk is a former island, first in the Zuiderzee and later after the completion of the Afsluitdijk in the IJsselmeer. After building the dike to Lemmer, completed in 1939, and reclaiming the Noordoostpolder, Urk belonged to the mainland. The former island can be recognized from far away already, it clearly rises above the flat and beautiful polder landscape.

Schokland
Schokland is also a former island in the Zuidezee and later in the IJsselmeer. After the Noordoostpolder was drained, it became part of the mainland and is now part of the province of Flevoland. Because of its archaeological wealth and history, the former island was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.

Elburg and Harderwijk
Two former Hanseatic cities which are now situated on the Veluwe Lake. These places will be visited during the cycling and sailing vacation "Highlights of the Hanseatic Route" with the ship MS De Holland. For further information about this cycling and sailing holiday see

Huizen
The village of Huizen is known as a former fishing village although fishing only became one of the most important means of living at the end of the 17th century. Today this village is the starting point for many cycling and hotel vacations including the "Around the IJsselmeer" cycling vacations.

Muiden
Muiden is a historic town at the mouth of the Vecht in the former IJsselmeer. It is an old fortified town that already existed early Middle Ages. The word Muide expresses that the town is located at the ‘mouth’ of a river. For cyclists, it is worth taking a break here and exploring the town before the cycle route continues to Amsterdam. Muiden is part of the cycle cruise "Highlights of the Hanseatic Route".

Lelystad
Lelystad is also one of the new towns in the Noordoostpolder and named after Cornelis Lely, the spiritual father of the Zuiderzee works. It is the capital of the province of Flevoland. Today it is an interesting place, especially for tourists, with the Batavia Haven, home port for many traditional sailing ships, the Outlet Centre Bataviastad, the Bataviawef and the Museum Nieuwland.