Crossing Borders: Bike & Barge Tour

Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike and Barge

Tour Description: Guided

This bike and barge holiday combines the countries Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days time you will cycle from Amsterdam to Brussels. Every other week the trip will run in the opposite direction, traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam

On the arrival day you stay in Amsterdam and have plenty of time to explore the exciting city. The first days of cycling pass beautifully restored stately homes along the River Vecht, the impressive Castle De Haar and cross the Betuwe, also known as Holland's fruit garden. You then arrive in the old town of ’s Hertogenbosch, where the St. Jans cathedral is certainly worth a visit.

Leaving the fortified town of Willemstad, you cross the Belgian border to arrive in the Flemish port town of Antwerp, another highlight of the tour. Belgium is famous for its tasty beer, so a visit to one of the pubs is included.

Your holiday ends with a visit to Belgium's capital of Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels on the final day is the end to a wonderful week tour that began at the Dam Square in Amsterdam!

Tour Description: Self-guided

This bike and barge holiday combines the countries Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days time you will cycle from Amsterdam to Brussels. Every other week the trip will run in the opposite direction, traveling from Brussels to Amsterdam

On the arrival day you stay in Amsterdam and have plenty of time to explore the exciting city. The first days of cycling pass beautifully restored stately homes along the River Vecht, the impressive Castle De Haar and cross the Betuwe, also known as Holland's fruit garden. You then arrive in the old town of ’s Hertogenbosch, where the St. Jans cathedral is certainly worth a visit.

Leaving the fortified town of Willemstad, you cross the Belgian border to arrive in the Flemish port town of Antwerp, another highlight of the tour. Belgium is famous for its tasty beer, so a visit to one of the pubs is included.

Your holiday ends with a visit to Belgium's capital of Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels on the final day is the end to a wonderful week tour that began at the Dam Square in Amsterdam!

Highlights: Guided

• Amsterdam
• Dutch windmills, canals and drainage dykes
• Roosevelt's parent's home village
• Belgian beer and cuisine
• Brussels

Highlights: Self-guided

• Amsterdam
• Dutch windmills, canals and drainage dykes
• Roosevelt's parent's home village
• Belgian beer and cuisine
• Brussels

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Tour of Amsterdam (9 miles/15km)
This day your ship will stay overnight in Amsterdam. Your tour leader will invite you for a small try out trip on your bike. In the evening you have the possibility to make a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 2: Breukelen - Vianen (22 miles/35 km)
Your ship takes you to Breukelen, where you disembark. Via castle De Haar and Montfoort you’ll cycle to Vianen, the stay for the night.
Overnight in Vianen.

Day 3: Tiel - 's Hertogenbosch (24 miles/40 km)
Sailing trip to Tiel. Crossing by ferry to the rural area between the rivers Maas en Waal. After passing many dikes and rich polderland you’ll arrive in the town of ‘s Hertogenbosch, the charming capital of the province of Noord-Brabant.
Overnight in 's Hertogensbosch.

Day 4: Geertruidensberg - Willemstadt (27 miles/45 km)
The day starts with a sailing trip on the River Maas. At Geertruidenberg you’ll mount your bike for a very varied tour to the attractive walled town of Willemstad.
Overnight in 's Hertogenbosch.

Day 5: Tholen Peninsula (24 miles/40 km)
After breakfast you will do a cycle tour to the peninsula of Tholen in Zeeland. You'll pass the village from where the parents of American president Roosevelt left for the USA. You'll embark for a sailing trip across the Belgian border to the port town of Antwerp. You taste some special beers during a cosy beer lesson in a typical Belgian bar.
Overnight in Antwerp.

Day 6: Antwerp - Mechelen (24 miles/40 km)
The morning is at your disposal to see more of Antwerp. You then cycle across the Flemish countryside to the charming town of Mechelen, where the barge will be waiting for you.
Overnight in Mechelen.

Day 7: Tour of Brussels (no cycling)
The day begins with a train ride to Brussels. Your tour leader will show you around the city through a short walk. There will be enough time 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.
Overnight in Mechelen.

Day 8: Departure from Mechelen
After breakfast your guide and crew say goodbye, as you depart. 

On alternating weeks, the tour runs from Brussels to Amsterdam. Please see dates. Route:

Day 1: Brussels

Day 2: Antwerp

Day 3: Willemstad

Day 4: Den Bosch

Day 5: Vianen

Day 6: Amsterdam

Day 7: Amsterdam

Day 8: Departure

Saturdays:
Amsterdam start: May 26; Jul 7; Aug 4, 18, 2012
Brussels start: Jun 2; Jul 14; Aug 11, 25, 2012 

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

May 26 A; June 2 B; July 7 A, 14 B; Aug 4 A, 11 B, 18 A, 25 B; 2012 (A=Amsterdam start, B=Brussels start)

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour package (guided)
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form.
Per person, double occupancy €679 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin) €145 Additional person in cabin with two full-paying adults 12 years and older €557 4 to 11 years old €455 0 to 3 years €272 Discount for using own bike Per person €20

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Stay aboard (8 days/7 nights)
• Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 3-courses dinner)
• Bicycle with gears and saddlebag
• Map
• Information package
• Tour leader
• Beer tasting in Antwerp café 't Waagstuk
• Train Mechelen - Brussels v.v.
• Several city walks
• Insurance against accidental bicycle damage

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Holland
May 26; June 2; July 7, 14
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable.

Tijdgeest
August 4, 11, 18, 25
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers.

Boats: Self-guided

Holland
May 26; June 2; July 7, 14
Aboard the well maintained ship HOLLAND, the owner has succeeded in using the available space as advantageous as possible. All 10 cabins have private facilities and bunk beds. The chef will serve your meals in the spacious living. When the sun is shining, a comfortable spot on the sundeck is the place to be. The crew guarantees your stay aboard the HOLLAND will be simply unforgettable.

Tijdgeest
August 4, 11, 18, 25
The 4.5-star Tijdgeest has carried tourists since 1897. In the early years, it was a passenger ship on the Rhine River in Germany. More than 100 years later, in 1998, the ship was been completely renovated and rebuilt into a luxurious hotel ship. On the lower deck you will find 13 cabins, all with private facilities and bunk beds. On the upper deck there is a very spacious living and dining room with panoramic view. The ship has a bar, air conditioning, and 220 volt electricity. It can carry 20-36 passengers.

Bike Rentals: Guided

Included on this tour are sturdy and reliable hybrid touring bikes. They are equipped with a saddlebag. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Included on this tour are sturdy and reliable hybrid touring bikes. They are equipped with a saddlebag. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

Holland and Belgium are very flat countries. This tour averages 22 miles a day, all primarily flat. 

This tour is rated Easy and is for cyclists of all levels of conditioning. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

Holland and Belgium are very flat countries. This tour averages 22 miles a day, all primarily flat. 

This tour is rated Easy and is for cyclists of all levels of conditioning. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start (Amsterdam)
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam 

Tour end (Brussels)
Nearest airport: Brussels
Nearest train station: Brussels

Easy train and air access to/from Amsterdam and Brussels, and excellent train service between the two cities. You also have the option to fly into one city and out of the other.

Airport buses run frequently to city train stations, and piers are short distance by taxi from the stations.

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start (Amsterdam)
Nearest airport: Amsterdam
Nearest train station: Amsterdam 

Tour end (Brussels)
Nearest airport: Brussels
Nearest train station: Brussels

Easy train and air access to/from Amsterdam and Brussels, and excellent train service between the two cities. You also have the option to fly into one city and out of the other.

Airport buses run frequently to city train stations, and piers are short distance by taxi from the stations.

More about Belgium: Guided

Belgium is a fascinating place to visit with its diversity of culture and language. Distinct regions have emerged that reflect the language of their respective border countries. It’s an unusual experience to travel within one small country and witness the diverse influences of the French, Germans, and Dutch across Belgium.

Brussels houses some of the most important museums, art galleries, and collections in the world. World-class shopping and exciting nightlife are also attractions of Brussels. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is popular for its charming canals and intact medieval architecture. Outside of its cities, Belgium boasts pastoral landscapes crossed by rivers and canals leading to the sea. The dune-lined Belgian coast is home to quaint, historic port towns with a cozy atmosphere and cobblestone streets.

As the headquarters of many international organizations like NATO and the EU, Belgium is a significant player in international affairs. Its significant international population has led to a diverse cuisine scene. It’s most famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but the paper cones of fries and (optional) mayonnaise sold by street vendors are always a favorite for visitors.

 More on bicycling in Belgium > 

View all Belgium bike tours >

More about Belgium: Self-guided

Belgium is a fascinating place to visit with its diversity of culture and language. Distinct regions have emerged that reflect the language of their respective border countries. It’s an unusual experience to travel within one small country and witness the diverse influences of the French, Germans, and Dutch across Belgium.

Brussels houses some of the most important museums, art galleries, and collections in the world. World-class shopping and exciting nightlife are also attractions of Brussels. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is popular for its charming canals and intact medieval architecture. Outside of its cities, Belgium boasts pastoral landscapes crossed by rivers and canals leading to the sea. The dune-lined Belgian coast is home to quaint, historic port towns with a cozy atmosphere and cobblestone streets.

As the headquarters of many international organizations like NATO and the EU, Belgium is a significant player in international affairs. Its significant international population has led to a diverse cuisine scene. It’s most famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but the paper cones of fries and (optional) mayonnaise sold by street vendors are always a favorite for visitors.

 More on bicycling in Belgium > 

View all Belgium bike tours >

Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Guided

HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.

Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.

Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland 

In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!

What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge

- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack

Tour Company Background: HAT Tours: Self-guided

HAT Tours is an independent Dutch travel organization that specializes in cycle holidays and barge cruises in Europe. Since 1990 to today, they offer their international clientele a wide choice in attractive, interesting and small-scale holidays.

Their main objective is a direct and personal contact with all their customers. HAT Tours is a family-owned company that offers both sailing trips on small passenger ships and cycle holidays in Europe.

Where is HAT located?
Purmerend, Holland 

In which countries do they offer tours?
Most European countries: Croatia, France, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, and more!

What are some of HAT's special strengths?
- Cycle and sail holidays (also known as bike and barge holidays): Guided tours with a stay aboard an attractive and comfortable hotel barge

- Cycle and hotel holidays: Cycling in a relaxed way from one hotel to another with the help of detailed maps and an information pack

Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.

1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;

2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.

3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.

4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.

5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.

6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.

7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.

8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.

9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.

10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.

This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.

Terms and Conditions: HAT Tours: Self-guided

GENERAL CONDITIONS INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS
All bookings will be accepted on the basis of these conditions and terms.

1. If a reservation is cancelled each participant will be charged for cancellation costs. The following terms are valid:
a. on cancellation up to 56 days before the departure day: EUR. 35,00 subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
b. on cancellation less than 57 days and up to 28 days before departure: the down payment subject to a maximum of 25% of the travel sum;
c. on cancellation less than 29 days and up to 14 days before departure: 50% of the travel sum.;
d. on cancellation less than 15 days and up to the departure day: 75% of the travel sum;
e. on cancellation on the day the holiday commences or at ‘no show’: 100% of the travel sum;

2. Participants of bike and barge tours agree to observe the skipper’s orders for navigation and his rules forgood sailing. Regulations affixed aboard the ship are to be observed as such. Participants acceptresponsibility for their actions for the duration of the tour.

3. During bike and barge tours the skipper is entitled to change the place of departure/arrival according to hisown judgement in case of heavy fog, stormy weather or other urgent circumstances. HAT Tours nor theskipper will be held responsible for damages as a result of bad weather conditions to participants nor to theirparaphernalia.

4. Participants of bike and barge tours will be liable for any wilful damage to the vessel and/or to any thirdparty. Third party insurance covers vessel and crew as well as passengers. Liability of participants is limitedto any wilful damage not recoverable or not being reimbursed by the insurance company. The ‘own risk’clause of the insurance policy is for account of participants.

5. HAT Tours is not liable for damages suffered by participants, unless such damages are due to default orgross negligence. Nor is HAT Tours liable for damages resulting subsequently.

6. Both parties of this contract are entitled to cancel this agreement immediately and without any legalconsequences, only if either or both parties would fail to fulfil his obligation pertaining to this agreement notwithstanding the right to claim full compensation. This clause is only valid if participants are not able tooffer a reasonable alternative.

7. Any costs/expenses incurred as a result of default by either party will be due and payable immediately ascompensation for resulting damages.

8. This agreement is governed by the law of the Netherlands. Any differences arising from this agreement are to be judged by the Court of Law at Amsterdam.

9. HAT Tours is entitled to cancel any bike and barge tour at the latest 14 days before the departure date, if there are less than 15 participants booked. In the case of such a cancellation, participants will not becompensated for any damage that may have occurred because of this cancellation. HAT Tours will only makea refund for any down payment that has been made for the tour concerned.

10. Surcharge fuel costs Bike& Barge Tours: In case fuel prices from 15th September of the previous yearwill raise more than 10%, HAT Tours preserves the right to charge a surcharge of max. Euro 20,00 a person.The surcharge is to be paid cash aboard at the beginning of the tour, after having been informed about thisupon arrival.

This contract has been translated into english. The original text in dutch will however prevail.