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8 day escorted tour
This bike & barge holiday combines the countries of Holland and Belgium in a very attractive way. In eight days you will cycle from Amsterdam to Brussels (or vice versa).
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 the capital city Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels the Dam Square in Amsterdam seems miles away!
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DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
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Day 1: Individual arrival in Amsterdam
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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.
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Day 2: Breukelen (35 km)
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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.
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Day 3: Tiel - 'S-Hertogenbosch (45 km)
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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.
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| Day 4: Willemstad (40 km) |
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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.
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Day 5: Tholen (45 km)
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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.
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Day 6: Antwerp - Mechelen (40 km)
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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.
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Day 7: Rest day = no cycling
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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.
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Day 8: Journey home or extension of stay
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After breakfast your tour comes to an end and you may begin your journey home. We would also be more than happy to extend your stay in Europe.
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PRICE & DETAILS
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| Price & Schedule |
DEPARTURE DATES:
Amsterdam departures: May 25th July 6th
Brussels departures: June 1nd July 13 August 17th
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Per person, double occupancy
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CAD |
$1035 |
| Children staying in same cabin as parents: 4-12 years: |
discount |
33% |
| Single supplement: |
CAD |
$250 |
| Additional adult in 3 or 4 bed cabin: |
CAD |
$700 |
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| Included |
- accommodation in a double cabin with private facilities and bunk style beds
- bedding and towels
- breakfast, packed lunch, and 3-course dinner each day
- tour guide
- round trip train transfers to/from Brussels for your sightseeing day
- comfort style 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
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Logding
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Barge "Tijdgeest" 3***+: The TIJDGEEST has been sailing with tourists since 1897, in the early years as a passenger ship on the River Rhine in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you’ll find the cabins, all with private facilities and upper and lower beds. On the upper deck a very spacious living/dining room with panoramic views.
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| Rate |
EASY: Paved cycle paths and quiet backstreets; very few hills, suitable for experienced and novice cyclists, as well as families.
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| Airport / Transfers |
The best flight options are into Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and out of Paris. There are highspeed trains from the terminal to Central Station every 20 min, at a cost of approx. 8€, with the barge right beside the Central Station.
If required, a return train from Brussels to Amsterdam takes 2h30, at a cost of approx. 40€.
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