Giethoorn oozes charm and it's fun to visit. The tiny village has waterways instead of roads and transportation always used to take place by punt. Today, mainly tourists cruise the quaint village canal in slow and silent electric boats, admiring the (farm)houses and well-kept gardens. The village lies on the edge of Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The many channels are a bit of a maze, but so tranquil, it makes you feel like you are kayaking inside a painting. Easy flat rides that are manageable for inexperienced cyclists 4 Nights included, 3/4 star hotels, Breakfast included, Tourist information on all the places of interest, 7-days a week service-hotline, Luggage transport to your next hotel (1 piece, 20kg per person), GPS tracks available, Tourist taxes. Arrival in Giethoorn, also known as “Venice of Holland” or “Venice of the North”. After checking into your hotel, what better way to view the village than from the water? So rent a boat (punt, whisper boat, canoe) or - if you don’t trust yourself at the helm – go on a guided tour on one of the covered big boats manned by a skipper. The shorter route is through the village, the long route takes you onto the lake and into Weerribben-Wieden National Park. The best thing about staying the night in Giethoorn is getting up bright and early the next morning to go for a walk with your camera at the ready and the village canal at its most idyllic – before the other tourists arrive! Giethoorn - Blokzijl 40 km. Set off for the friendly town of Steenwijk, a fine place to stop for a cup of coffee. By the looks of the earthen ramparts and moat that used to protect this town from enemies, Steenwijk has known less peaceful times! Then continue through the countryside past Steenwijkerwold and Oldemarkt to Ossenzijl. Ossenzijl is the northern gateway into Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Here you have two options: Option 1, the short route: take the LF22 route right through Weerribben-Wieden and then continue to Kalenberg and finally to your hotel in Muggenbeet, a hamlet next to the village of Blokzijl. Option 2, the long route: First take a detour past Slijkenburg and Kuinre back to Ossenzijl and only then enter the National Park and continue as in Option 1. Blokzijl - Zwolle 60 km. In the morning you will visit Blokzijl and Vollenhove. You need to switch on your imagination to understand that these two villages were once seaside towns where fishermen brought in their catch and then sat down to repair their nets! The land to the west of these villages is new land (polder) created in 1942. Next, follow a stretch of the peaceful Zuiderzee Route (a cycle route that goes all the way around the former sea known as Zuiderzee), and pass through the pleasant villages of Zwartsluis and Genemuiden, hubs for water sports. The highlight of today is the Hansa town of Kampen. Cross the bridge and enjoy the old town centre of this beautiful place. On the banks of the River IJssel, cycle to the city of Zwolle, where you will spend the night. Zwolle - Giethoorn 50 km. Leave the bustle of the city behind you and follow the River Vecht and subsequently het Zwarte Water to the lovely town of Hasselt. Take your time to explore: it is worth it. Your route then takes you back to Zwartsluis and then right through the wetland of Weerribben – Wieden National Park all the way back to Giethoorn. Departure from Giethoorn. After breakfast, this holiday comes to an end. Make your own way home. Car rental in Netherlands. If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe. Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Travel insurance for the Netherlands. Wander the World Without Worry. Local language barriers. Lost passport. Unexpected medical expenses. Sometimes, our trips don’t go as planned. That’s why Slow Tours Pty Ltd wants you to have the most robust travel advisory and protection for your vacation.
Hotel
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