2024
Mit Rad und Schiff in Nordholland

Boat and Bike on the IJsselmeer

North Sea coast, island Texel and the IJsselmeer

Amsterdam – Texel Island – Amsterdam

  • Open-air museum Zaanse Schans, pretty little towns along the IJsselmeer
  • Full board included!
  • Daily routes ●●○○○, altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Bike & Boat: De Willemstad & De Holland

Days
8

Ø km per day
50

The Dutch jokingly claim that they learn to ride a bike before they start walking. No wonder, the very well-developed network of bike paths covers more than 25,000 kilometers and virtually tempts you to go on extended bike tours. It leads you on mainly flat cycle paths and with the help of a sophisticated junction system through the varied landscapes of North Holland and Friesland – along coasts, rivers, and canals. On our bike and boat trip on the IJsselmeer, you combine relaxed cycling with the comfort of a riverboat, which perfectly rounds off the vacation feeling. During our bike and boat trip on the IJsselmeer, you will get to know the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam, the North Sea coast, the West Frisian island of Texel and the IJsselmeer. You will pass windmills, get to know historic cities like Alkmaar, Enkhuizen and Volendam, taste the famous Dutch cheese and freshly caught fish in small picturesque port towns.

Itinerary

  • Booking code
    De Willemstad
    Lower deck: NL-NHSNW-08I-U
    Upper deck: NL-NHSNW-08I-O
    De Holland
    Lower deck: NL-NHSNH-08I-U
    Upper deck: NL-NHSNH-08I-O
  • Start / Destination
    Amsterdam
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 230 - 290 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 30 and 55 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
Map to the trip by bike and boat in North Holland

Your ships: De Willemstad and De Holland

The De Willemstad is a 4* ship thoroughly modernized in 2017 / 2018, where it is personal and familiar. All cabins on the upper and lower deck are outside cabins and each equipped with two single beds, shower and toilet, hairdryer, adjustable air conditioning, TV and mini safe. The spacious, partly covered sundeck and the panorama salon offer you comfortable places to sit, no matter what the weather is like. Here you can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape of North Holland.

The meeting point of the riverboat De Holland is the large sundeck. It is equipped with tables and chairs, so you can spend the evening here relaxed and enjoy the atmosphere of the lights on the shore. If it should ever get too windy, simply move out to the salon. Here you will find the cozy bar, where you will be served coffee specialties and other delicious drinks.

Show more Show less

De Willemstad

De Willemstad

De Holland

Day 1: Individual arrival to Amsterdam, Amsterdam – Zaandam (boat)

The picturesque capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is the starting point of their journey by bike and ship to the unique Dutch tulip blossom. After embarkation at 14.00 and the welcome by the crew, it is "Cast off! Off to Zaandam!" After a short cruise, you will arrive at your overnight destination for today, Zaandam. Your ship will anchor in the city center. Explore the city on the Zaan on foot or take your first test ride on your (rental) bike.

Inntel Hotel Zaandam

The iconic Inntel Hotel in Zaandam

Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans – Alkmaar, approx. 45 km

The first stop on today's bike tour is Zaanse Schans. The open-air museum offers a glimpse into Dutch life in the 17th and 18th centuries and features historic wooden houses and windmills. You continue cycling through the Leeghwater polder landscape and reach Alkmaar. Famous for its cheese market, the city exudes a particularly historic atmosphere through its canals, drawbridges and narrow streets.

Cheese Alkmaar

Cheese in Alkmaar

Day 3: Dune tour around Alkmaar, approx. 35 - 40 km, Alkmaar – Den Helder (boat)

Today you will get to know the North Holland Dune Reserve on your tour by bike and boat through North Holland. It serves the drinking water production and waits with fine sandy beaches, forest areas and dunes. After a visit to the North Sea coast and the artists' village of Bergen, you will return to Alkmaar. In the afternoon, the ship will take you via the North Holland Canal to Den Helder, the largest naval port in the Netherlands.

Bergen marketplace

The market place in Bergen op Zoom

Day 4: Excursion to the island of Texel, approx. 35 - 50 km, Den Helder – Den Oever (boat)

Today's ferry trip (included) takes you to the island of Texel. The largest and westernmost of the West Frisian Islands impresses with a dune landscape formed over centuries by wind and water. You will cycle through a varied landscape dominated by a rich flora and fauna. Visit the Ecomare, which is not only dedicated to island and sea life, but also serves as a bird and seal sanctuary. Or how about an extended stay on the beach? Back in Den Helder, you'll take a boat to the port of Den Oever during dinner.

Texel lighthouse

The famous lighthouse on the Island of Texel

Day 5: Den Oever – Stavoren (boat), excursion to the southwest of Friesland, approx. 45 / 55 km

Today's day of your journey by bike and boat through North Holland takes you across the IJsselmeer to Stavoren. The landmark of the city is the statue of Wyfke fan Starum at the old harbor. In the Middle Ages it is said that a rich merchant's widow wanted to possess the most valuable thing that existed at that time. She was brought wheat, which she haughtily spurned. Right at the statue you will learn how the story continues. Decide in Stavoren whether you want to take a shorter bike tour to the Gaasterland nature area or a longer one to the Frisian Lake District. Your ship will be anchored at the harbor until the next day.

Port Stavoren

View of the harbour in Stavoren

Day 6: Stavoren – Medemblik (boat), Medemblik – Enkhuizen, approx. 40 / 50 km

In the early morning you cross the IJsselmeer again and reach Medemblik. Along the IJsselmeer you cycle to Enkhuizen. The town, crisscrossed by canals, looks back on a centuries-old shipping tradition. Visit the Zuiderzee Museum. It documents the shipping and fishing of the former Zuiderzee, today's IJsselmeer. If you like, take a longer bike ride to Hoorn. The port city is one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Numerous buildings testify to the eventful past of the former trading city.

Steam locomotive Medemblik

Steam locomotive in Medemblik

Day 7: Enkhuizen – Volendam (boat), Volendam – Amsterdam, approx. 30 / 50 km

On the last stage of your journey by bike and boat through North Holland, you will first head for Volendam. The former fishing village is known for its traditional costumes. You follow the course of the cycle path directly to your destination Amsterdam or take a detour to the idyllic island of Marken. At the end of the trip, a canal cruise is worthwhile in Amsterdam, which takes you leisurely along the small and large canals past the most beautiful sights of the city.

Volendam

Volendam

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast around 09:30 your journey with bike and ship unfortunately already ends. There is the disembarkation and the individual departure.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Accommodation

Show more Show less

De Willemstad

De Willemstad

De Willemstad

Salon

De Willemstad

Cabin on the lower deck

De Willemstad, Kabine auf dem Unterdeck

De Willemstad

Cabin on the upper deck

De Willemstad, Kabine auf dem Oberdeck

De Willemstad

Suite on the upper deck

De Willemstad, Suite auf dem Oberdeck

De Holland

De Holland

De Holland

Restaurant

De Holland, Restaurant

De Holland

Double cabin on the lower deck

De Holland, Doppelkabine auf dem Unterdeck

De Holland

Triple cabin on the lower deck

De Holland, Dreibettkabine auf dem Unterdeck

De Holland

Double cabin on the upper deck

De Holland, Doppelkabine auf dem Oberdeck

De Holland

Bathroom on the upper deck

De Holland, Badezimmer auf dem Oberdeck

De Holland

Bar on the upper deck

De Holland, Bar auf dem Oberdeck

De Holland

Sun deck

De Holland, Sonnendeck

De Holland

Deck plan

De Holland, Deckplan

De Willemstad

  • 48 outside cabins
  • On the lower deck:
    24 twin cabins with single beds at ground level, approx. 10 m², small opening hinged windows
  • On the upper deck:
    16 twin cabins with separate single beds at ground level, approx. 10 m², opening panoramic windows
    8 twin suites with single beds at ground level standing together, approx. 15 m², with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling glazed sliding door)
  • Facilities: shower / WC, individually regulated air conditioning, TV, mini-safe, hairdryer

Facts about the ship

  • Built in 1986, renovated in 2017 / 2018
  • 2 passenger decks | 48 outside cabins
  • Maximum occupancy: 96 passengers
  • Crew: 20
  • Length: 91.35 m
  • Width: 10.45 m
  • Draft: 1.45 m
  • Amenities: restaurant on the lower deck, salon / bar with panoramic windows on the upper deck, sundeck with sun loungers (partly covered), WiFi (extra charge)
  • EC and credit cards (with PIN): Visa, Master Card (no cash payment possible)
  • Board languages: English, German
Show more Show less

De Holland

  • On the lower deck:
    24 twin cabins, about 10 m², 3 of which are possible as a triple cabin. The third bed is a folding bed and only suitable for children.
  • On the upper deck:
    9 twin cabins, approx. 10 m² and one suite, approx. 13 m², each with French balcony (floor-to-ceiling, glazed sliding door)
  • level beds
  • Windows: open on the upper deck, not open on the lower deck
  • Facilities: Shower / WC, individually controlled air conditioning, TV, closet, mini-safe, hairdryer, 230 V power outlets

Facts about the ship

  • Built in 1952, renovated in 2017 / 2018
  • 2 passenger decks | 34 outside cabins
  • Maximum occupancy: 71 passengers
  • Crew: 11
  • Length: 78 m
  • Width: 7 m
  • Amenities: restaurant, bar and lounge on the upper deck, sun deck (partly covered), WiFi
  • Board languages: German, English
Show more Show less

Dates / Prices / Services

Season times and prices 2024

Arrival on Saturdays from 30.03.2024 until 05.10.2024

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The day of arrival determines the season time.

Show more Show less

Lower deck

Season A
30.03. - 06.04.
05.10.
from789 €
Season B
13.04. - 20.04.
28.09.
from989 €
Season C
27.04.
14.09. - 21.09.
from1099 €
Season D
04.05. - 07.09.

from1199 €

Upper deck

Season A
30.03. - 06.04.
05.10.
from989 €
Season B
13.04. - 20.04.
28.09.
from1189 €
Season C
27.04.
14.09. - 21.09.
from1349 €
Season D
04.05. - 07.09.

from1449 €

All prices per person in a double cabin

Show more Show less

Services

  • 7 nights on board in the selected category
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 7 x dinner)
  • Coffee and tea every day until 4 p.m.
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Bed linen and towels provided and changed as needed
  • Welcome drink
  • Some short city walks
  • Ferry ticket to Texel
  • 1 evening with live music
  • Daily bike tour briefing, on-board tour guide
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per cabin)
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Show more Show less

Not included:

  • Drinks on board and tips for guide and crew
  • Admission fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers

No minimum number of participants

Changes in the itinerary due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and remain reserved.

Show more Show less

For our younger cyclists

No child discount is offered on this trip.

Show more Show less

Season times and prices 2024

Arrival on Sundays 14.04. / 28.04. / 26.05. / 23.06. / 18.08.2024

Bookable dates are shown in the booking form. The day of arrival determines the season time.

Show more Show less

Lower deck

Season B
14.04.

from989 €
Season C
28.04.

from1099 €
Season D
26.05.
23.06.
18.08.
from1199 €

Upper deck

Season B
14.04.

from1239 €
Season C
28.04.

from1349 €
Season D
26.05.
23.06.
18.08.
from1499 €

All prices per person in a double cabin

Show more Show less

Services

  • 7 nights on board in the selected category
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 7 x dinner)
  • Coffee and tea every day until 4 p.m.
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Bed linen and towels are provided and changed as needed (no bath towels)
  • Welcome drink
  • Short city tours as per program
  • Ferry ticket to Texel Island
  • 1 evening with live music
  • Daily bike tour briefing, Onboard tour guide
  • Parking space when bringing your own bike or e-bike
  • Travel documents with maps (1 x per cabin)
  • Service hotline (7 days, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Show more Show less

Not included:

  • Drinks on board and tips for guide and crew
  • Admission fees and excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Transfers

No minimum number of participants

Changes in the itinerary due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and remain reserved.

Show more Show less

For our younger cyclists

No child discount is offered on this trip.

Show more Show less

Additional services

Additional bookable services - De Willemstad

Lower deck
Upper deck

Surcharge for single use of double cabin

50 %

Supplement twin cabin upper deck

300 €

Canal round trip Amsterdam

16 €

All prices are per person

Additional bookable services - De Holland

Lower deck
Upper deck

Surcharge for single use of double cabin

50 %

Supplement twin cabin upper deck

250 €

Canal round trip Amsterdam

16 €

All prices are per person

Rental bikes

Rental Bikes

Rental Bike
Rental Bike
59 €
E-Bike
E-Bike
199 €

Types of rental bikes

  • 7-gear unisex bike with freewheel
  • E-bike / pedelec
Features

Pannier

Show more Show less

7-gear rental bike

59 €

E-bike / pedelec

199 €

All prices are per person

Brief info

  • Booking code
    De Willemstad
    Lower deck: NL-NHSNW-08I-U
    Upper deck: NL-NHSNW-08I-O
    De Holland
    Lower deck: NL-NHSNH-08I-U
    Upper deck: NL-NHSNH-08I-O
  • Start / Destination
    Amsterdam
  • Duration
    8 days / 7 nights
  • Length
    approx. 230 – 290 km
    Daily routes ●●○○○
    between 30 and 55 km, Ø 50 km
    Altitude profile ●○○○○
  • Parking information
    Various unguarded parking facilities near the pier, can not be reserved.
    Valet Parking Service in Amsterdam: Your car will be picked up at the ship on the day of arrival, parked under cover and guarded and brought back to the ship on the day of departure, cost approx. 175 € for 8 days / 7 nights. A bike rack costs another 35 €.
    Please always go first to the ship and give your luggage and then to the parking lot.
    No reservation possible through Radweg-Reisen
  • Minimum number of participants
    No minimum number of participants
    For ship trips, changes due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and remain reserved.
  • Own bicycles
    If you do not need a rental bike, please specify in the booking form whether you arrive with your own bike or your own electric bike.
  • Tour operated by
    Local cooperation partner
  • Mobility note
    The trip is only conditionally suitable for people with limited mobility. Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding your individual needs.
  • Print version PDF
Map to the trip by bike and boat in North Holland

Days
8

Ø km per day
50