The "fietsen," as bicycles are affectionately called in the Netherlands, are as much a part of our neighbors' lifestyle as windmills, tulips, and cheese. What better way to explore the Dutch Hanseatic cities than by bike? Experience the cities of the once mighty trading alliance, strung together like pearls on a string, and cycle along ancient streets past medieval city walls. Nature lovers will also get their money's worth. You'll explore the Rhine Valley and cycle along its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, and across the so-called "border lakes," located between the "old" and "new" land reclaimed from the sea. During the week, you'll traverse the forests and moorland landscapes of the Achterhoek, the Veluwe, and the Goois nature reserve. Restaurants and charming shopping opportunities are never far away.
Embarkation begins at 12:30 PM in Amsterdam, at the Oosterdok, centrally located near the main train station. At approximately 14:00 PM, the ship sails across the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, a charming town on the Lower Rhine with a beautiful medieval market square. Perhaps you'd like to stroll through the old streets after dinner.
Overnight place: Wijk bij Duurstede
During breakfast, you'll take a boat trip to Wageningen. There, your first bike tour through the charming Lower Rhine river valley begins. At lunchtime, you'll cycle through Arnhem's city center and cross the historic John Frost Bridge. This bridge was the subject of Operation Market Garden during the Battle of Arnhem in 1944. In the afternoon, you'll continue along the IJssel River to the Hanseatic city of Doesburg.
Alternatively, you can extend your bike tour independently (unguided) by about 15 kilometers and cycle through the forests and heathlands of the Veluwe National Park. The 5.400-hectare park is home to many plants and animals.
(If you would like to visit the park, day ticket costs approximately €13).
Overnight place: Doesburg
Today, your cycling tour begins in the Hanseatic city of Doesburg (pronounced "Duusbürch"). From here, you'll follow the Hanseatic Route along the IJssel River to Bronkhorst, which prides itself on being the smallest city in the Netherlands. Your tour ends in Zutphen, the city of towers. From afar, you'll see the large and small church towers that adorn the cityscape. During dinner, enjoy a boat trip to Deventer. The historic "Stadsplein de Brink" was a central meeting place in Deventer even during Hanseatic times and today offers many cozy café terraces.
Overnight place: Deventer
During breakfast, a boat trip to Wijhe begins, where your bike tour begins. You'll take the ferry (approx. €1,50 per person) across the IJssel River and then cycle through forests and the beautiful natural landscape of the eastern Veluwe. In the afternoon, you'll reach Hattem and Zwolle, respectively. Both are lively Hanseatic cities with charming medieval old towns. During dinner, a boat trip to Kampen, with one of the best-preserved town centers in the Netherlands, begins. The town is also the home port of the Kamper Kogge, a replica of a medieval Hanseatic cog.
Overnight place: Kampen
In the morning, take a boat trip to Reevesluis, where your cycling tour begins. Along the Veluwemeer lake – where you can swim, go boating, surf, and much more – you'll cycle through typically Dutch landscapes to Elburg, a charming fortress and fishing town. A visit to the historic town center, measuring just 250 by 350 meters, is a must. You'll pass through extensive forests on the Veluwe to Harderwijk. A stroll through the town will inevitably lead you to the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk, a basilica dating back to the 14th/15th century.
Overnight place: Harderwijk
Today, your bike tour takes you through flat coastal landscapes, forests, and moors. If the weather is nice, you should take a swim in the Strand Nulde recreation area. You'll cycle along the Eem River to Spakenburg, a long-standing fishing port whose museum harbor is now the heart of the small town.
Overnight place: Spakenburg
During breakfast, you'll cruise to Huizen. You'll then cycle to the beautiful fortress town of Naarden and Muiderslot Castle in Muiden. You'll reach Amsterdam along quiet roads. You'll spend the afternoon and evening in Amsterdam.
Overnight place: Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembarkation until 09:00 a.m. and individual journey home.
Find out the price now: To the price calculator
| 2 bed cabin | main deck |
|---|---|
| 02.07.2026 - 27.08.2026 | 1.349,00 € |
| 1 bed cabin | main deck |
|---|---|
| 02.07.2026 - 27.08.2026 | 1.849,00 € |
| 7-speed unisex rental bike with freewheel and pannier bag (rental bike insurance included) | |
|---|---|
| 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026 | 99,00 € |
| 8-speed electric bike with freewheel and pannier bag (rental bike insurance included) | |
|---|---|
| 01.01.2026 - 31.12.2026 | 219,00 € |
Thursdays in July and August 2026
| Basic price in € per person * 2026 | main deck |
|---|---|
| 2 bed cabin | From €1349 |
| 1 bed cabin | From €1849 |
3% early bird discount for tours in 2026 until the end of February
Attention: This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Parking in Amsterdam (subject to change)
For example, the Oosterdok car park directly at the main train station (only for cars up to 2,10 m high).
approx. €45 for 24 hours (as of June 2025) https://www.parkingzentrumamsterdam.de/No reservation possible.
General tip for traveling by car
You can easily find a large overview of parking spaces on the external website www.parkopedia.de . view
MS ANNA VAN AEMSTEL (formerly MS WENDING)
Built in 1993; Flag: Netherlands; Length: 41,50 m; Width: 6,21 m; Draft: 1,20 m; Crew: 3; Maximum number of passengers: 25
The MS ANNA VAN AEMSTEL (formerly MS WENDING) is a former cargo ship that was converted into a passenger motor vessel in 1993. The ship features a lovingly furnished salon/restaurant with a comfortable seating area and stereo system, as well as a small bar. The small sun deck offers space for the bikes and limited seating.
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Salon / Restaurant | 2 bed cabin |
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Bath/shower | deck plan |
Staterooms Twelve two-bed cabins (approx. 2 m²), two of which can also be used as three-bed cabins (8rd bed = bunk bed with ladder, max. 3 kg). All cabins are outside, have beds below, and are equipped with a shower/WC, hairdryer, and air conditioning. The windows/portholes can be opened.
Embarkation from 12:30 to 13:30 / Disembarkation until 09:00.
Minimum number of participants 18 people up to 21 days before arrival
Taking your own bikes with you: Due to limited space on the sun deck, it is not possible to bring your own bike.
Holiday luggage: We recommend good rainwear, a bicycle helmet, a sun hat and sports shoes.
Timetable and program changes are generally reserved. If, for example, a route cannot be navigated due to low or high water or bad weather, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this is not a free reason for cancellation). The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs ordered by the authorities and not announced in advance.
diet For special diets such as gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, etc., there is a surcharge of € 100 per person/week, payable directly on board.
Other notes: Please keep in mind that your riverboat is, on the one hand, your "vacation hotel," but on the other, it's also a working machine that moves by engine power and must be operated early in the morning (sometimes when passing through locks and bridges). We recommend that guests who are particularly sensitive to noise bring earplugs.
General information
Not included in the price: Cultural development tax, bed tax, arrival and departure, transfers, excursions, entrance and sightseeing fees, city maps, ferry fees, insurance, tips and personal expenses.
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Maps presented are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect geographical reality.
