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Cycle Amsterdam and the rural villages on Lake IJssel on this 6-day self-guided tour
Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.
About this tour:
Cycle the majestic shores of Lake IJssel (IJsselmeer) on the spectacular 6-day self-guided Lake IJssel Loop Cycling Tour, covering four provinces in beautiful Holland.
The shores of the inland bay, known as Lake IJssel, are a cyclist's paradise, lined with charming woodlands and sleepy fishing towns. You'll enjoy a spectacular ride on quiet roads and fabulous bike lanes. Challenging rides of 70 kilometres per day make for an epic journey on the pleasant flat terrain typical of Holland.
Begin your ride in the capital, Amsterdam, where a world of adventure awaits. Check out the famous Anne Frank Museum, or simply spend a day getting lost in the maze of the bike-friendly city's canals. Then, trade the fast-paced life for a more tranquil setting as you cruise through gorgeous rural villages to Enkhuizen. Boarding a ferry, you'll sail to the province of Friesland, where you'll have a chance to explore historic Frisian cities, like Stavoren and Hindeloopen. Cruising through the countryside of Gaasterland, you'll ride to Giethoorn, a pretty village that many call the "Venice of the north." The last stop on the tour before completing the loop back to Amsterdam is the former trading town of Harderwijk. With deep Hanseatic roots, the town is a true delight for history lovers.
The Lake IJssel Loop Cycling Tour has something for everyone, and the scenery along the way will take even the most seasoned traveller's breath away. Superb 3- and 4-star accommodations in a wide range of cities and villages along the route will ensure you want for nothing during this tour.
The IJssel Loop Cycling Tour will introduce you to some of Holland's most breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss out! Book your spot on this epic cycling adventure in the Netherlands today.
With so much to see and do in Amsterdam, you’ll want to check into your hotel and hit the streets right away to explore. A true hub of art and culture, the progressive capital is a cyclist’s wonderland, designed to be explored by bike.
Enjoy your first evening of the tour in this magnetic city and prepare for an epic first day of cycling tomorrow.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning, then jump in the saddle and cycle towards Waterland. The enchanting landscapes of Waterland are comprised of wet meadows, swaying reeds, and ancient wooden bridges, making for a scenic ride.
Next up is Volendam, where tiny, quaint, stone houses line the narrow streets of this small fishing village. Hop off your bikes to enjoy lunch here at the “De Dijk,” a cute strip overlooking the harbour made up of shops and inviting cafes.
Continue up the coast through Edam and Hoorn, then arrive at today’s destination, Enkhuizen. The town is said to have one of Holland’s most stunning old town centers, enclosed in an impressive seventeenth-century city wall. Enjoy the rest of the day here, making sure to check out the fascinating re-created Zuiderzee village at the Zuiderzee Museum.
Today, you’ll soak up the views from the sea as you board a ferry to Stavoren, marking your crossing into the province of Friesland. Cycle the gorgeous small village of Hindeloopen, then continue through charming woodlands and gently rolling countryside to the portal town of Lemmer.
Next, you’ll navigate the peatlands of the Weeribben National Park, home to a wide range of unique flora and fauna. Continue the route to Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the north,” where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations.
Your inland ride continues this morning as you blaze a trail to the Hanseatic city of Kampen, perched on the pretty IJssel River. Cruise through Elburg, where you can hop off your bike to explore the medieval fortress city, then continue the final leg for today, flanked by several dazzling lakes to Harderwijk.
A scenic ride to complete the loop back to Amsterdam unfolds today as you set off along the shores of the Randmeren Lakes. You'll encounter the National Heritage Landscape, Arkemheen-Eemland, along the way, taking in ancient dikes. Keep your eyes peeled for the remarkable birdlife in this preserved bird habitat.
Continue the southern shore of Lake IJssel with the salty sea breeze accompanying for the ride, then enjoy some time exploring Muiden, home to a magnificent medieval castle. From Muiden, the final stretch is short and pleasant as you prepare to cruise into the city center of Amsterdam, where you'll spend the last evening of the tour.
Amsterdam is a melting pot of various cultural cuisines. Enjoy a farewell dinner here tonight, taking full advantage of this remarkable Dutch city's dynamic dining scene.
Your tour comes to an end this morning following one final breakfast in Amsterdam. Check out of your accommodations and pack up to depart.
Cycle four Dutch provinces on a scenic loop from Amsterdam along the shores of beautiful Lake IJssel.
Get lost in the maze of Amsterdam’s famous canals, cruising around the cyclist’s paradise.
Catch a ferry and sail Lake IJssel to the province of Friesland, where you’ll pedal your way through Stavoren and Hindeloopen.
Ride through extraordinary natural landscapes, like the meadows and reeds of Waterland and the Weerribben National Park.
5 breakfasts are included. You can also upgrade to Half Board for a supplement of $195USD per person.
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Amsterdam are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation for you and your luggage are included throughout the tour. Bike rentals are not included but can be added during booking. Airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
This self-guided cycling tour in Holland is run as a custom tour, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
Note, if any of the nights in Amsterdam fall on Saturday, the surcharge of $50USD per person will be applied.
This tour is based on hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. All accommodations are private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $225USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible.
Located in the Westerpark district, the Westcord Art Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam, only a 10-minute ride from the city center. Theatre Amsterdam is located within walking distance, making it the optimal place to catch a show.
Found on the first ever Heineken brewery site built in 1864, the famous Hotel die Port van Cleve is located near several city attractions, such as the Van Gogh Museum.
This cozy hotel is a short walking distance from the village center. Unwind after a challenging day of cycling at the hotel’s pretty garden and waterside terrace and enjoy the in-house restaurant.
This family-run hotel prides itself on its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy views of Lake Wolderwijd from the hotel terrace and an in-house café.
Located in the Westerpark district, the Westcord Art Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam, only a 10-minute ride from the city center. Theatre Amsterdam is located within walking distance, making it the optimal place to catch a show.
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How hard is the Lake IJssel Loop Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 90 kilometres in a day. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making this a tour more about endurance than challenging climbs.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills, and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Lake IJssel Loop Cycling Tour?
5 breakfasts are included. You can also upgrade to Half Board for a supplement of 163 EUR per person.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Amsterdam to start this tour?
Fly into Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS). You can reach Amsterdam city center by taking the airport shuttle, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Lake IJssel Loop Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Amsterdam. You can reach the Amsterdam Schipol Airport (AMS) by taking the airport shuttle, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Bikes available are 21-gear hybrid bikes, 27-gear premium touring bikes, race bikes, tandem bikes, or e-bikes.
What equipment does bike rental include?
Bike rental includes a chain lock, saddlebag, and repair kit. Panniers are included for standard bikes and e-bikes. You can rent a GPS and a helmet during the booking process for an additional cost.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to the Netherlands?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for the Netherlands?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Hard
We rate this tour as a 4/5. You should be comfortable riding up to 90 kilometres in a day. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making this a tour more about endurance than challenging climbs.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
This tour was made for you!
Start filling out your booking details. Once you submit your request, we'll review availability for this tour and contact you within 24 hours to further customize your perfect adventure.
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