Cycling around the IJsselmeer
The IJsselmeer, formerly the Zuiderzee (Southern Sea) is inextricably connected with the period of prosperity in the 17th century, the Golden Age, when Holland was one of the most powerful seafaring trading countries.
Cycling holiday Golden Circle
Golden Circle
Cycling round the IJsselmeer
Starting at
€ 1.450,-
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Summary
- 8 Days Thursday to Thursday
- 43 km average per day
- Arrival Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
- Departure Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Highlights
- Cycling around the IJsselmeer
- National Park Weerribben - Wieden
- 17th-century towns (Golden Age)
- Spakenburg old fishing village
Characteristics
- Guided Tour
- Group Tour
- Bike & Barge
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Cycling level 1
Suitable for people of all ages. The lightest cycling holiday; over mostly flat terrain, with not too long daily distances (average 50 km). Short steep slopes with height differences of up to ± 100 meters occur. You spend about 4 hours on your bicycle.
All around the IJsselmeer, there are numerous ports which were even known worldwide in the Golden Age. Monnickendam, Hoorn, Vollenhove, Harderwijk and of course Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, are some of these well-preserved and still very active heritage treasures.The route then leads you to the so-called border lakes of the IJssel lake which lie between the “old” land of many beautiful harbour towns and new Flevoland (once the bottom of the IJssellake) which was reclaimed in 1932. In this area you visit some picturesque fishing harbours. Not to be missed: Spakenburg, where women still wear traditional costumes.
Daily Program
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Day 1 Amsterdam - arrival
Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board at 4 PM. When you arrive on board you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a
good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers. The guide will take you on a short ride to get familiar with with your rental bike. In the evening the programme for the next day and
the rest of the week will be explained to you. -
Day 2 Amsterdam - Hoorn, 50 km
Today you leave Amsterdam. A ferry takes you to the Amsterdam Noord quarter and soon you will be cycling through the rural area of Waterland. In this soggy peat land the houses and villages are hardly above the level of the water. The former isle of Marken is visited. It was not until 1957 that this island was connected to the mainland by a dike and it has retained its own particular character. The inhabitants are the only ones allowed to use their cars, so Marken can only be visited on foot or on bike. You continue your way along the Gouwzee dike to Volendam. Originally Volendam was a small fishing community. Practically all its inhabitants used to wear their distinctive and picturesque traditional costumes. From Volendam you sail in northerly direction towards the city of Hoorn. During the evening walk you will have the opportunity to get a good impression of this beautiful city with its rich past.
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Day 3 Hoorn - Enkhuizen, 30 km
You continue on the dike with a wonderful view over the Markermeer on your right and West-Frisian villages on your lefthand side. The dike (1976) from Enkhuizen to Lelystad (in Flevoland) appears on the horizon. This was meant to be a polder dike for a huge new polder: the Markerwaard. However, the plans were never executed: with time perception changed. The environment and fresh water supply became more important. So today the dike is there, but no polder… The trip for today ends in Enkhuizen, a town which came into existence when two adjoining villages amalgamated. You can end your day with a visit to the Zuiderzeemuseum. This interesting museum, which consists of an indoor and outdoor part, shows you the history of everyday life around the Zuiderzee until the middle of the 20th century.
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Day 4 Enkhuizen - Vollenhove, 50 km
Early in the morning you sail across the IJsselmeer. Later in the morning you make a beautiful bike tour and pass through the National Park the Weerribben, the most important marshland of north-western Europe. Reed is the main product here,
as is obvious by the large number of thatched roofs. You cycle through the famous village of Giethoorn. Like in the other peat villages that you pass through all transport of goods and human beings would be carried out on little boats, called 'punters'. In Giethoorn even cows are transported on these punters. Once back on the 'high land' with its green pastures, wooded banks and old farms you cycle to Vollenhove where you will spend the night. -
Day 5 Vollenhove - Harderwijk, 50 km
The ship will take you to Reevesluis. Here today's trip starts off in the forests of the 'new land', polderland created in 1957. You will cycle about 6 metres below sea level. Back on the 'old land' you call at the fortified town of Elburg. As far back as the 14th century this was a lively trading port. The last part of the route will take you through the large woods of the Veluwe, with its undulating landscape a remainder of the Ice Age. The Veluwe is the largest connected nature reserve of the Netherlands, totally consisting of sandy soil.
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Day 6 Harderwijk – Spakenburg, 45 km
Today the ride will be a combination of flat, coastal landscape and woods and moorland around Ermelo and Putten. At Strand Nulde you can go for a nice swim, weather permitting. In the afternoon the trip continues along the Eem River, a small river flowing into the Eem Lake.. In spite of the enormous density of population of the province of Utrecht, you can still find green countryside here. On the road along the IJselmeer dike you might have the opportunity to visit the old steam pumping station Arkemheem. Following the dike you enter Spakenburg from the west. Spakenburg has always been a fishermen's port and now forms a kind of twin village with Bunschoten. Many wonderful wooden fishing boats are moored here and you may come across villagers in their traditional dress.
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Day 7 Spakenburg - Amsterdam, 35 km
During breakfast we sail to Huizen. From Huizen you will cycle to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. In Muiden you can visit the famous Muiderslot that guarded the entrance to Amsterdam in times gone by. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the big city of Amsterdam. The late afternoon and evening are spent in Amsterdam. While you are there take the opportunity to visit Anne Frank’s home, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Dam Square, the very centre and heart of the city or maybe you could go on a canal tour (not included).
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Day 8 Amsterdam, end of tour
End of the tour after breakfast, before 10 AM. If you have an early flight you can ask the tourguide to arrange a taxi to the airport.
Cycling in Holland
Cycling in a cycle country
Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of the country. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Gps-tracks can be provided by e-mail.
Travel Dates
Departure
End
Accommodation
Starting at
Availability
What else do you need to know?
To see the prices for 2026/ 2027, select a date and click 'Book'.
Included
- All nights on board, cabin in the booked category
- Full board (7x breakfast, 6 x self-made picnic lunch for bike tours, 7x three course dinner)
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Coffee, tea and biscuits on board
- Afternoon snack
- Tourguide, cycles with the group
- Min. 3 city walks with the tourguide
- Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)
- Tour information, 1x per cabin
- Travel documents + navigation app incl. GPS-tracks
- Ferry fares on the route
Not included
- Reservation costs
- Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
- Bicycle rent (optional)
- Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 30,-
- Other drinks on board
- Personal insurance
Special details
- This tour is operated by Cycletours
- Please take good notice of our Terms & Conditions.
- Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the route/program may be changed without notice.
- We do not allow private e-bikes on board (due to safetly regulations)
- If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but at the latest until 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus. In case of Celiac; gluten free diet; lactose free diet there is an additional charge of € 100, – per week and € 150,- per diet/ per person/per week when ordering on spot.
- Unfortunately, we are unable to offer vegan meals. The space in the kitchens on our ships is limited (for storage and preparation) and therefore we cannot guarantee that the meals are completely vegan.
- Cycletours Holidays reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.The program is subject to change without notice.
Info
Boarding is at 4 PM. The name of your barge is printed on the voucher, which you will receive separately. After arrival there’s coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance: from 11:30 AM onwards.
The mooring place of the barge in Amsterdam is harbour Oosterdok; Zip-code 1011 VX (near the Science Center: ‘Nemo’, Oosterdok 2).
Airport
The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 6,- per person for a single journey. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 60,-.
Train
The nearest train station to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Central Station. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the station to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 10,-.
Car
If you arrive by car, we recommend you to arrive earlier to unload your luggage. You can find more information about parking possibilities at I amsterdam. The nearest parking is Parking Centrum Oosterdok, (about € 375,- per week, it is not necessary to reserve in advance; 500m walking distance to the barge).
End of the tour
The tour ends one week later after breakfast. Debarkation is before 10 AM. You will spend the night from Wednesday to Thursday on board in Amsterdam. After the tour ends in you can take the train back to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport. Should you have an early flight, no problem. You may leave as early as you need to.
On this tour the following barges are scheduled:
Rental bikes on this tour:
Our barge, your hotel
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.
What are the cabins like?
Most cabins are 2-person cabins (twin or double beds), but some barges also have single and triple cabins. All cabins have central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 220 voltage. Some barges have airconditioning. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.
The team, hospitality comes first
The captain/skipper, the chef and your tourguide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tourguide accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (Dutch/English, some speak German and/or French).
The meals
Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you suffer from food allergies or food intolerance (such as lactose- or gluten- intolerance/-allergy) or if you have special meal requirements (vegetarian; pescetarian; gluten free meals etc.), we ask you to mention this when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus and special food requirements cannot always be met in all details.
In case of a gluten free or lactose diet, there is an additional charge.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer vegan meals. The space in the kitchens on our ships is limited (for storage and preparation) and therefore we cannot guarantee that the meals are completely vegan.
You and the group,new friends from around the world!
One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 26 people.
Cycling in Holland
Holland is a cycling country: 17 million inhabitants all with bikes. The number of cyclists necessitates a cycling infrastructure: cycle paths (30,000 km), cycle routes (long and short distance), cycle bridges, cycle tunnels, cycle ferries and special signposts for cyclists. Cycling is part of normal life in the Netherlands; parents bring their children to school by bike, people go to work by bike, factory workers, doctors, even the prime minister! Cyclists, of course, have to observe traffic rules and regulations. The most important rule is to remember that you are not alone on your bike and that you are sharing the road with your group and other road users. Your guide on board will tell you all you need to know about the traffic rules and regulations.
F.A.Q.
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Do you accommodate for special diets?
Yes, but you must indicate this when booking. Diets that require special preparation or specific ingredients can only be accommodated to a limited extent. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding: due to the limited logistical possibilities on a barge, we are not able to provide fully specialized menus. On some tours, a surcharge applies for gluten‑free, lactose‑free, or vegan meals. This is stated per tour.
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Do I have to wear a safety helmet?
We recommond to wear a bike helmet on all tours. On our own tours (barges Anna Antal; Liza Marleen; Anna van Aemstel; Sailing Home and Clair de Lune) we provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.
In some countries a helmet is mandatory, if so this is stated on the tour page. -
Can I bring my own bike on board?
You can bring your own standard bike on board.
Own e-bikes, tricycles, recumbent bikes and and special (custom-made) bicycles cannot be taken on board our ships.
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What happens if it rains during my tour?
Most participants simply put on their rain gear and try to make the best out of it, unfortunately the weather cannot be controlled. If the weather becomes so bad that cycling is truly impossible, which almost never happens, you can stay on board or your guide can arrange an alternative program, such as cultural excursions or city tours (at your own expense).
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Which countries do the participants come from?
The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.
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Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage?
No, the barge does not follow the same route as the cyclists. Sometimes the route may need to be adjusted due to weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks. In those cases, the guests and the guide can coordinate with the skipper to meet at a different location. Of course, you can always choose to stay on board for one or more days.