At a Glance
Immerse the idyllic bike-friendly Amsterdam and medieval Bruges, two captivating gateway cities in two unique countries on this 6-day cycle adventure from Netherlands to Amsterdam.
Begin your adventure in Amsterdam where you’ll shuttle to Edam cycling through the panoramic emerald green fields, farmhouses, and surviving windmills. Be enchanted by the world's most extensive flower garden, Keukenhof Gardens, and marvel at giant flowering fields with over 70 acres of land growing over 700 tulips varieties. Bike through the seaside lanes that take you to Hague, cruise through Gouda countryside, the home of cheese. Marvel at the River Noord next to the country's most enormous windmills since 1722 in Kinderdijk. Cruise over Bruges' panorama view and unfold the secrets of this gothic city with tremendous step-gabled brick houses and cobblestone streets. Follow meandering ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- 5 nights’ accommodation in luxury hotels on a twin share basis.
- All luggage, hotel and shuttle transfers
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Fully equipped titanium bike, with a helmet and accessories
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Park and other entry fees
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: Meet your Trip Leader at 9 a.m. in front of the Amsterdam Sloterdijk train station. We will meet at Sloterdijk's main entrance next to the Starbucks coffee shop; follow signs to Station Hall and Orlyplein upon arrival. Note: This is NOT the Amsterdam Central Station, so if you are arriving at Central, you'll need to take a 5-minute train ride to Sloterdijk. Arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with anything else you may want for today's ride (your luggage will be transported to our first night's accommodations). We’ll shuttle north to the town of Edam, where you’ll undertake a brief demonstration of biking techniques and safety. Then set off on your first ride through verdant countryside, meandering canals and coastal forest before stopping for lunch at a charming and quintessentially Dutch farmhouse. Netherlands boasts over 34,000 kilometres of bike paths and roads, the majority of which are traffic-free and have perfected cycling as a way of life. |
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Cap off today’s adventure at Landgoed Duin & Kruidberg, a magnificent country estate near ZuidKennemerland National Park. Take a lovely stroll in the English estate garden or rejuvenate yourself at the wellness centre including a sauna and infrared room. This evening, gather together for a welcome reception before an exceptional dinner at the hotel's restaurant with sweeping views of the quaint gardens. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today, unveil the Dutch coastline and towns north of The Hague, cycling over forest and dune paths known as fietspaden. The Dutch word for "lowlands" perfectly describes the topography of the Netherlands. About half of the country would be under water if it weren't for the well-designed network of seawalls, dunes, canals, levees, and dikes. Take one of the many well-kept bike paths along the coast and enjoy the scenery as you pedal or stop for a midday coffee while watching the wind-powered kart sailors whiz by. |
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After a picnic lunch, we continue pedaling past arid farmland and sand dunes before entering the affluent suburbs of The Hague, which are home to the Dutch parliament and the Hotel des Indes, where we will spend the next two nights. This property, which was built in 1858 and was previously a city palace, represents The Hague's cultural significance to the Dutch. The majestic Noordeinde Palace, one of the three official palaces of the Dutch royal family, is located next door. This afternoon, feel free to luxuriate like royalty by visiting the hotel's luxurious spa (spa treatment at own expense). Unwind in the sauna or steam room or take a refreshing dip in the pool. Come evening, explore the historical centre of The Hague with a local guide before delighting yourself to a delicious local dinner at a favourite restaurant. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: In the morning, we board a shuttle to Kinderdijk, a World Heritage Site consisting of 19 windmills spaced out along a 2-mile dike road in a marshy plain. A number of windmills that had been built about the middle of the eighteenth century to drain the Alblasserwaard polder (an area of land that had been reclaimed from the sea) were still in use in the 1950s. Then, take a bike ride through the classic Dutch terrain, passing grazing cows and lovely little towns. Take a trip down quiet streets and a Wiesbaden to reach the mediaeval town of Gouda and its massive (for the Netherlands) market plaza. The Stadhuis is a huge Gothic edifice from the 15th century that is ornamented with towers, a Renaissance-style stairway, and colossal statues. While having lunch in a seaside home steeped in history, we learn more about Gouda's fascinating past. Our hosts, Dick and Lies, have put together a delectable spread of regional specialties. The mill that we can see from the terrace grinds the flour that Lies uses for her baked delicacies! This evening, dinner will be at your own leisure where The Hague boasts endless choices of local dining affairs. |
TWO BIKING OPTIONS: After breakfast we shuttle to the port town of Vlissingen in the province of Zeeland, the seafood capital of the Netherlands. A quick ferry takes us to Breskens, where we disembark and hop on our bikes. Ride along country roads to the charming city of Sluis, where you can enjoy lunch on your own in one of its many cozy cafés. Then follow a tree-lined bike path alongside a canal as you bid farewell to the Netherlands. Don't blink, or you may miss the border crossing into Belgium—no formalities here! You'll know you're in Belgium when you spot the colorful triangular-gabled façades that characterize the architecture here. Arrive to romantic Bruges, called the "Venice of the North" and marvel at its many meandering waterways. The entire city center is a World Heritage site, watched over by a towering medieval belfry. We're welcomed at Hotel de Tuilerieën, where actors Colin Farrell and Ralph Fiennes stayed during filming of their action movie in Bruges. Spend the afternoon enjoying the hotel's indoor pool or sauna or simply unwind in the garden terrace. Alternatively, you may want to spend some time exploring this historic town's charming canals and cobblestone streets. |
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You'll stay in Hotel De Tuilerieën, an elegant patrician house from the 15th century has been transformed into a luxurious, contemporary hotel overlooking one of the city’s most beautiful canals, Den Dyver. This evening, accompany your dinner with a tall forthy bier. Home to nearly 200 breweries, trying Zot is a must which has the distinction of being the only beer brewed in Bruges and also regarded as one of Belgium's finest. |
THREE BIKING OPTIONS: Today, we head north from Bruges to explore more of the Flanders region located in northern Belgium. The region known as Flanders, which comprises the cities of Brussels (the capital), Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, is mostly independent and has its own parliament and government. Brussels is the largest city in the region. Pedal through rural countryside to an area known as Flanders Fields, which experienced devastating World War I battles from 1914 to 1918. To honor the thousands of lives lost here, the ground is covered in hundreds of monuments and graves. In the 1915 poem In Flanders Fields, Canadian soldier John McCrae memorialized this location by describing the abundance of poppies that were sprouting forth. In ceremonies honouring veterans of World War I, the red poppy is frequently displayed as a symbol of memory. After stopping for lunch along the route, you may either get back on your bike or take the shuttle to return to Bruges. Spend some time this afternoon either unwinding at the hotel or taking a stroll around the nearby town. You can't say you've been to Belgium until you've tried some of its delicious chocolate, and Bruges is the place to go for chocolate lovers looking to indulge their passion. Visit one of the city's more than 40 stores and enjoy a Brugsch Swaentje (or Bruges Swan), a handcrafted delicacy that serves as the city's emblem. Tonight, indulge in a farewell dinner in Bruges to commemorate our week-long trip together. |
Level 1, Approx. 19km (12 miles), minimal elevation gain If you're not ready to say goodbye to your bike, take one last spin through Belgian neighborhoods and past canals, woodlands, and verdant meadows outside the city. For those in pursue for a relaxing morning, enjoy a sleep in before a leisurely breakfast and a swim in the pool. Your leaders provide a packed lunch before sending you off to the Bruges train station for your onward travels. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Dates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Amsterdam in Netherlands
- The finish point is Burges in Belgium
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Amsterdam
The Netherlands and Belgium are usually pleasant in the spring, but both countries are green and lush for a reason! Cool cloudy weather and rain showers are common—don't forget to bring breathable waterproof rain gear.
The Netherlands enjoys a moderate maritime (or oceanic) climate. This type of climate generally features mild winters and cool summers. Precipitation, such as rain, is common throughout the year, which means there is no dry season.
Belgium has a temperate maritime climate characterized by moderate temperatures, prevailing southerly to westerly winds, abundant cloud cover and frequent precipitation. Summers are relatively cool and humid and winters relatively mild and rainy.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-4.
Level 1, 2-3 hours, 13-35km (8-22 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 305m (1000 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 29-51km (18-32 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 671m (2200 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 42-68km (26-42 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1036m (3400 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 58-87km (36-54 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m (4400 ft)
Level 5, 5-7+ hours, 77-113+ km (48-70+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1341m+ (4400+ ft)
Performance Bike Custom-designed titanium bike built for cyclists to power up climbs and speed through the countryside. This performance road bike is lightweight and technologically advanced, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. Responsive, efficient and comfortable for a drop-bar performance bike, it’s an impressive ride suited to avid riders. Drop handlebars only. Available Accessories: Trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Touring Bike A proven classic, our custom-designed titanium touring bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. Our most popular bike features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability. This touring bike combines a wide range of gears with the ease of an adjustable upright riding position for comfort and efficiency. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag, flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals). |
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Electric Assist Bike A lightweight yet powerful machine unique in the world of e-bikes. One of the lightest e-bikes available, it provides plenty of power (and then some!) to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance. Other outstanding features include the same comfort as our Touring Bikes and lower top tubes for easier mounting and dismounting. Available for guests 16 or older; not appropriate for pulling a Trailer Bike or a Cub trailer on a Family Trip. Upright handlebars only. Available Accessories: Rear rack and trunk bag and flat pedals or toe-cages included. |
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Carbon Bike The Carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS has been put through its paces at both Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France by the UCI World Tour team–EF Pro Cycling. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package—it’s built for hard-core riders, men and women alike, who are looking for a high-performance bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. The Synapse is offered in a complete range of sizes. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Not equipped with a rear rack or bag, bring your own pedals, selection of saddle sizes available. |
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Tandem Bike Hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. Suggested for riders with some tandem experience and on trips with flatter terrain. Due to the tandem's size, frequent racking is not realistic, so there may be fewer opportunities to hop in the van. Dropped handlebars for captain position, upright for stoker. Available by request for additional cost on biking trips in Europe, US and Canada. Available Accessories: Rear rack and pannier or trunk bag and Flat pedals or toe-cages included (or bring your own pedals) |
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.