AMSTERDAM TO BRUGES CYCLING 10 DAYS

Transcription

1 AMSTERDAM TO BRUGES CYCLING 10 DAYS

2 RANDONNÉE TOURS 2 AMSTERDAM TO BRUGES Cycling Tour 10 Days Although the Dutch didn t invent the bicycle, almost everyone in the country (including the queen) rides one; the cycling infrastructure, in both villages and throughout the countryside, is superb. In cycling from the cosmopolitan city of Amsterdam to the charming village of Bruges, Belgium, you will experience the best of these two countries. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Kerkenhof gardens to the chocolate makers in Bruges, this is a unique journey in Europe. Day 1 Arrival in Amsterdam Our Area Manager can meet you anytime between 2-6 pm at your hotel to provide the bikes. Should you wish to ride a warm-up ride on this day, we provide an optional 15 km loop through Vondelpark and along canals through the city center, passing many of the historical sites etc. Should you prefer to stroll, our hotel is close to museums and popular sights so you can walk easily. Our City guide for Amsterdam recommends several excellent restaurants for you to choose between. Day 2 Amsterdam to Haarlam It s a short ride to the quintessential Dutch town of Haarlam but there is an add-on loop to the coast, where paved trails weave through sand dunes and along the sea. Haarlem s historic center is lined with canals filled with landmarks that hometown artists painted. Distance: 40 km, elevation gain n/a Day 3 Haarlem to Gouda Cycle south through what is known as the Green Heart of Holland, a region filled with farm fields, dykes and windmills. The real highlight is the Keukenhof Gardens, which started as the small kitchen garden of a 15thcentury countess and now bills itself Straight Talk: Holland probably has more bike paths and routes in cities and countryside than any country in the world. And lots of locals ride their bikes (60% of all trips in Amsterdam are by bike!). This means that as you depart cities (of any size) you will see bike paths heading off in many directions. Rather than provide route instructions, we have found it more useful to provide very detailed maps (1:50,000 scale) and gps of the route. Be prepared to stop more frequently than you might in countries with more open road and thrill in the fact that Holland has created these bike paths and signed routes to make it a pleasure to cycle. DATES You can start any day between April 1 and October 31. LEVEL Moderate This is one of our easiest tours. 40 to 76 km daily (25 to 47 miles) on flat terrain. COST Classic Accommodation USD$2250 Single supplement USD$575 Luxe Accommodation USD$2850 Single supplement USD$725 WHAT S INCLUDED? 9 nights lodging Use of a top quality 21-speed hybrid bike complete with pump, and all the necessary accessories for changing flats. We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene reasons All breakfasts, one dinner Detailed map and route instructions Luggage transfers and shuttles as specified GPS data of the route (on request) All baggage transportation Area Manager services for the duration of the tour City Guide for Amsterdam WEATHER (AMSTERDAM) Average Daily High C F April 8 46 May June July August September October 10 50

3 RANDONNÉE TOURS 3 as the most beautiful spring garden in the world, designed to showcase the art of Dutch bulb growers. The gardens cover 70 acres (28 hectares) of wooded parkland with nine miles (14 kilometers) of walking paths that wind around ponds, a windmill, greenhouse pavilions holding indoor displays, and more than seven million bulbs planted three layers deep to ensure a blaze of color from the end of March to mid-may. Arriving to Gouda, a village with a myriad of canals, a colourful market on Thursday mornings (and that superb cheese). Visit the 15th century town hall and St. Jans Church with its stain-glass windows and the pedestrian streets inside the historical center or take time to see the famous Gouda cheese made. Distance: 61 km, elevation gain n/a Day 4 Gouda to Dordrecht Today, cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe and a rich flora and fauna wetland area. Make your way along quiet roads and bike paths to Zevenbergen and then continue to the charming village of Willemstad, a small historical village with well preserved fortifications. Visit the former mansion of Mauritz, the son of William of Orange or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many cafes that line the quaint harbour. Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain - n/a Day 5 Dordrecht to Willemstad Today, cycle through De Biesbosch National Park, one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe and a rich flora and fauna wetland area. Make your way along quiet roads and bike paths to Zevenbergen and then continue to the charming village of Willemstad, a small historical village with well preserved fortifications. Visit the former mansion of Mauritz, the son of William of Orange or enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the many cafes that line the quaint harbour. Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain - n/a Day 6 Willemstad to Schuddebeurs Depart Willemstad and make our way to the charming village of Oude- Tonge. Zeeland is an archipelago of islands, inlets, and polders. Along the Grevelingenmeer beaches, watch the colourful sails of kites and windsurfers. After lunch at a local restaurant in Bruinisse, make your way through apple, pear and cherry orchards and horse ranches. Taste wine at a vineyard that specializes in Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc varietals conveniently located a few km from your destination. Dine tonight in the sublime dining room of the hotel. Ride Distance: 46 km, elevation gain - n/a Day 7 Schuddebeurs to Middelburg Start out the day by exploring nearby village of Zierikzee, where the city gate last closed for the night in Explore the Centrum, town hall and former prison, now a museum and then make your way through Oosterschelde (Eastern Scheldt) National Park, the largest of the 20 National Parks in Netherlands and boasting remarkable bird life. From here, your route follows the North Sea coast where kilometers of sand dunes and splendid beaches stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy lunch while watching the aerial acrobatics of kite surfers who flock here for the onshore winds. Late afternoon, visit the utterly charming village of Veere, with a Scottish connection that you will learn as we tour the historic houses center. Arrive to Middleburg, a pleasant and prosperous town with a vibrant center. Distance: 44 km, elevation gain - n/a Day 8 Middelburg to Bruges Start the day with a ferry ride to the village of Breskens and to the market town of Sluis (if your starting day is a Sunday, you will be here on market day) before cycling into Belgium and its enigmatic villages of Damme and then Bruges, often referred to as the Venice of the North and one of the most enchanting cities in Europe. Discover its treasures on a walking tour with a local guide and then celebrate your trip finish with a celebratory dinner. Distance: 60 km, elevation gain - n/a Day 9 Bruges Another day to explore routes around Brugge or just relax and explore the city. Distance: 60 km, elevation gain n/a Day 10 Bruges Depart at your leisure.

4 RANDONNÉE TOURS 4 North Sea Amsterdam Gouda Dordrecht Schuddebeurs Willemstad NETHERLANDS Middelburg Bruges BELGIUM

5 RANDONNÉE TOURS 5 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS College Hotel College Hotel Amsterdam Set in Amsterdam s fashion and museum district, this upscale hotel in a late 19th century former school building has rooms around a courtyard, a trendy bar and a fine restaurant occupying the former school gym, serving exciting New Dutch cuisine. Best Western Gouda Best Western Gouda Gouda Set in a former redbrick factory building, this hotel overlooks the canal with modern interior and large airy rooms, chic bar and restaurant. Hotel Mauritz Hotel Mauritz Willemstad We loved this hotel as soon as we walked in. With its contemporary and hip vibe, there is a warm welcome and comfortable guest rooms. With its Dutch colonial style and great restaurant on site, this is the ideal place to stay in Willemstad. Hostellerie Schuddebeurs Hostellerie Schuddebeurs Schuddebeurs This is a memorable and distinctive inn with a quiet setting with an excellent in-house dining room so you don t need to leave the warmth of this property to dine.

6 RANDONNÉE TOURS 6 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS CONTINUED Hotel aan de Dam Middelburg Hotel aan de Dam Middelburg Set in a 16th century townhouse, this upscale, old-world hotel is located in the historic center and describes its breakfast as regional, fresh artisanal and organic breakfast - now there is a mouthful. Hotel Ter Duinen Hotel Ter Duinen Bruges A charming hotel with bags of character. Contemporary sun lit rooms all in natural tones. Gorgeous Conservatory breakfast rooms and innercourtyard. An understated spot with plenty of charisma.

7 RANDONNÉE TOURS 7 LUXE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Hotel V Nesplein Hotel V Nesplein Amsterdam This contemporary-chic hotel opened in 2013 and has 43 industrial, loft-like style guest rooms, and a lobby that is the hotel s social hub: restaurant, bar, lounge, meeting place, and occasional music venue. Hotel V Frederiksplein Hotel V Frederiksplein Amsterdam The impressive lobby features a curved chocolate leather sofa facing an unusual circular copper fireplace, while floor to ceiling windows with chain-link curtains give expansive views onto the street. Guestrooms are understated with a nod to modern minimalism. *in Amsterdam, we use Hotel V Nesplien, Hotel V Frederiksplein, or The Hoxton. If you have a preference please let us know The Hoxton The Hoxton Amsterdam Situated on one of the most picturesque canals in Amsterdam, this hotel opened in 2015 to rave reviews. Formerly a 17th century mayor s home, it has been masterly renovated and features comfortable guest rooms with canal views. Best Western Gouda Best Western Gouda (Classic) Gouda Set in a former redbrick factory building, this hotel overlooks the canal with modern interior and large airy rooms, chic bar and restaurant.

8 RANDONNÉE TOURS 8 LUXE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS CONTINUED Villa Augustus Villa Augustus Dordrecht This 4-star hotel is partly comprised of the former water tower and has bags of character. The guest rooms have breathtaking views and the property boasts incredible gardens, a hip restaurant and more. Hotel Mauritz Hotel Mauritz Willemstad We loved this hotel as soon as we walked in. With its contemporary and hip vibe, there is a warm welcome and comfortable guest rooms. With its Dutch colonial style and great restaurant on site, this is the ideal place to stay in Willemstad. Hostellerie Schuddebeurs Hostellerie Schuddebeurs Schuddebeurs This is a memorable and distinctive inn with a quiet setting with an excellent in-house dining room so you don t need to leave the warmth of this property to dine. Hotel Roosevelt Hotel Roosevelt Middleburg Located directly across from the Abbey of Middleburg, this boutique hotel has just 28 unique rooms and an excellent gourmet restaurant. There is a sauna and Jacuzzi and plunge pool to enjoy. Voted Best Hotel in Zeeland.

9 RANDONNÉE TOURS 9 Hotel Prisenhof Hotel Prisenhof Bruges This 4-star hotel has an enviable location in the heart of Bruges and is managed by owner Thierry Lemahieu. The rooms are comfortable and breakfast is superb. There is a lounge bar to enjoy and there is a multitude of cafes and trendy restaurants a short walk away. Recommended by CN Traveller. PREMIUM DELUXE ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS Hotel Dylan Hotel Dylan Amsterdam This ultra-stylish canal haven boasts a perfect location along one of Amsterdam s most beautiful canals with many of the city s best museums, shops and cafes nearby. Originally a theatre, then a Catholic poorhouse and bakery, The Dylan was created by London hotelier and designer Anoushka Hempel as a heady mix of traditional and modern, yin and yang, light and dark, East meets West. Hotel Roosevelt Hotel De Orangerie Bruges A beautifully ivy clad house on the canal bank. Traditional elegrant living areas, rooms and suites have high ceilings, fireplaces, wooden beams and chintz fabrics. Lovely breakfast and lunch terrace. A romantic spot with plenty of charm.

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11 RANDONNÉE TOURS 11 DID YOU KNOW? Holland as it is today has its origins in the period of French rule from 1795 to This was a time of bewildering changes to the Dutch system of provinces. In 1795 the old order was swept away and the Batavian Republic was established. In the Constitution enacted on 23 April 1798, the old borders were radically changed. The republic was reorganised into eight departments (département) with roughly equal populations. Holland was split up into five departments named Texel, Amstel, Delf, Schelde en Maas, and Rijn. The first three of these lay within the borders of the old Holland; the latter two were made up of parts of different provinces. In 1801 the old borders were restored when the department of Holland was created. This reorganisation had been short-lived, but it gave birth to the concept of breaking up Holland and making it a less powerful province. In 1807, Holland was reorganised again. This time the two departments were called Maasland (corresponding to the modern province of South Holland) and Amstelland (corresponding to the modern province of North Holland). This also did not last long. In 1810, all the Dutch provinces were integrated into the French Empire. Maasland was renamed Monden van de Maas (Bouches-de-la-Meuse in French). Amstelland and Utrecht were amalgamated as the department of Zuiderzee (Zuyderzée in French).After the defeat of the French in 1813, this organisation remained unchanged for a year or so. When the 1814 Constitution was introduced, the country was reorganised as provinces and regions (landschappen). Monden van de Maas and Zuiderzee were reunited as the province of Holland. However, the division was not totally reversed. When the province of Holland was re-established in 1814, it was given two governors, one for the former department of Maasland (i.e. the area that is now South Holland) and one for the former department of Amstelland (i.e. the area that is now North Holland). Even though the province had been reunited, the two areas were still being treated differently in some ways and the idea of dividing Holland remained alive. When the constitutional amendments were introduced in 1840, it was decided to split Holland once again, this time into two provinces called South Holland and North Holland. The impetus came largely from Amsterdam in North Holland, which still resented the 1838 relocation of the court of appeal to the Hague in South Holland.

12 RANDONNÉE TOURS 12 BON APPETIT The traditional cuisine of Holland is straight forward and hearty. Favorite dishes include erwtensoep (pea soup) and stamppot (mashed potatoes and sauerkraut), which can be eaten with rookworst (smoked sausage). Popular bar snacks include bitterballen (fried meatballs) and patat (fries) can be bought from street vendors, dipped in mayonnaise and eaten straight from the wrapper. The North Sea provides a plentiful supply of mackerel, cod, oysters, mussels, eel and prawns, while herring is another wildly popular street food, served green or pickled from fish stalls with a side helping of raw chopped onion. The Dutch also have a taste for spicy smoked sausage, a slowcooked draadjesvlees (tender beef stew) and delicious gehaktballen meatballs served with mashed potato or in a burger bun. South Holland has a sweet tooth, adoring pannenkoek (pancakes); thick, sweet poffertjes served with extra butter and sprinkled with sugar; stroopwafels (wafers oozing with syrup); and the special winter treat oliebollen (raisin donuts eaten warm). Chocolate sprinkles are often added to all types of broodjes (sandwiches). Dutch cheese is famous the world over and is a vital ingredient in contemporary cooking. Cheese is eaten at breakfast, lunch and dinner; it flavors bread, fills sandwiches and covers burgers. The best-known Dutch cheeses are Edam and Gouda, sold in great yellow rounds wrapped in red wax and flavored with cumin or cloves. Nutty Maasdammer, smoked cheeses and goats cheese also go down well. With the influx of immigrants from across the world into The Netherlands in the last 400 years, anything goes in the country s cuisine. Chinese, Surinamese, Turkish, Indian, Jewish and Indonesian dishes are now part of the Dutch gourmet lexicon. Salt beef and pickles were introduced by the Jews; couscous and falafel by the Turks; and sauerkraut by the Germans. Indonesian rijstaffel is practically a Dutch staple dish, with scores of restaurants in The Hague offering a delicious feast of up to 20 small bowls of steamed rice, prawn crackers, nasi goreng, satay chicken, pork and beef simmered in coconut milk, sambals and noodles.

13 RANDONNÉE TOURS 13 OUR BICYCLES Our bikes on this trip are Giant brand. You can choose between racing or hybrid bikes: Frame: aluminum; carbon fork Transmission: Shimano 105 Gearing: 2x10 Crank: 26/36/48 Cassette: Tire: 700x32 Saddle: Ritchey New Comp (Road) or Selle Royale Freccia (Hybrid) All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier etc. We tune each bike prior to your arrival so that it is ready to ride for you.

14 RANDONNÉE TOURS 14 ACCOLADES Many thanks for setting up a great trip, and for being incredibly helpful with all my questions and backup information. Your personal help was invaluable. It was a good trip and I am glad I went. The route descriptions were accurate, and the restaurant superb. Again thank you for your help throughout this trip. - A. Rosen We had the best holiday ever- loved every minute.. Pam and Peter R., Vancouver, BC The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. Randonnee Tours Inc. Revised January, Randonnee Tours Since 1989 Randonnee Tours offers exceptional self-guided active vacations in Canada, the United States, Europe and throughout the world. Our tours are meticulously designed and operated by us; this ensures a consistency in everything we offer, from route planning and bicycles to the services provided by our on-the-ground personnel. Each trip is customized to provide you with exactly what you need to ensure a memorable active vacation. For regions where self-guided tours may not be possible, we also offer guided trips under Great Explorations to places such as Turkey, Morocco, Vietnam, and many other countries. Robbin McKinney, founder and owner of Great Explorations and Randonnee Tours has been designing and guiding cycling and walking trips for over 25 years.