Holland's Golden Age and Flemish Trade Cities

Amsterdam - Gouda - Bruges by Bike and Boat

Tour Description: Guided

This tour will take you through the rich history of the Netherlands and Belgium. See the remnants of the Dutch 17th century Golden Age and the heyday of the Flemish trading cities from the Middle Ages, as you cycle along a flat route. Notice the difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages, and the islands in Zeeland with pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams. On top of the picturesque countryside, you will visit the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Gouda and Bruges. 

Learn more about guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

This tour will take you through the rich history of the Netherlands and Belgium. See the remnants of the Dutch 17th century Golden Age and the heyday of the Flemish trading cities from the Middle Ages, as you cycle along a flat route. Notice the difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages, and the islands in Zeeland with pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams. On top of the picturesque countryside, you will visit the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Gouda and Bruges. 

Learn more about guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Delta Works
• Ghent and Bruges
• Amsterdam

Highlights: Self-guided

• Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Delta Works
• Ghent and Bruges
• Amsterdam

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Arrival to Amsterdam
Embarkation at 2 p.m; sailing to Alphen aan de Rijn, cycling from the ‘Oudewatering’ to Alphen aan de Rijn.

Upon arrival on board of our ship Zwaan (‘the Zwaan’), your luggage can be left in your cabin while you enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. During this coffee break there is plenty of opportunity to get to know your guides, the crew and your fellow passengers. Early noon, you will sail through the western part of Amsterdam to the belt canal of the Haarlemmermeerpolder.

This polder lies approximately six metres under sea level. Along the belt canal you will see many horticultures growing trees, flowers and plants of which many can end up in your garden after being sold on the worlds’ largest flower auction (in Aalsmeer).

At the end of the afternoon, you arrive at the small village of ‘Oudewetering’, from which we will start our cycle tour to Alphen aan de Rijn. Via the Braasemermeer, you will cycle through the ‘Green Heart of Holland’ with its ditches, canals, farms and moisty fields to the rustic town of Alphen aan de Rijn. During dinner aboard the ship, the program for the next day and the global planning of the week are discussed.
Overnight in  

Day 2: Alphen aan de Rijn – Gouda (28 miles/45 km)
From Alphen, which is situated at a tributary of the Rhine, you will continue your tour over country roads, banks and channels through the Green Heart and polders to the city known for its cheese: Gouda. Who thinks of Gouda, not only thinks of cheese, pipes, ‘stroopwafels’ (treacle-waffle) and pottery, but also of stained-glass windows, a fairy-like town hall and atmospheric canals. Gouda is beautiful Old-Dutch city with a mostly intact city centre. As on most days, after dinner you will take a walk through the city.
Overnight in Gouda.  

Day 3: Gouda – Dordrecht (31 miles/50 km)
Today you will cycle along the Dutch IJssel, through the deepest lying polder of the Netherlands Krimpenerwaard and over narrow cycling paths to the river ‘Lek’. Here you will cross the river by ferry to Kinderdijk, a unique and renowned monument where Holland’s largest number of historical windmills is found.

From the embankments of the river Lek, you will witness an amazing view of the 19 windmills, which are now listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This is where you will take a break and visit the interior of a windmill.

After a beautiful tour through the Alblasserwaardpolder you will arrive at the banks of the river ‘Beneden-Merwede’.
Overnight in Dordrecht.  

Day 4: Dordrecht, sailing to Willemstad or Bruinisse, cycling to Zierikzee (34 miles/54 or 15 miles/24 km)
From Dordrecht you will sail to the Delta area of the Dutch greater rivers during breakfast. Years ago, an open connection existed with the sea due to the many tributaries in this area.

After the disastrous flooding in 1953, the Deltaplan was developed and most tidal outlets were closed from the sea by dams. Most parts of Zeeland were, and still are, under sea level and in 1953 the embankments were too weak and too low, causing this area to be at risk for floodings once in every 80 years. Now, because of the flood barriers, that chance is reduced to less than once every 4000 years.

A shorter version of today’s route is offered by sailing to Bruinisse, from where the group of remaining cyclists can be joined to Zierikzee, after which the Watersnoodmusuem is visited.

Zierikzee is a beautiful town and the centre of the ‘mussel culture’. The ‘Zeeuwse mosselen’ (blue mussels) are a renowned delicacy.
Overnight in Zierikzee.  

Day 5: Zierikzee- Middelburg- Vlissingen (32 miles/51 or 20 miles/32 km)
On this day you will cycle towards the North Sea, along the Oosterschelde to the Oosterscheldedam. Enormous locks are built in this embankment that can be closed during storms and high tides protecting the south-west of the Netherlands against the sea.

This embankment was one of the last in a series of barriers against the sea. When cycling along the embankment, one will realize why this has been one of the most difficult and costly challenges to protect the country now and in the future and to let seawater into the widespread Delta area. It is precisely why the Deltaworks are referred to as the one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

After this dam you will paddle to Middelburg, but not without visiting the picturesque port town of Veere.

Middelburg is the lively principal town of Zeeland with many old houses, churches, the beautiful town hall and a pleasant shopping. Also to be found in Middelburg is the Roosevelt Academy, a liberal arts college, located in the former late-gothic town hall on the market of Middelburg.

If possible, during dinner you will sail to Vlissingen. This lovely port town is situated at the Westerschelde and at sea. A walk through the town and over its boulevard is absolutely worth a visit!
Overnight in Vlissingen.  

Day 6: Vlissingen- Ghent (28 miles/45 km); or starting in Terneuzen (16 miles/25 km)
With the unique cycle ferry to Breskens in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders), getting to close to Belgium. You will arrive at the Dutch-Belgian border in Sas van Gent, the former gateway to the harbor of Ghent, through an area with small villages, along creeks, bending embankments and beautiful panoramas.

In case you choose the shorter cycle route, you will embark here en during our journey you will witness the lively maritime traffic in the canal from Ghent to Terneuzen, with impressive industrial buildings along the shores.

After a short journey of 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Ghent. From the pier, you can simply take the tram to the medieval centre of this beautiful city.
Overnight in Ghent.  

Day 7: Ghent - Bruges (28 miles/45 km or 16 miles/25 km)
This morning you will cycle through Ghent to the scenic countryside of Oost-Vlaanderen (East-Flanders). Characteristic for this are the woods, fields, small villages and castles.

From the Aalterbrug (also for the shorter route) the last part of this route takes us over the former tow path along the canal of Oostende-Gent, the oldest canal of Belgium, to Bruges.

The impressive city of Bruges is the end destination of this bike and barge trip. You will pay a visit to the medieval city of Bruges at the end of this day and many of you are likely to stay another day in this beautiful city.
Overnight in Bruges.  

Day 8: Bruges
End of this trip after breakfast.

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

Apr 13, 27; May 11, 25; Jun 1; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013

Zwaan

Apr 27; May 25; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013

Wending

Apr 13, 27; May 11; Jun 1, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Zwaan
(Category A)
Per person, double occupancy €895 3-person cabin (per person) €860 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin); upon request €0 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike €65 Electrically assisted bike €130 Children's bike €50 Child's seat €15 Tag-along €50 Bike trailer €85 Helmets (must be booked in advanced) €10 Bicycle insurance €18 Bike maps (8x) €58 Children's rates (sharing 3-person cabin with at least 1 adult) Children ages 3-11 €627 Children up to age 2 €0

Wending
(Category B)
Per person, double occupancy €835 3-person cabin €795 Single cabin supplement (1 person/1 cabin) €1025 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 24-gears €65 Electrically assisted bike €130 Children's bike €50 Child's seat €15 Tag-along €50 Bike trailer €85 Helmets (must be booked in advance) €10 Bicycle insurance €18 Bike maps (8x) €58 Children's rates (sharing 3-berth cabin with at least 1 adult) Children ages 3-11 €585 Children up to age 2 €0

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• All nights on board (including bed sheets and 2 towels)
• Breakfast and dinner on board
• Lunch packages when on the road
• Coffee and tea on board
• Tour guide
• Route information
• Road book
• Ferry fares on the route

Included Services: Self-guided

Boats: Guided

Zwaan
(Category A)
Apr 27; May 25; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013
The Zwaan boat can hold 14-28 people, and has 7 cabins all with a private shower and toilet. The boat has wifi, and 220 voltage. 

Details about the 7 cabins:
- 2 family-style cabins, 2- 3 people with double bed + single bed
- 2 friends-style cabins, 2- 3 people with 3 single beds (one bunk)
- 2 twins-style cabins, 2 people with two separate beds
- 1 cabin, for 2 people with double bed 

Wending
(Category B)
Apr 31; May 11; Jun 1, 2013
This boat is a former freight barge that started a new life in the early nineties as a luxury passenger motor barge. Since then The Wending is a familiar fixture on several routes in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the winter of 2001/2002 The Wending was completely redecorated to accommodate 24/28 overnight passengers.

The "comfort" barge has 8 double and 4 triple cabins, and the beds in the cabins are side by side. In the triple cabin one bed is placed over the other two. All cabins with private bathroom and central heating. The boat has a roomy and cosy salon, equipped with a complete music installation and TV. After a strenuous bike ride it is a great place to relax.

Boats: Self-guided

Zwaan
(Category A)
Apr 27; May 25; Jul 27; Aug 10 and 24, 2013
The Zwaan boat can hold 14-28 people, and has 7 cabins all with a private shower and toilet. The boat has wifi, and 220 voltage. 

Details about the 7 cabins:
- 2 family-style cabins, 2- 3 people with double bed + single bed
- 2 friends-style cabins, 2- 3 people with 3 single beds (one bunk)
- 2 twins-style cabins, 2 people with two separate beds
- 1 cabin, for 2 people with double bed 

Wending
(Category B)
Apr 31; May 11; Jun 1, 2013
This boat is a former freight barge that started a new life in the early nineties as a luxury passenger motor barge. Since then The Wending is a familiar fixture on several routes in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the winter of 2001/2002 The Wending was completely redecorated to accommodate 24/28 overnight passengers.

The "comfort" barge has 8 double and 4 triple cabins, and the beds in the cabins are side by side. In the triple cabin one bed is placed over the other two. All cabins with private bathroom and central heating. The boat has a roomy and cosy salon, equipped with a complete music installation and TV. After a strenuous bike ride it is a great place to relax.

Bike Rentals: Guided

Available bikes: 

• Hybrid touring bike, 24-gears, Gazelle Medeo
• E-bike, 21 gears
• Children's equipment (including child's bikes, seats, tag along and bike trailers) 

The bikes are equipped with saddle bags, a lock, water bottle and repair-kit. 

Helmets can be rented for 10 Euros. They must be booked with initial booking, and cannot be rented on board. 

You can also insurance your bike rental for 15 Euros per bike. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Available bikes: 

• Hybrid touring bike, 24-gears, Gazelle Medeo
• E-bike, 21 gears
• Children's equipment (including child's bikes, seats, tag along and bike trailers) 

The bikes are equipped with saddle bags, a lock, water bottle and repair-kit. 

Helmets can be rented for 10 Euros. They must be booked with initial booking, and cannot be rented on board. 

You can also insurance your bike rental for 15 Euros per bike. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

The tour follows a flat terrain route. This tour is rated leisurely meaning it has relaxed cycling.

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

The tour follows a flat terrain route. This tour is rated leisurely meaning it has relaxed cycling.

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest aiport: Amsterdam, Holland
Neares train station: Amsterdam, Holland

Tour end
Nearest airport: Bruges, Brussels
Nearest train station: Bruges, Brussels 

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest aiport: Amsterdam, Holland
Neares train station: Amsterdam, Holland

Tour end
Nearest airport: Bruges, Brussels
Nearest train station: Bruges, Brussels 

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information. 

Tour Company Background: Cycletours Holidays: Guided

Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!

Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!

Tour Company Background: Cycletours Holidays: Self-guided

Cycletours Holidays originated in 1987 as a seperate division, specializing in Bike & Barge Holidays, especially designed for the overseas tourist wanting to discover Holland. Cycletours Holidays was the first company to offer trips such as these, combining regular cycling tours with overnight stays on a ship, serving as hotel and luggage transport all-in-one!

Cycletours Holiday's strengths are excellent service, we have staff with more then 15 year's experience with Bike and Barge Holidays, good quality for a reasonable price
We hope to welcome you soon on one of our Bike & Barge or Bed & Bike Holidays!

Terms and Conditions: Cycletours Holidays: Guided

Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.

Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect

• Until 60 days before day of departure: € 65
• 59-45 days before the day of departure: € 135
• 44-30 days before the day of departure: € 270
• 29 days before the day of departure- no show: 100% of the fare
  (Different conditions apply to group reservations/chartering a ship)

The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.

A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Travel Conditions 
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.

Terms and Conditions: Cycletours Holidays: Self-guided

Charge for Changes
If after booking a trip, you wish to make changes, bear in mind that you can be billed a surcharge to cover the costs of changes, This amounts to € 14,-. According to the ANVR terms and conditions, changes can generally be made up to 28 days prior to the departure date.

Cancellation conditions according to BikeToursDirect

• Until 60 days before day of departure: € 65
• 59-45 days before the day of departure: € 135
• 44-30 days before the day of departure: € 270
• 29 days before the day of departure- no show: 100% of the fare
  (Different conditions apply to group reservations/chartering a ship)

The conditions of all tours act on the Dutch jurisdiction. Any liability of the tour operator (the transporter) is limited to the amounts of the concerned insurance-company(s) of the tour operator / the transporter is (are) willing to pay, taken into account the maximum overages. The parties agree that the Dutch law applies to this agreement. Any conflicts arising out of this contract will be brought solely before a competent judge in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Cycle Tours Holland Travel Agreement
A travel agreement is reached with the traveler's acceptance of our offer. Acceptance can take place either directly through us or via the intermediary service of a booking office. As soon as you make a reservation, your accommodations will be arranged. When these arrangements have been settled, you'll receive word from us and thereupon, the invoice will be sent.

A confirmation of your booking together with the invoice will be sent within 72 hours. Travel documents will be sent via e-mail 3 weeks prior to departure. When booking more than 2 months before departure, payment in terms is possible. Deposit is 15% of the total amount. Second payment needs to be done at least 6 weeks prior to departure.

Travel Conditions
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Travel Conditions 
Cycletours is a member of the General Dutch Association of Tour operators (ANVR). This association publishes the ANVR-travel condition that includes the rights and duties of both the tour operator and the participant. These conditions are available upon request.

Cancellation of the tour
Cycletours Holland reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.