Detailed itinerary for your license-free houseboat cruise in the Netherlands

Discover our detailed itinerary for a river cruise in the Netherlands

Want to discover the Netherlands in a different way? Embark on a license-free houseboat cruise from Vinkeveen to Amsterdam, via Muiden. On the programme: crystal-clear lakes, typical windmills, charming villages and an unforgettable stopover in the heart of Amsterdam... all at your own pace, in complete freedom!

First day of your Dutch license-free houseboat cruise from Vinkeveen

Your license-free houseboat cruise in Holland starts at the lakes of Vinkeveen, a natural paradise of small islands, clear waters and reed beds. After your training, hoist the anchor and start enjoying the calm of the Dutch canals.

Head for Loosdrecht, famous for its magnificent lakes lined with yacht clubs and charming villas. It's the perfect place to get into the swing of things straight away: swimming, paddle-boarding or simply lazing in the sun on deck.

Not to be missed on your licence-free houseboat cruise:

• Hire a paddle or kayak to explore the lake's creeks.
• Stroll around the marinas and enjoy a drink on a terrace with your feet in the water.

Overnight: Mooring in Loosdrecht.

Take a license-free houseboat from Loosdrecht to Oudewater on your second day of river cruising.

After a gentle morning on the water, follow the meandering canals to Oudewater, a charming little town in the heart of the green Utrecht region. Your license-free houseboat will take you past meadows, typical farms and a few movable bridges.

Once docked, lose yourself in the old streets. Oudewater is famous for its House of the Witch Weigher, an amusing historical landmark for all the family.

To discover during your stopover in the Netherlands:

• Visit the Weighing Witch House and hear some amusing anecdotes.
• Coffee break on a terrace in a small shady square.
• Take a stroll along the IJssel to prolong the pleasure.

Night: Mooring in the port of Oudewater.

Head for Alphen aan den Rijn on the third day of your license-free houseboat cruise.

Sail today to Alphen aan den Rijn, a lively and friendly stopover. The route is dotted with villages, tulip fields (depending on the season) and beautiful thatched farmhouses.

Once there, visit the Archeon Park, a living museum where the whole family can travel back in time, from the Middle Ages to Roman times. The town centre is also well worth a visit, with its friendly shops and cafés.

Things to see and do:

• Discover the De Eendracht mill, a local landmark.
• Stroll through the shopping streets.
• Taste a Dutch pastry in a traditional bakery.

Night: Mooring in Alphen.

Take a license-free houseboat to Heemstede

Today, we head for Heemstede, a pretty residential town surrounded by gardens, parks and forests. The navigation is peaceful: you cross long canals lined with majestic trees and small locks.

Once your license-free houseboat is moored, you can hire a bike to ride through the alleys of Groenendaal Park or take a stroll along the River Spaarne. It's the perfect opportunity to breathe in the fresh air and have a picnic by the water.

Things to do:

• Take a reading break or have a siesta under the hundred-year-old trees.
• Sample an artisanal ice cream while strolling through the centre.

Overnight: Mooring in Heemstede.

Another day on your river cruise, sailing to Muiden

After the green calm, head for Muiden, a historic village at the entrance to the IJmeer. On the way, admire the windmills and polder landscapes typical of Holland.

In Muiden, Muiderslot Castle opens its doors to you: its moat, towers and medieval gardens will delight young and old alike. Extend your visit with a stroll along the harbour, where traditional boats and modern sailing ships meet.

What to see:

• Guided tour of Muiderslot, entertainment for children.
• Tasting of smoked fish or fresh herring in a local snack bar.

Overnight stay: Mooring in Muiden harbour.

Enjoy your last river stop in Spakenburg

Leave Muiden for Spakenburg, a small fishing port that is still very attached to its traditions. On the way, take advantage of the vast stretches of water, perfect for birdwatching or an impromptu swim.

In Spakenburg, take in the charm of the old port, the botters (old fishing boats) and the village museum, which tells the story of fishermen's lives in days gone by.

Things to do :

• Stroll along the lively quayside and buy smoked fish.
• Visit the Spakenburg museum.
• Taste a Dutch waffle on a terrace.

Overnight stay: Mooring in Spakenburg.

Last day of your license-free houseboat cruise in the Netherlands

On your last day of river cruising, head back to Vinkeveen. Enjoy the last few hours of cruising through fields and quiet canals. Stop off for a picnic on a pontoon or a final dip in the lakes.

Back at base, take the time to pack up your license-free houseboat and share a final coffee overlooking the water.

Things to do before you leave:

• Buy a small handcrafted souvenir.
• Take advantage of the calm to sort out the best photos of the week.

This route Vinkeveen - Loosdrecht - Oudewater - Alphen - Heemstede - Muiden - Spakenburg - Vinkeveen is ideal for discovering Holland at its best: historic villages, unspoilt nature and living traditions, all on your own license-free houseboat.

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