Castles and Walled Towns - Exclusive Charter, Vision Travel

Canal in Amsterdam | Hilary Delbridge

Cycling with the kids in Holland is made more comfortable thanks to the flat landscape | Vicki Wasilewska Fletcher

Traditional windmills outside of a small Dutch village, Holland | Jan Shaddick

colourful clogs | NBTC

Travel the Dutch countryside the way the locals do | NBTC

The famous canals of Amsterdam | Nick Kostos

Duration

8 days

Activities

7 day guided cycle

Accommodation

7 nights barge

Meals

7 Dinners
6 Lunches
7 Breakfasts

Price

$USD

Overview

Trip Code: SOG5167

Trip highlights

Cycling through countryside Holland
Visiting majestic castles and impressive walled towns
Discovering a variety of landscapes including the dykes, country paths and picturesque canals
Exploring the towns of Kampen and Zutphen enroute to Amsterdam
Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge

This itinerary takes in the majestic castles, handsome walled towns and antiquated fishing villages of the Netherlands by bike and barge. We do as the locals do - pedalling by day to explore the dykes and country paths, while evenings are spent aboard our cosy hotel barge which cruises at a relaxed pace along the picturesque canals. There is plenty of time to discover the Hanseatic towns of Kampen and Zutphen and explore the old streets of their historic centres. We visit markets and museums along the way including the famous Kršller-MŸller Museum which houses 278 works by Van Gogh, as well as smaller collections of Picasso and Mondrian.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Amsterdam, join barge and warm up cycle (15km/9.5mi)

After boarding the barge in Amsterdam from 12:30pm, we sail the Amsterdam-Rijn canal to Wijk bij Duurstede, our destination for the night. During the sailing you will have a light snack on board (lunch is not included). In the evening we go for a short ‘warm-up’ ride in the vicinity which passes by the castles Zandenburg and Walenburg.

Meals: D

Day 2
Cycle to De Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Kröller-Müller museum (50km/31mi)

The barge sails the River Nederrijn to the lock near the village Heveadorp, where we disembark to commence cycling to the National park ‘De Hoge Veluwe’. This is the largest national park in the country, set on more than 5500 hectares and made up of forests and heath covered moors. Within the park there are red deer, boar and a type of sheep, the mouflon. You will also find the museum Kröller-Müller, which has a fantastic exhibition of Vincent van Gogh paintings, as well as a small collection of Picasso. A visit to the famous statue garden is also very worthwhile. The cycle trip ends in Arnhem, where the ship is moored on the River Nederrijn.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 3
Cycle past colourful villages & the walled town of Zutphen on IJssel River (50km/31mi)

Today we will cycle past the castle Rosendael to the ferry near Rheden. The ferry takes us across the river IJssel and we continue cycling through the villages Doesburg and Brummen to the Hanseatic walled town of Zutphen, situated by the river IJssel.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 4
Day cycle to visit museums and small canals (60km/37mi)

As the barge stays in Zutphen, today's cycle will be a round trip. We begin by cycling past the castle Vorden and the rural community of Lochem. After passing Mansion Verwolde we follow the Twente canal back to Zutphen. Alternatively you may wish to spend a day shopping and/or visiting the museum in Zutphen. The Stedelijk Museum has an interesting cultural historical collection that creates a telling image of Zutphen and its surroundings.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 5
Sail to Deventer, cycle to the Hanseatic town of Kampen (60km/37mi)

Today we sail by barge to the Hanseatic town of Deventer, where we disembark and begin the day's cycle. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes while following the river IJssel to Diepenveen, castle Oude Rande and the rural estate Hoenderloo. Through the village of Windesheim the trip ends in Kampen, a historic Hanseatic town. Kampen is full of impressive gothic architecture and it is worth exploring the three ancient surviving city gates.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 6
Morning at leisure during sailing, followed by a cycle around Harderwijk (30km/18.5mi)

Today’s motto is ‘relaxing aboard’ as there is a 4 hour sailing trip to Harderwijk, where we spend the night. It is a cosy port known for its amazing dolphinarium. In the afternoon a cycle trip is planned through the rural area around Harderwijk.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 7
Cycle to traditional fishing village enroute to Amsterdam (60km/37mi)

By barge we will sail to Spakenburg. After disembarkation we cycle to Spakenburg, a former fishing village which is still famous for their traditional costume. Via the lake area called Ankeveense Plassen you cycle to castle Muiderslot. After a visit to this beautifully situated castle, you continue cycling to Amsterdam. In the evening you may wish to join your guide for a walk through the centre of the city or you may wish to explore the streets, canals and wonders of Amsterdam on your own.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 8
Trip concludes Amsterdam

Disembark after breakfast around 9am and individual departure.

Meals: B

Inclusions

What's included

7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks). Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch onboard. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish. Special diets can be catered for on request (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free diet) however a supplement will apply. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements at the the time of booking.
7 nights accommodation aboard a standard plus barge (Category B) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. If you are travelling by yourself you may request a single cabin (limited) or will be matched with another passenger. Cabins are configured with lower beds (single, twin, double & triple) and split level beds (triple).
7 speed bike rental with pannier, lock and insurance
Visit to Kröller Müller Museum (exhibition van Gogh) and Hoge Veluwe National Park
Information pack including route notes and maps per cabin
Tour leader for cycle tours and city walks

What's not included

Travel to and from Amsterdam
Drinks and other items of a personal nature
Helmets - mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well-fitted helmet
Items of a personal nature
Entrance fees and excursions not specified
Transfers
Travel insurance - mandatory
Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the leader, captain and crew).

Grading

introductory to moderate

INTRODUCTORY to MODERATE – GRADE 1-2 The cycling is introductory to moderate (1-2) grade with daily cycling distances from 15 to 60km/9.5 to 37mi. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for beginners and children. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.

Departure dates

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Priceper person from

$USD

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