Waterways, Windmills and Perfect Cycling Paths
Experience the Netherlands by Bike & Boat
The Netherlands seem made for Bike & Boat holidays: a dense network of waterways, excellently marked cycling paths, short distances, and plenty of culture along the route. Between historic Hanseatic towns and modern architecture, between polders, dunes and the Wadden Sea, everything lies close together – ideal for varied cycling stages and relaxed hours on board.
Whether it’s South Holland with Rotterdam, Utrecht and the windmills of Kinderdijk, North Holland & Friesland with the romance of the IJsselmeer, dunes and the island of Texel, coastal Zeeland with the Oosterschelde National Park and the Delta Works, or the historic Hanseatic Route along the IJssel – every region has its own charm. Add Dutch culinary classics like Gouda cheese, fresh fish, mussels and stroopwafels – perfect companions for your cycling holiday in Holland.
In short: a cycling trip in the Netherlands means variety, comfort, and the closest possible connection to the country and its people – on two wheels and aboard your “floating hotel.”
South Holland
Idyllic Waterways & Urban Flair
Few Dutch provinces are as diverse as South Holland. On a Bike & Boat tour, you’ll combine vibrant cities with peaceful countryside and typical Dutch charm. The journey usually starts and ends in Rotterdam – a modern port city with an impressive skyline. Excellent cycling paths lead to the famous windmills of Kinderdijk (UNESCO World Heritage), Holland’s oldest city Dordrecht, the lively cathedral city of Utrecht, and the traditional cheese town of Gouda.
Depending on the route, you may also visit Delft with its world-famous Delft Blue ceramics, the seat of government The Hague, and the seaside resort of Scheveningen. Short cycling stages, plenty of photo stops, and time for personal exploration are typical for South Holland. In the afternoon, your ship awaits you in a central location – ideal for evening strolls through the city. Bike & Boat in South Holland is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and comfort – active travel with a touch of urban energy.
North Holland & Friesland
Charming Harbour Towns, Dunes & the IJsselmeer
In the north of the Netherlands, you’ll find a region made for Bike & Boat adventures – maritime, open, and full of history. Your journey begins in Enkhuizen, a charming port on the IJsselmeer. A visit to the Zuiderzee Museum brings the age of the old seafarers back to life. From Hoorn, the route leads across the IJsselmeer into the water-rich province of Friesland, where lakes, rivers, and canals shape the landscape.
Cycle through tranquil countryside, past windmills and historic villages. On the North Sea island of Texel, long sandy beaches, dunes, and vast nature reserves await – perfect for a relaxed bike ride with a sea breeze. Along the way, explore towns like Lemmer, Stavoren, Harlingen, or Medemblik, each with maritime charm and cozy harborside cafés. A cycling holiday through North Holland and Friesland offers both relaxation and discovery – ideal for those who love wide horizons, water, and wind.
Zeeland
Endless Horizons, Beaches & the Oosterschelde National Park
Zeeland – the “land in the sea” – is a paradise for cyclists and water lovers alike. This southwestern province consists of islands and peninsulas connected by bridges, dikes, and impressive Delta Works. On a Bike & Boat journey through Zeeland, you’ll experience the region’s diversity: from historic towns like Dordrecht, Zierikzee, Veere, and Middelburg to the engineering marvels of the Delta Works around Neeltje Jans.
The Oosterschelde National Park is one of Europe’s most biodiverse habitats – home to seals, mussel beds, and countless bird species. On clear days, the view stretches endlessly over fields, dunes, and the blue expanse of the sea. Zeeland is also a delight for the palate: try fresh mussels, oysters, or the famous Oosterschelde lobster. Bike & Boat in Zeeland means wind in your hair, salt on your lips, and relaxing moments on board.
Hanseatic Route
History & Nature Along the River IJssel
The Hanseatic Route combines nature, history, and culture into an unforgettable experience. Following the river IJssel, you’ll trace the paths of once-powerful trading cities. Starting in Amsterdam, you’ll visit the historic Hanseatic towns of Doesburg, Zutphen, Deventer, Zwolle, and Kampen. Each tells its own story – with merchant houses, towers, city walls, lively markets, and charming cafés.
Between the cycling stages, you’ll pass river landscapes, forests, and the heathlands of the Veluwe – a region known for its unspoiled nature. Highlights like the star-shaped fortress Naarden and the medieval Muiderslot Castle await before returning to Amsterdam. A Bike & Boat journey along the Hanseatic Route is perfect for culture enthusiasts and travelers who want to experience history up close while enjoying Dutch hospitality.
River Cruises
Blossoms, Breweries & Baroque Cities
For those who prefer to explore northwestern Europe in complete comfort, our classic river cruises through Holland and Belgium are ideal. Between the Rhine, Scheldt, and Meuse rivers unfolds a unique mix of maritime atmosphere, culture, and cuisine. During tulip season, vast landscapes turn into seas of color, while historic cities like Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, and Nijmegen bring the past to life.
Rotterdam’s modern architecture, Bruges’ medieval charm, and Flanders’ warm hospitality make every stop a special experience. On board, you’ll enjoy all the comforts of your floating hotel as windmills, dikes, and grand gabled houses drift by. And, of course, the region’s famous treats are never far: velvety chocolates, freshly poured beer, and a touch of spring in the air.
