Netherlands - - - - Four Country Vennbahn Cycle Tour 2022 Individual Self-guided 8 days / 7 nights

In the summer of 2013 the ‘Vennbahn’, Europe’s longest and most beautiful continuous cross border cycle path (125 km) on disused railway tracks, was officially opened. The ‘Vennbahn’ (with an average climb of < 2%) passes through three different countries, from the German city of , near the Dutch border, via East Belgium to Troisvierges in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The route, which owes its name to the unique ‘’ nature reserve and has experienced an eventful history as the ‘Vennbahn’, has given a new purpose. The past glories of this once important railway link are still visible at various locations along the route, where panels with text and historic photos accentuate this theme.

OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350

Itinerary Day to Day

Day 1: Arrival in Maastricht or s Gravenvoeren Check-in in your hotel. By way of a welcome we have arranged for coffee/tea and Limburg pie for you. Take some time today to enjoy the oldest town in the Netherlands.

Day 2: Maastricht/´s Gravenvoeren - 60 or 47 km Soon after departure from Maastricht you are cycling in Belgium. Past 's-Gravenvoeren and Hombourg you cycle to , where in a castle a pottery museum is located. Continue your route to Eupen, the capital of the East Cantons. Enjoy the last 7 kilometers of today’s route ‘downhill’ direction Lake Eupen!

Flickr.com

Day 3: Eupen - Sankt Vith 61 km Remarkably, nearly all of today’s route is closed to motorized vehicles. Climb gradually to a height of 660m above N.A.P. level, enjoying the natural beauty of the High Fens. From Kalterherberg on, the route follows the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path. It’s an easy ride past Sourbrodt marshalling yard to Waimes; and then past Montenau artisanal ham smoker to Sankt Vith.

Day 4: Sankt Vith - Clervaux 52/56 or 32/36 + train On the way to Luxembourg, still on the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path, don’t miss the castle ruins of Burg Reuland. Shortly after, cross the border into Luxembourg to reach Troisvierges. At this point, choose either to catch a slow train to Clervaux or to cycle a splendid route with some stiff climbs and delightful descents!

Day 5: Clervaux - Bütgenbach 66/62 km Set off for the tripoint where Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany meet, near the village of Ouren. From there, cycle a lovely route through the Our Valley northwards past Schönberg. Leaving the River Our behind, climb to a height of 500 meters to enjoy wonderful views during the last stretch of the route to Bütgenbach.

OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350

Day 6: Bütgenbach - Aachen 68 km Take it easy today! You will cycle easily over the Vennbahn towards Aachen. Take a break in one of the lovely historical cities of or Kornelimünster. The last 30 km to Aachen are going downhill so you will have some energy left to admire the beautiful inner city of Aachen. Day 7: Aachen to Maastricht/´s Gravenvoeren 38/51 km On your final cycling day, head back from Aachen to Maastricht. The route in Holland you will follow the long distance cycling route LF 13. Enjoy the hills and beautiful panoramas of scenic southern Limburg.

Visitluxembourg.com

Day 8: Departure After a hotel breakfast, your holiday has come to an end. It’s time to make your own way home.

OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350

Route

Technical Characteristics:

Route Profile: Relatively Easy. You can expect a journey through hilly terrain with regular climbs, some of them strenuous even to the point of perhaps having to get off and push for a bit. Your bike will require at least ten gears. Daily cycling distances span 30-75 km.

Distance: 300 – 347 km

Travel Season: Departures Friday from June 5 to September 23, 2022 Departures also Thursday from July 1 to August 20 Season A: May 1 – June 30 and August 1 – September 30 Season B: July 1 – July 31 When Songfestival 2022 will take place in Maastricht, start on Songfestival dates will be in ‘sGravenvoeren

OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350

Price per Person in Euros: all prices subject to confirmation on booking Double occupancy with breakfast € 645.00 Surcharge Season B € 25.00 Single Supplement € 280.00 Surcharge Half Board € 228.00 Bike Rental 21/24 gear € 105.00 E-bike Rental € 160.00 Extra Nights Maastricht including breakfast € 65.00

Included:

• 7 overnight stays in 3 star and 4 star hotels • Breakfast (buffet) • Coffee and pie in Maastricht on day 1 • Route description • Tourist information for on the road • Daily luggage transfer

Not included:

• Your outward and homeward journeys to and from Maastricht • Other meals • Insurance • Tourist tax

OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. - 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 www.okcycletours.com Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350

Bikes

You will receive your rental bike at the start of your holiday and return it before you go home. All bikes are provided with chain locks.

24-speed gear Bike

E-Bike

Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com

THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848