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The Hansa Highlights Tour will take you through the central region of the Netherlands, a region shaped over millennia by the numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the area. You will cycle through the Rhine valley and its very beautiful tributary the IJssel River, cross the so-called border lakes region of the Netherlands and will visit fascinating cities and villages such as Amsterdam, Arnhem, Deventer, Kampen, Harderwijk and Elburg, to name a few. Given the flat terrain along the 125 km IJssel valley, the tour is perfect for anyone who wants to leisurely cycle along the many winding trails in this diverse area. The natural beauty of the region is sure to impress as will the Hanseatic towns of the region that flourished during the Middle Ages when the IJssel was one of the most important trade routes in Europe. Another attraction is the so-called border lakes, between the “old” land with many beautiful harbor towns and the “new” land of the Flevoland, which was once the bottom of the sea, before the land was reclaimed in the 1950s and 1960s. In this area you will leisurely cycle through a number of picturesque fishing harbors where life seemingly moves at a much slower pace. For many Dutch, this probably not so well-known area is one of their favorite cycling areas.
Saturday: Amsterdam – Wijk bij Duurstede
Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 and 2 p.m. in Amsterdam. At approximately 2 p.m. the barge will leave Amsterdam to sail over the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal to Wijk bij Duurstede on the Rhine where you will spend your first night.
Sunday: Wijk bij Duurstede – Wageningen – Arnhem (cycling ± 35 km or 44 km)
While you are enjoying breakfast, the barge will sail to Wageningen where you are finally off and cycling through the picturesque river valley of the Rhine, and then on through the Veluwe, a large area of woods and heathlands. At the end of the day you pedal through the suburbs and past lovely parks named Sonsbeek and Zijpendaal. Close to the center of this former Hanseatic city, the ship docks for the night. During the second world war Arnhem was the battle scene of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history. It ended in a failure, as the inability to capture a bridge over the Rhine River resulted in the destruction of the British 1st Airborne Division.
Monday: Arnhem – Doesburg – Zutphen – Deventer (cycling ± 45 km or 55 km)
We leave Arnhem on the ship, and then today’s cycling tour starts in the small town ofDoesburg. There are two cycling options to get you to Zutphen and Deventer. Both options first go to Bronkhorst, a seeming hamlet that’s proud to be the smallest town in Holland. From Bronkhorst, the shorter option takes you by ferry to the western bank of the IJssel river, whereas the longer option stays on the eastern bank. Both options lead you through the countryside to Zutphen. The tour ends in Deventer, a city known for its delicious spicy gingerbread. In the evening, a guided walk with a local guide is on the program. Make sure to join!
Tuesday: Deventer – Wijhe – Kampen (cycling ± 40 km or 56 km)
During breakfast the ship will take you to Wijhe, where your bicycle ride begins. In the morning you will enjoy a nice bicycle ride to Hattem. You can choose a short option along the banks of the river or opt for a longer ride across the east Veluwe area. Hattem has a rich history, which is still clearly visible today. Leaving Hattem, it is only a short ride to the city of Zwolle, one of the most beautiful Hanseatic cities. From Zwolle you continue to Kampen. In the evening, an optional guided walking tour takes you to some of the most interesting sights in this largest Hanseatic town in the Netherlands.
Wednesday: Kampen – Elburg – Harderwijk (cycling ± 48 km or 56 km)
From Kampen, our cycling tour leads along the Border Lakes to the fishing harbor of Elburg. Here, swimming, boating, surfing and fishing are favorite summertime activities. From Elburg the cycling tour continues through the woods and moorlands of the Veluwe to lovely Harderwijk, where the night will be spent in its old fishing harbor. In the 1500s Harderwijk boasted the largest fish market in the Zuiderzee region. Today, it is still a lovely old city very much worth exploring. Dinner on board is not included this evening, so you can enjoy a wonderful meal at one of Harderwijks restaurants.
Thursday: Harderwijk – Spakenburg – Huizen (cycling ± 45 km or 56 km)
Again, you have two routes to choose from. A shorter bike ride along the coast of the Border Lakes, or a combination of the coast route and a longer alternative that runs through adjacent woodlands. In the afternoon you will pass Spakenburg, a fishing village well-known for its traditional costumes that are worn to this day. Docking destination for today is Huizen.
Friday: Huizen – Naarden – Muiden – Amsterdam (cycling ± 35 km)
Huizen is the starting point for a ride to the beautiful fortress towns of Naarden and Muiden. The latter is famous for its historic castle on the waterfront. From Muiden you will cycle along quiet roads to your final destination, the world famous city of Amsterdam. You have the afternoon and evening to spend in the Dutch capital any way you like. Seize the chance to do a canal tour, to visit Anne Frank’s home or any of a number of world renowned museums around the Museumplein. Or just enjoy looking at everyday life in this bustling city.
Saturday: Amsterdam
The last part of your tour is today, but we won’t let you leave with an empty stomach. So before disembarkation until 9.30 a.m., enjoy a nice breakfast first.
This ship is so spacious that even when fully booked there’s room enough for everybody. The meals are being served in the dining room at the upper deck. You can also enjoy your drink at the sun deck. All 12 luxurious cabins on the LENA MARIA offer level beds and a beautiful sanitairy section. If you like to sail the luxurious way, this ship is the place to be.
Specifications
Dimension
Length: 45 m
Width: 6,6 m
Cabins: 12
Number of Passengers (maximum): 24
Internet
Dates/Prices 2023 per person
| Cabin type | |
|
Twin cabin |
€ 1249,00 |
| Cabin for single use | € 1873,50 |
| Twin cabin with split level beds (barge Fiep) | € 1099,00 |
| Cabin for single use in a cabin with spit level beds (barge Fiep) | € 1648,50 |
Dates
Barge Lena Maria: Departure on: May 27; June 3; August 5, 12 and 26
Barge Fiep: July 15 and 22
Included:
Excluded:
