Varied
Besides the larger sailing areas, the Dutch inland waterways offer countless canals, rivers and smaller lakes. Many of these are easily accessible for the Catharina van Mijdrecht; we can even sail there most times. This does depend on the wind, as tacking against the wind is not always possible or allowed in these narrow waters. We like to include a “channel day” in a longer trip, just for variety. It is quite an experience to take a large ship through the narrow canals of a historic town, or to sail at a leisurely pace besides meadows with cows and sheep. Sometimes we just do this to avoid strong winds on the open water.

Itineraries
Below are some popular inland routes that can be fitted into a sailing trip. We can’t guarantee that sailing will be possible, and we may have to charge extra for use of the engine. The actual duration of the routes depends on the number of stops made. They can all be sailed in both directions.

Noordhollands kanaal (2 days)
This route runs from the Markermeer/IJmeer through Amsterdam, via the IJ, the Zaan and the Noordhollands kanaal to Den Helder, from where we can continue across the Wadden Sea. There is plenty to see: Amsterdam, the early-industrial heritage of Zaandam, the Zaanse Schans with its many windmills, cheese-capital Alkmaar and maritime Den Helder. We can stay overnight in Amsterdam, Alkmaar or Den Helder.

Ringvaart (belt canal) Haarlemmermeer (3 days)
This route runs from the Markermeer/IJmeer via the IJ, the Spaarne, the Ringvaart, the Nieuwe Meer, and via the Kostverlorenvaart back through Amsterdam to the IJ. Sights are plentiful here as well; Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, the Kager lakes, the Braassemmer lake, the Westeinder lakes, Aalsmeer and Schiphol. We can spend the night in Haarlem, on the Kaag, in Leiden, Oude Wetering, Aalsmeer or Amsterdam.

Randmeren (polder lakes) Flevopolder (1-2 days)
This route goes from the Markermeer/IJmeer via the Gooimeer, Eemmeer, Nijkerkernauw, Nuldernauw, Wolderwijk, Veluwemeer, Drontermeer, Vossemeer, and Ketelmeer to the IJsselmeer. Sights along the way are the historic towns of Spakenburg, Nijkerk, Harderwijk and Elburg. We can also stay overnight in these towns.

Workum (1-2 days)
This route runs from the IJsselmeer through Workum; then via the Gaastmeer, the Fluessen and the Johan Friso Canal back to the IJsselmeer at Stavoren. We can spend the night on one of the uninhabited islands in the Fluessen, or in Heeg. A stopover or overnight stay is also possible in picturesque Workum or Stavoren.

Johan Friso Canal (1 day)
This route runs from the IJsselmeer, via Stavoren and Heeg, to Lemmer. We can also spend the night in these towns.

Margriet Canal (1-2 days)
This canal runs from the IJsselmeer, via Lemmer, Sneek and Grou, to Leeuwarden. These historic towns are very interesting, and we can also stay there overnight.

Dokkumergrootdiep (1-2 days)
This route runs from Leeuwarden, via the Dokkumer Ee, the Dokkumergrootdiep and the Lauwersmeer, to the eastern Wadden Sea. We can spend the night in the beautiful towns of Dokkum and Leeuwarden.

Van Harinxma Canal (1 day)
This canal runs from the western Wadden Sea, via Harlingen and Franeker, to Leeuwarden. These historic towns are very interesting, and we can also spend the night there.

Groningen (2 days)
This route runs from the eastern Wadden Sea, via the Lauwersmeer, to Zoutkamp. Then via the Reitdiep to Groningen, where we can spend the night. We continue via the Eemskanaal towards Delfzijl, and from here over the Eems to the German Wadden Sea.

Extras
It is also possible to alternate your trip with a sporting or cultural activity. Click here for all optional extras.

Contact
Curious about the price of one of our cruises? Ask us for a tailor-made offer here. Any questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!