Amsterdam – Gouda – Bruges by Bike and Boat – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 2
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 30 Miles/day average
Dates: Saturdays: May 9, 16, 23, 30; Jun 6, 13, 20, 27; Jul 4, 11, 18, 25; Aug 1, 8, 22; Sep 12, 19, 26, 2015
Tour price: €855
Start city: Amsterdam, Holland
End city: Bruges, Belgium
Tour Description
Two countries, Holland and Belgium, united in one route. Combining the highlights of the Netherland’s Golden Age and the heydays of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages on this bicycle tour. And of course Holland’s own world wonder: the Delta Works.
The Dutch 17th century Golden Age and the heyday of the Flemish trading cities of the Middle Ages are united in this route. Notice the big difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages and the old world of islands in Zeeland with its pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams.
On top of that the often so picturesque Flemish countryside between the Belgian cities of Ghent and Bruges. The great rivers are a prominent feature in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium. Of course you will get to know our own, Dutch Wonder of the World: the Delta Works, evidence of the eternal battle against the waters of the sea.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Amsterdam – Oudewetering – Uithoorn (12 miles/20 km) Day 2: Uithoorn – Gouda (28 miles/45 km) Day 3: Gouda – Dordrecht (31 miles/ 50 km) From the embankments of the river Lek, you will witness an amazing view of the 19 windmills, which are now listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This is where you will take a break and visit the interior of a windmill. After a beautiful tour through the Alblasserwaardpolder you will arrive at the banks of the river ‘Beneden-Merwede’. Day 4: Dordrecht – Willemstad or Bruinisse – Zierikzee (33 miles/54 km) After the disastrous flooding in 1953, the Deltaplan was developed and most tidal outlets were closed from the sea by dams. Most parts of Zeeland were, and still are, under sea level and in 1953 the embankments were too weak and too low, causing this area to be at risk for floodings once in every 80 years. Now, because of the flood barriers, that chance is reduced to less than once every 4000 years. Zierikzee is a beautiful town and the centre of the ‘mussel culture’. The ‘Zeeuwse mosselen’ (blue mussels) are a renowned delicacy. Day 5: Zierikzee – Middelburg – Vlissingen (20-31 miles/32-51 km) This embankment was one of the last in a series of barriers against the sea. When cycling along the embankment, one will realize why this has been one of the most difficult and costly challenges to protect the country now and in the future and to let seawater into the widespread Delta area. It is precisely why the Deltaworks are referred to as the one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. After this dam you will paddle to Middelburg, but not without visiting the picturesque port town of Veere. Middelburg is the lively principal town of Zeeland with many old houses, churches, the beautiful town hall and a pleasant shopping. Also to be found in Middelburg is the Roosevelt Academy, a liberal arts college, located in the former late-gothic town hall on the market of Middelburg. If possible, during dinner you will sail to Vlissingen. This lovely port town is situated at the Westerschelde and at sea. A walk through the town and over its boulevard is absolutely worth a visit! Day 6: Middelburg – Ghent (28/45 km) After a short journey of 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Ghent. From the pier, you can simply take the tram to the medieval centre of this beautiful city. Day 7: Ghent – Bruges (16-28 miles/25-45 km) From the Aalterbrug (also for the shorter route) the last part of this route takes us over the former tow path along the canal of Oostende-Gent, the oldest canal of Belgium, to Bruges. The impressive city of Bruges is the end destination of this bike and barge trip. You will pay a visit to the medieval city of Bruges at the end of this day and many of you are likely to stay another day in this beautiful city. Day 8: Bruges Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Pedals: Seats: Helmets: Bike Insurance: More information about the electrically assisted bike
When you arrive on board the ship, you can put you luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. During this coffee break there is plenty of opportunity to get to know your guide, the crew and your fellow passengers. You will leave Amsterdam cruising on the river Amstel to Ouderkerk a/d Amstel. From Ouderkerk you will cycle your first kilometers through the polder Ronde Hoep to Uithoorn. During dinner aboard the ship, the program for the next day and the global planning of the week are discussed.
Overnight in Uithoorn
From Uithoorn you will continue your tour over country roads, banks and channels through the Green Heart and polders to the city known for its cheese: Gouda. Who thinks of Gouda, not only thinks of cheese, pipes, ‘stroopwafels’ (treacle-waffle) and pottery, but also of stained-glass windows, a fairy-like town hall and atmospheric canals. Gouda is beautiful Old-Dutch city with a mostly intact city centre. As on most days, after dinner you will take a walk through the city.
Overnight in Gouda
Today you will cycle along the Dutch IJssel, through the deepest lying polder of the Netherlands Krimpenerwaard and over narrow cycling paths to the river ‘Lek’. Here you will cross the river by ferry to Kinderdijk, a unique and renowned monument where Holland’s largest number of historical windmills is found.
Overnight in Dordrecht
From Dordrecht you will sail to the Delta area of the Dutch greater rivers during breakfast. Years ago, an open connection existed with the sea due to the many tributaries in this area.
Overnight in Zierikzee
On this day you will cycle towards the North Sea, along the Oosterschelde to the Oosterscheldedam. Enormous locks are built in this embankment that can be closed during storms and high tides protecting the south-west of the Netherlands against the sea.
Overnight in Middelburg
With the unique cycle ferry to Breskens in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders), getting to close to Belgium.You will arrive at the Dutch-Belgian border in Sas van Gent, the former gateway to the harbor of Ghent, through an area with small villages, along creeks, bending embankments and beautiful panoramas.
Overnight in Ghent
This morning you will cycle through Ghent to the scenic countryside of Oost-Vlaanderen (East-Flanders). Characteristic for this are the woods, fields, small villages and castles.
Overnight in Bruges
End of this trip after breakfast.
Bikes available to be rented (in advance at the time of booking) include:
The bikes will have FLAT pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.
If you plan to bring your own seat, please ensure that it is a universal seat post.
Helmets can be rented through the tour company for 10 Euros per week. They must be ordered with booking, and may NOT be rented on board. A helmet is required for children in the Netherlands (helmets are included with renting of children’s equipment, but not for adults). We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.
You can purchase bike insurance with your booking, if you would like. It costs 15 Euros for a hybrid touring bike, and 40 Euros for a electrically assisted bike.
Your electrically assisted bike has 24 gears, a detachable lithium-Ion battery, hand brakes, pannier bags, a good lock, water bottle and you can get a repair kit. We draw your attention to the fact that you will be held responsible for damage to or theft of the bike, as long as the bike is not on board. (the E-bike has a value of more than € 2000). Never leave it unattended. Always lock it and fasten it to a fixed object, and don’t forget to remove the information panel from your steering wheel. If you didn’t arrange cycle insurance when booking you can do this on board (the first day). Payment in cash is required.
