Cycling & Boat: North Holland, MS Rigoletto, 8 days

Check-in on board in the afternoon. Perhaps you take a first short walk through the pretty harbor town with its charming old town.

Today you will discover the pretty harbor town on the banks of the IJsselmeer and its beautiful surroundings. The rich history of the city can still be felt during a walk through the old town with its numerous villas, canals, churches, city walls and ports. Tip: You should visit the Zuiderzee museum.

If you would like to make a day trip to Amsterdam: The Enkhuizen train station is within walking distance of the berth. There are train connections to Amsterdam and back every 30 minutes. Journey time approx. 1 h (ticket not incl.)

Today you are shipping over the IJsselmeer to Lemmer. You are starting your roundtrip by bike: over the Oosterzee Buren to the Tjeukemeer, further to Munnekeburen, then around the Rottige Meente over Scherpenzel and Schoterzijl back to Lemmer with its historical old part of town and beautiful gable houses. Tip: visit of the largest still-functioning steam pumping station in the world, “Woudagemaal”

You are going by bike to Sondeler Leien Lake, from there through the woods of Rijsterbos passing the Mokkebank (a birds’ reservation) to the Roode Klif at Stavoren. From there you are shipping to Oudeschild on the Island of Texel.

You are going on a round trip by bike on the biggest North Sea Island of the Netherlands – Texel. There are numerous alternative routes (29/32/47/70 km). About 6:00 p.m. shipping back to Den Helder.

In the morning you are cycling through the dunes to Alkmaar. It is possible to board MS RIGOLETTO in St.
Maartensvlotburg already and ship the rest of the way to Alkmaar. As an alternative, you can also start
your cycling tour in St. Maartensvlotburg.

In the morning you start from Wormerveer to the open-air museum Zaanse Schans (windmills, ancient Dutch village, cheese factory, etc). After your visit you will continue in the direction of Volendam. On the way you have the opportunity to visit a cheese dairy in Katwoude. Here you can see how Gouda cheese and the traditional Dutch wooden shoes are made. Via Volendam, known as a traditional fishing village with typical authentic cottages, you cycle to Hoorn. For a short visit of the historic old town with its many buildings from the 17th century (e.g. the harbour tower as well as the storage houses at the old quai) you should take some time.

Checkout until 9:00 a.m. and we are saying goodbye – have a safe journey.

Check-in on board in the afternoon. Perhaps you take a first short walk through the pretty harbor town with its charming old town.

Begin your day by discovering the pretty harbour town on the banks of the Ijsselmeer. The rich history of the city can still be felt during a walk through the old town with its numerous villas, canals, churches, city walls and ports. Tip: You should visit the Zuiderzeemuseum. You then set off on your first cycle tour to Hoorn. Look forward to the historic old town with its many buildings from the 17th century (e.g. the harbour tower as well as the storage houses at the old quai).

In the morning you are shipping across the IJsselmeer to Lemmer in the province of Friesland. Lemmer is known for its historic old town and pretty gabled houses. Start your roundtrip b bike via Oosterzee Buren to the Tjeukemeer and via Munnekeburen, Scherpenzeel and Schoterzijl back to Lem-mer. The longer tour also takes you around the Rottige Meenthe and Brandemeer nature reserve. Tip: Visit the largest steam pumping station in the world, "Woudagemaal", which is still in operation.

You are going by bike to Sondeler Leien Lake, from there through the woods of Rijsterbos passing the Mokkebank (a birds’ reservation) to the Roode Klif at Stavoren. From there you are shipping to Harlingen. The Frisian town is known for its mag-nificent warehouses and patrician homes, canals and bridges, for its tidal harbour Noorderhaven and for its many café terraces and stores.

Another varied cycle tour around Harlingen is waiting for you. Enjoy the sweeping views and the beautiful nature of the province of Friesland. In the afternoon, your ship departs and you cross over to the North Sea island of Texel.

You are going on a round trip by bike on the biggest North Sea Island of the Netherlands – Texel. There are numerous alternative routes 28/35/48. In the afternoon shipping to Medemblik.

A relaxed final day of cycling awaits. We recommend first spending some time in the charming little town of Medemblik, the smallest and oldest town in West Friesland, on a circular route of about 23 km. Visit Radboud Castle, the town’s landmark for over 700 years, or explore one of its interesting museums. In good weather, the beach is also an inviting option. Afterwards, cycle along the coast to Enkhuizen.

Checkout until 8:30 a.m. and we are saying goodbye – have a safe journey.