Belgium & the Netherlands Biking: Ghent & Gouda

Overview

Belgium & the Netherlands Biking: Ghent & Gouda is an 8-day biking tour that offers an extension to Amsterdam. It is described as having cycling perfection from Flemish canal towns to Dutch countryside. The terrain is gloriously flat, the cycling infrastructure is world-class, and the scenery shifts from Gothic spires to windmill-lined polders with ease. The tour includes guided rides through Belgium and the Netherlands, exploring the Flanders region with medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent, and crossing into the Netherlands to experience Baarle-Hertog and the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. Depending on the season, visitors will experience Keukenhof Gardens with blooming tulips or the dramatic coastal dunes of Scheveningen. The tour also includes visits to an unconventional brewery, Gouda's famous cheese market, and canal tours. The tour includes 6 nights in handpicked hotels, private local transfers, a support van for bike rides, 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners with beer or wine, stroopwafel, beer & cheese tastings, two expert European Tour Directors/bike guides, a performance road bike or e-touring bike (e-road bike available for a fee), EF Adventures cycling jersey, helmet, GPS tracking device, and other biking equipment, 5 days of guided bike rides, and select guided sightseeing tours. The itinerary includes an overnight flight to Brussels, followed by 3 nights in the Ghent region, where activities include cycling through the Ghent countryside along the Château Route, exploring Ghent on a walking and canal tour, and an optional chocolate-tasting experience. It also includes a walking tour of Bruges and a bike ride from Bruges back to the Ghent region. The tour then moves to the Gouda region for 3 nights, with activities such as crossing into the Netherlands, biking to De Dochter van de Korenaar Brewery for a tour and lunch, visiting the Gouda cheese market, and a bike ride to the Kinderdijk windmills. The final full day involves a bike ride to Keukenhof Gardens (in spring) or Scheveningen (in summer/fall), with a stop in Leiden before returning to Gouda for a Farewell Dinner. The tour concludes with a flight home from Amsterdam. An optional Amsterdam extension includes 2 extra days to explore the city, with activities like a canal cruise, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum, and an optional excursion to Hoge Veluwe National Park or a free day in Amsterdam. The extension includes accommodation for 2 nights in Amsterdam. Accommodations include handpicked hotels such as Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof in the Ghent region, Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda in the Gouda region, and Grand Hotel Amrâth in Amsterdam for the extension. The tour offers a choice of Cannondale bikes: E-touring bike (included), Performance road bike (included), and E-road bike (upgrade fee). The tour is rated as Moderate physical activity level, suitable for recreational bike riders and those who enjoy a good workout. Daily mileage ranges from 10-42 miles with up to 450 ft of elevation gain on predominantly flat terrain with gentle rolling hills. The tour pace is steady, with two 3-night stays and most days full of included activities. Transportation includes mini-vans, taxis, and boat cruises. Climate is temperate maritime with mild summers and rain common year-round; layered clothing and windproof layers are recommended. Travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item. The tour requires a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond reentry for U.S. and Canadian citizens. ETIAS travel authorization will be required for visa-exempt travelers starting late 2026. The tour includes arrivals in Brussels and departures from Amsterdam, with included airport transfers for those who book flights through EF Adventures. Physical activity level is moderate, with daily mileage between 10-42 miles and elevation gain up to 450 ft. Climate is temperate maritime, with mild summers and rain common year-round. Packing tips emphasize quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials for on-bike wear and layers for off-bike activities. Hotels are typically three-to-five-star properties. Optional excursions are available for purchase prior to departure or on tour. Health advisories recommend checking with a doctor and notifying EF Adventures of dietary restrictions. Meals include breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners, featuring local cuisine. Tipping for meals, drivers, and guides is included, with a recommended gratuity for Tour Directors. Currency is the Euro. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels but may incur charges. The tour is led by two expert European Tour Directors who are also experienced cycling guides.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

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What's Included