Holland Active Journeys SemiSemi----guidedguided tour Cycling

Tour descriptions and distances

Day 1 15 km Amsterdam-Haarlem Day 2 40 km Haarlem - Leiden Day 3 40 km Leiden - Delft Day 4 Southern Dutch Treat Delft free day Day 5 40 km Our Dutch treat is perfect for the novice cyclist with miles of flat, quiet coun- Rotterdam/Kinderdijk - Gouda try roads. Enjoy seeing Holland while either riding on dedicated bike trails or Day 6 40 km on the comfort of your movable hotel, our boat, which moves along the many Gouda - Uithoorn canals of the Netherlands. The Southern Route is one of Holland’s finest, Day 7 35 km taking in Delft, Leiden, Gouda and windmills all around. Uithoorn - Amsterdam Day 8 This unique holiday allows you the freedom to explore the countryside and Amsterdam sleep in comfort on board our ship at night. With daily cycling around 30 miles, you will enjoy the sights of lovely windmills dotting the rural back- woods. We stop in some old, picturesque towns for a snack or to pick up a Tour Details 2018 lovely souvenir. Dates: Saturdays from May 12 to October 6 This is one of our most popular trips, and we sell out our departures every year. So don’t delay, book your trip today! Cost: $2195 (Premium barge) Cost: $1995 (Comfort barge) Fast Facts Includes : E-Bike Info : Bike rental $175 24-speed Length: 8 days / 7 nights Grade: Moderate • 7 nights accommodation on boat, with all meals included (packed • E-bike rental: $350 lunches) • Limited supplies on boat, so reserva- Starts/Ends: Amsterdam tions recommended

• Guide, route notes and support • Batavus Ventoux model

Active Journeys Contact: 1-800-597-5594 or 416-236-5011 Email: [email protected] ITINERARY May 14 - September 3

Day 1 Amsterdam, board at 2PM - Haarlem 15 km At 3 pm (at least) the ship will sail to Spaarndam. The first part of the tour you will sail to Spaarndam – known as the village of Hansje Brinker – and from here we make an easy ride into the beau- ful 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 beer look at some of the city's typical almshouses. Upon depar- ture from Haarlem you may cycle to the 'Cruquiusgemaal' (Cruquius Pumping Staon): one of the three steam-powered pumping staons that drained the Haarlemmer Lake between 1849 and 1852. Now a museum, it gives you an excellent idea of the Dutch 'bale against the water'. We now cycle through the dunes to the town of Leiden.

Day 3 Leiden - Del 50 km From Leiden you cycle along the Vliet canal towards the coastline. Our ride is along the beach today unl we reach Del. Del, the town famous for its poery, the 'Del blue' is a lovely lile town to explore on foot, have coffee or shop a lile.

Day 4 Del Rest day or visit the Hague Today is your choice. Discover the city of Del , 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 Del - Roerdam/Kinderdijk - Gouda 40 km The first part of today's route will be sailed through the centre of Roer- dam, giving you the best view of the modern architecture of this port. You’re cycling day starts in Kinderdijk and takes you through the Alblass- erwaard. Aer a visit to one of the mills you will connue 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 40 km From Gouda you will connue your tour over country roads, riverbanks and channels through the Green Heart and polders to Uithoorn. Gouda is a beauful Old-Dutch city known for its cheese, poery and stained-glass. Aer dinner take the me 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 Amstel. Amsterdam's name derives from Amstelredamme, indicave of the city's origin as a dam of the river Amstel . Almost without nocing you enter Amsterdam, following the Amstel River. The extensive network of bicycle paths ensures a relavely 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 aer breakfast. Please note that inerary is subject to change.

What to Expect Need to Know

What will the weather be like? Amsterdam (Schipol) Airport is easily The weather is nice and cool especially in the mornings and evenings. A sweater or accessed from most major cies. fleece would be useful. It may rain in the spring so rain gear for cycling is highly recommended. From the airport, you can take the How many hours of cycling a day? local train directly to the Central Sta- This is technically a self-guided trip but the guide along rides with the group daily. on. This journey takes about 15 You can cycle from 4 to 6 hours a day depending on your fitness level. There are min. and departs 6x per hour. several breaks during the day to get off the bicycle and walk around. The route is completely flat with very lile elevaon gain or loss.

How fit do I need to be? The fier the beer, but even a fit beginner will enjoy this trip. The biggest issue may just be geng accustomed to sing on a bike for hours a day, so get used to riding on a bike before coming out.

What are the accommodaons like? Cabins are all fied 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.

Extra Services How to book your holiday

We have a small selecon of hotels in Amsterdam • Contact our office to make sure there is space available. One of for your arrival or departure. our travel planners will walk you through the entire process.

• Download the reservation form from our site and send in com- Hotels range from $200 per night to a deluxe pleted form by fax or email. Once this is done, your space is property at $400 per night. confirmed and a pre-departure packet will be sent.

If you would like to spend a few more days in • A deposit is required immediately, and final payment is due 60 Amsterdam, please conatct our office with your days prior to the trip departure. Terms & conditions are outlined in our Reservation Form. request and we will be happy to help you.

• Plan your air travel as soon as possible. Many guests choose to ride for 2 weeks, booking trips back to back. You can extend this trip going • We encourage you to purchase travel insurance, either through to the Northern part of Holland, or simply from us or a travel insurance provider directly. Amsterdam to Belgium. If you do this, then you • Ensure you are in proper health for the trip chosen. Contact us, will get a 5% discount on the second tour. for more information on vaccinations, inoculations, and fitness requirements.