Journey Through Time on the Hanseatic Trade Routes
Discover the historic heart of the Netherlands on a cycling holiday through the Rhine and IJssel valleys, where medieval Hanseatic cities meet rivers, countryside and reclaimed landscapes. From Amsterdam, the route takes you to Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Elburg and Harderwijk, combining cycling with the opportunity to explore the history and character of these former trading towns.
Premium Semi-Guided Cycling with Life on Board
This semi-guided bike and barge tour combines the freedom of cycling at your own pace with the comfort of travelling between destinations by water. Follow carefully prepared routes through the Dutch countryside and historic towns, knowing that your accommodation is waiting for you on board at the end of the day. Between rides, enjoy the relaxed rhythm of life on the water, with full-board service and the freedom to spend a day cruising and taking in the scenery whenever you prefer a break from cycling.
ROUTE
The route follows the Rhine and IJssel through flat river landscapes, winding cycling routes, reclaimed polderlands and the Bordering Lakes between the old mainland and Flevoland. Along the way, the route connects a series of historic Hanseatic cities and towns, including Arnhem, Doesburg, Zutphen, Deventer, Kampen, Elburg and Harderwijk.
The flat terrain of the IJssel Valley makes this tour suitable for leisure cyclists and family riders. The total cycling distance ranges from approximately 257 to 312 km, depending on the route variations chosen. On several days, you can choose between a shorter and a longer cycling route. You can also stay on board instead of cycling on a particular day. The tour leader provides daily route information and is available by phone for questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Boarding & Sunset Cruise on the Rhine
Highlights: Boarding in Amsterdam, cruising along the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, peaceful evening in historic Wijk bij Duurstede.
Step aboard your floating hotel in Amsterdam between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., where the friendly crew awaits to welcome you. At approximately 2:00 p.m., the barge sets sail along the bustling Amsterdam-Rhine Canal toward Wijk bij Duurstede, a charming town situated right on the Rhine River. Enjoy your first evening meal on board and relax in this historic setting as your adventure begins.
Day 2: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen | Wageningen – Arnhem
Lower Rhine River Valley & Airborne History
44 km / 27.3 miles
Highlights: Cruise to Wageningen, cycling through the Lower Rhine valley, historic city center of Arnhem, World War II Market Garden heritage.
While enjoying breakfast, cruise along the water to Wageningen. Hop on your bicycle for your inaugural ride, pedaling through the beautiful valley of the Lower Rhine to the historic Hanseatic city of Arnhem. Take time to explore its vibrant shopping streets, open-air cafes, and museums. Arnhem holds deep historical significance as the site of Operation Market Garden during WWII, famous for the heroic battle for the Rhine bridge.
Day 3: Arnhem – Doesburg | Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer
Smallest Towns & Gingerbread Traditions
45 km / 28 miles or 55 km / 34.1 miles
Highlights: Medieval Doesburg, Bronkhorst (Holland’s smallest town), river ferry crossing option, ancient Hanseatic streets of Zutphen and Deventer.
Cruising during breakfast brings you to Doesburg. Stroll through its captivating historic core before setting off on two bicycle route options toward Zutphen and Deventer. Both routes stop at Bronkhorst, celebrated as the smallest town in the Netherlands. Choose between taking a scenic ferry along the western riverbank or continuing on the eastern side. Arrive in Deventer—world-famous for its traditional spicy gingerbread—and enjoy an evening walking tour led by your tour leader
Day 4: Deventer – Wijhe | Wijhe – Kampen
Veluwe Woodlands & Grand Hanseatic Ports
40 km / 24.8 miles or 56 km / 34.8 miles
Highlights: Scenic cruise to Wijhe, historic town of Hattem, vibrant Hanseatic city of Zwolle, monumental highlights of Kampen.
The ship sails to Wijhe during breakfast to kick off your daily ride. Pedal past riverside dikes or take the extended option across the lush East Veluwe area to Hattem, a city rich in historic landmarks. Continue to Zwolle, one of the grandest Hanseatic cities in the region, before ending your ride in Kampen. After dinner, explore the impressive historic architecture of Kampen, the largest Hanseatic port on your route.
Day 5: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk
Coastal Dikes & Ancient Fishing Harbors
48 km / 29.8 miles or 56 km / 34.8 miles
Highlights: Cycling along the Border Lakes, medieval fishing port of Elburg, Veluwe woodlands and heathlands, historic Zuiderzee harbor of Harderwijk.
Leave Kampen behind and follow the shores of the Border Lakes to the walled fishing harbor of Elburg. From Elburg, your route winds through the ancient forests and open moorlands of the Veluwe towards Harderwijk. Dock for the night in Harderwijk’s ancient fishing harbor, which hosted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region during the 1500s and remains a delight to explore.
Day 6: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen
Traditional Costumes & Lake Views
45 km / 28 miles or 56 km / 34.8 miles
Highlights: Lakeside paths along the Border Lakes, historic fishing village of Spakenburg, traditional Dutch attire, harbor town of Huizen.
Select between a direct coastal ride along the Border Lakes or an extended loop taking in neighboring forest trails. En route, you will visit Spakenburg, an iconic fishing village where local inhabitants still wear traditional Dutch clothing. End your day’s ride in Huizen, a former fishing village turned charming harbor town.
Day 7: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam
Fortresses, Castles & Capital Canals
35 km / 21.7 miles
Highlights: Star-shaped fortress of Naarden, medieval waterfront castle in Muiden, capital city of Amsterdam.
Cycle from Huizen toward the remarkable star-fortress town of Naarden and onwards to Muiden, famous for its majestic medieval castle on the waterfront. Quiet country roads bring you back into the vibrant capital of Amsterdam. Spend your afternoon and evening experiencing the city’s cultural highlights—take a canal cruise, visit the Anne Frank House, or explore the world-class museums surrounding the Museumplein.
Day 8: Amsterdam | Disembarkation
Final onboard breakfast, disembarkation by 9:30 a.m.
Conclude your Hanseatic tour with a final hearty breakfast on board. Disembarkation takes place by 9:30 a.m. as you bid farewell to the crew and fellow travelers.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights in Amsterdam available upon request.
Getting to Amsterdam (Departure Point)
Arrival at the vessel in Amsterdam is straightforward via public transport, taxi, or private vehicle.
By Plane: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is located approximately 18 km from the port, with direct train connections every few minutes to Amsterdam Centraal Station.
By Car: Valet parking options in Amsterdam are available upon request. Secure parking reservations must be arranged in advance.
By Train: Amsterdam Centraal Railway Station is the main transport hub, situated near the docking locations.
Transfers: Private station and airport transfers are available upon request.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before departure.
Included
- 8 days / 7 nights accommodation aboard the river cruise ship De Nassau
- 7 x breakfast meals
- Daily packed lunches for cycling
- 7 x 3-course dinners on board
- Coffee and tea on board daily until 4:00 p.m.
- Welcome drink upon arrival
- Bed linen and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning service
- Climate-controlled cabin space
- Short walking tours in selected Hanseatic towns
- Semi-guided cycling service with a tour leader available via phone for questions or emergencies
- Daily route briefings by the tour leader
- 1 set of detailed cycling maps and route notes per cabin
- GPS tracks compatible with the Ride With GPS app
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Wi-Fi access in the onboard restaurant area
- CO2 emission offset scheme via Trees for All and Orca plastic recycling
NOT Included
- Flights
- Bicycle or E-bike rental fees
- Helmet rental
- Coffee and tea on board after 4:00 p.m.
- Bar drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees to attractions and museums
- Local ferry passage fees
- Passenger transfers to and from the docking berth
- Vehicle parking fees
- SGR Insolvency protection
- Personal travel, medical, and luggage insurance policies
- Anything not listed as included is not included
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Prices are per person in a double room in 2027.
2027
Mar · Apr
from
799€
Ship
✓
De Nassau
2027
Oct
from
849€
Ship
✓
De Nassau
2027
Apr · Sep · Oct
from
999€
Ship
✓
De Nassau
De Nassau
Apr · Sep
from
1099€
De Nassau
Apr · May · Jul · Ago · Sep
from
1299€
De Nassau
May · Jun · Jul · Ago · Sep
from
1399€
Double cabin for single use surcharge on the tour base price (limited).
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
De Nassau
De Nassau is a comfortable, medium-sized river cruise ship used for cycling cruises in the Netherlands. The ship sails under Dutch management and the Dutch flag. Its salon and restaurant were refurbished in 2018, with further updates to the superior cabins in 2025 and renovated bathrooms throughout the remaining cabins.
Cabins: 33
Maximum capacity: 65 passengers
Crew: 12
BIKES
You can choose to rent a bicycle on board or bring your own bike for the trip.
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
+98€
Bike
+273€
E-Bike
+14€
Bike Insurance
+28€
e-Bike Insurance
+10€
Helmet
Your Own Bike
+14€
Bike
*Parking
+35€
e-Bike
*Parking + charge station
*Bike and e-bike parking is limited. Advance reservation is recommended.