Crossing borders from Amsterdam to Brussels by bicycle and boat

This bike & 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.

On the arrival day you stay in Amsterdam and have time to visit the city. The first days you pass the beautifully restored stately homes at the river Vecht, the impressive Castle De Haar and cross the Betuwe, also known as Hollands fruit garden.

You arrive in the old town of ’s Hertogenbosch. 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 which is another highlight. Belgium is famous for it’s tasty beer, so a visit to one of the pubs is included.

Your holiday ends with a visit to Belgiums capital Brussels. Standing at the Market Square in Brussels the Dam Square in Amsterdam seems miles away!

Each next week the trip will be carried out in the opposite direction.

Schedule
- subject to changes -

Saturday day 1: Individual arrival cycle trip ± 15 km/9 miles
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.

Sunday day 2: cycle trip ± 35 km/22 miles
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.

Monday day 3: cycle trip ± 40 km/25 miles
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.

Tuesday day 4: cycle trip ± 45 km/28 miles
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.

Wednesday day 5: cycle trip ± 40 km/25 miles
In the morning after breakfast a cycle tour to the peninsula 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. You'll be tasting some special beers during a cosy beer seminary in a typical Belgian bar.

Thursday day 6: cycle trip ± 40 km/25 miles
The morning is at your disposal to see more of the great city of Antwerp. You cycle across the Flamish countryside to the charming town of Mechelen, where the barge will be waiting for you.

Friday day 7: no bicycling
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

Saturday day: End of trip or extension
After breakfast your guide and the crew will say good-bye and your stay aboard has come to an end.

Price per person	Euro 635.- in double cabin
Calendar 2009	May: 30th, June: 20th July: 4th & 25th, August: 22nd, September 5th For your information: Each next week the trip will be carried out in the opposite direction from Brussels to Amsterdam. Dates: June: 6th & 27th, July: 11th, August 1st & 29th and September 12th
Days/nights	8 days /7 nights
Included services	-Stay aboard (8 days/7 nights) -Full board (breakfast + packed lunch + 3-courses dinner) -Bicycle with gears and pannier -Map -Information package -Tour leader -Beer tasting in Antwerp café 't Waagstuk -Train Mechelen - Brussels v.v. -Several City Walks -Compensation Bicycle damage
Not included	- Journey there and back (Amsterdam or Brussels) - Drinks aboard - Excursions out of program