BIKE & BARGE 2020 MS MAGNIFIQUES PREMIUM BARGES: BEST OF 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS – Guided or Self-Guided Cycling

This cycle tour is the essence of Holland. You’ll visit the authentic “cheese towns” of and Marken where locals dress in traditional costumes. Try eel and herring in an old fishing village. Cycle the expanse of with its tiny lakes and canals and the “Green Heart” of Holland. As well as pleasant countryside and the famous 19 Dutch windmills in , there are also historic towns to explore.

HIGHLIGHTS: * Gouda – famous for its cheese * ’s old city that dates back to 1220AD * UNESCO site of Kinderdijk

TERRAIN Easy flat cycling with distances up to 54kms. Weather can adversely affect cycling in spring and autumn months, so it is advisable to always carry a wind proof/shower proof jacket.

ITINERARY: BEST OF HOLLAND The writing in blue italics is travelled by boat Cycling is shown in green ship is moored. At 4.00 pm the ship cruises to the fortified town of Vianen on Day 1: Amsterdam – Zaandam the lower Rhine River, while you enjoy Embarkation on board the Magnifiques dinner on board. between 1.00 & 2.00pm. As soon as all Cycling: 39 or 46kms guests have arrived the ship will depart on a short cruise to Zaandam, renowned for Day 4 : Vianen - Schoonhoven– its windmills. In Zaandam the ship will Schoonhoven – Alblasserdam moor in the centre of the city or near the Alblasserdam – Dordrecht (waterbus open-air museum Zaanse Schans. ferry) There will be time to take a short test ride on your bikes. Cycling: 1 – 5 kms

Day 2: Zaandam – Zaanse Schans Museum – Waterland – Volendam Today you will cycle to the open air museum Zaanse Schans for a short visit,

The ship will sail to Schoonhoven, nicknamed Zilverstad ("Silver City") – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Cycle through the Alblassserwaard (land reclaimed from the sea- enclosed by dykes) to Dordrecht. Visit a cheese farm and learn about the traditional cheese-making process. Dordrecht commonly know as Dordt is one of Hollands oldest cities. After before continuing on your bikes through dinner enjoy a city walk. small villages in the beautiful wetlands of Cycling: 41 or 55kms Waterland to Volendam. Spend the late afternoon and evening in the picturesque small fishing harbour on the shores of Lake Ijsselmeer. Cycling: Approx 33 – 43 kms

Day 3 : Volendam– Marken (ferry)/ Marken – Waterland – Muiden - Vianen After breakfast you will take the ferry for a 30 minute crossing from Volendam to the former island of Marken. Briefly explore this historic village before cycling Day 5: Dordrecht - Alblasserdam along the coastline towards IJburg, a (waterbus ferry)/Alblasserdam – modern new part of Amsterdam that Kinderdijk – Gouda was recently built on land reclaimed After breakfast you return to from the sea. Beyond lies the historic Alblasserdam by ferry, to start your bike town of Muiden with its 14th Century tour. Cycle through the waterfront castle. Your bike tour ends in region to Kinderdijk, a village famous for the nearby village of Weesp, where the its UNESCO listed row of 19 large windmills. Continue onto Gouda, the to cycle through the wetlands of cheese and candle capital of Holland. Waterland or to discover Amsterdam. Enjoy this beautiful historic city, the old Dinner and final evening on board in market square and the Cheese Amsterdam. In the evening you can join Weighing House. Dinner is on your own the boat tour through the canals of old tonight ino ne of the many restaurants in Amsterdam (UNESCO cultural heritage Gouda. site) – a wonderful end to your trip! Cycling: 37 or 52 kms Cycling: 28 kms

Day 6: Gouda – – Oude Wetering Day 8 : Tour ends in Amsterdam Today’s tour starts in Gouda or in Alphen After breakfast disembark by 9.30 am. (short option) and showcases the “Green Heart of Holland” with green landscapes, wide vistas, small canals and tiny lakes – all below sea-level! The tour includes Leiden, the birthplace of the famous painter Rembrandt and seat of the oldest university in the

Netherlands. The short option ends in Alphen and the long option in the small village of Oude Wetering. Cycling: 25 or 54 kms

Day 7: Oude Wetering – Amsterdam Roundtour Amsterdam Waterland This morning sail early to Amsterdam. In the afternoon you have the opportunity

IMPORTANT INFORMATION • Tour: the itinerary written in blue italics will be travelled by the ship; writing in green is by bicycle. • On the arrival day is it possible to put your luggage on board from 11.00 AM. • The cycling is guided, or you can choose to cycle individually, as tour description and maps are available on board. On some days you can choose between a short or longer cycle tour. During the day the tour leader will cycle with you, and be your guide. The Magnifiques will have **two tour guides for guided cycling in smaller groups; guests can opt for longer/ shorter bike tours (depending on the route. **Only available when there are at least 22 guests on board. • Should you wish to take a break from cycling on any day, you are welcome to stay on board and relax while cruising to the next harbour. • The interior of the ships is a no-smoking zone: smoking is only permitted on the sundeck

2020 SCHEDULE: BEST OF HOLLAND MS Magnifique and MS Magnifique III tours start and end on SATURDAY. MS Magnifique II tours start and end on WEDNESDAY.

Magnifique: 09 May, 13 & 20 June, 05 & 12 September Magnifique II: 01 & 08 July; 26 August; 02 September Magnifique III: 23 & 30 May, 01 & 08 August

PREMIUM BARGE: MS MAGNIFIQUE MS Magnifique has cabins for 30 guests and is 63 metres long. Owned and operated by a Dutch company, it was completely modernised in 2010. There are a total of:- 16 Cabins with twin beds as follows:- 4 Premium Twin cabins (junior suites) approx. 14 m2 with 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area. 11 Twin cabins approx. 11 m2 with 2 single beds. 1 single cabin approx 8 m2 All cabins have fixed portholes, own shower & toilet, air conditioning, and flat screen TV. Triple cabins: If requested a 3rd bed is available in some cabins (above the other beds).

On the upper deck there is a tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV and large windows and Wi-Fi. Two partially covered teak sun decks have deck chairs, tables and recliners. There is also a whirlpool/jacuzzi and barbecue.

PREMIUM BARGE: MS MAGNIFIQUE II MS Magnifique II was completed in February 2016. The lower deck has 14 cabins: - 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 sq metres with 2 single beds next to each other),1 premium twin (approx. 13 sq metres with two single beds next to each other with a small sitting area) and 1 single cabin (approx. 8 sq metres). The upper deck has 4 beautiful suites (approx. 14 sq metres, 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area). Cabins on the lower deck have fixed portholes, upper deck suites have 2 metre wide windows with one that can be opened. All cabins have an ensuite (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. On the upper deck is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar and lounge with wide screen TV, large windows and Wifi (unlimited use of data).

A partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables is on the aft deck and a cycle shed on the front deck.

TWIN SUITE: MAGNIFIQUE II TWIN CABIN: MAGNIFIQUE II

PREMIUM BARGE: MS MAGNIFIQUE III MAGNIFIQUE III was launched in the spring of 2018. Following the success of her sister ships, Magnifique I and Magnifique II, this deluxe vessel will not disappoint. All cabins and suites have en-suite bathrooms with shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen (satellite) TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. On request, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). Most cabins can also be booked as cabins with a double bed (on previous request only). WiFi is available throughout the ship. (Due to steel construction of the ships, WiFi strength may not be what you are accustomed to.)

Number of guests: 40 Length/width/draught: 70 m / 7.2 m / 1.6 m Lower deck • 14 regular twin cabins (approx. 11 M² , 2 single beds as twins, next to each other) • 2 single cabins Upper deck • 5 upper deck suites with a small sitting area and large windows (part of the windows can be opened). (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds as twins, next to each other) • Spacious salon with large windows combines a restaurant area, bar, and lounge • 2 screens (a camera and a navigation system) to see the real time position of the barge • Large doors open to the partially roofed sundeck Top deck • Whirlpool/Jacuzzi and deck chairs to relax

2020 TOUR COST - EUROS PER PERSON

MAGNIFIQUE Twin Cabin €1339 Premium Twin Cabin €1539 Single Cabin €1979 Triple €1289 Premium Triple €1469

MAGNIFIQUE II Twin Cabin €1339 Premium Twin Cabin €1539 Upper Deck Suite €1839 Triple €1289 Triple Upper Deck Suite €1739

MAGNIFIQUE III Twin Cabin €1339 Upper Deck Suite €1839 Single Cabin €1979 Triple €1289 Triple Upper Deck Suite €1739

*Triple cabins are on request and limited to 4 or 3 per departure: Magnifique: 2 triple premium cabins and 2 normal triple cabins Magnifique II & Magnifique III: 1 x Triple Upper Deck Suite and 2 x Triple cabins (below deck). Please contact us if you wish to book a triple cabin

Bike Hire (7 Speed) per week € 85 E-Bike hire € 185

Helmets: Bike rental costs include a rental helmet and a water bottle. It is not compulsory to wear a helmet in the and , however we do recommend it.

Limitation of liability (damage) rental bike- €10 per week Limitation of liability (damage) E-Bike- €25 per week

BICYCLES: The bicycles on board are mostly unisex touring bicycles with normal mount (ladies model), easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, handbrake and pedal brake, gel saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and a pannier bag. There are a few e-bikes available (on request and at an additional charge). The E-Bike is Velo de Vile with Nexus 7 gears, 5 support levels and hand brakes only (or a comparable brand/model).

Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child seats (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers. Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own

bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.

INCLUDED IN TOUR COST o 7 night tour with accommodation on board superior barges MS Magnifique/ MS Magnifique II and MS Magnifique III o 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches and 6 three course dinners (Dinner in Gouda is not included) o Welcome drink and tour briefing on day of arrival o 2 Tour leaders (multilingual) with daily briefings of the bike tours, some short city tours, daily guided bike tours. (2 guides only when there are at least 22 guests on board). o Printed instructions and detailed maps for individual bike tours– 1 set per cabin o Complimentary tea and coffee o Bed linen and towels; daily short cleaning of cabin o GPS Tracks o Helmet and pannier bag o Ferry fees o Wi Fi o Visits to mill at Zaanse Schans, original Dutch cheese farm, St Johns church in Gouda, entrance to ”This is Holland” unique experience.

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES o Transfers to/from the docking place in Amsterdam o Bike rental o 1 Dinner in Gouda o Entrance fees and excursions not listed above o Drinks on board o Insurance o Tips/Gratuities (at your discretion) o Special diet catering has a surcharge of €50 to pay in cash on boat (eg gluten free, dairy free, vegan, etc). If you are a “lacto-ovo” vegetarian (eats dairy & eggs) there is no extra charge.

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