Boat and Bike on the IJsselmeer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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