The Northern Shores and the IJssel Lake
Independent Cycling and Cruising Tour

Covering the northern province of Holland this seven-night independent cycle tour takes you from Amsterdam up to the island of Texel and on to the beautiful shores and historic harbour towns of Lake IJssel.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Your accommodation and meals
	Departure dates and prices
	Bike details
	Travel options
	Average temperature

Detailed itinerary

This independent cycling and cruising tour makes excellent use of the cycle paths around Holland. You will also encounter some roads, although these are mostly quiet, and you have the option of staying on board the boat if you prefer not to cycle.

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Time to explore the city before the 18:30 cruise to Zaandam.

Day 2: Zaandam to Alkmaar
22 miles
Today you cycle through the nature reserve 'The Kennemer Dunes' to the museum village of 'Zaanse Schans' with its windmills and traditional wooden houses.

Day 3: Alkmaar to Den Helder
22 - 34 miles
Discover the wide sandy beaches of Holland as you cycle through rural countryside to the Dutch Naval port of Den Helder. You sail to the island of Texel.

Day 4: Circular cycle ride on Texel
16 - 41 miles
Enjoy a cycle trip on the island and return to the barge late afternoon for your dinner cruise to Den Oever.

Day 5: Den Oever to Enkhuizen
19 - 31 miles
Cycle along the northern shores of Lake IJssel and visit the historic town of Enkhuizen.

Day 6: Enkhuizen via Hoorn to Volendam
31 miles
Today you cover a wealth of historic towns including the port of Hoorn, the cheese town of Edam and the fishing town of Volendam. Take the opportunity to taste the local fish specialities.

Day 7: Volendam to Amsterdam
22 - 31 miles
Your last cycle day heads through the waterland area north of Amsterdam, with an opportunity to visit the traditional island of Marken.

Day 8: End of tour after breakfast

*Where two distances are provided, a choice of route exists.

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Your accommodation and meals

For this cycling and cruising tour your accommodation is aboard a 'comfort class' vessel with twin cabins and private facilities, offering a little more space in which to relax. This wonderfully Dutch experience is a great way to discover the Netherlands while you meet and make friends with your fellow passengers.

All meals are included in the cost of this tour. Evening drinks are not included, but you can purchase these on board the barge.

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Departure dates & prices

Prices include:

• 7 nights' accommodation
• Full Board
• Bicycle hire (7 gears)
• Information packs and maps

Departures are Saturdays from 26 April to 13 September 2008

Single berth supplement: £16 per night (limited availability)
Some 3 or 4 berth cabins available check at time of booking
Supplement for upper deck cabin: £5 per person, per night

*Prices vary and can only be confirmed when you make a booking.

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Bike details

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Travel options

Suggested times and points of departure - please call us to discuss the most suitable flights and latest prices.

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 05/11/2007 (provisional)

Transfer to Amsterdam city centre (not included in price) - approx. 15mins by train and 10mins by taxi or foot.
For rail tickets contact International Rail on 0870 751 5000.

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Lounges: To book aiport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

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Average temperature

The average daytime temperatures for this region are listed below:

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