Netherlands Belgium Highlights of Holland and Flanders Bike and Barge Tour 2019 Individual Self-guided or Guided 8 days / 7 nights Tourist-destinations.com Experience the charm of a bygone era on this exciting tour where you will discover the best of what Holland and Belgium have to offer. During the day you will cycle to world famous destinations such as Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, while at night you will relax in the comfort of your floating hotel. The cycling on this tour is through the beautiful and flat - Dutch countryside of Zeeland and the western Flanders region of Belgium. Attractions along the way include many charming villages, a visit to a real Dutch cheese farm, the 19 famous Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk and the world famous cities of Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges in the western Flanders region of Belgium. You will cycle through and discover the Dutch province of Zeeland, which is essentially one big river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt Rivers famous for its fantastic beaches, water sport activities and Delta works and the Flanders region of Belgium famous for its medieval towns and a reputation for superb food and drink.
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Embarkation: Amsterdam Amsterdam Vianen Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is at 1 p.m. At around 2 p.m the ship will depart from Amsterdam for Vianen, a small fortified town on the Lek River. After dinner you have the opportunity to enjoy a short first test bike ride through the surrounding area. Ottsworld.com Day 2: Vianen Schoonhoven Kinderdijk / Kinderdijk Dordrecht 32-56 km Today you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven nicknamed Zilverstad ( Silver City ) a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Later in the day you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight you will have the opportunity to visit one so don t forget to bring your camera. From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the Waterbus, a fast ferry, that will take and your bike you in approximately 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland. Day 3: Dordrecht Willemstad / Willemstad Tholen / Tholen Kreekrak lock - Antwerp 36-44 km As you enjoy your breakfast aboard the ship, the ship will sail to Willemstad where you will start your day s cycling. Willemstad is a beautiful old fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway. Your bicycle ride goes to Tholen, which once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways. But it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. In the afternoon you will once again board the ship which will sail to the port city of Antwerp, situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world s rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze Lieve Vrouve Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner you can visit the beautiful old city center. Day 4: Antwerp Temse St-Amands 34-49 km This morning you will cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to St. Amands, your home for the night. There is only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is magnificent. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.
Day 5: St-Amands Dendermonde/ Dendermonde Ghent 52 km Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in the suburb of town. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times Ghent s position at the junction of Leie and Schelde Rivers ensured it has been a successful trading port. In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. Major attractions are St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck are kept and the 91 meter tall belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city center. Day 6: Ghent Bruges 22-45 km Today you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as the Venice of the North and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors every year who come to see the picturesque medieval town center of the UNESCO World Heritage listed historic city and a long list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historical fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city s original Gothic constructions form an integral part of the town s identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café. Dinner will be in a restaurant of your choice- not included (recommendations available on board). Day 7: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea 38-51 km Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the attractive dune landscape. On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal. Day 8: Bruges End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9:30 a.m.
Route Technical Characteristics: Tour Profile: Cycling during this tour can be rated easy to moderate, with daily cycling distances up to 50km. Most of the cycle routes are classified as easy, because most of the way is over flat paths, so nearly all our trips are suitable for all cyclists, from very experienced to beginners and recreational cyclists with a basic level of fitness. Distance: 214-297 km Travel Season: Magnifique Saturday Departures from Amsterdam: May 4; May 18; July 13; August 10; August 24; September 7; September 21 and October 5, 2019 Magnifique Saturday Departures from Bruges: May 11; May 25; July 6; July 20; August 3; August 17; August 31; September 14; September 28 and October 12, 2019 Magnifique II Wednesday Departures from Amsterdam: May 22; June 5; July 17; July 31; August 14; September 11; September 25 and October 9, 2019 Magnifique II Wednesday Departures from Bruges: May 29; June 12; July 24; August 7; August 21; September 18; October 2 and October 16, 2019 Magnifique III Saturday Departures from Amsterdam: May 25; June 8; June 22; July 6; August 3; August 17; August 31; September 14; September 28 and October 12, 2019 Magnifique III Saturday Departures from Bruges: June 1; June 15; June 29; July 13; August 10; August 24; September 7; September 21; October 5 and October 19, 2019
Price per Person: Magnifique Magnifique II Magnifique III May-Sept October May-Sept October April-Sept October Twin Cabin 1159.00 1079.00 1159.00 1079.00 1159.00 1079.00 Upper Deck Suite ---- ---- 1609.00 1529.00 1609.00 1529.00 Single Cabin or Twin Cabin for Single Use* 1549.00* 1469.00* 1549.00* 1469.00* 1549.00 1469.00 Premium Twin 1359.00 1279.00 1359.00 1279.00 ---- ---- Triple Cabin 1109.00 1029.00 1109.00 1029.00 1109.00 1029.00 Premium Triple Cabin 1279.00 1199.00 ---- ---- ---- ---- Triple Upper Deck Suite ---- ---- 1509.00 1429.00 1509.00 1429.00 Bike rental for a 7 speed unisex bicycle, 80.00 with hand and/or pedal brake, pannier bag E-bike with free wheel (limited number) 175.00 Helmet (limited number) Free of charge Triple cabins are only available on request (limited to 3 per departure) Included: Tour and accommodation on board in the booked category Full board; 7x breakfast, 6x packed lunches during bike tours, 6x three course dinner Use of bed linen and towels and daily short cleaning of the cabin Climate controlled cabin Welcoming drink Daily briefings Fully guided cycling tours (2 tour leaders and 2 groups) Some short walking tours Maps and notes for cycling tours, 1 set per cabin Coffee and tea on board GPS tracks Fees for ferries Visit of Kinderdijk Mills Entrance to Cathedral Antwerp Canal trip through Ghend Wi-Fi Not Included: Transfers to/from the docking places in Amsterdam and Bruges Dinner in Antwerp Rental bicycle Entrance fees & excursions not mentioned under inclusions Drinks on board Personal insurances Gratuities (at your discretion) Dietary requirements on request/surcharges may be calculated
The Cruise Ship Magnifique The premium barge Magnifique is 63 meters long, accommodates 30 guests, sails under the Dutch flag and management and was completely modernized in 2010 and extended by 14 meters during the winter of 2012/13. The lower deck has 15 cabins: 11 twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds next to each other), and 4 premium twins (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area). All cabins have portholes (portholes are fixed for safety reasons), ensuite bathroom with shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen (satellite) TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. On request, an additional bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). On the upper deck there is a tastefully furnished salon with restaurant, bar, lounge area with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (with unlimited data use). Two partly covered teak wooden sun decks with chairs and tables and cycle shed (front deck), and with a whirlpool/jacuzzi and barbecue on the aft deck.
The Cruise Ship Magnifique II The 63 meters long and 7.10 meters wide premium barge Magnifique II was built in 2015/2016 and 34 guests can be accommodated on board to enjoy a very pleasant stay during their tour. The lower deck has 13 cabins: 1 premium twin cabin (approx. 13 M², 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area) and 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds next to each other). The upper deck has 4 beautiful suites (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds next to each other, small sitting area) with large panoramic windows. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (all portholes are fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have a 2 meter wide window (one of which can be opened). All cabins have ensuite facilities (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, a flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. On request, an extra bed is available in 2 twin cabins and 1 upper deck suite (above one of the other beds). The upper deck has a large, tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant, bar and a lounge area with a wide screen TV, large windows and Wi-Fi (unlimited use of data). There is a partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and table on the aft deck for the use by guests and a cycle shed (front deck). The barge has a whirlpool/jacuzzi and deckchairs to relax on Top deck for beautiful views around. The Magnifique II sails under Dutch flag and management too. The hospitable crew looks forward to welcoming you on board.
The Cruise Ship Magnifique III After the overwhelming success of the premium barges Magnifique and the in 2016 launched Magnifique II, we can proudly announce the construction and launch of the new premium barge Magnifique III for April 2018. Facts & figures: Number of guests: 40 Length/width/draught: 70 m / 7.2 m / 1.6 m All cabins and suites have en-suite bathrooms with shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, flat screen (satellite) TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. On request, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins (above one of the other beds). Most cabins can also be booked as cabins with a double bed (on previous request only). Lower deck 14 regular twin cabins (approx. 11 M², 2 single beds as twins, next to each other) 2 single cabins Upper deck 5 upper deck suites with a small sitting area and large windows (a part of the windows can be opened). (approx. 14 M², 2 single beds as twins, next to each other) The spacious salon with large windows combines a restaurant area, bar and lounge 2 screens (a camera and a navigation system) to see the real time position of the barge Large doors open to the partially roofed sundeck Top deck A whirlpool/jacuzzi and deckchairs to relax 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