Bike and Barge: Northern Netherlands and IJsselmeer (MS Rigoletto)

Check in on board this afternoon. Today, you can take your first short tour through the picturesque harbour and walk through the 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).

Today you are shipping over the IJsselmeer to Lemmer. You are starting your round trip 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: Optional visit to 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 Harlingen. The Frisian town is known for its magnificent warehouses and patrician homes, canals and bridges, for its tidal harbour Noorderhaven and 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. At around 16:00, your ship departs and you cross over to the North Sea island of Texel.

You are going on a round trip by bike around the largest North Sea island of the Netherlands — Texel. There are numerous alternative routes to choose from (28/35/48 km).

In the afternoon, sail to Medemblik.

A relaxed final day of cycling awaits. We recommend first spending some time exploring the charming little town of Medemblik, the smallest and oldest town in West Friesland, on a circular route of approximately 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 (approx. 24 km).

Early morning sailing to Enkhuizen around 0830. After breakfast, you are checking out and heading home.

Embarkation: 4.00 p.m.
Disembarkation: From 08.30 a.m.

Minimum number of participants: 80 guests (must be reached within 21 days before departure).

Bring your own bike: On request only, due to lack of space on the sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery packs. We exclude any liability for loss, theft, and damage, including damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.

Excursions: We offer a small excursion programme that can be booked directly on board with the cruise director only. You will receive a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants, some excursions may be conducted in two languages (German/English).

Schedule and programme changes: We reserve the right to make changes to the routing and programme. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be navigated, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). The same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs.

Digital Travel Documents and Route Maps: In the interest of sustainability and climate protection, opt for our digital route book instead of printed travel documents. The GUIBO app is your constant companion during your SE-Tours original journey. A glance at your smartphone is all you need to travel safely and worry-free, with all important information at your fingertips. Travel information, ship details, contact information, and bike tours are available digitally in the route book, accessible offline and at any time. The app is available for free and works on all standard smartphones. You will automatically receive access details to download your booked trip via email before your trip begins. If you still prefer to receive all documents from us in printed form beforehand, an additional fee will apply. We will send you all travel information in advance via email, and the maps for your bike tours will be available exclusively on board.

Travel documents: EU citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad, or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU nationals with multiple citizenship, or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to seek information about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility. We recommend that you take out travel health insurance with repatriation coverage, as well as baggage, accident, and travel cancellation insurance.

• Ship name: MS Rigoletto
  Length: 105 m
• Width: 10.50 m
• Draft: 1.50 m
• Number of Crew: approx. 20
• Passengers: max. 113

The MS RIGOLETTO is a cosy and well-maintained riverboat featuring a pleasant salon, bar, reception area, onboard store, small library, and a restaurant where you can enjoy your meals. The appealing interior design is characterized by a tasteful colour scheme paired with wood and brass. Large panoramic windows in the lounge provide beautiful views of the passing landscapes. All public areas are air-conditioned. The partially covered sun deck offers seating, an outdoor bar, and space for bicycles.

There are 57 cabins in total, all friendly and comfortably furnished with a shower/WC, hairdryer, on-board telephone, TV/radio, safe, and air conditioning. All cabins on both decks have large panoramic windows, with the upper part that can be opened.

• Main Deck: 25 two-bed cabins, each approx. 11.5 m², equipped with two Pullman beds (which can be stowed away during the day for greater comfort if requested).
• Upper Deck:
  • 28 two-bed cabins, each approx. 11.5 m², equipped with two Pullman beds.
  • 2 one-bed cabins, each approx. 8 m², equipped with a Pullman bed.
  • 1 three-bed cabin, approx. 12 m², equipped with two foldaway beds and a Pullman bed.
  • 1 junior suite, approx. 22 m², equipped with a double bed and a small seating area with two armchairs.

All times are subject to change. Please book your travel according to the scheduled arrival and departure times.

Arrival: Enkhuizen

Departure: Enkhuizen

Nearest arrival airport(s): Amsterdam or Rotterdam

Nearest departure airport(s): Amsterdam or Rotterdam

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Enkhuizen by rail. Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request.

Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.