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Amsterdam to Brussels
This bike & barge holiday combines the countries of Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days you will cycle from Amsterdam to Brussels, with each alternate week in the opposite direction.
On arrival day you stay in Amsterdam and have time to explore the city. By barge you’ll sail to Breukelen on the charming river Vecht. Across Hollands fruit garden, the Betuwe, the barge sails the river Waal to the town of Tiel, then on to the old town of ’s Hertogenbosch.
Pedalling across the quiet islands of Zeeland, you cross the Belgian border. The Flemish port town of Antwerp is another highlight. Belgium is famous for it’s tasty beer, so a visit to one of the fine breweries is included.
Your holiday ends in Belgiums capital city Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels the Dam Square in Amsterdam seems miles away!
Day to Day Itinerary
Saturday: Cycling appr. 15 km
Today your ship will stay overnight in Amsterdam. Your tour leader will invite you for a small try out by bike. In the evening you have the possibility to make a roundtrip of the Amsterdam canals.
Sunday: Cycling appr. 35 km
Your ship takes you to Breukelen, where you disermbark. Alongside the waterfront you can admire the beautifully restored stately homes of the rich and famous from the Dutch Golden Age. Via castle De Haar and Montfoort you’ll cycle to Vianen, your stop for the night.
Monday: Cycling appr. 45 km
Sailing trip to Tiel. Crossing by ferry to the rural area between the rivers Maas and Waal. After passing many dikes, orchards, and rich polderland you’ll arrive in the town of ‘s Hertogenbosch, the charming capital of the province of Noord-Brabant. The St. Jans cathedral is certainly worth a visit here. |
4 star River barge "Tijdgeest"
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Tuesday: Cycling appr. 40 km
The day starts with a sailing trip on the river Maas. At Geertruidenberg you’ll mount your bike for an extremely varied tour of the attractive walled town of Willemstad. This beautifully preserved fortified town is strategically situated on several waterways.
Wednesday: Cycling appr. 45 km
After breakfast a morning cycle tour to the island of Tholen in Zeeland is planned. You’ll pass the village from where the parents of the American president Roosevelt left for the USA. You’ll embark for a sailing trip across the Belgian border to the port town of Antwerp. In the evening your tour leader will take you out for a city walk, plus you'll be tasting some special beers during a cosy beer seminary in a typical Belgian bar.
Thursday: Cycling appr. 40 km
The morning is at your disposal to see more of the great city of Antwerp. You cycle across the Flemish countryside to the charming town of Mechelen, where the barge will be waiting for you.
Friday: No cycling
By train to Brussels. Your tour leader shows you the way by means of a small city walk. Time enough 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.
Saturday:
After breakfast your guide and crew say goodbye and your bike & barge tour has ended.
Airport / Transfers
Flights are in/out of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. There are trains from the terminal into Central Station every 20 minutes, at a cost of approx. Euro 8.00, with the barge docked right beside the Central Station.
A return train from Brussels to Amsterdam Airport takes 2 1/2 hours, at a cost of approx. Euro 40.00.
Schedule
| Dates 2008: |
| May |
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31 |
| June |
7 |
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21 |
28 |
| July |
5 |
12 |
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| August |
2 |
9 |
16 |
23 |
| September |
6 |
13 |
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| Per person, double occupancy |
CAD |
$1095 |
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| Children staying in same cabin as parents: |
| 0-4 years: |
discount |
60% |
| 4-12 years: |
discount |
33% |
| Single supplement: |
CAD |
$195 |
| Additional adult in 3 or 4 bed cabin: |
CAD |
$650 |
Note: This tour operates in reverse itinerary each alternate week.
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| This tour includes: |
• accommodation in a double cabin with private facilities
• bedding and towels
• breakfast, packed lunch, and 3-course dinner
• tour guide
• train transfer from Brussels to Mechelen
• bicycle with handbrakes, gears, and pannier.
• bike insurance
• info pack and tour maps
• Beer tasting session in the Antwerp cafe, 't Waagstuk
• Several City Walks |
The itinerary changes to Amsterdam to Bruges on July 19th and August 30th, and in reverse on July 26th. The cost of these three dates is CAD$1125.00
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