Sail & Bike

Ijsselmeer · Netherlands

From 1019 €

Islandhopping
Cycling Tours
Sail & Bike Holland Ijsselmeer| Guided bike tour in Holland

Route
from Amsterdam / to Amsterdam

Duration
8 days /
7 nights

Distance
approx.
225 km

Sail and bike experience on the Ijsselmeer

Sail & Bike along the coast of the Ijsselmeer: Once part of the salty sea, this impressive body of water is now the largest freshwater lake in Holland! Discover this unique area of the Netherlands on two-wheels along wonderful cycling paths and on board a magnificent sailing ship. Along the banks, picturesque harbour and trading towns, centuries-old polders (fields of reclaimed land below sea level) and beautiful inland villages are still witness to the regions rich seafaring past. The fresh-water Ijsselmeer is now home to a vast variety of birds, plants, and fish. On this Sail & Bike tour, we visit many of these historical towns and polders on both the western and eastern banks of the Ijsselmeer. We explore a number of Dutch national parks, traveling as far as the province of Overijssel. If you feel up to the challenge, you are welcome to lend a hand with navigating and raising the sails on board the ship under the guidance of the experienced crew. Of course, you may also simply relax and enjoy the fresh air, sailing and scenery.

Operated by
a partner

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Highlights

Culture: Visit one of the museums, where the works of the great Dutch masters are exhibited

Nature: Broek in the Waterland region - a settlement developed on bog land

Activity: Free as the wind! Sailing between Enkhuizen and Urk

Culinary: Poffertjes and Stroopwafel are "lekker" Dutch specialities

Souvenir: Dutch cheese and Appelstroop

Itinerary

Individual arrival in Amsterdam. The crew welcomes you on board at 2 pm. Once all guests have checked in, we sail (by motor) to Volendam. Once we have arrived in one of the former fishing villages, we enjoy a short warm-up cycle through the rural nature reserve of Waterland with its many villages.

A very Dutch start to the day: we cycle to a nearby, family-run cheese and clog shop for a short demonstration on cheese and clog making and, of course, a cheese tasting. We continue on along the dikes to Purmerend, located in the heart of the polder De Beemster, 11 ½ ft. (3.5 m) below sea level. This sunken tract of land was created more than 400 years ago, when the Dutch transformed an inland lake into pasture. Divided into a tight geometric pattern of squares and rectangles, it has been recognized by UNESCO as “a creative masterpiece”. Our next destination of the day is the lovely town of Edam, whose lanes and canals are the perfect place for a stroll. Edam is known worldwide for its cheese covered in red or yellow wax. This practical solution keeps the cheese fresh for a long time and allowed 17th century sailors to take it with them on their voyages or to trade it for spices and other treasures in the East. After our time in Edam, we head along the main Ijsselmeer dike to the ship which awaits us on the Volendam promenade. Here, there will be enough time to visit the souvenir shops. During dinner, the ship sails to Hoorn. Once here, you can enjoy an evening stroll through the historical city centre.

Today’s ride leads through small rural hamlets and villages to Enkhuizen. Along the way, we pass by the De Krijgsman windmill (The Warrior), the tallest windmill in the province of North-Holland and one of a handful of old Dutch windmills still used to produce flour commercially. The area is also known for its many greenhouses, in which various vegetables are grown. In the 17th century, Enkhuizen was one of the wealthiest cities in Holland, thanks to its harbour that shipped then-costly spices from Asia. Here you are sure to be impressed by the stately mansions, canals, churches, and city walls that to this day reflect the city’s history and wealth.

Weather permitting, we sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Stavoren in Friesland (approx. 4 hours). You are more than welcome to assist the captain in sailing the ship, or you can take the opportunity to simply sit back on deck and enjoy the journey, watching out for marine bird life. Once back on land, we hop on our bikes and cycle first to Hindeloopen, a bustling, picturesque fishing village. From there we continue to Workum, home to the Jopie Huisman Museum. This museum is dedicated to the work and life of the Frisian realist painter Jopie Huisman, whose work is much loved by the Dutch.

Today we follow the dike along the IJsselmeer until we arrive in Gaasterland, renowned for its boulder clay hills, some that reach over 32.8 ft. (10 m) in hight. These hills were formed during the Ice Age, when boulder clay from Scandinavia was deposited in the area. The name Gaasterland derives from gaasten, the Frisian word for these elliptically shaped heights. Leaving the dike, we enter the Rijsterbos, a 300-year-old forest. We cycle through the woods to the town of Balk and along the tree-lined river Luts that flows through the centre of town. Shortly afterwards, we arrive at the fortress city of Sloten. With less than 800 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest cities in The Netherlands. Be sure to take some time for a leisurely wander through the narrow streets, relax and find a nice spot for lunch. The last stretch of today’s tour brings us to the fishing port of Lemmer, where the ship moors for the night. Dinner will be served on board. An after-dinner stroll into town is definitely worth your while.

In the morning we sail across the IJsselmeer to the port of Urk. You are once again welcome to help the captain navigate or take the time to relax and recharge on the deck. Once we arrive in Urk there is plenty of time for a stroll through the narrow streets and alleyways. The houses in the picturesque fishing village where built close to one another on elevated ground to protect them from flooding, an engineering feat that is still visible today. In the afternoon, a short, optional bike ride leads through the Northeast polder (Noordoostpolder).

After breakfast, we disembark for the last half day of cycling. Today’s tour leads us through the Oostvaardersplassen – a wonderful nature reserve that truly mixes new with old: Created on new polder land it has been left to find its own natural balance with the hope that a self-sustaining ecosystem with almost pre-human biodiversity will result. Sections of the tour lead through forested areas, while others open out to panoramic views of expansive reed beds and marshes. The area is a birdwatchers’ paradise! After our tour, the ship awaits us in the small harbour of Oostvaardersdiep for the return voyage to Amsterdam. We end the weeklong IJsselmeer adventure with a celebrative farewell dinner onboard.

In the morning we enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, disembarkation until 9.30 am. Individual trip home or extended stay in Amsterdam.

Accommodation

Mare Fan Fryslan (Premium Class)

The Mare fan Fryslan is the epitome of luxury sailing in the Netherlands. Built as a cargo vessel under the name Neptunia, she was later rebuilt as a passenger ship in 2007 and has sailed as a three-mast schooner through Dutch waters with enthusiastic guests on board ever since.

Below deck, you will find the saloon with its great atmosphere along with the comfortable guest cabins. The saloon leads to the wheelhouse and bar, which offer a great view over the front deck and passing landscapes.

The ships’ deck offers plenty of seating, an outdoor bar and BBQ, the helm stand, a whirlpool and…

Wapen Fan Fryslan (Premium Class)

The Wapen fan Fryslan is the biggest two-mast schooner in the Netherlands. It was built in 1965 as a freight vessel for salt and baptized, Twente Lek. In 2003 it was carefully rebuilt into the passenger boat, Wapen fan Fryslan, and has been sailing in Dutch waters with enthusiastic guests on board ever since.

The cabins are comfortable and the spacious saloon welcoming. On deck you will find a spacious wheelhouse in which you will not only find the ships wheel but also a well-stocked bar. The best view over the water can be enjoyed here. A second helm stand is located outside at the stern;…

Services, Dates & Prices

The below calendar lists the basic cruise price per person. The final cruise price depends on cabin type, cabin occupancy and any additional optional services. The prices for additional optional services are listed below the travel calendar. The green checkmark indicates that the trip is secured.

8-day trip on a tall ship with crew
7 nights in a twin cabin with shower/toilet
Welcome drink
Full board (7x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 7x dinner)
Daily briefings and daily guided cycling tours
Short walking tours as described in the itinerary
Bed linen and towels (change of towels on request); cabin cleaning
(limited) WiFi connection available throughout the ship (harbour area only)
Daily complimentary coffee and tea on board till 4 pm
Fees for ferries

Journey to/from Amsterdam
Transfer to/from the docking place in Amsterdam
Parking fee (own car etc.)
Beverages (as well as coffee and tea after 4 pm) on board (tally sheet, to be paid to the captain)
Beach towel for use away from ship (please bring your own if needed)
Beverages & meals ashore
Entrance fees & excursions
Helmet rental
Personal (travel) insurances
Tips for crew and tour guides

Double cabin for single use	Surcharge: 50% of the basic tour price
Rental bike with pannier	Hybrid bicycle: 85 euro/week E-bike: 185 euro/week (limited)
Limitation of liability (damage) Rental bike	Rental hybrid bike: 10 euro/week Rental e-bike: 25 euro/week
Rental helmet (payment with booking)	10 euro/week
Onboard space for own bicycle (only a limited number of spaces are available; reservation with booking)	10 euro/week
Onboard space + charge station for own e-bike (only a limited number of spaces available; reservation with booking)	25 euro/week
Parking Amsterdam (valet parking)	Prices on request

Returning Islandhopper's are rewarded: as of the third tour booked directly via Islandhopping you will receive our 5% SEA-you-Again discount on the basic tour price for bookings placed before the 31.12. (The SEA-YOU-Again discount applies to all tours in our program which are booked directly via Islandhopping given that the previous bookings actually took place).

As this tour is operated by a third party partner, not all regular Islandhopping discount offers apply.

Arrival - How to get there

Port of Embarkation Amsterdam

On the day of embarkation, your ship should be waiting in the port of Amsterdam at Pontsteiger, Oude Houthaven, Amsterdam.

Embarkation between 1 pm and 2 pm and a welcome tea or coffee from the crew. The ship leaves the harbour at 2.30 pm.

Please do not forget to bring your passport or ID-card.

Arrival by plane

The best international airport to use for this trip is Schiphol. Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS) is accessible from virtually all major airports in Europe.

Your flight can be organized as soon as we have confirmed that your tour is taking place.

From the airport to the harbour

It’s very easy to find public transport at Schiphol Airport with the train, buses and taxis just a 3-minute walk from the terminal. Simply collect your bags, head to the arrival’s hall, and follow the signs. Trains run regularly and only take about 20 minutes from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal. You can buy a ticket in the central arrival hall at the airport.

From the central station to the harbour

The ship’s location at Pontsteiger is situated about 1.2 mi./2 km from the Central Station. You can catch a bus from the Centraal Station to the ship’s location (approx. 4 minutes). To do so you must get on City Bus 48 (GVB) from Centraal Station (exit: IJ-side), direction Houthavens.

Then get off at bus stop Houtmankade. From here it is a 5-minute walk to the ship. On Saturdays, the busses depart every 15 minutes. The price is around 3 € (one way). You can buy a 1-hour ticket from the driver.

Arrival by car

Address for Navigation System:

Pontsteiger, 1013 AH Amsterdam, Netherlands

If you are planning on travelling to Amsterdam by car, be sure to organise a safe parking place for the week.

The best and easiest way to organise a secure parking place is to make a reservation with us (in cooperation with our partner Boat Bike Tours). The benefits of doing so are a guaranteed and secure parking spot at a favourable rate. Furthermore, the parking place is close to the ship so you will not need to use public transport or taxi to return to the ship after parking.

Parking recommendations in Amsterdam

A – Valet Parking – Centralparking.nl
Only available with reservation in advance. For payment, please follow the instructions mentioned in the confirmation. Price: 145 € – 8 days (as off 2019).

How does the Centralparking Parking Service work?

Drive to the ship, where you will meet the Valet Parking driver. They will help you with your luggage.
The driver will take your car to the covered parking lot with 24/7 camera surveillance.
On day of departure, your car will be waiting for you at the harbour near the ship so that you can drive home immediately after disembarkation.

B – Parking Centrum Oosterdok
Centrum Oosterdok is the cheapest long-term possibility for parking in the centre of Amsterdam. This parking garage is only accessible for cars with a maximum height of 2.10 m.

Parking Centrum Oosterdok offers a total of 1,355 parking spots in a brand new, clean building with video surveillance and is situated close to Amsterdam Centraal Station. The rate for long-term parking is 20 € per 24 hours. You pay between 140 to 160 € per week (depending on the time of your arrival/departure).

Address for navigation:

Oosterdoksstraat 150, 1011 DK, Amsterdam

Embarkation
by plane
Airport - Harbour
by train
by car
Parking

Important information

Level 1 - 2

Tours of low to moderate difficulty with mostly flat stages ranging from 6 mi. to 31 mi./10 km to 49 km in length. All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. Long and steep ascents are extremely rare; however, some routes do lead through hilly countryside with regular ascents and descents. There may be times that you must cycle into a strong headwind. The daily cycle tours are led by a multi-lingual tour guide. When there are two cycle routes possible, the guide will lead either the short or long tour after consultation with the group. Please note that on the shorter tours, not all the above-mentioned highlights can be visited. There are maps and route note available on board, which you are welcome to use if you would like to cycle alone. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend on board the ship instead of taking a planned cycle tour.

Due to our international audience all Islandhopping tours are conducted bilingually, in English and German.

We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary, depending on wind and weather conditions or organizational requirements. Sometimes the tour will be run in reverse order. Our tours are dependent on weather conditions and the final decision is that of the captain. You are free to set aside a half or full day to swim or spend time on board the boat, instead of taking a planned bike-tour.

On most of our Bike & Boat tours you can choose between a hybrid bike and an e-bike. However, the guided group pace is based on the speed of the hybrid bike cyclists. Those who rent an e-bike on a hybrid bike tour are asked to show consideration for those who ride without electronic assistance. Hybrid bike cyclists need more breaks and more time to cycle the hills. We thank you for your understanding.

Helmet use is mandatory on all cycle tours (even if cyclists are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet in the Netherlands). You are strongly encouraged to bring your own (well-fitted) helmet, as rental helmets are NOT available on board without prior reservation.

We believe that only children with a good physical condition and previous bicycle tour experience and a minimum age of 10 are able to master the cycle tours with their own strength. Please note that the minimum height for a rental bike is 1.30 m (4.3 ft.) for hybrid bikes.

For the best tour experience with children, we recommend our Multi-Adventure tours in Croatia or Greece. We are convinced that these itineraries provide the best all-round experience for each individual family member when travelling as a family.

You are welcome to bring your own private bike with you on this tour. If you are planning on bringing your own bike, please inform us of the category type (hybrid bike/e-bike). If you bring your own bikes, an additional fee will be charged for storage of your bikes on board.

Liability disclaimer:

If you bring your private bike, you do so at your own risk. The owner of the boat, the crew, the tour guides, and the tour operator will not be held liable for any damages to the bike or for the theft thereof which may occur during your time on tour.

If you do not bring your own bike, you can rent a hybrid bike or e-bike along with a pannier bag for the duration of the Sail & Bike tour. Except for the time when the (e-)bike is on the deck of ship, you are responsible and liable for your rental bike and accessories for the duration of the rental period. This means you should always lock your bicycle when it is parked on land, and you take the pannier bag with you. It is of great importance that you pay attention to and follow the instructions given by the tour leader where and how to park your bike. In case of damage to or theft of the bike, the costs will be charged to you.

Please note: For safety reasons, we do not allow the use the rental (e-) bikes for self-arranged bike rides in Amsterdam.

Please bring your personal belongings in foldable travel bags. Please avoid hard protective cases. They will be too heavy to store within your cabin.

Full board (7x breakfast, 6 x packed lunch, 7x dinner).

Please do not forget that the ship is your hotel as well as a machine, which has to be maintained and operated – day and night. A certain level of noise is therefore inevitable.

This tour is operated by our partner company, the Tall Ship Company. As they are in charge of the organisation of this tour it may vary in comparison to traditional Islandhopping tours.

You can withdraw from the travel contract up until the beginning of the trip. Cancellation is valid when your written statement reaches us.

More than 60 days prior to beginning the trip: 20 %
59 – 42 days prior to beginning the trip: 30 %
41 – 28 days prior to beginning the trip: 60 %
27 – 1 days prior to beginning the trip: 90 %

If you cancel on the starting day of the trip or if you do not appear for the start of the trip, we charge the full trip price. If you miss the start of the trip or are prevented from traveling due to incomplete travel documents, this will be considered a cancellation.

Reservation changes are handled the same way as cancellations. We charge a 50 € fee for changes made to your reservation 28 days or more before the beginning of the trip. Any later changes (if possible) will need to be handled as a cancellation and new registration. Cancellation and reservation change fees are due immediately.