Bike and Sail in Holland

After your arrival in Amsterdam, the crew will be waiting for you on your ship between 13:00 and 14:00. Once all guests are on board, it's time to set sail, as you will be sailing to Monnickendam on the IJsselmeer in the afternoon of your cycling and sailing trip. You set off on your bike for a first short exploration tour through the Waterland nature reserve.

Today could be described as a typically Dutch day. First you cycle to a family business to experience a short demonstration of cheese and clog making. You then cycle through the small village of Purmerend, which lies 3.5 meters below sea level. The next destination is Edam, world-famous for its wax-coated cheese. Your ship awaits you in Volendam. Here you will have plenty of time to explore the traditional fishing village, as the ship does not leave the port for the Hoor until late evening

After breakfast, you disembark and cycle leisurely through rural hamlets and villages. You come across the highest windmill in North Holland. Did you know that it is still in use today to produce flour? Enkhuizen is the destination of today's cycling and sailing tour on the IJsselmeer. Thanks to its harbor, the town, which is over 1000 years old, was one of the richest in Holland, as ships from Asia unloaded expensive spices here. Stately manor houses, churches and city walls bear witness to its former wealth. In the afternoon, you will cross the IJsselmeer and sail to Urk, a traditional fishing village.

After breakfast, you leave the IJsselmeer for the time being and cycle eastwards. Today you cycle along the Ketelmeer to the former island of Schokland, which was once surrounded by the Zuiderzee. Erosion threatened the island and in the 19th century the last inhabitants left Schokland, which has been completely surrounded by the mainland since land reclamation. Today, many descendants of the islanders bear the surname Schokker. You then continue cycling along the former coastline of the Zuiderzee. You may also encounter Schokkers in the destination of today's stage, the charming village of Vollenhove

In the morning, you cycle to the small town of Blokzijl, where the Weerribben-Wieden National Park begins. Lakes, meadows and swamp forests alternate in the largest peat bog area in north-western Europe. An important habitat for numerous animal and plant species. With a bit of luck, you may even spot an otter at work. Continue cycling through fields surrounded by dykes to Zwartsluis.

You won't be pedaling today, as you will cover the distance to the city of Lelystad by sailing ship. If you wish, you can help the captain sail on the IJsselmeer or relax on deck. In Lelystad, you can experience what sailing ships looked like in the 17th century using the Batavia as an example. The real East Indiaman sank off Australia in 1629. A replica was built in the local Batavia shipyard over a period of ten years and can also be viewed here.

Today you will cycle through a true natural paradise on the last stage of the cycling and sailing tour around the IJsselmeer. The paths meander partly through wooded areas and partly offer you a wide panoramic view over extensive marshland. Stop and observe the numerous birds that have made their home here. Then relax and get back on board and return to the port of Amsterdam.

After breakfast, your cycling and sailing trip around the IJsselmeer is unfortunately already over. Now it's time to say goodbye to your  Elizabeth and the crew. We wish you a safe journey home!