Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike and Barge (and reverse) – 8 Days
Type of tour: Guided
Level: 1
Duration: 7 Nights
Distance: 22 Miles/day average
Dates:
From Amsterdam: Jun 13; Aug 1, 22, 2015.
From Brussells: Jun 20; Aug 8, 29, 2015
Tour price: €825
Start city: Amsterdam, Holland/Brussels, Belgium
End city: Brussels, Belgium/Amsterdam, Holland
Tour Description
This bike and barge holiday combines the best of Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days time you will cycle from Amsterdam to Brussels. Every other week the trip will run in the opposite direction, traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam.
On the arrival day you stay in Amsterdam and have plenty of time to explore the exciting city. The first days of cycling pass beautifully restored stately homes along the River Vecht, the impressive Castle De Haar and cross the Betuwe, also known as Holland’s fruit garden. You then arrive in the old town of ’s Hertogenbosch, where the St. Jans cathedral is certainly worth a visit.
Leaving the fortified town of Willemstad, you cross the Belgian border to arrive in the Flemish port town of Antwerp, another highlight of the tour. Belgium is famous for its tasty beer, so a visit to one of the pubs is included.
Your holiday ends with a visit to Belgium’s capital of Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels on the final day is the end to a wonderful week tour that began at the Dam Square in Amsterdam!
Highlights: Guided Amsterdam to Brussels: Jun 13, Aug 1, 22, 2015 Day 1: Arrival, tour of Amsterdam (9 miles/15 km) Day 2: Breukelen – Vianen (22 miles/35 km) Day 3: Tiel – Hertogenbosch (24 miles/40 km) Day 4: Geertruidensberg – Willemstadt (27 miles/45 km) Day 5: Tholen Peninsula (24 miles/40 km) Day 6: Antwerp – Mechelen (24 miles/40 km) Day 7: Tour of Brussels (no cycling) Day 8: Departure from Mechelen Brussels to Amsterdam: Jun 20; Aug 8, 29, 2015 Day 1: Arrival to boat in Mechelen (train ride from Brussles) Day 2: Tour of Brussels Day 3: Mechelen – Antwerp Day 4: Tholen – Willemstadt Day 5: Willemstadt – Geertruidensberg – ‘s Hertogenbosch Day 6: ‘s Hertogenbosch – Tiel – Vianen Day 7: Vianen – Breukelen; Amsterdam Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam Included Services: Guided Bike Rentals: Guided Bikes included in tour package price: All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
This day your ship will stay overnight in Amsterdam. Your tour leader will invite you for a small try out trip on your bike. In the evening you have the possibility to make a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Your ship takes you to Breukelen, where you disembark. Via castle De Haar and Montfoort you’ll cycle to Vianen, the stay for the night.
Overnight in Vianen.
Sailing trip to Tiel. Crossing by ferry to the rural area between the rivers Maas en Waal. After passing many dikes and rich polderland you’ll arrive in the town of Hertogenbosch, the charming capital of the province of Noord-Brabant.
Overnight in Hertogensbosch.
The day starts with a sailing trip on the River Maas. At Geertruidenberg you’ll mount your bike for a very varied tour to the attractive walled town of Willemstad.
Overnight in Hertogenbosch.
After breakfast you will do a cycle tour to the peninsula of Tholen in Zeeland. You’ll pass the village from where the parents of American president Roosevelt left for the USA. You’ll embark for a sailing trip across the Belgian border to the port town of Antwerp. You taste some special beers during a cosy beer lesson in a typical Belgian bar.
Overnight in Antwerp.
The morning is at your disposal to see more of Antwerp. You then cycle across the Flemish countryside to the charming town of Mechelen, where the barge will be waiting for you.
Overnight in Mechelen.
The day begins with a train ride to Brussels. Your tour leader will show you around the city through a short walk. There will be enough time to visit all the highlights of the capital of Belgium. In case you become hungry or thirsty, try one of the culinary specialties: mussels, french fries, chocolate, waffles and – of course – a special beer. Late in the afternoon you’ll return to Mechelen by train.
Overnight in Mechelen.
After breakfast your guide and crew say goodbye, as you depart.
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 are NOT available to be rented. We recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet, or purchase one upon arrival.
