One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours Worldwide
Representing Local Bike Tour Companies
More than 400 Tours in 70 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
|
Tour search View all tours
Choosing a tourTop 10 questions to askGuided Self-guided Ability level Riding style Choosing a destination |
DestinationsIn EuropeBeyond Europe
Special programsCustomGroups Clubs Help |
|
Book now |
Booking guideHow to bookTerms and conditions Payments Tour documents Insurance Help |
PreparationPassports, visas and vaccinationsPacking tips Weather Training tips Fixing a flat
TransportationInternational flightsGetting around Europe
Extending your tripHotels |
To bringMoneyClothing and equipment Packing list Phones Books and maps Insurance
|
Bike Tours DirectAbout usOur philosophy Our team Published praise Client feedback Contact us FAQs |
Bike tours (general info)Why tour by bike?Why go local? Pros and cons Green travel Blog Newsroom Help |
| Type of tour: | Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 20 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Saturdays: Jun 1 - 22; Jul 13 - Sep 28, 2013 |
| Tour price: | €829 |
| Start city: | Ghent (Bruges), Belgium/Amsterdam, Hollland |
| End city: | Amsterdam, Holland/Ghent (Bruges), Belgium |
This tour offers you a unique oppurtunity to get to know the lowlands at the North Sea. Experience lovely Amsterdam and old Dutch towns such as Gouda and Willemstad. You will then cross the border to Belgium to discover the Belgian pearls of Antwerp, Ghent and on top of that, Bruges!
Enjoy all this while you spend a week on the Anna Cornelia and Lena Maria boats, two beautiful and comfortable boats that offer guests sundecks, dining room and much more!
Learn more about guided tours.
This tour offers you a unique oppurtunity to get to know the lowlands at the North Sea. Experience lovely Amsterdam and old Dutch towns such as Gouda and Willemstad. You will then cross the border to Belgium to discover the Belgian pearls of Antwerp, Ghent and on top of that, Bruges!
Enjoy all this while you spend a week on the Anna Cornelia and Lena Maria boats, two beautiful and comfortable boats that offer guests sundecks, dining room and much more!
Learn more about guided tours.
This tour operates in alternating directions each week.
Please see Dates section for details.
Amsterdam to Ghent
Day 1: Amsterdam and warm-up ride (6 miles/10 km)
Embarkation and checking in aboard the hotel barge. In the afternoon the barge crosses the Amsterdam centre and heads for the village of Oude Wetering. In the evening there’s a short test ride on the bike.
Overnight in Oude Wetering.
Day 2: Oude Wetering - Gouda (22 miles/35 km)
You enjoy an easy bike ride right through some real Dutch meadow lands and end your trip in cheese town Gouda. Free time in Gouda after your dinner.
Overnight in Gouda.
Day 3: Gouda - Willemstad (25 miles/40 km)
First we sail to the world famous windmills of Kinderdijk. Via the old Dutch town of Dordrecht your way leads to the natural reserve Biesbosch to Moerdijk where the barge will pick you up. The sailing trip takes you to the beautiful walled town of Willemstad.
Overnight in Willemstad.
Day 4: Rest Day
Today the barge sails right across the impressive waterways of Zeeland the ship will take you to the lively town of Antwerp in Belgium. After arrival your guide invites you for a short city walk and you have free time to explore this lively port town.
Overnight in Willemstad.
Day 5: Antwerp - Dendermonde (31 miles/50 km)
You cycle out of Antwerp for a ride through the pretty Flemish countryside alongside the river Schelde. You spend the night in the provincial town of Dendermonde.
Overnight in Dendermonde.
Day 6: Dendermonde - Ghent (19 miles/30 km)
The river Schelde is a tidal river and thus the barge may have to wait for the high tide to continue. Therefore you disembark and cycle directly to the old city of Ghent. The tour leader will invite you for a walk across the wonderful town centre.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 7: Tour of Bruges
By train you go to Bruges and your tour leader will make you acquainted with this unique town. Till halfway the afternoon you are free to discover Bruges. You return to Ghent by train.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 8: Departure
Check out and transfer by bus to Amsterdam airport.
Ghent to Amsterdam
Day 1: Arrival in Ghent
Transfer by bus from Amsterdam Airport to Ghent in Belgium. Embarkation and checking in aboard the hotel barge. The tour leader will invite you for a walk across the wonderful town centre.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 2: Visit Bruges, warm-up ride (9 miles/15 km)
By train you go to Bruges and your tour leader will make you acquainted with this unique town. Till halfway the afternoon you are free to discover Bruges. By train you go to Dendermonde where the barge will stay for the night. In the evening there’s a short test ride in and around Dendermonde.
Overnight in Dendermonde.
Day 3: Dendermonde - Antwerp (19 miles/30 km)
From Dendermonde you ride through the pretty Flemish countryside alongside the river Schelde to Antwerp. In the afternoon your guide invites you for a short city walk and after wards you have free time to explore the town centre. In the evening you may wish to visit some bars and have a good taste of Belgian beers.
Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 4: Antwerp - Willemstad (25 miles/40 km)
First there’s a sailing trip over the Belgian-Dutch border to the peninsula of Tholen. From here the parents of the American president Roosevelt left for the USA. The cycle ride crosses the flat countryside to the beautiful walled town of Willemstad.
Overnight in Willenstad.
Day 5: Willemstad - Gouda (28 miles/45 km)
The barge will drop you at the edge of natural reserve Biesbosch and you start today's cycle ride. You visit the windmills of Kinderdijk and will certainly enjoy the rural scenery that continue to cheese town Gouda. In the evening you may wish to join your tour leader for a short city walk.
Overnight in Gouda.
Day 6: Gouda - Oude Wetering (25 miles/40 km)
You enjoy an easy bike ride right through some real Dutch meadow lands and end your trip in a small village called Oude Wetering. You may enjoy the quietness of the rural Dutch countryside before you arrive in busy Amsterdam tomorrow.
Overnight in Oude Wetering.
Day 7: Oude Wetering - Amsterdam (16 miles/25 km)
On the banks of the river Amstel you cycle in the direction of and then across the Amsterdam town centre to the mooring place of your barge. In the afternoon there’s time to explore the lively Dutch capital and do some shopping. In the evening there’s a city walk and you may wish to make a round trip of the famous Amsterdam canals.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Departure
End of your bike and barge tour and check out.
Saturdays: Jun 1 - 22; Jul 13 - Sep 28, 2013
2013 Departing from Amsterdam:
Jun 1
Jun 15
Jul 13 (Lena Maria)
Jul 27
Aug 10 (Lena Maria)
Aug 24
Sep 7
Sep 21
2013 Deparing from Bruges:
Jun 8
Jun 22
Jul 20 (Lena Maria)
Aug 3
Aug 17 (Lena Maria)
Aug 31
Sep 14
Sep 29
All other departures on the Fiep boat.
| Tour package (superior category boat) |  |
||||||||||||||||||
|
When you book, please enter the citizenship and birthdate of each person in the "Comments" section of the booking form. |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Fiep
Jun 1; Jun 8, 15; Jul 27; Aug 3, 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 28; Oct 5, 2013
In 2000, the Fiep (formerly the Anna Cornelia) was transformed from a freighter into a modern and luxurious passenger ship. The upper deck consists of a large sundeck and a cozy bar/lounge. On the lower deck is an air-conditioned dining room. Each of the 12 two-bed cabins contain level beds and a bathroom with toilet and shower.
Lena Maria
Jul 13, 20; Aug 10, 17, 2013
The sister-ship of the Fiep, which is constructed in 2005-2006, is named the LENA MARIA. This ship is so spacious that even when fully booked there's plenty of room for everybody. The ship's saloon is air-conditioned. The meals will be served in the dining room on the upper deck. You can also enjoy your drink on the sun deck. All 12 luxurious cabins on the LENA MARIA offer level beds and a bathroom. If you like to sail the luxurious way, this ship is the place to be!
Fiep
Jun 1; Jun 8, 15; Jul 27; Aug 3, 24, 31; Sep 7, 14, 28; Oct 5, 2013
In 2000, the Fiep (formerly the Anna Cornelia) was transformed from a freighter into a modern and luxurious passenger ship. The upper deck consists of a large sundeck and a cozy bar/lounge. On the lower deck is an air-conditioned dining room. Each of the 12 two-bed cabins contain level beds and a bathroom with toilet and shower.
Lena Maria
Jul 13, 20; Aug 10, 17, 2013
The sister-ship of the Fiep, which is constructed in 2005-2006, is named the LENA MARIA. This ship is so spacious that even when fully booked there's plenty of room for everybody. The ship's saloon is air-conditioned. The meals will be served in the dining room on the upper deck. You can also enjoy your drink on the sun deck. All 12 luxurious cabins on the LENA MARIA offer level beds and a bathroom. If you like to sail the luxurious way, this ship is the place to be!
Included on this tour are sturdy and reliable hybrid touring bikes. They are equipped with a saddlebag.
Included on this tour are sturdy and reliable hybrid touring bikes. They are equipped with a saddlebag.
Holland and Belgium are very flat countries. This tour averages 20 miles a day, all primarily flat.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Holland and Belgium are very flat countries. This tour averages 20 miles a day, all primarily flat.
This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour start/end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
Tour starts and ends at Amsterdam; either in central Amsterdam, or with bus transfer between Ghent and Schiphol Airport (depending on tour direction). Schiphol Airport has excellent rail links with Amsterdam Centraal station.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
Tour start/end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Nearest train station: Amsterdam
Tour starts and ends at Amsterdam; either in central Amsterdam, or with bus transfer between Ghent and Schiphol Airport (depending on tour direction). Schiphol Airport has excellent rail links with Amsterdam Centraal station.
Tips for getting to and from your tour
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 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.
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 >
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 >
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
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
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.
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.
