Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle

Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle

67 Views
8 Days From

$1350

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Numerous highlights are packed into this carefully planned cycling route through Amsterdam and the old fishing villages and trading towns situated around Lake IJssel, the closed-off freshwater lake in the central Netherlands bordering the provinces of Flevoland, North Holland and Friesland. As you pedal through classic Dutch landscapes, cycling below sea level at times, you will visit the star shaped fortified town of Naarden and "Amsterdam Castle" (Muiderslot), along with Edam, famous for its cheese, the fishing village of Volendam, the island of Marken and the historical towns of Enkhuizen and Hoorn which flourished during the Golden Ages with the VOC (United East India Company). Explore the lakes of Friesland and the Weerribben-Wieden National Park with their rich birdlife, take in the Hanseatic city of Kampen and the old fishing village of Harderwijk. If you plan to do just one cycle tour of Holland, this itinerary provides the quintessential Dutch experience. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Exploring the old fishing villages and trading towns situated around Lake IJssel

  • Cycling through classic Dutch landscapes on the most popular bicycle route in the Netherlands

  • Visiting Amsterdam and the Hanseatic city of Kampen

  • Beautiful and quiet roads and cycle paths

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Huizen

Location: Huizen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Make your own way to the hotel in Huizen (near Amsterdam). Take the time this afternoon to stroll through the historic old village with its unique houses and the fishing wharf with its authentic fishing smacks (traditional 19th century sailing boats).

Day 2 : Cycle Via Naarden To Amsterdam (37Km/23Mi)

Location: Amsterdam

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hit the tracks and head to Naarden. The town of Naarden is a good example of a star-shaped fortification (have a peek on google maps!). It’s very well preserved, complete with walls and a moat. Continue to the village of Muiden, at the mouth of the River Vecht. Although very picturesque in itself, Muiden is best known for its small moated castle, built around 1280 - well worth a visit! As the sun sets in Amsterdam, you could go for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque canal district.

Day 3 : Continue To Hoorn (61Km/38Mi)

Location: Hoorn

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam, so make sure you have an early start. We suggest a quick visit to the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum, before getting on your bike and heading into the peaceful countryside. The municipality of Waterland awaits, with meadows, wooden bridges and windswept reeds and rushes. The Museum de Speeltoren in the pretty village of Monnickendam explains the history of this extraordinary cultural landscape. You'll then cycle along the shore of Lake Markermeer to Volendam, with its quaint stone houses. "De Dijk” overlooking the harbour is lined with souvenir shops, pavement cafes and restaurants. Just around the corner is the pretty village of Edam. For centuries, small, round, salty cheeses produced by dairy farmers in neighbouring polders were shipped out of Edam and exported all over Europe. For six weeks in summer a traditional Wednesday morning cheese market is put on for tourists (10.30am, 2hrs) by local volunteers. At the end of the day, you’ll reach the lovely, historical town of Hoorn. Like Enkhuizen (see day 4), it has a history in whaling, shipbuilding, fishery and of course shipping. Both towns housed branches (“chambers”) of the Dutch East India Company (along with Delft, Middelburg, Amsterdam and Rotterdam).

Day 4 : By Bike And Ferry At Lake Ijsselmeer To Rijs (58Km/36.3Mi)

Location: Enkhuizen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue up the shore of Lake IJsselmeer, atop the old sea dike, to the beautiful town of Enkhuizen. You can opt to visit the Zuiderzee Museum which tells the story of the days when ships from the Zuiderzee sailed the seas trading in bulbs and spices, when Holland dominated world trade and the Dutch East India Company was the first-ever multinational. This period is known as the Golden Age and roughly spans the 17th century. The museum has also combined a collection of local historical architecture with demonstrations of traditional trades. You then take the ferry* from Enkhuizen to Stavoren, a 1.5 hour crossing of Lake IJsselmeer. The lake was created in 1932 when a closure dike cut off the Zuiderzee from the North Sea, necessary to stop flooding of towns on the Zuiderzee. By 1940 the saltwater had been replaced by fresh water from the River IJssel. Except for eels, none of the Zuiderzee fish survived, and a new fresh water fish population replaced them. On the other side of the lake, you will find yourself in Friesland province. The people of Friesland have their own language (a proper language, not a dialect) closely related to English. When they say butter, bread and green cheese, it sounds like English and not like the Dutch "boter, brood en groene kaas”. The length of this day trip includes the boat.*the ferry must be pre-booked (online, not included). You can do this yourself at: http://www.veerboot.info/en

Day 5 : Cycle Through The Weerribben-Wieden National Park To Zwartsluis (69Km/43Mi)

Location: Weerribben-Wieden National Park

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning, you will cycle through Gaasterland, undulating and woody, to the picturesque town of Lemmer, a favourite with boaters in summer. Next you'll head to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wouda Steam Pumping Station, which has been operational since 1920 and was used to drain a lake. For centuries, windmills took care of water management in the Netherlands before steam engines took over. Nowadays most of the 1600 pumping stations are electrically powered. In the afternoon, nature lovers will enjoy the beauty of Weerribben-Wieden National Park, where water, reeds and rushes dominate the landscape. It is said to be the most valuable marshland of north-western Europe.If the usual hotel in Zwartsluis is not available, you will spend tonight in the lovely Hanseatic city of Vollenhove and visit Zwartsluis tomorrow morning.

Day 6 : Pedal Past Kampen En Route To Harderwijk (65Km/40Mi)

Location: Kampen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After exploring Zwartsluis, popular with boaters and water sports enthusiasts, you will set off atop the old Kamperzeedijken (Kampen sea dikes) to the town of Kampen, which has one of the best-preserved town centres in the Netherlands. Kampen was a member of the Hanseatic League, a northern European alliance of trading guilds in the 13th to 17th centuries, whose main aim was to ensure safe passage for travelling merchants. They also helped each other with information, knowledge, contacts and privileges. This network generated income, allowing merchants to invest in culture and architecture and explains why Hansa towns, centuries on, are so attractive. The River IJssel, which emptied into Zuiderzee sea, counted several Hansa communities on its banks. Later, jump back on your bike and follow the fringes of Veluwe Forest down to Harderwijk.

Day 7 : Continue Along The Shores Of Randmeren Lakes To Return To Huizen (49Km/30.5Mi)

Location: Huizen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning you'll pedal along the shores of Randmeren lakes. Arkemheen-Eemland is a wide open, empty and National Heritage landscape. The area was surrounded by dikes in the year 1360 to stop fields from being flooded by the sea. Arkemheen polder is special because the original lots are still intact. The lots are divided by curvy creeks, remnants of Zuiderzee tidal streams. Some plant species still recall the influence of salt water. Part of the polder is preserved as a bird habitat for “Natura 2000”. The visitors’ centre has more information. Should you have an interest in the Age of Steam, you may like to visit another steam pumping station, Hertog Reijnout, which controlled water levels in the low-lying polder from 1883 till 1983.Cycle distance without ferry crossing - 55km /34.2mi

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Huizen

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your trip concludes after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    7 nights 3-4 star hotels

  • 7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are usually buffet style and will consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices

  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks plus printed roadbook provided locally

  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess

  • 24 speed bike rental with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)

  • Tourist tax

  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Huizen

  • Meals not listed as included, drinks

  • Travel insurance - mandatory

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What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Amsterdam

    Travel arrangements to and from Amsterdam are not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    All drinks, lunches, and dinners are excluded. A dinner package can be booked which includes a 3-course dinner each night with a supplement.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Bike Insurance

    Bike insurance is not included.

  • E-bike

    E-bike rental is available with a supplement.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is included.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions are not included.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are not included.

  • Ferry crossings

    Ferry crossing from Enkhuizen to Stavoren on day 4 is not included (allow EUR17pp including bike, subject to change).

  • Hotel taxes

    Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.

  • Excess Luggage

    Supplement applies for excess luggage. Each piece of extra luggage will be charged and cannot weigh more than 20kg per piece due to work safety rules.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the app/GPX files.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items are not included.

  • GPS device

    GPS device is available to hire with a supplement, or you can download the GPS tracks to your own device.

Grading

Grade 2 - This trip involves 5 days cycling between 37 and 69km (23 and 43mi) per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. In and out of the towns and cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is suitable for beginners who have a good level of fitness. ...more ...less

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of bike is provided for the tour?

    The tour provides a 21-speed bike equipped with a pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock. E-bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are usually continental style. All other meals, such as lunches and dinners, are not included, but a dinner package can be booked for an additional supplement.

  • Is luggage transfer included during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included, allowing for one piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg. A supplement applies for excess luggage.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, each offering twin share rooms with ensuite facilities.

  • Is there an emergency contact available during the tour?

    Yes, there is access to an emergency hotline for assistance during the tour.

  • Is the tour guided or self-guided?

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday, and no guide is included.

  • What should I carry during the cycling days?

    During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling tour?

    The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners. It involves 5 days of cycling between 35 and 63km per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet country roads across generally flat terrain.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews of this operator

Katharine McLennan (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks is awesome. My...

13-Jun-2024

UTracks is awesome. My Assisi trip was one of the most beautiful trips I have taken in my 56 years. I wanted to walk by myself, and Utracks teamed up with a local Italian travel company to do everything for me—book the hotels and move my bags from hotel to hotel as I walked the track. The app was AMAZING. It showed the daily itinerary, and the interactive map told me metre by metre where I needed to go and whether I was on track or not. It was far more accurate than Google Maps, and I loved all the commentary on what to look for and what not to. The places I stayed were known as "agriturismo places." They are hosted by families on working farms. Those gorgeous families had farms and accommodations that sometimes dated back to 800!!! But all of them had done a fantastic job updating them to be modern, beautiful rooms. I loved how warm the hosts were and how much they appreciated my stay. There were seldom more than 5 people staying each night. The walk was fabulous -- and incredibly well-researched and noted. I was often the only one on the trails, but I always felt safe and looked after by UTracks in their 24-hour cover. I never had to use it - but as a single woman walking on her own through the Italian hills -- it is great to know that people know where I am. The preparation pack sent to me was also incredibly organised with equipment lists, hotel directions-- with all the contacts, and the contacts of the lovely fellow who would be taking my bag from place to place. He was fantastic -- and I also felt supported by him if things were to go wrong. I will definitely be working with Utracks again and can't wait to plan my next adventure. ...more ...less

Kate (Google Reviewer)  

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking...

31-Oct-2024

Wonderful experience in Turkey hiking the Lycian way. It was unhurried, with beautiful scenes and access to nature. The accommodation was excellent with (truly) amazing home cooked Turkish food throughout. We felt a lot calmer, fitter and healthier afterwards. ...more ...less

Addy K (Google Reviewer)  

Great hike to sample some...

04-Oct-2023

Great hike to sample some of the best locations along the Tour Du Mont Blanc. Our guide Sara was great at maintaining pace and knew the route very well. The scenery was amazing especially the tall mountains close to our accomodation. The accomodation provided great 3 course dinners, and we got to sample French, Swiss and Italian food. This is not an easy hike, but as long as you are able to do 1000 mtr elevation gain hikes, this is thoroughly enjoyable. ...more ...less

Mike Burke (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks did everything they promised,...

23-Oct-2024

UTracks did everything they promised, but it is what they did above & beyond that stands them apart. We were caught in the fires in Portugal & they arranged transport to get us out of danger, changed hotel bookings to accommodate the new circumstances & made us feel very safe. We were more than impressed with the level of communication & service. I won't be looking anywhere else when I book my next trip. ...more ...less

Lisa Kibeiks (Google Reviewer)  

Fantastic trip! Well organised and...

18-Oct-2024

Fantastic trip! Well organised and everything went smoothly. Would probably split the two big 30+ days if I were to have my time again. The heat adds another level of difficulty. Accommodations were all different but all clean and welcoming. Meals were varied as we walked into different regions the food changed to what was local. We never had a bad meal or a bad stay anywhere. Highly recommend this trip through France. A nice quiet Camino compared to the Frances but far more challenging. Very enjoyable. ...more ...less

Patrick Shum (Google Reviewer)  

Hassle free self guided tour...

26-Jul-2023

Hassle free self guided tour around the most scenic Austrian hills and lakes. All our heavy baggage taken care of from hotel to hotel. Hiking not difficult at all, instructions are v clear. I recommend use online GPS map. In case someone want to shorten the walking, various options (bus / boat) provided. ...more ...less

Amanda Liddell (Google Reviewer)  

300km in 12 days from...

15-Jun-2023

300km in 12 days from Porto to Santiago de Compostela where a Cathedral stands as the most beautiful ‘Welcome’ imaginable. The accomodation arranged by UTRACKS was consistently excellent & the ease of only having to worry about carrying your backpack and what you’ll have for lunch is perfect. Yes, most days at breakfast you can make up your own bread roll and filling. Notes and directions were included but once you arrive in Spain you just need to look for the ‘shell’ and ‘yellow arrow’ to find your ‘way’. I am 67 years old & consciously chose to walk alone however I met some fabulous people along the way and finally had hours on end with ‘no headchatter’. There’s healing which catches you unaware & makes every step very worthwhile. ...more ...less

Cathy Eaton (Google Reviewer)  

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is...

07-Nov-2024

UTracks “Footsteps of Dali” is a predominantly coastal walk from the very lovely French town Collioure to Cadeques in Spain. There are 2 routes to choose each day and each have different elevation and distance. On day 5 (the 4th day of walking) there is an option to climb up to a monastery. Try not to do this on the only day it is closed (as we did) - Monday. In my opinion the day between Cerbere and Llanca was the best - really pretty coastal scenery and included some rock hopping around the sea edge. The hotels were all family run and comfortable but usually a bit out of the centre. The luggage transfers worked well. (We didn’t have supplied luggage labels and so used sticky sports tape each day to label the next hotel name). Breakfasts were all excellent, dinners varied a bit - but they were adequate. I thought the trip was good value. The trails were not crowded and I recommend October as a good time for this hike. There is little shade so it would be extremely hot at the peak of summer. ...more ...less

Ian Freestone (Google Reviewer)  

Recently two trips with utracks....

26-Aug-2024

Recently two trips with utracks. Mont Blanc self-guided and Austrian hike-bike. In summary, the experience is only as good as the local partner. In Austria, Helmut was amazing! Met with us prior - went over every detail of the trip, answered his phone if we had a concern. Mont Blanc, the partner would only communicate by text, did not meet us on arrival, and would not return calls even when we had an emergency. Other concerns we raised with utracks staff were not responded to adequately leaving the feeling that they had our money, job done. ...more ...less

Amanda Fairley (Google Reviewer)  

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local...

24-Sep-2024

Self-guided Hadrian’s Wall Walk. The local agent’s documentation needs immediate updating to include current accommodation used and their locations. I also had to uncover (it was not proactively disclosed to me) a double up in accommodation location booking (same town over two nights but different accommodation 160 metres apart) by the same local agent which resulted in me having to walk two days of distance in one day, back track for accommodation on the second night and be charged for a 160m bag transfer! UTracks did apologise and the local agent covered my dinner one night as compensation, but the situation would not have happened if either UTracks or their local agent had reviewed their itinerary which would have called out quite loudly to them the messy issue, before finalising it and providing it to me. I was later contacted by UTracks to acknowledge my post trip feedback, but stating that both UTracks and their local agent had been in contact with me THROUGHOUT my walk. To be clear - I had one phone call initiated by UTracks after I had identified the issues and emailed them, and the only contact with the local agent were two emails and one phone call that I initiated to inform them of the issues they created, that I had to uncover. I wouldn’t describe that as anyone from UTracks or their local agent being in contact with me throughout my trip. It is important to not over state the service or support that people provide to a client. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Amsterdam and Lake IJssel Cycle

8 Days Starting and ending in Huizen

Visiting: Huizen, Amsterdam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Weerribben-Wieden National Park, Kampen

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

AIJ

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

introductory to moderate

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1350 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 12-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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