The Hansa Highlights Expedition
Revel in the scenic beauty of the Rhine valley and its captivating tributary, the IJssel River.
Step back in time as you visit the Hanseatic towns, once the heart of European trade
Marvel at the border lakes, a testament to Dutch ingenuity and land reclamation
Delight in picturesque fishing harbors, where time seems to stand still
Explore Amsterdam, the vibrant capital, rich in history and culture
Enjoy the luxury of premium barges, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout
Itinerary
Join us between 1 and 2 p.m. as our crew warmly welcomes you aboard. As the afternoon unfolds, we’ll navigate the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal, setting course for Wijk bij Duurstede, where we’ll anchor for the night.
As you savor your breakfast, we’ll sail to Wageningen. Here, you’ll start your cycling journey, traversing the scenic river valley of the Rhine and the lush landscapes of the Veluwe. Your day concludes in Arnhem, a city steeped in World War II history, where we’ll moor close to the vibrant city center.
35 km/21 mi. or 44 km/28 mi.
Today’s route introduces you to the Hanseatic Town Route, leading to the quaint village of Doesburg and the IJssel’s banks to Bronkhorst, Holland’s tiniest town. Choose between a riverside ride to Zutphen or a longer journey through Vorden, showcasing majestic estates and castles. As evening falls, we’ll dock in Deventer, offering an optional guided evening stroll.
27 km/16 mi. or 44 km/27 mi.
Begin your day cycling along the IJssel, then board a ferry at Wijhe to reach Hattem, a town brimming with eight centuries of history. Opt for an extended ride through the Veluwe’s eastern parts. As night approaches, we’ll sail to Kampen, the Netherlands’ grandest Hanseatic town, where an optional walking tour awaits.
35 km/21 mi. or 45 km/27 mi.
Morning sees us sailing to the IJssel estuary and the bordering lakes. Starting at Roggebotsluis, your ride will take you to Elburg’s bustling harbor and onwards through Elspeet’s woods to Harderwijk. This former fishing hub, with its rich history, will be our resting place for the night. Tonight, dinner is on your own, giving you a chance to sample local delicacies.
48 km/29 mi.
Today offers two cycling options: a serene coastal route or a blend of coastal and woodland paths. Our destination is Spakenburg, a village renowned for its age-old traditions and costumes.
35 km/21 mi. or 59 km/36 mi.
Relax and enjoy the views during breakfast as we sail to Huizen. From here, pedal to the historic towns of Naarden and Muiden, with its iconic castle. The route then takes you to Amsterdam, the world’s cycling capital. Spend your afternoon and evening exploring Amsterdam’s myriad attractions.
35 km/21 mi. or 49 km/30 mi.
Your memorable journey concludes here. After a hearty breakfast, disembarkation continues until 9.30 a.m. Safe travels!
Pricing
Included in price
7x breakfast
Packed lunches
6x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin
Climate-controlled cabin
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours (Magnifique’s: as from 18 guests, 2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
Some short walking tours
Fees for ferries
BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a helmet
Biodegradable water bottle
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Entrance airborne museum
Visit Dutch cheese farm
Guided walk Deventer
Wi-Fi
Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit
1x Dinner
Drinks
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under inclusions)
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
SGR Insolvency protection
Important for the tour
Description
Set out on a journey that promises both adventure and serenity. The Hansa Highlights Tour is a deep dive into the heart of the Netherlands, a country shaped by its rivers and its rich history.
As you pedal through the Rhine valley and alongside the IJssel River, you’ll be greeted by landscapes that seem to have jumped straight out of a postcard.
The flat terrains in the Netherlands make for easy cycling, but it’s the surroundings that truly captivate. The Hanseatic towns, which you’ll encounter, are a testament to the region’s flourishing past.
These towns thrived during the Middle Ages, with the IJssel serving as a crucial trade route. Today, they stand as reminders of a bygone era.
The border lakes region showcases the Netherlands’ prowess in land reclamation. Once the bed of the sea, today they are serene lakes flanked by picturesque fishing harbors.
We believe in offering an experience that’s seamless. Our guided tours ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the highlights. Our expert guides, well-versed in the local history and culture, will provide insights that enrich your journey. And with our premium barges, comfort is a given.
We’ve taken care of all the logistics, so all you need to do is soak in the experience.
Join us on our premium bike and barge tour and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ships
Fiep (2024: La Mar)
Step aboard the Fiep, known as La Mar in 2024, a cozy and inviting passenger vessel. While the cabins are compact, they’re equipped with comfortable beds, an ensuite bathroom, storage cabinet, a mini-safe, hairdryer, and both heating and air-conditioning. Each cabin also features an operable window. The ship’s dining area serves hearty breakfasts and delectable three-course dinners. The upper deck houses a roomy lounge with a widescreen TV, a welcoming bar, and an expansive sundeck for relaxation.
Lena Maria
The Lena Maria is a spacious river cruiser tailored for bike and barge adventures. Accommodating up to 24 guests, her 12 cabins on the lower deck feature twin beds, luggage storage, and a private bathroom. The upper deck boasts a dining area and a comfortable salon, making it an ideal place to relax after a cycling session.
Magnifique II
Introducing the Magnifique II, the esteemed sibling of the Magnifique, crafted in 2015-2016 to provide a luxurious experience for up to 34 guests. Each of the 13 cabins on the lower deck and the 4 suites on the upper deck boasts premium bedding, a private ensuite, air conditioning, satellite TV, and a wardrobe equipped with a mini-safe. The elegantly designed, air-conditioned salon on the upper deck showcases a standout bar. Adjacent to it is the dining section, complemented by a cozy lounge area.
Start planning today!
Things to know
Helmets are mandatory for all cyclists in Turkey, and Croatia, and for minors in several other European countries. While not obligatory elsewhere, we recommend bringing your own for safety. Helmets are available for rent on our tours.
You’re welcome to bring your own bicycle on most tours. Please confirm space availability on your chosen vessel in advance. Note that we are not liable for any loss or damage to personal bicycles. If you don’t have your bicycle, you can rent it on our tours.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended to enjoy the tours, which typically involve 40-60 kilometers of cycling daily, averaging around 5 hours of riding.
Our tours are designed to immerse you in the experience, hence a support vehicle is not part of the journey. Participants are encouraged to complete the daily cycling stages with their fellow cyclists.
To ensure the integrity of our rental bikes and your safety, we do not allow personal pedals to be attached to them.
While our routes are planned for full-day adventures, certain tours may offer the flexibility to return to the ship earlier, subject to the ship’s docking capabilities.
The adventure each day can span from 30 to 60 kilometers, with the time spent cycling influenced by your pace and the number of stops to soak in the scenery.
Our guides converse fluently in Dutch, English, and German, with some also proficient in French or Italian. Briefings are conducted in English and sometimes in German.
The number of companions on your journey will vary, with smaller ships often at full capacity and larger vessels typically filled to 80-90%.
Accommodations range from cozy standard cabins to luxurious superior suites, with each ship offering its unique array of options.
Stay connected with Wi-Fi available across all our vessels, with specifics outlined in our Travel Preparation guide.
To maintain the serene ambiance of our ships, laundry services are not offered on board.
Some ships equip cabins with hairdryers, while others can provide them upon request.
Our ships maintain a smoke-free environment in cabins and indoor public areas, with designated smoking zones available on deck on most vessels.
To ensure the comfort of all our guests, pets are not permitted on board, with the exception of crew members’ dogs that are familiar with life at sea.
Seasickness is uncommon due to the stability of our vessels and the typically calm waters on our routes.
Parking solutions are tailored to each departure point, with options like P+R facilities and valet services detailed in your pre-travel boarding information.
You will receive comprehensive travel details to your ship’s location upon booking, including information on parking and available transfer services.
Our guests are generally between the ages of 45 and 65, bringing a wealth of life experiences to share.
Our tours attract a global audience, from the far reaches of Scandinavia to the southern tips of Africa, and from the Americas to Asia.
Packing light is key, as cabin space is optimized for comfort and not for large luggage.
Our tour leaders are equipped to assist with minor issues, and in case of emergencies, the local emergency number 112 should be contacted.
For your safety, helmets are available for rent on most tours, and are included with our Premium tour packages.
You are welcome to enjoy the amenities on board instead of cycling. Please inform the tour leader or crew of your plans.
Our tours proceed rain or shine, with your safety as our top priority. You have the freedom to cycle or remain on board, based on your comfort with the weather conditions.
Weather conditions can vary from country to country and from season to season, so we suggest preparing for everything from rain to bright sunshine. For a detailed forecast, AccuWeather is a reliable source.
Not always. We suggest you bring your own equipment if you plan to snorkel.
Life-saving boats and life jackets are available on all ships and can be found in marked wardrobes on the deck, in the salon, or under the beds in cabins. In case you cannot swim, it is important to inform the crew and the captain. While on the ship, it is essential to pay attention to the following safety measures:
The stairs on the vessels can be steep and narrow, so it’s important to be careful while going up or down. The decks can also be very slippery, especially in wet conditions, so passengers should use caution and hold onto the railings when walking around the vessel.
Climbing the foremast, jumping off the deck during the cruise, or going too far from the vessel during swim pauses are strictly prohibited.
In the busy high season, harbors can become congested, and vessels may have to dock beside each other, so it is essential to exercise caution when moving between them. Crew members are available to assist passengers who require help. However, the cruise is not recommended for those with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
The length of the cycling routes planned for each day is an estimate and takes into account local conditions and possible detours or shortcuts. The sailing and cycling routes may be adjusted depending on weather conditions and the abilities of the cyclists on board. Typically, departures are in the morning, usually after breakfast.
Bringing and consuming your own beverages on the vessel is prohibited. Instead, you can order drinks from the vessel’s salon, which serves as a restaurant, living room, and bar. The bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. If you would like a drink that is unavailable at the time, please inform the crew, and they will do their best to arrange it for you at the next port of call.