Holland and Belgium by Bike, Barge and Cruise

Overview

This 11-day adventure blends cycling and boating as you explore the enchanting landscapes of Holland and Belgium. It's a classic route with the bonus of having a few more days to enjoy the ride and the beautiful boat. This itinerary is a captivating fusion of both nations, highlighting their diverse facets, including poignant World War sites, Holland's remarkable Delta Works, and the historic Flanders Fields in Belgium. It bookends the experience with two captivating cities: Amsterdam and Bruges. The tour promises an unforgettable experience for those interested in history, art, architecture, engineering marvels, or simply the joy of cycling. Some have called it the trip of a lifetime! The tour includes cycling through picturesque Dutch and Flemish landscapes on dedicated bike paths and rural roads. It visits historic cities such as Leiden, Delft, and Ghent with their rich cultural heritage. Participants explore UNESCO World Heritage windmills at Kinderdijk and discover charming towns like Willemstad and Tholen with their unique histories. The tour also involves experiencing the vibrant culture and architecture of Antwerp, Amsterdam, and Bruges, enjoying boat rides along scenic canals in Ghent and Bruges, and offers a choice between beachside relaxation in Oostende or sightseeing in Bruges on a free day. The daily program includes a detailed breakdown of cycling distances and activities for each day, starting in Amsterdam and ending in Bruges, with a reversed itinerary also provided. Specific daily highlights include cycling to Vreeswijk/Nieuwegein, visiting Gouda, exploring Rotterdam and the Kinderdijk windmills, a free day in Dordrecht with options for exploring the old town, canoeing, or hiking in the Biesbosch, cycling to Willemstad and Tholen, crossing into Belgium to Antwerp, exploring Antwerp, cycling from Antwerp to Ghent, and finally cycling from Ghent to Bruges. The tour is designed for a leisurely pace with options for extended rides. The tour utilizes the 'Merlijn' Premier Class Boat, which has 12 cabins and 2 decks. Standard touring bikes are included, featuring step-through frames, 11-speeds, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Super light frame. Electrically assisted bikes are available upon request. Included services cover 10 nights aboard the Merlijn, meals (breakfast, packed lunches, and three-course dinners), beverages (coffee, tea, water, sodas, wines, beers), and amenities like bedding, towels, toiletries, and bathrobes. Included services also encompass a tour guide, daily briefings, an 11-speed bicycle with accessories, GPS tracks on most routes, canal/bridge/harbor fees, ferry fares, a boat ride through Ghent's canals, entrance to the Cathedral of ‘Our Lady’ in Antwerp, and visits to a cheese farm and a windmill. The tour notes that listed prices are per-person and based on double occupancy, and are subject to fuel cost fluctuations. The terrain is flat, primarily using dedicated bike paths, making it cyclist-friendly.

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

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What's Included