North-East
Tour
Amsterdam
– Hoorn
(Sunday
– 10 km)
Arrival
on board the Elodie in Amsterdam. Introduction to the crew, explanation of
the rules on board, information on the programme. We sail from the Eastern
Dock to the river IJ and through the Oranje locks over the Markermeer to
Hoorn. After dinner, we take a short cycle trip through this former VOC
(United East-Indies Company) town. This is a good test to see whether all of
the bicycles are adjusted to everyone’s wishes.We spend
the night in this harbour under the watchful eyes of the “Cabin boys of
Bontekoe” at the foot of the defence towers built in 1532.
Hoorn –
Enkhuizen – Stavoren
(Monday
– 25 km)
A
relatively short cycle trip today, from Hoorn to Enkhuizen. You can spend
some time visiting the Open Air museum of Enkhuizen where you get a good
impression of life around the former, now reclaimed Zuyder Zee. The town
centre of Enkhuizen breathes a historic ambiance, and with its many small
shops and narrow streets this town makes a very agreeable impression. You
are expected on board again at 16.00 hrs for the crossing of the IJsselmeer.
After the evening meal, we take a stroll along the dike in Stavoren and with
a little bit of luck you can enjoy a beautiful sunset!
Stavoren – Hindeloopen
– Workum – Heeg
(tuesday – 35
km)
After
breakfast you cycle to Hindeloopen. Here you will be able to admire the
Hindeloopen painting artistry, and we pay a visit to one of the many
studios. Art is given yet more attention today because once in Workum we
cannot just walk past the Jopie Huisman Museum. On our arrival in Heeg the
Elodie is waiting for us at a beautiful spot on the Fleussen where the many
yachts offer a wonderful spectacle.
Heeg –
Ossenzijl – Giethoorn
(wednesday
– 40 km)
We depart
early on the Elodie for a trip across the Friese lakes, canals and small
waterways on the way to the Linthorst Horman lock where we put our cycles on
the quayside. You cycle through the Weerribben nature reserve to Blokzijl.
Here we pay a visit to the old pirate stronghold. We visit too the
delicatessen of Harrie Klinkert and then go to Kaatje by the lock. On our
cycles once again, we make our way to Giethoorn, where before or after our
evening meal we take a trip on a real Giethoorn punt through the Venice of
the North.
Giethoorn
– Genemuiden – Kampen – Elburg
(Tursday
– about 40 km)
In the
morning, directly by cycle from Giethoorn through the Wieden to Zwartsluis,
and with the ferry to Genemuiden, where we will spend some time in this
picturesque town situated at the estuary of the river IJssel. Then further,
straight through the polder across the Kamper Zeedijk to IJsselmuiden where
we cross the river IJssel. We pay a visit to the Hanzestad Kampen with its
Koggeschip. In the past, the rivers and seas were sailed with this type of
ship in search of trade. The simplicity of such a ship will amaze you.
Together on the cycle to the Roggebot lock, the last stage today on the way
to the Elodie that lies awaiting you here. We sail a short distance from
here over the randmeren to Elburg.
Elburg –
Harderwijk – Almere
(Friday–
40 km)
Today we
make a woods and heather journey. After a visit to Elburg, we depart over
the Elspeterheide to Harderwijk. On the way there is a fine opportunity to
have an extended picnic in the heather. On arrival in Harderwijk, we put the
bicycles on board and go into the town. Harderwijk has many narrow streets
and alleyways with surprisingly pleasant spots. It is a charming town. After
this visit we depart on the Elodie to the youngest province, Flevoland,
where we will spend the night in Almere.
Almere –
Amsterdam
(Saturday)
The ship
will probably be sailing when you awake because we depart very early in the
direction of Amsterdam. As you breakfast on the way, you can watch the
landscape pass by. We sail along the fort island of Pampus to the Oranje
locks and arrive at about ten-thirty in Amsterdam. A fine opportunity to
visit another museum such as the Rembrandt House or the Rijks Museum, but
perhaps you would like to take a boat trip along the canals. Of course you
can also savour the atmosphere of Amsterdam, just doing nothing on a
sidewalk café. In the evening you can choose a restaurant to you liking out
of the many good restaurant you can find in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam
(Sunday)
We take
leave of you after breakfast.
