Bike & Sail the IJsselmeer

Day 1: Amsterdam - Monnickendam/Volendam, 6 mi. (10 km), Check-in at 2 pm. You may bring luggage on board at 11 am.
Day 2: Monnickendam/Volendam -  Volendam | Volendam - Hoorn, 19 or 31 mi. (32 or 51 km)
Day 3: Hoorn - Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen - Urk, 17 or 24 mi. (28 or 39 km)
Day 4: Urk - Vollenhove, 23 mi. (37 km)
Day 5: Vollenhove - Giethoorn, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
Day 6: Giethoorn - Lelystad, full day of sailing and relaxing
Day 7: Lelystad - Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler - Amsterdam, 12 or 18 mi. (20 or 29 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam

The daily bike tours are self-guided, conducted at your own pace and without a cycling guide. There are daily briefings on board and detailed bicycle maps and route notes are available. GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour. During the days when 2 bicycle options are possible, you can choose between the longer or the shorter option. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bike option.

Day 1: Amsterdam - Monnickendam/Volendam, 6 mi. (10 km)
Your week of sailing and cycling starts in Amsterdam at 2 pm. You may bring your luggage on board from 11 am but the cabins will not be ready for check-in at that time.  Once all guests have checked in, the ship sails under motor to Monnickendam or Volendam. From the port of one of these former fishing villages, you can take a nice stroll through the historic center after dinner.

Day 2: Monnickendam/Volendam -  Volendam | Volendam - Hoorn, 19 or 31 mi. (32 or 51 km)
First you cycle to a nearby, family-run shop for a short demonstration of cheese and clog making, and of course, a cheese tasting. Continuing on, your itinerary follows along the dikes to Purmerend, in the heart of a polder named De Beemster, 11½ feet (3.5 meters) below sea level. It was created more than 400 years ago, when the Dutch transformed an inland lake into pasture land. It is divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and quadrants and is recognized by UNESCO as “a creative masterpiece”.

Your next destination is Edam, a lovely town whose lanes and canals deserve a stroll. Edam is known worldwide for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax. This practical solution keeps the cheese fresh for a long time. 17th-century sailors would take it on their voyages or trade it for spices and other riches of the East. Via the main dike of the IJsselmeer, you arrive at the promenade of Volendam, where the ship is docked. Later in the afternoon, the ship sails to Hoorn.

Day 3: Hoorn - Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen - Urk, 17 or 24 mi. (28 or 39 km)
Today's journey takes you through charming rural hamlets and villages, leading you to the enchanting town of Enkhuizen. Along the way, you'll pass by De Krijgsman, the tallest windmill in North Holland and one of the few remaining Dutch windmills that still produce flour for commercial purposes. This region is also renowned for its abundance of greenhouses, where vegetables are cultivated. During the 17th century, Enkhuizen flourished as one of Holland's wealthiest cities, owing to its thriving harbor that facilitated the import of valuable spices from Asia. Prepare to be captivated by the grand mansions, picturesque canals, splendid churches, and well-preserved city walls that bear witness to the city's prosperous history.

In the afternoon, weather permitting, you will embark on a delightful sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Urk. While on board, you have the opportunity to assist the captain in navigating the ship if you desire, or simply relax on the deck and savor the invigorating voyage while keeping an eye out for marine bird life. In the evening, enjoy stroll through Urk's narrow streets and alleys. The architecture of this charming fishing village is characterized by closely clustered houses built on elevated terrain, a design conceived to safeguard against water damage—an enduring feature that remains visible to this day.

Day 4: Urk - Vollenhove, 23 mi. (37 km)
Following breakfast, the ship will transport you to the captivating region known as the "new land." Your cycling adventure commences in Schokkerhaven, where you'll traverse a well-paved cycle path through the scenic polder. This path leads to the enchanting former island of Schokland. Since the reclamation of the Northeast polder in 1942, both Schokland and Urk have ceased to be islands. In recognition of its historical significance, Schokland has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site since 1995. As you continue your bike excursion through the picturesque polder, you'll eventually reach Vollenhove, another delightful former fishing village worth exploring.

Day 5: Vollenhove - Giethoorn, 22 or 30 mi. (37 or 49 km)
From Vollenhove, follow the scenic cycle paths that wind through expansive rural landscapes, eventually leading you to the charming town of Blokzijl. It is from here that you enter the breathtaking Weerribben-Wieden National Park, an expansive freshwater wetland that serves as a serene sanctuary for both flora and fauna.

As you pedal along a designated bicycle path that traverses the heart of the park, you'll find yourself far removed from bustling roads, fully immersed in the tranquility of this remarkable region. Be on the lookout for glimpses of a fleeting kingfisher or, if you're incredibly fortunate, the sight of an otter—the park's symbolic creature. En route, you'll pass through Kalenberg, a village that, until the 1950s, was accessible solely by boat, adding to its unique charm.

A meandering route through an agricultural landscape, characterized by narrow strip fields enclosed by dikes, will lead you to the picturesque town of Giethoorn, often referred to as the "small Venice of the North."

Day 6: Giethoorn - Lelystad, a full day of sailing and relaxing
Indulge in a delightful day of sailing and unwinding aboard the ship, relishing in pure relaxation. Once more, you have the option to assist the captain in maneuvering the vessel if you desire, or simply recline on the deck and bask in the soothing ambiance. The captain expertly navigates the ship away from the narrow channels, guiding it toward the vast expanse of open water. In the early afternoon, the Elizabeth gracefully reaches Lelystad, the capital city of Flevoland, a province entirely reclaimed from the sea. Upon docking, you will be treated to a delectable captain's dinner.

Day 7: Lelystad - Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler - Amsterdam, 12 or 18 mi. (20 or 29 km)
In the morning, you have the option to explore the remarkable Batavia Werf, a shipyard dedicated to preserving and restoring ships with significant maritime histories, bringing them back to their former splendor. Alternatively, you can indulge in a shopping spree at Batavia Stad, an outlet center featuring renowned brands.

Following these optional visits, embark on your final half-day of cycling. Your route takes you through the captivating Oostvaardersplassen, a nature reserve nestled on reclaimed land, where nature has been allowed to find its own harmonious balance, reminiscent of ancient times on the original terrain. As you pedal through the landscape, you'll encounter stretches of lush forests, alongside panoramic vistas of expansive reed beds and marshes—a true haven for avid birdwatchers.

The ship awaits your arrival at the quaint harbor of Oostvaardersdiep, ready to commence the return voyage to Amsterdam. Bask in the joyous atmosphere of this marvelous week spent exploring the IJsselmeer region as you savor a delightful farewell dinner aboard the ship, celebrating the memories and experiences gathered along the way.

Day 8: Amsterdam
Your tour ends today with a nice breakfast. Disembarkation by 9.30 a.m.

Be sure to check out all of our featured bike & boat tours, or our full list of tours, trips, & cruises.

• Elizabeth

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  Standard Class Sailing Ship

  City Touring Bike

  Hybrid Velo de Ville C100, Hybrid Gazelle Chamonix (or similar) • Aluminum unisex frame … • 7 Speed Shimano ​​Nexus gearing … • 28-inch wheels … • V brakes … • VDV gel city saddle … • Impac Streetpac… Read More

  Electric Bike

  Ebike Velo de Ville CEB 200 (or similar) • Shimano 7-speed gearing … • Battery - Wh 400 … • Display - Bosch Intuvia, Bosch Purion … • Motor speed - max. 25 km / h … • Motor version - Bosch Active… Read More

  The Elizabeth is an impressive clipper built in 1913. It was later renovated to become a modern passenger sailing vessel with great attention paid to retaining the classic elegance of the original features. Read More