Discover the heart of Holland aboard a historic three-masted clipper
Embark on a captivating journey across the IJsselmeer, where Dutch maritime tradition blends seamlessly with cycling. Over eight unforgettable days, you’ll cycle across historic polders, along picturesque dikes and through charming coastal towns. Explore the Netherlands by bike at your own pace, returning each evening to your floating hotel.
Experience Unmatched Nautical Freedom Across Dutch Polders & Coastlines
This self-guided adventure lets you set your own pace along flat, well-paved paths through national parks, historic harbors and picturesque landscapes. Designed for both leisurely and more active travelers, the tour offers an accessible cycling experience. With a full-board experience on board, you can relax between rides, enjoy the scenery from the deck or, when conditions allow, join the crew in raising the sails, taking the helm and steering the ship.
ROUTE
The route takes you around the IJsselmeer, combining historic harbour towns, reclaimed polders, national parks and landscapes shaped by the water. From Amsterdam, you cycle through places such as Monnickendam, Volendam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Urk, Schokland, Vollenhove and Giethoorn, before continuing through Flevoland and returning to Amsterdam.
The cycling routes are predominantly flat and follow well-paved cycle paths, quiet roads and dikes. On several days, you can choose between shorter and longer routes, allowing you to adapt the distance to your preferred pace. The detailed maps, suggested routes and GPS tracks make it easy to explore independently, while the ship provides a comfortable base between cycling stages.
Itinerary
Day 1: Amsterdam – Monnickendam / Volendam
Boarding & Initial Cruise
Highlights: Boarding in Amsterdam, scenic motoring cruise, evening stroll through historic fishing harbors.
Your week of sailing and cycling starts in Amsterdam, where the crew welcomes you aboard at approximately 2:00 p.m. Once all guests have checked in, the vessel motor-cruises to the historic harbor town of Monnickendam or Volendam. After enjoying dinner on board, take a peaceful evening walk through the historic town center.
Day 2: Monnickendam / Volendam | Volendam – Hoorn
Historic Polders & Dutch Traditions
35 km / 22 miles or 48 km / 30 miles
Highlights: Traditional cheese & clog demonstration, UNESCO Beemster Polder, historic Edam.
Begin your morning with a visit to a local family-run farm to witness clog making and sample famous Dutch cheeses. Pedal past pastureland in the UNESCO-listed Beemster Polder—a 400-year-old land reclamation marvel. Continue to Edam to explore its iconic canals before riding along the primary dike to Volendam, where the ship awaits to sail you to Hoorn.
Day 3: Hoorn – Enkhuizen | Enkhuizen – Urk
Windmills & Golden Age Maritime Cities
26 km / 16 miles or 44 km / 27 miles
Highlights: De Krijgsman flour windmill, Golden Age architecture in Enkhuizen, open-water sailing to Urk.
Ride through tranquil rural hamlets toward Enkhuizen, passing De Krijgsman, the highest working flour windmill in North Holland. Discover Enkhuizen’s rich Golden Age heritage before embarking on an afternoon sail across Lake IJsselmeer to Urk. Guests are invited to assist the captain with hoisting the sails or simply relax on deck watching for bird life.
Day 4: Urk – Vollenhove
Navigating UNESCO Island Heritage
30 km / 19 miles or 44 km / 27 miles
Highlights: Former island of Schokland (UNESCO site), Noordoostpolder, historic port of Vollenhove.
Disembark at Schokkerhaven to start your ride across the reclaimed Noordoostpolder. Cycle smooth paved paths to Schokland, a former island turned UNESCO World Heritage cultural site. End your day’s ride in Vollenhove, a charming old fishing village steeped in history.
Day 5: Vollenhove – Giethoorn
Wetlands & The Venice of the North
40 km / 25 miles or 52 km / 32 miles
Highlights: Weerribben-Wieden National Park, car-free village of Kalenberg, idyllic canals of Giethoorn.
Pedal through open countryside to Blokzijl and enter Weerribben-Wieden National Park, northwestern Europe’s vast freshwater wetland reserve. Keep watch for otters and kingfishers as you ride peaceful trails through Kalenberg. Finish your journey in Giethoorn, famed as the “Venice of the North” for its picturesque canals and wooden bridges.
Day 6: Giethoorn – Lelystad
Pure Sailing & Captain’s Dinner
Highlights: Full day of Lake IJsselmeer sailing, relaxing on deck, traditional Captain’s Dinner.
Indulge in a full day dedicated entirely to sailing and onboard relaxation. Help the crew maneuver the three-masted ship through open waters or unwind on the sundeck as you cross to Lelystad, the capital of Flevoland province. Cap off the evening with a special Captain’s Dinner served in the ship’s dining room.
* Departures dates between March 27 and incl. May 3: From Haarlem you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Tulip exhibition park “Keukenhof” in Lisse (by bicycle or public transport; transfers/tickets/entrance fee not included).
Day 7: Lelystad – Blocq van Kuffeler | Blocq van Kuffeler – Amsterdam
Nature Rewilding & Final Cruise
20 km / 12 miles or 29 km / 18 miles
Highlights: Optional Batavia Werf shipyard visit, Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, festive farewell dinner.
Spend the morning exploring Batavia Werf or shopping at Batavia Stad outlet. Afterwards, cycle through Oostvaardersplassen, a rewilded nature reserve teeming with bird species and wild herbivores. Reboard the vessel at Oostvaardersdiep for the final cruise back to Amsterdam, enjoying a festive farewell dinner onboard.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation
Final breakfast onboard, farewell to crew and fellow travelers. Your sail and bike adventure officially concludes following a rich breakfast on board. Disembarkation takes place in Amsterdam up until 9:30 a.m.
Extend Your Stay
It is possible to book additional nights through us. Price on 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.
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 floating hotel accommodation
- 7 hearty breakfasts
- Fresh daily packed lunches for your cycle tours
- 7 delicious 3-course dinners served on board
- Complimentary tea and coffee throughout your stay on board
- Welcome aperitif to toast the start of your journey
- Fresh bed linen and bath towels
- Mid-week cabin refresh and cleaning
- Daily route orientation and briefings hosted by the crew
- 1 set of detailed cycling maps and route notes per cabin
- GPS tracks
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Wi-Fi access on board
- CO2 emission offset scheme via Trees for All and Orca plastic recycling
NOT Included
- Flights
- Bicycle or E-bike rental fees
- Helmet rental
- Entrance fees for museums, monuments, and guided excursions
- Ticket costs for local ferry crossings
- Onboard bar beverages (excluding complimentary tea and coffee)
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Transfers to and from the embarkation port
- 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.
Elizabeth
Sep
from
1229€
Elizabeth
Jul · Aug · Sep
from
1339€
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.
Elizabeth
The Elizabeth is a charming three-masted sailing clipper that combines the character of a historic sailing vessel with the comfort of a small passenger ship. Originally built as a Dutch flat-bottom boat in 1913, the ship was later converted into a passenger sailing vessel while retaining many of its original features. Whenever conditions allow the full sails to be set, guests are welcome to help the crew hoist the sails, take the helm and steer the ship. No previous sailing experience is required, and participation is entirely optional.
Year: 1913
Cabins: 10
Maximum capacity: 32 passengers
Crew: 4
Sail area: 445 m²
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.