How difficult is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?

This tour is easy (Level 1): the daily rides cover 20 to 52 km on flat, well-paved cycle paths with almost no elevation. Shorter route options are available on most days, and e-bikes can be rented for extra comfort.

Is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour suitable for families?

Yes. The cycling is easy and flat, the IJsselmeer is an enclosed inland lake with calm, protected water, and the cabins can accommodate up to four people, so families can stay together.

When is the best time to do the IJsselmeer tour?

The season runs from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather and long daylight, while late spring and early autumn are quieter with mild temperatures ideal for cycling.

How much does the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour cost?

Prices vary by cabin category and departure date. The 8-day tour is based on a per-person cabin rate, and bike rental is available separately. Contact us for a tailored quote for your dates and group.

What is included in the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?

The tour includes 7 nights on board with breakfast, seven three-course dinners and packed lunches, coffee and tea on board, GPS tracks, maps and a welcome briefing. Bike rental, drinks and transfers are not included.

Sail & Bike IJsselmeer & National Parks

IJsselmeer

Illustrative image, AI-generated or AI-modified: Sail & Bike IJsselmeer & National Parks

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from€1,229

Bike & BoatTrekking bikeE-bike8 days / 7 nights151 km1/5EasyLoop

Self-guided
Solo-friendly
Family

Short Description

Sail and cycle the calm IJsselmeer on this 8-day self-guided bike & boat holiday from Amsterdam. Glide aboard a traditional sailing ship, then ride easy flat paths past Giethoorn's canals, tranquil national parks, and the historic harbour towns of the IJsselmeer.

Tour Program

Day 1: Amsterdam – Monnickendam / Volendam
The crew welcomes you on board your sailing ship in Amsterdam around 2 p.m. Once all guests have checked in, the ship sails under motor to Monnickendam or Volendam, and after dinner you can stroll through the historic centre of the former fishing village.

Day 2: Monnickendam / Volendam | Volendam – Hoorn (35 km or 48 km)
Your first ride starts at a family-run cheese and clog shop, then follows the dikes to Purmerend, in the Beemster polder recognised by UNESCO as a creative masterpiece, and on to the cheese town of Edam. Via the main dike of the IJsselmeer you reach Volendam, where the ship is docked, and later in the afternoon you sail on to the old harbour town of Hoorn.

Day 3: Hoorn – Enkhuizen – Urk (26 km or 44 km)
You cycle to Enkhuizen, then in the afternoon, weather permitting, the ship sets sail across the IJsselmeer to the former island of Urk.

Day 4: Urk – Vollenhove (30 km or 44 km)
Ride across the Noordoostpolder and visit the UNESCO former island of Schokland before reaching Vollenhove.

Day 5: Vollenhove – Giethoorn (40 km or 52 km)
Cycle through Blokzijl and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park to Giethoorn, the "small Venice of the North".

Day 6: Giethoorn – Lelystad (sailing day)
A full day of sailing and relaxing on board, out of the narrow channels towards open water, arriving in Lelystad in the early afternoon and ending with the captain's dinner on board.

Day 7: Lelystad – Amsterdam (20 km or 29 km)
Your final ride crosses the Oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, rich in birdlife, before returning to Amsterdam for a farewell dinner.

Day 8: Amsterdam (disembarkation)
After breakfast you disembark by 9:30.

Available departures

Month

Next: 17 Jul 2027 · 10 departures · from €1,229 p.p.

Jul 2027

- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449

Aug 2027

- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449

Sept 2027

- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,399
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,499€1,449
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,499€1,449
- Small Twin Lower€1,229
- Twin/Double (2-3pax upper deck)€1,329€1,279
- Twin Lower (2-4)€1,329€1,279
- Twin/Double Lower (2-4)€1,329€1,279
- Twin Lower (2-3)(on request)€1,329€1,279

Tour details

LoopSelfguidedMinimum 1 personMinimum age 10 years

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
🍽️ 7 x 3 course dinner & 7 packed lunches
☕️ Coffee and tea on board
📲 GPS or navigation APP
🗺️ Maps
🧍‍♂️ Welcome briefing
💧Biodegradable water bottle
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7

❌ What is not included?

🚎 Transfers not listed as Included
✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🛡️ Travel insurance
🌎 Tourist taxes
SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person

🙋 Common questions

How difficult is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?
This tour is easy (Level 1): the daily rides cover 20 to 52 km on flat, well-paved cycle paths with almost no elevation. Shorter route options are available on most days, and e-bikes can be rented for extra comfort.
Is the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour suitable for families?
Yes. The cycling is easy and flat, the IJsselmeer is an enclosed inland lake with calm, protected water, and the cabins can accommodate up to four people, so families can stay together.
When is the best time to do the IJsselmeer tour?
The season runs from spring to autumn. Summer offers warm weather and long daylight, while late spring and early autumn are quieter with mild temperatures ideal for cycling.
How much does the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour cost?
Prices vary by cabin category and departure date. The 8-day tour is based on a per-person cabin rate, and bike rental is available separately. Contact us for a tailored quote for your dates and group.
What is included in the IJsselmeer bike & boat tour?
The tour includes 7 nights on board with breakfast, seven three-course dinners and packed lunches, coffee and tea on board, GPS tracks, maps and a welcome briefing. Bike rental, drinks and transfers are not included.