Holland’s Castles and Walled Towns by Bike and Barge – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level:2
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 30 Miles/day average
Dates: Saturdays: Jun 20; Jul 11, 18; Aug 1, 15, 2015
Tour price: €925
Start city: Amsterdam, Holland
End city: Amsterdam, Holland
Tour Description: Guided
In the Middle Ages a treaty existed among many trading towns that were located nearby waterways. On this cycle tour through the eastern part of the Netherlands, you will visit several of these so-called Hanseatic towns. In the vicinity you will find lots of grand castles and estates often situated in pretty nature areas.
You leave Amsterdam by barge and head for Wijk bij Duurstede, a fortified town founded in the year 1500 BC. You visit national park De Hoge Veluwe and the Kröller Müller Museum, that shows a fine collection of Van Gogh paintings. From Arnhem you pass castle Rosendael and follow the river IJssel through Doesburg in direction of Hanseatic town Zuthpen. Your cycle tour takes you through the typical rural villages like Lochem and you make a stop for a visit to Mansion Verwolde. In Deventer you leave the barge and pedal on the banks of the river IJssel to the Hanseatic town of Kampen. An evening walk through the historical center shows you lots of monumental buildings.
After a sailing trip on the lakes between the new and the old land you leave the barge in the hanseatic town of Harderwijk. A roundtrip by bike leads through the moorlands and the forestries that surround this lively town. Spakenburg is a former fishing village that values religious traditions. The costumes you see here are typical for this village and the surrounding area. Before arriving in Amsterdam you first bring a visit to the castle Muiderslot.
In the evening you can see and experience the glory and history of Amsterdam by making a round trip of the canals.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Tour of Amsterdam (9 miles/15 km) Day 2: De Hoge Veluwe National Park (30 miles/50 km) Day 3: Arnhem – Zutphen (30 miles/50 km) Day 4: Lochem and the Twente Kanaal (38 miles/60 km) Day 5: Deventer – Kampen (38 miles/60 km) Day 6: Around Harderwijk (19 miles/30 km) Day 7: Spakenburg – Amsterdam (36 miles/60 km) Day 8: Departure Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Pedals: Seats: Helmets: *If you do bring your own bike, there will be a 20 Euros discount off of the tour package price.
After the embarkation in Amsterdam you’ll be sailing the Amsterdam-Rijn canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, the stop for the night. In the evening there’s a short ‘warming-up’ cycle trip in the vicinity which passes the castles Zandenburg and Walenburg.
Overnight in Wijk bij Duurstede.
The barge sails the river Nederrijn to the lock near the village Heveadorp, where the cyclists disembark to start their cycle trip. You will cycle to National park ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ . In this park you will find the museum Kröller-Müller, where you’ll find a fantastic exhibition of Vincent van Gogh paintings. A visit to the famous statue garden is also very worthwhile. The cycle trip ends in Arnhem, where the ship is moored in the river Nederrijn.
Overnight in Arnhem.
Today you will cycle past castle Rosendael to the ferry near Rheden. The ferry takes you across the river IJssel and the trip continues through the villages Doesburg and Brummen to the Hanseatic & walled town of Zutphen, situated by the river IJssel.
Overnight in Zutphen.
As the barge stays in Zutphen, you make a roundtrip. You will pass castle Vorden and the rural community of Lochem. After a visit to Mansion Verwolde you follow the Twente canal back to Zutphen. Alternatively you may wish to spend a day shopping and/or visiting museum in Zutphen. The Stedelijk Museum has an interesting cultural-historical collection that creates a telling image of Zutphen and its surroundings.
Overnight in Zutphen.
Today you sail by barge to the Hanseatic town of Deventer, where the cyclists disembark. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes while following the river IJssel to Diepenveen, castle Oude Rande and the rural estate Hoenderloo. Through the village of Windesheim the trip ends in Kampen, a historic Hanseatic town.
Overnight in Kampen.
Today’s motto is ‘relaxing aboard’ as there’s a 4 hour sailing trip to Harderwijk, where you’ll stay for the night. In the afternoon there’s a cycle trip through the rural area around Harderwijk.
Overnight in Harderwijk.
By barge you will sail to Spakenburg today. After the disembarkation you will cycle to Spakenburg, a former fishing village which is still famous for the traditional costume. Via the lake area called Ankeveense Plassen you cycle to castle Muiderslot. After a visit to this beautiful situated castle, you continue cycling to Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk through the centre or you may (on your own account) go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
After breakfast you say good bye to your tour leader and the crew, as your bike and barge holiday comes to an end.
Bikes included in tour package price:
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post.
Helmets are NOT available to be rented. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet, or purchase one upon arrival.
