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Bike and barge central Netherlands
Riverland Holland |
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 The fairly unknown central area of the Netherlands is definitely worth a visit. Ingredients like polders, pollard willows, estates and castles create a unique bike & barge holiday.
By barge you sail on the Amsterdam-Rijn canal to Nieuwegein, where you make a small test ride on your bike. You follow the river Lek that flows through a typical Dutch landscape and arrive in the small fortified town of Culemborg. Along the meandering river Linge you pass Leerdam, famous for its glassworks, and go on to Gorinchem for your overnight stay.
The next day you bring an extensive visit to the impressive Castle Loevestein. After a cycle tour through the rural landscape you cross a river by ferry and arrive in Heusden. You cross the moorlands of Drunen, an area of moving sands, and follow the river Donge to Geertruidenberg. In this walled town situated at the river Amer, you embark for the sailing trip to Dordrecht, a harbour town dating back to the Dutch Golden Age. Your cycle trip to national park De Biesbosch and the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk make a fascinating mix of nature and history.
In Gouda, known for its cheese, it is recommendable to bring a visit to the St. Jan church, where you can admire the beautiful stained glass windows. Via the extensive area of small lakes near Reeuwijk you cycle through the Green Heart of Holland.
An early visit to the flower auction in Aalsmeer is an absolute must, afterwards you cycle along the Amstel river back to Amsterdam. A round trip of the Amsterdam canals might be a nice closing of your holiday.
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| Daily Program |
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Saturday: Cycling approx 10 km, 6 miles.
After the embarkation in Amsterdam you’ll be sailing the Amsterdam-Rijn canal to Nieuwegein, the stop for the night. In the evening you’ll make a short ‘warming-up’ cycle trip in the vicinity.
Sunday: cycle trip ca. 50 km, 30 miles
Following the river Lek you cycle to Culemborg, an old fortified town. After a short stop, you continue and follow the river Linge to Leerdam, known for its glassware. You continue the beautiful road along the river to Gorinchem, your stop for the night. In the evening you’ll have the opportunity to discover this fortified town on foot.
Monday: cycle trip ca. 45 km, 27 miles
You’ll go to the castle Loevestein by way of a small ferry. After having visited the castle, your cycle trip takes you to Poederoijen and to Ammerzoden, where you come upon two more castles. The ferry crossing the Bergse Maas takes you to picturesque Heusden, the fortified town where you’ll spend the night.
Tuesday: cycle trip ca. 55 km, 33 miles
Right across the Drunense Duinen, a vast area of moving sands you cycle further to ’s-Gravenmoer from where the river Donge will be followed. Geertruidenberg, known as the oldest town of Holland, may be admired for its fortifications and its splendid location at the river Amer. Here you embark and leave by boatel for Dordrecht, one of the six towns known as ‘The Secrets of Holland’.
Wednesday: cycle trip ca. 55 km, 33 miles
In the morning there is a short cycle trip to and through the natural reserve Biesbosch. In the afternoon you pass Oud-Alblas and Alblasserdam on your way to the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk. Via the polderland of the Krimpenerwaard you arrive in Gouda. If you prefer to go to Gouda by barge, you have the opportunity to visit a pottery, a candle maker or the St. Jans church (unique stained-glass windows).
Thursday: cycle trip ca. 55 km, 33 miles
The cycle trip goes right through the Reeuwijkse Plassen, a lake area that is covered with cycle paths showing fine views on an untouched scenery. Via Woerden the trip leads to a village in the Green Heart, where you stay the night, Uithoorn.
Friday: cycle trip ca. 25 km, 15 miles
‘Early birds’ may take the opportunity to visit the Aalsmeer flower auction. The cycle trip goes alongside the river Amstel to and through Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk through the center or you may (on your own account) go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Saturday:
After breakfast your guide and the crew will say good-bye and your bike & barge holiday has come to an end.
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Guided:
Stay aboard (8 days/7 nights)
Full board (breakfast+packed lunch + 3-courses dinner)
Bicycle with gears and pannier
Map with marked tour
Tour leader
Visit Castle Loevestein
Visit flower auction in Aalsmeer
Visit wind mills in Kinderdijk
Several city walks
Bicycle damage coverage
Not included:
Journey there and back (Amsterdam)
Drinks aboard
Excursions out of program
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Guided: 7/19, 8/2 and 8/16/2008
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Guided:
€619
Single supplement: €118
Discounts
Using own bike: €20
Child age 0-3 in cabin with 2 adults: 60%
Child age 4-11 in cabin with 2 adults: 33%
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Nearest train station and airport: Amsterdam
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the tour company. Book this tour by clicking on "Book Trip" button below, or contact us for help planning your tour.
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