Cycling Holland Guided

Options: Premium Boat Superior Boat

Tour description

Day 1 15 km - Day 2 40 km Haarlem - Leiden Day 3 40 km Leiden - Delft Day 4 Delft free day Day 5 40 km Rotterdam/Kinderdijk - Gouda Southern Dutch Treat Day 6 45 km Gouda - Uithoorn Our Dutch treat is perfect for the novice cyclist with miles of flat, quiet country Day 7 35 km roads. Enjoy seeing Holland while either riding on dedicated bike trails or on Uithoorn - Amsterdam the comfort of your movable hotel, our boat, which moves along the many ca- Day 8 nals of the . The Southern Route is one of Holland’s finest, taking Amsterdam in Delft, Leiden, Gouda and windmills all around.

Tour Details 2020 This unique holiday allows you the freedom to explore the countryside and sleep in comfort on board our ship at night. With daily cycling around 30 miles, Dates: you will enjoy the sights of lovely windmills dotting the rural backwoods. We (Superior barge) May 9, 23, 30 June 20 stop in some old, picturesque towns for a snack or to pick up a lovely souvenir. July 4, 18 August 1, 15 September 5 Cost: $2095 per person This is one of our most popular trips, and we sell out our departures every (Premium barge) May 16 June 13, 27 year. So don’t delay, book your trip today! July 11, 25 August 8, 22, 29 September 19, 26 Cost: $1895 per person Fast Facts

Single room supplement: $395 / $695 Includes : E-Bike Info :

 7 nights accommodation on barge,  E-bike rental: $350 Bike rental $175 with all meals included (packed Length: 8 days / 7 nights  Limited supplies on boat, reservations lunches) recommended upon booking Grade: Moderate  Guide, route notes and support  Batavus Ventoux model  GPS tracks available upon request Starts / Ends: Amsterdam  Wi-Fi and ferry tickets

Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email: [email protected] ITINERARY

Day 1 Amsterdam, board at 14:00 - Haarlem 15 km At 14:15 the barge will sail to Spaarndam – known as the village of Hansje Brinker – and from here we make an easy ride into the beautiful city of Haarlem.

Day 2 Haarlem - Leiden 40 km Today starts with a short tour on bike through the centre of Haarlem, to have a better look at some of the city's typical almshouses. Upon departure from Haarlem you may cycle to the 'Cruquiusgemaal' (Cruquius Pumping Station) one of the three steam- powered pumping stations that drained the Haarlemmer Lake be- tween 1849 and 1852. Now a museum, it gives you an excellent idea of the Dutch 'battle against the water'. We leisurely cycle through the dunes to the town of Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn.

Day 3 Leiden - Delft 40 km From Leiden you cycle along the Vliet canal towards the coastline. Our ride is along the beach today until we reach Delft. Delft, the town fa- mous for its pottery, the 'Delft blue' is a lovely little town to explore on foot, have coffee or shop a little.

Day 4 Delft Rest day or visit the Hague Today is your choice. Discover the city of Delft , the birthplace of Dutch painter Vermeer. Wander the city and visit the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and on a clear day take in the spectacular views of the south. You may decide to visit the Hague, seat of the Dutch Government and Parliament, by public transport.

Day 5 Delft - Rotterdam/Kinderdijk - Gouda 40 km The first part of today's route will be sailed through the centre of Rot- terdam, giving you the best view of the modern architecture of this port. You’re cycling day starts in Kinderdijk and takes you through the Alblasserwaard. After a visit to one of the mills you will continue on bike. The long route goes via the 'storks' village' of Groot-Ammers, then you cross the river Lek and enter Schoonhoven renowned for its silver industry.

Day 6 Gouda - Uithoorn 45 km From Gouda you will continue your tour over country roads, riverbanks and channels through the Green Heart and polders to Uithoorn. Gouda is a beautiful Old-Dutch city known for its cheese, pottery and stained- glass. After dinner take the time to explore and walk through the city.

Day 7 Uithoorn - Amsterdam 35 km Today you will cycle into a polder and along the river Waver and Am- stel. Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin as a dam of the river . Almost without noticing you enter Amsterdam, following the Amstel River. The extensive net- work of bicycle paths ensures a relatively easy way back into the city, showing you some remarkable sites in the centre. Before the farewell dinner you may want to go for a walk in town. You may want to take an evening canal trip or go on a city walk through the centre of the city.

Day 8 Amsterdam, end of the tour after breakfast.

Please note that itinerary is subject to change by Captain.

What to Expect What will the weather be like? The weather is nice and cool especially in the mornings and evenings. A sweater Need to Know or fleece would be useful. It may rain in the spring so rain gear for cycling is highly recommended. Amsterdam (Schipol) Airport is easily accessed from most major cities. How many hours of cycling a day? This is technically a self-guided trip but the guide along rides with the group From the airport, you can take the daily. You can cycle from 4 to 6 hours a day depending on your fitness level. local train directly to the Central Sta- There are several breaks during the day to get off the bicycle and walk around. The route is completely flat with very little elevation gain or loss. tion. This journey takes about 15 min. and departs 6x per hour. How fit do I need to be? The fitter the better, but even a fit beginner will enjoy this trip. The biggest is- sue may just be getting accustomed to sitting on a bike for hours a day, so get used to riding on a bike before coming out.

What are the accommodations like? Cabins are all fitted with 2 beds, a bathroom with sink, toilet and shower. The main common areas include the upper deck with the dining rooms and lounge. All barges have an outdoor deck to enjoy as well. The superior barge has air con in rooms and a lovely lounge area with a bar.

How to book your holiday

 Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of our travel planners will walk you through the entire process.

 Download the reservation form from our site and send in com- pleted form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent.

 A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined in our Reservation Form.

Extra Costs  Plan your air travel as soon as possible.

Vegan and Celiac / gluten-free diets:  We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through Add $ 100 per person us or a travel insurance provider directly.

 Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.