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Sailing along the coast of the IJsselmeer
Monnickendam
Elizabeth
Enkhuizen
Waterland

Boat and bike tour IJsselmeer and National Parks Bike and Sail

Sail & Bike along the coast of the IJsselmeer, once part of the North Sea and now the largest freshwater inland lake in the Netherlands! Discover this unique region of the Netherlands aboard a magnificent and comfortably equipped sailing ship, and cycle along well-developed bike paths and roads. Sailing experience is not required, but you are welcome to lend a hand on board. » read more about Boat and bike tour IJsselmeer and National Parks Bike and Sail

  • Sailing along the coast of the IJsselmeer
  • Historic harbour towns of the Dutch Golden Age
  • Gentle rides in Weerribben National Park
GPS E-bike Zwaarte zwaarte_1
  • Boat and bike tour
  • Round Trip
  • 8 days
  • Individual
from 1229 p.p.
excl. additional costs
Prices and dates
from 1229 p.p.
excl. additional costs
Prices and dates

Where Wind and Water Shape the Land

For centuries, the IJsselmeer was an open sea, connecting Dutch harbour towns to trade routes across northern Europe. Ships sailed between ports, carrying goods, stories and wealth that helped shape the Netherlands as we know it today. Along its shores, communities grew around fishing, sailing and trade, leaving behind a rich maritime heritage that is still visible in towns like Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Urk.

Historic Harbours and Open Water

These towns still reflect their seafaring past, with old harbours, merchant houses and narrow streets that invite you to explore. As you cycle along dikes and through wide polder landscapes, you experience the quiet beauty of the Dutch countryside, shaped entirely by water. Back on board, the journey continues under sail, as the wind guides you across the IJsselmeer from one historic harbour to the next. Together, sailing and cycling create a unique journey through the Netherlands, where history, landscape and life on the water come together.

Boat bike holiday IJsselmeerBoat bike Holiday IJsselmeer Almere

Harbours of History

Along the shores of the IJsselmeer, historic towns such as Hoorn and Enkhuizen bring the Dutch Golden Age to life. Centuries ago, these harbours were filled with ships preparing for long journeys, as merchants and sailors set out for distant parts of the world. Goods, ideas and stories passed through these towns, shaping the Netherlands into a leading maritime power. Today, traces of that history are everywhere. As you cycle into town, church towers rise above the rooftops and old harbours open onto quiet waters. Narrow streets lead you past elegant merchant houses and hidden courtyards, while cafés line the squares where traders once gathered. Walking along the waterfront, it is easy to imagine the ships that once departed from here, carrying their cargo across the world and returning with new riches and stories.

Where Life Slows Down

Leaving behind the lively harbour towns of the IJsselmeer, the landscape becomes quieter and more intimate. As you cycle into Weerribben-Wieden National Park, narrow paths lead you through a peaceful maze of reed beds, canals and small lakes. Shaped over centuries, this wetland reflects the Dutch way of living with water, where land and water are carefully balanced and nature quietly takes over. Continuing through this landscape, you arrive in Giethoorn, where that connection to water becomes part of everyday life. Roads give way to canals, wooden bridges link small islands, and thatched-roof houses line the waterways. Boats glide past in near silence, setting a gentle rhythm that feels far removed from the bustle of the coast.

Your sailing ship: the Elizabeth

During this journey, you stay on board the sailing ship Elizabeth sailing ship, a traditional vessel that combines classic maritime character with modern comfort. Throughout the trip, the ship serves as your floating home, carrying you across the IJsselmeer from one historic harbour to the next. Back on board, the experience of sailing becomes part of daily life. As the sails are raised, the ship glides across the water, guided by wind and weather. After a day of cycling, you can relax on deck, enjoy a freshly prepared meal, and watch the light change over the lake. With comfortable cabins, welcoming shared spaces and the option to take part in the sailing, life on board adds a unique and memorable dimension to the journey.

When are you going to take this trip?

Boat and bike tour IJsselmeer and National Parks Bike and Sail

Prices and dates

Routes

Boat and bike tour IJsselmeer and National Parks Bike and Sail

Details

Included

  • 8 days/7 nights
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Packed lunches
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Welcome drink
  • Use of bed linen and towels
  • Cleaning of the cabin once a week
  • Daily briefings by the crew
  • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
  • GPS tracks
  • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
  • Biodegradable water bottle
  • Wi-Fi

Excluded

  • Transfers to/from the docking place in Amsterdam
  • Other transfers
  • Rental of bike or E-Bike
  • Rental bike helmet
  • Parking fees
  • Entrance fees & excursions
  • Fees for ferries
  • Drinks on board
  • Personal (travel) insurances
  • Gratuities (at your discretion)

  • Touring Bikes: our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.
  • E-Bikes: our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.
  • Taking your own bicycle it is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.
  • Additional rental options: On request, children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (adult & child), tag-alongs, child trailers, and child seats are available.
  • Please note: E-bikes are not available for children under 150 cm in height. In this case, we recommend a regular children’s bike. If your child is still too young to cycle the entire route independently, a tag-along (Slipstreamer) can be attached to a regular bicycle—but not to an e-bike.

Prices

  • Bike rental: 98€ per week 
  • E-bike rental: 273€ per week (Only a limited number of e-bikes are available; therefore, only upon prior request/booking)
  • Helmets: for €10 per week, you can rent a helmet, but only if it is reserved and paid for at the time of booking
  • Parking for your own bicycle: €14 per trip (only a limited number of spaces available; therefore, only upon prior request/booking)
  • Parking + charging station for your own e-bike: €35 per trip (only a limited number of spaces available; therefore, only upon prior request/booking)

  • Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
  • Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for individually cycling.
  • Important observations for the Sail & Bike program: A little bit of adventure is a part of every Sail & Bike tour: the departure and arrival day and the location – Amsterdam – are a certainty, 100%. For the rest, the planned daily sailing routes are partially dependent on the strength and direction of the winds. The skipper decides the best route to be taken day by day, and discusses the options with his guests. The crew does everything in its power to enable the program to run according to plan and to offer you as fascinating, varied and active a week as possible, in which nature and culture play a major part. It is, however, also possible that departure times and the time spent on the water – and even the order of the program itself – may be adjusted. Enjoy the ride and let yourself be led by the elements! Whenever possible, various passages will be undertaken fully rigged and anyone who would like to help the crew to sail and steer the boat is welcome to do so. This is of course absolutely up to you and no sailing experience is necessary.

Departure Dates 2027

  • July: 10, 17, 24, 31
  • August: 7, 14, 21, 28
  • September: 4, 11, 18

The Ship

The impressive clipper Elizabeth was built in 1913 and has since been converted into a sailing and passenger vessel. Great care was taken to preserve the original features of this characteristic Dutch flat-bottomed ship. There is a spacious salon with a seating area, a restaurant area, and a bar. The 10 cabins are clean, well-maintained, and relatively spacious, and each has its own private bathroom. Some cabins can be booked as triple or quadruple cabins (the third and fourth beds are fold-out bunk beds). On sailing days, it is a special experience to be out on deck—feel the wind on your face and let your gaze wander toward the horizon. For more information about the boat, visit our Elizabeth page.

  • Check the Tour Details: Go to the “Details” tab. There you will find descriptions of the ships as well as all available departure dates (see the ship tabs above).
  • Choose Your Ship and Departure Date: Decide which ship you would like to travel on and select your preferred departure date.
  • Go to the Booking Form: Scroll down the page to the “Prices and Dates” section – there you will find the booking form.
  • Complete the Booking Form Step by Step
    • Under “Trip”, select your chosen ship.
    • Enter the number of travellers.
    • Choose your room type – upper deck or lower deck.
    • Select your cabin category.
    • Pick your departure date in the calendar.
    • Decide whether you want to rent a bike or bring your own.
  • Enter Personal Details and Complete the Booking: Once all fields are filled in, simply click the “Book Now” button.

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