This tour combines everything that makes the Netherlands worthwhile visiting: beautiful castles, impressive remains of the historic Aera of the Hanse, picturesque river valleys and villages as well as nature in abundance ion some of the most beautiful forests of the country.
The Southeastern parts of The Netherlands are often underestimated as a destination for travellers. That’s a pity, as this part of the country boasts with beautiful woods and heathlands and nature preserves – a real paradise for hikers and cyclists. Along the Amsterdam-Rhine-Canal and the IJssel River the Elodie will take you through unique scenery, spotted with historic castles and remains of the Hanse History of this part of Europe. Here you can discover and explore some of the oldest castles of the country as well as the proud-to-be smallest city of The Netherlands, Bronkhorst. The notably larger city of Arnhem hosts one of the decisive war sites of World War II and the famous Royal Burgers’ Zoo as well as the Netherlands Open Air Museum — all worthwhile visiting. At the river junction of the IJssel and the Berkel, you’ll find the former Hanse town of Zutphen, one of the oldest in the country. Parts of fortifications, stately warehouses and merchant homes still tell of its more than 1700 hundred years of history. No wonder, the city is also called „City of monuments“.
Book lovers will love the public library, uniquely and impressively hosted in a former historic church. From Zutphen the route follows the IJssel river valley to the town of Deventer, known for its delicious spicy gingerbread.
The city of Zwolle dates back to the Middle Ages, its historic fortifications and gates, numerous museums and the nice cafes and terraces invite for a stroll or simply to sit down and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Zwartsluis is the entrance to a unique area of fairy tale scenery, nature preserve and water sports Eldorado around the former fishing village of Giethoorn – today known as the „Dutch Venice“. After a day of recreation there, the tour leads back south again, towards Elburg. The old Hanse town of Kampen, mostly situated on a river island. The beautiful scenery along the river and the skyline of the city make it an open air museum in itself. The area offers wonderful cycling. Through lovely woods you can cycle from the pretty town of Elburg to the evenly picturesque Harderwijk. In the old fishing village of Spakenburg history is still alive around the old port. You may spot inhabitants, wearing traditional costumes — yet you can also admire some of the best Dutch engineering in the more then 300 meters long „flexible waterkering“, hidden flood defences against the threats of the sea. From here you are invited to sail on board of the Elodie into Amsterdam.