Amsterdam to Brussels by Bike
8 Days Starting in Amsterdam and ending in Brussels
Visiting: Belgium
Tour Overview
Cycling through The Netherlands and Belgium has long been a favourite for UTracks travellers and this hotel based tour is no exception. From the canalways of Amsterdam follow a well signposted 340km route along a string of exceptional Dutch and Flemish towns to discover their unique sights. In Gouda, sample their famous cheese and fresh syrup waffles, visit Kinderdijk with its world famous complex of historic windmills and discover Bergen op Zoom with its eight hundred year history etched in its narrow streets and old squares. Crossing over to Belgium, there is ample opportunity to sip on the many varieties of beer in Antwerp, whilst chocolate lovers will be well rewarded for their cycling efforts. The final leg to Brussels is short to ensure plenty of time to explore the main sights such as the Grote Markt and the little statue of Manneken Pis. In the evenings stay in a selection of cycle friendly hotels, specially chosen for their local character.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Amsterdam
Make your own way to Amsterdam and check into the first hotel. Amsterdam is one of the crown jewels of Europe and there is so much to do and see here. If you arrive early make sure you go for a walk to marvel at the 17th century townhouses in the World Heritage listed canal district. The Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark or a canal cruise are just some of the many things you can do and see in Amsterdam.
Day 2 : Cycle Through The Green Heart Of Holland To Gouda (68Km/42Mi)
From bustling Amsterdam you plunge into the peace and quiet of the “Groene Hart” or Green Heart, a pleasant rural area of low-lying polders with peat meadows and grazing cattle. It’s a flat, open, spacious landscape where church spires and windmills touch the horizon and clouds are reflected in lakes and canals. Continuing your bike ride through a typically Dutch polder landscape with grassland criss-crossed by ditches and canals, you'll pass small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. Oudewater is famous for it Heksenwaag (or Witches Weighhouse) where women accused of witchcraft were weighed to prove their innocence. The last leg is to the market town of Gouda. For the Dutch, Gouda is inextricably linked to cheese, candles, syrup waffles and a lovely historical centre. We recommend an evening stroll to soak up the yesteryear atmosphere and marvel at the large and attractive market square boasting a wonderful fifteenth century town hall as well as a Weighing House (“Waag”). Overnight Gouda*.
* Due to limited availability, if we are unable to accommodate in Gouda, we will book an overnight in the nearby towns of Bodegraven, Oudewater or Woerden.
Day 3 : Continue Past Kinderdijk Windmills To Papendrecht (51Km/32Mi)
During today's cycle you will visit one of the Netherland's most popular tourist attractions - Kinderdijk, a world-famous complex of windmills. Here 19 historical windmills line the canal in the epitome of classic Dutch countryside. In Kinderdijk you can visit an authentic workshop and find out how these windmills were built and how they work. The longer route takes you out to Hofwegen. Your destination is Papendrecht, just a ferry crossing (or 3km) from one of the Netherlands' oldest towns, Dordrecht. Dordrecht is completely surrounded by rivers, and beautiful bridges take you across the water and into the heart of the town. A visit to the scenic harbour quarter with its wonderful historical buildings should not be missed. Overnight in Papendrecht.
Day 4 : Cycle Through Historic Villages To Bergen Op Zoom (69Km/43Mi)
This morning you will cycle past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe: Biesbosch National Park*. You'll pedal across a 1km-long bridge high above the Hollands Diep river and find yourself in The Netherlands' Brabant province. Passing village after village, why not stop for coffee and a big slice of fruit tart. Today's destination is Bergen op Zoom, 800 hundred years old and where the narrow streets, old squares and hundreds of monuments testify to a rich and dramatic past. Before settling in at one of the many cafes, don't forget to feast your eyes on Markiezenhof, the town's pride and joy. This late-Gothic mansion dating from 1485 was built by the local noble family and now serves as a museum and archive. Overnight in Bergen op Zoom.
*Please note you will only cycle through de Biesbosch park on days that the ferry departs. If the ferry does not operate you will follow an alternative route.
Day 5 : Cycle Via De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve To Antwerp (57Km/35.5Mi)
The landscape today is dominated by the surrounding woods. You can catch your breath on the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, in the De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. Continue along the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) right into the historical heart of Antwerp. Antwerp is the largest town in Flanders and is Belgium's most important port city. After viewing the historical town centre you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: ‘t Zuid and Het Eilandje. If you have worked up a thirst for Belgian beer you can visit the De Koninck brewery, operating since 1833, and its visitors centre which welcomes guests with tours and tastings. This brewery is best known for its ‘Bollekes’. Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 6 : Follow The Rivers Scheldt, Rupel And Dijle To The University Town Of Louvain (68Km/43Mi)
After a short stretch on the banks of the River Scheldt this morning, you will change course to follow the River Rupel, the shortest river in the country (only 10km long). In the region of the same name, the abandoned brick works and idle chimneys are silent witnesses of its industrial past. Continuing along the River Dijle, you'll enter the old town of Mechelen, a perfect place to stop for lunch where you can sample Belgian French fries, considered by locals to be the best in the world. Continue along the River Dijle to end your day in the town of Louvain, a pleasant university town where the oldest houses date from the 14th and 15th centuries. Don’t miss the Grand Béguinage - with 100 houses, it was set up in 1234 as a community for lay religious women and is now part of the university campus. You also might like to see the early-Gothic church of St John the Baptist, built in 1304. And round off your explorations at the Oude Markt (Old Market Square), nicknamed ‘the longest bar counter in the world’ due to the large number of bars and cafes on the
square. Overnight Leuven/Louvain.
Day 7 : The Last Leg To Brussels (40Km/25Mi)
The hills of the Belgian Brabant region and the extensive Sonian Forest set the scene for the cycle today. Brussels' main attraction is the fantastic Grote Markt (Great Market Square) which is surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the city's Town Hall, and the King's House building containing a museum. Nearby, the little statue of Manneken Pis still draws crowds. Your visit to Brussels can also include scrumptious hot waffles, chocolate, beer, culinary treats, shopping or soaking up the culture. If you don’t feel like cycling into Brussels, you can opt to catch a train at one of the stations along the route. One thing’s for sure: Brussels can’t be explored in one day and we are happy to assist with booking extra nights if you would like to extend your stay.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
The trip concludes this morning in Brussels after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
hotels -
7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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24 speed rental bike with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock
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Information pack including route notes & maps
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to and from Amsterdam / Brussels
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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E-bike hire, supplement applies
What's Not Included
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All drinks, lunches and dinners (an optional 6 dinner package is available- excludes in Brussels & Woerden - supplement applies)
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Entrance fees
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Transfers
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Guide - this is a self guided tour
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Excess luggage - supplement applies. Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement. Luggage cannot be heavier than 20kgs due to work safety rules.
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All drinks, lunches and dinners
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Travel insurance
Grading
This trip involves 7 days cycling between 40 and 69km/25 and 43mi per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. Only towards the end of the tour does the terrain become slightly hilly. The well sign-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle as your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners who have a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list and we do provide one for each client.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.