Take a Boat and Bike tour of the famous Hansa region of Holland! You start and end your eight day tour in historic Amsterdam. Then you bike south and east of Amsterdam through forests and fields on the extensive Dutch cycling network. You’ll cycle along the Rhine and IJssel rivers, will bike through Hanseatic cities like Deventer and Kampen. You’ll also learn about the reclaimed polderlands for which Holland is so famous.
Each night you stay in your comfy boat cabin so you only need to unpack once! Tasty and hearty breakfasts and dinners are included, plus you can pack a lunch if you’d rather picnic than visit a cafe.
You are given detailed instructions, a map and GPS for the day’s route and there is always a guide a call or text away if you need any assistance on your self-guided tour. Holland’s extensive cycling network is a breeze to figure out, so you’re unlikely to get lost.
You’ll have plenty of time to explore and visit the sights along the way. The route is pretty much flat, so it is doable for most biker levels. Many days you can choose a shorter or longer bike ride, depending on how you feel and the weather. And if you don’t feel like biking at all, you can simply enjoy a scenic boat ride to the next destination! This European biking tour is great for partners with different biking abilities and interests! You can even rent an E-bike to save your energy for exploration!
The affordable cycling holiday that Kit interviews Jim about is with Active Travel Adventures affiliate BoatBikeTours.com. They offer ATA listeners an exclusive discount off ANY of their fun European boat and bike tours : EMAIL KIT FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BOATBIKETOURS.COM PROMO CODE.
When to Bike the Hansa Region of Holland
The ‘season’ starts in April. If you go during April, consider a side trip to see the magnificent blooming bulbs (your guide can help set you up with a plan). Boat and bike tours wind down as fall approaches with the last sailing at the beginning of October.
The weather is moderate throughout the spring and summer, with pleasant biking temperatures no matter which month you choose. Summer highs are around 70F with lows in the 50’s.
Plan to wear layers and include a rain jacket and puffy jacket so that you are prepared for whatever weather you encounter.
How Hard is the Hansa Boat and Bike Tour
The Netherlands are basically flat, so it is easy to do this biking tour! Plus, you can usually choose a shorter or longer biking route, depending on how you feel and the weather each day. Your only ‘hills’ are the bridges you cross. BBT ranks it a one out of five for difficulty.
Plus, you can opt for an E-bike, which makes the route super easy! This way you know that you’ll have plenty of energy to do exploring along the way and at the night’s village.
You can bring your own bike if you prefer, or let Boat Bike Tours set you up. I recommend bringing your own helmet (not required in the Netherlands) and a gel seat cover for added comfort.
What Do You See on the Hansa Holland Boat Bike Tour
This eight day tour gives you a wonderful overview of Holland’s Hansa Region! Some highlights include:
- Your tour starts in Amsterdam – be sure to come a few days early to explore this fascinating city!
- You cycle along the Rhine river and IJssel tributary
- Visit Hanseatic cities like Deventer & Kampen
- Learn about the reclaimed polderlands
- Cycle through Bucolic countryside and forests
The area you’ll be traversing was shaped over millennia by numerous rivers and streams. It thrived during the Middle Ages, when the rivers Rhine and IJssel were among the most important trade routes in Europe. Many of the cities along their banks were members of the Hanseatic League. This confederation protected the economic interests of its members in large parts of the Netherlands, Germany and Northern Europe. The affluence of those years is visible everywhere in abundant civil and religious architecture – BBT
Bike through the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley
Your tour starts in the delightful city of Amsterdam. From there, you’ll sail and cycle to many larger and smaller Hanseatic towns like Arnhem, Deventer, Zutphen, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg. The natural beauty of the Rhine valley and its enchanting tributary, the IJssel, will duly impress you. Another attraction along the way are the so-called Bordering Lakes. These are situated between the “old” mainland with many beautiful harbor towns, and the “new” reclaimed land of the province of Flevoland, that was once the bottom of the sea.
The flat terrain in the 125 km (almost 80 miles) long IJssel valley makes this a perfect tour for those who love to cycle leisurely along many winding trails in a diverse area – BBT
BoatBikeTours.com has outstanding boat and bike tours throughout Europe. You are sure to find a guided or self-guided biking tour that fits your budget, time frame and activity level. Check out their various tours HERE.
Use Promo Code ATA50 to get 50 Euro off ANY BoatBikeTours.com adventure!
What’s Included on my Hansa Boat and Bike Tour
Taking a boat and bike tour is super easy and affordable: you sleep on the ship each night, so your lodging is included, which means you only have to unpack once!
Your breakfast and dinner is included, plus you can pack a lunch during breakfast, so your meals are included as well!
Your bike rental is included (you can bring your own but must advise when booking).
Crew tips, some admission fees, alcohol and incidentals are not included with your tour. Plus you need to get to and from Amsterdam.
Boat and Bike tours are an affordable, fun way to explore Europe!
Who Can Bike the Hansa Holland Tour
This is a great tour for couples, friends, as well as solo riders. The ship has up to 71 passengers, so even if you travel alone, you are sure to make new friends to bike with, if you choose.
Because you have so much flexibility in planning your activities each day, this can be a great multi-generational trip: anyone who doesn’t want to, or can’t ride, can enjoy a pleasant and scenic boat ride.
Since you are biking independently (with access to your guide if you need him or her), you can bike at your own pace. You have all day to meet up with the boat, so you can take a leisurely ride!
Holland is FLAT, so this is an easy adventure!
Is the Hansa Holland Bike Tour Hard to Navigate
The Dutch have done an outstanding job of providing a network of SAFE bike routes intersecting the country. Many locals use their bikes as their main transportation (and bike in their everyday attire as opposed to ‘bike wear’).
The bike network in the Netherlands is well signed and easy to navigate.
Plus, BoatBikeTours.com will provide you with detailed instructions, a map and GPS on which route to take. You’ll also have the guide’s phone number in case you have any issues. Be sure to download the What’sApp app and add your guide’s contact info. Then just find a coffee shop with wifi to reach out and you won’t need a SIM card!
You have plenty of time to explore the sights and to relax in a cafe!
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