HAARLEM TO ODOORN Holland | 7 days - 6 nights | from $2,998 / person

Trip Summary:

Beyond Amsterdam’s brick houses and network of canals, the Netherlands’ pristine northern provinces welcome you with irresistible wonders and charm. Cycle on well-groomed bike paths along the IJsselmeer, past tall windmills, through woods and shiny green pastures, to postcard-perfect hamlets and cobblestone villages where flowers greet us at every turn. We know you'll absolutely love this leisurely bike trip!

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 1 THE DAY TO DAY

Day 1: Haarlem

In the morning we meet in Amsterdam • After a short transfer, we begin our cycling route in Haarlem • Get ready for an marvelous bicycle ride along the North Sea coast • Manicured bike paths meander between lively beach towns, then pass through some of the delightful neighborhoods • In springtime (April or early May), visit the spectacular Keukenhof tulip exhibit and gardens, a showcase of the Dutch floricultural sector • This evening, join your fellow travelers and guides for a delectable welcome dinner • (D) Overnight at Hotel Lion d’ Or

Day 2: Enkhuizen

After a short transfer, begin cycling in the quaint village of De Rijp, with wooden gabled houses, once an important center for herring fishing and whale hunting • After exploring a working windmill near Schermerhorn, cross over canals on wooden drawbridges to the sea- faring town of Hoorn • Stop for lunch, enjoying local specialties at an outdoor cafe on the central square in Hoorn • Spend the evening near the flourishing port of Enkhuizen • (B, L, D) Overnight at Hotel Suydersee

Day 3: Lemmer

Opt to visit the open air museum, evoking daily life in the old fishing ports • Then take the ferry across the IJsselmeer lake to Stavoren, and cycle along the lake on secondary roads and dikes to Hindeloopen and its idyllic harbor, roused in the summer by the presence of many pleasure boats • Learn about the history of the Hanseatic League and visit picturesque towns where tradition is still very much alive • Check in for the night and have dinner at the hotel overlooking the yachts • Or take advantage of an evening on your own and explore the center of Lemmer • (B) Overnight at Hotel Iselmar

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 2 Day 4: Staphorst

Our leisurely bicycle ride leads through woods and polder landscapes topped by a visit to Giethoorn • Nicknamed the Venice of the North, it is an amazing village with thatched cottages, narrow canals and humpback footbridges • Tonight we'll reside at the fabulous Chateau de Havixhorst • (B, L, D) Overnight at Chateau de Havixhorst

Day 5: Odoorn

Begin the day visiting a stork breeding center behind the grounds of your hotel • Then spin along wooded bike paths • Stop for lunch in Westerbork and visit the craft village of Orvelte before proceeding to peaceful Odoorn and our ‘gezellig’ (= Dutch for cozy) hotel • This evening in Odoorn, indulge in a dinner of tasty Dutch pancakes • (B, L, D) Overnight at Hotel Lubbelinkhof

Day 6: Odoorn

Today’s bicycle ride takes you across scenic moors covered with purple heather and dotted with prehistoric stone ‘hunebeds’ • Then continue to the weekly farmer’s market in Emmen and visit its superb, award-winning zoo • Follow green pastures and dense woods to the picturesque thatched village of Eext • Once back in Odoorn, meet with everyone for a farewell dinner, sharing memories of the trip • (B, D) Overnight at Hotel Lubbelinkhof

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 3 Day 7: Amsterdam

Enjoy a last breakfast together before you are transferred by your guide to Amsterdam for your departure home • The 2.5-hour drive will give you time to relax and reflect upon your trip • (B)

**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

Cycling: Day 1: 17-29 miles; Day 2: 15-31 miles; Day 3: 26-39 miles; Day 4: 35-50; Day 5: 28-40 miles; Day 6: 17- 27 miles

Discovery: We’ll show you how to pick up a raw herring by its tail and eat it the Dutch way. Don’t miss the smoked eel either, as this is one of the most delicious tasting fish. Visit a 17th century working windmill in Schermerhorn. Did you know that 40% of the country lies below sea level? In early spring, our visit to the famous Keukenhof garden offers a tulip tour like no other, with six million bulbs in flower. See and experience for yourself the incredible infrastructure the Dutch built for the cycling community.

Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 4 DISTINCTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Hotel Lion d’Or This classic city hotel is located in the heart of the historic town of Haarlem, within easy walking distance of St. Bavo church. The comfortable Hotel Lion d’Or combines service and style with modern amenities such as air conditioning. Established around 1810, this four-star hotel also offers a well-stocked bar and brasserie.

Night 2: Hotel Suydersee A pleasant oasis for relaxation, yet with a central location in the historic port town of Enkhuizen, Hotel Suydersee has been recently remodeled. The modern, air-conditioned rooms are equipped with up-to-date amenities, including coffee & tea making facilities.

Night 3: Hotel Iselmar Overlooking the marina, the modern Hotel Iselmar offers luxury, relaxation and a delicious breakfast buffet. At the hotel's restaurant, you can enjoy French-Mediterranean cuisine while taking in the nice views of the yachting boats. The hotel has large guest rooms, various bowling alleys, squash/racketball courts, an indoor swimming pool and a wellness center with sauna and Turkish steam bath.

Night 4: Chateau de Havixhorst Chateau De Havixhorst is a peacefully located, luxurious hotel set in an 18th century mansion, offering eight large suites which are elegantly furnished with antiques and a comfortable bathroom with tub and separate shower. Its restaurant serves fine Dutch/French cuisine and the wine cellar includes a great choice of wines. The terrace and grounds are a pretty setting for a drink, and the sculpture garden is an inviting place for a walk.

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 5 Nights 5 & 6: Hotel Lubbelinkhof Hotel Lubbelinkhof is located in the heart of the wooded Hondsrug region. It is a charming four-star property, partly occupying an authentic, thatched farmhouse. This casually elegant hotel successfully combines a rustic setting with stylish and contemporary interiors. Stylish rooms open onto a balcony or terrace. The communal outdoor terrace is surrounded by old oak trees. The reputed gourmet restaurant serves culinary creations.

Arrival and Departure

Prior to the trip, arrive at your convenience in Amsterdam. On Day 1, we meet in the lobby of Hotel American in Amsterdam at 8:30 a.m. After a briefing and a short transfer to Haarlem, the cycling begins. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, station or hotel of your choice in Amsterdam (2.5 hour transfer).

2016 Dates Trip Price Trip Length Host City April 17 -23 from 7 days/6 nights Amsterdam, $2,998 / adult Netherlands April 24 -30 ($580 single Airport Code: May 1 - 7 supplement) AMS May 29 - June 4 July 3 - 9 August 14 - 20 September 18 - 24

Reservations & Availability 1-800-575-1540 [email protected]

What Our Guests Say

 “Our bike trip in Holland was superbly planned and carried out. Our guides were so enthusiastic and took wonderful care of us!” – Mari K., Oxford, MS

 “Among the best we have had! And we’ve taken 15 different trips!” – Anne M., Winnetka, IL

www.austinadventures.com | 800-575-1540 6