Cycling and Boating on the IJsselmeer, MS Rigoletto

Your Bike and Barge Tour in the Netherlands begins in charming Enkhuizen. After embarking in the afternoon, you have the rest of the day to take a closer look at the small harbor town. Right by the harbor, the Drommedaris will catch your eye. The fortified gate dates back to the 16th century and once protected the harbor. Afterwards, explore the pretty old town with its canals, churches and cafés before returning to your ship.

Start your first cycle tour today feeling relaxed. Pay a visit to the Zuiderzeemuseum, which is well worth seeing. It consists of an outdoor and indoor area and provides an insight into the history of the Zuiderzee, which became the IJsselmeer as a result of dykes. The route continues through the hinterland of Enkhuizen with its countless canals and seemingly endless expanses. Your destination for the day is the pretty little town of Hoorn. The former capital of West Friesland has many historical monuments for you to discover.

In the morning, let the fresh sea air blow around your nose as you sail across the IJsselmeer. In Lemmer, you set off on a short excursion through the western part of Friesland, the province of lakes, canals and canals. You return to the ship via the Tjeukemeer and the towns of Munnekeburen and Scherpenzeel. If you would like to extend your cycle tour by a few kilometers, a detour to the nature reserve Rottige Meenthe and Brandemeer is worthwhile. On your return to Lemmer, visit the Woudagemaal, a steam pumping station that is over 100 years old.

Today's stage of your bike and barge tour in the Netherlands takes you along the south coast of the province of Friesland. With the IJsselmeer never far away, you cycle along the Sondeler Leien lake, cross the Rijsterbos forest area, pass the Mokkebank bird sanctuary and reach Stavoren. From the oldest of the eleven Frisian towns, you can take a boat to Harlingen, which boasts pretty canal houses and a pretty harbor.

Another varied day awaits you today on your trip by bike and boat on the IJsselmeer lake. First you will get to know the region around Harlingen. After your return, you will take the boat to Oudeschild on the island of Texel in the late afternoon. The largest of the West Frisian Islands is characterized by a rich flora and fauna, extensive sandy beaches and picturesque villages.

Your cycling day is initially spent on the island of Texel. Plan your route according to your taste. You can choose from routes of different lengths. Whichever one you choose, you will enjoy the varied landscape and Texel's rich wildlife. In the afternoon, you return to the mainland from Oudeschild to the maritime town of Den Oever.

Today you can choose between a short tour via Kolhorn or a long tour via Julianadorp. Enjoy a break on the beautiful sandy beach before heading to Medemblik. The town has the oldest harbor on the IJsselmeer. It was probably built as early as the 7th century. Take a stroll through the beautiful town center before getting back on the ship. A final boat trip takes you to your starting point, Enkhuizen.

After breakfast and disembarkation (by 09:00), your bike and barge tour in the Netherlands  ends. You start your individual return journey.