Bike and Barge
Cities and villages in the Netherlands
- NL265 / Netherlands
-
Bike and Barge
For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
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Guided
Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
- Bronze
- Jun, Jul
- 8 days
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- linear from Amsterdam to Maastricht
- Some meals included
- Discount for 3rd person in room
Highlights
Discover the Netherlands by bike and boat, from north to south. The trip starts from the capital, Amsterdam, and goes to the country's southernmost city, Maastricht, the oldest Dutch center, rich in history and culture. Ride along rivers and canals and immerse yourself in the green rural landscape of the Netherlands, among historic mansions, castles and picturesque villages. The boat guides you all along the way and accommodates you at night.
- The green rural landscape, between rivers and canals
- The Rosarium of Arcen Castle
- the ancient city of Maastricht
What awaits you
A week-long bike and barge tour in Holland, the land of bicycles! The terrain is completely flat, and the bike paths, almost all of which are paved, are always well marked. Daily stages on the pedals alternate with pleasant stretches of boating, and if one day you don't feel like pedaling, you can stay aboard the boat and relax. The only variable to keep an eye on is the weather: a little wind or rain could make your ride more adventurous.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, our chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Embarking in Amsterdam and sailing for Weesp
Arrival in Amsterdam and all aboard, at 2 p.m. we set sail for Weesp. This small city on the banks of the Vecht River welcomes you to a charming old town center with its 17th- and 18th-century buildings and some beautiful windmills. As soon as you disembark, you’ll set off for a short warm-up ride in the surrounding area.
2. Cycling along the meandering Vecht River and boating from Utrecht to Vianen
Your cycling vacation officially begins! The day’s route winds through the green meanders of the Vecht River with views of the elegant villas that line it. Along the way, you have the opportunity to visit one of the region’s famous dairy farms, where cheese is still made according to old traditional recipes. The boat will be waiting in Utrecht to take you along the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town on the Lek River.
3. The green Dutch countryside and Leerdam, the "land of glassworks"
Today’s stage starts in Vianen. Pedal through a typical Dutch landscape to the small town of Leerdam, nestled on the Linge River and known for its glassworks. Don’t miss a visit to the old Royal Leerdam glassworks, founded in the 19th century. The ride continues along the banks of the Linge, via Gorinchem, to Heusden, where your riverboat awaits you for an overnight stay.
4. The banks of the Meuse River to Cuijk
The morning starts with a boat ride to Maasbommel. From here you start your ride along the Meuse River to the medieval towns of Ravenstein and Grave. In Ravenstein you can visit Tanner’s cottage, where cannons dating back to Napoleon’s time are on display. Continue along the river to reach Cuijk, with its neo-Gothic church and its ancient Baroque organ, one of the oldest in the Netherlands. After dinner, you can visit the Ceuclum Museum and climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a magnificent view.
5. De Maasduinen National Park and arrival at Arcen, the garden paradise
Today’s stage is truly amazing: we continue cycling along the Meuse River valley to Afferden and Heyen in De Maasduinen National Park. Here you will find Well Castle, with its massive 14th-century brick tower. The final destination is Arcen, a real treat for flower lovers. Its castle houses the Rosarium, with as many as ten different rose gardens, the water garden with its sculptures, and the Lommerijk, full of waterfalls and rivulets.
6. Still along the Meuse to the bishop's town of Roermond
In the morning, you’ll ride along the Meuse River until you reach the town of Venlo and the village of Kessel. From here, continue to Beesel, where the “gray bear” mill stands out near the embankment. The bike leg ends in Roermond, an episcopal city with rich historic buildings, and the birthplace of the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who designed the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station. Tonight you choose where to dine, and the crew is available to make restaurant suggestions.
7. A little taste of Belgium and sailing to Maastricht
Today you cross the province of Limburg on your bike. The first stop will be Thorn, also called the “white village,” right on the border between Belgium and Holland, where the only building that is not white is the church. From here, you’ll reach the Belgian town of Maaseik, birthplace of Flemish painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck…take the opportunity to enjoy a pint of Belgian beer! The boat welcomes you in Born, from where you set sail for Maastricht, where the famous sights include St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten Museum, and the underground Kazematten Fortress, dating back to the 18th century.
1. Arrival in Maastricht and embarkation
Arrive in Maastricht and board the boat between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. After you are welcomed aboard and your bikes are distributed, you will be treated to a test ride along the river, accompanied by your guide. We recommend arriving in Maastricht a day early to take your time visiting Holland’s oldest city. Don’t miss St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten Museum, and the underground Kazematten Fortress, dating back to the 18th century.
2. A little taste of Belgium and overnight stay in Roermond
In the morning the boat takes you to Born, along the Juliana Canal. From here, hop on your bike and cross the border, briefly entering Belgium, to Maaseik, birthplace of Flemish painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck…take the opportunity to enjoy a pint of Belgian beer! Continue cycling to Thorn, the “white village” right on the border between Belgium and Holland, where the only building that is not white is the church. The day’s final destination is Roermond, an ancient bishop’s town and the birthplace of the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who designed the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station.
3. Along the banks of the Meuse to Arcen, a garden paradise
Today’s stage winds along the banks of the Meuse River. You’ll ride to Beesel, where the mill with the gray bear stands out right next to the embankment. The final destination is Arcen, a treat for flower lovers. Its castle houses the Rosarium with as many as ten different rose gardens, the water garden with its sculptures, and the Lommerijk, full of waterfalls and rivulets.
4. De Maasduinen National Park and arrival in Cuijk
Today you’ll continue cycling along the Meuse River valley to Afferden and Heyen within De Maasduinen National Park, where you can admire Well Castle with its massive brick tower dating back to the 14th century. Following the course of the river, you finally reach Cuijk, noteworthy for its neo-Gothic church and its ancient Baroque organ, one of the oldest in the Netherlands. After dinner, you can visit the Ceuclum Museum and climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a magnificent view.
5. Cycling always along the Meuse River and by boat to Heusden
The stage begins in Cuijk, continuing always along the banks of the Meuse River to the medieval towns of Ravenstein and Grave. In Ravenstein you can visit Tanner’s cottage, where cannons dating back to Napoleon’s time are on display. Maasbommel is today’s destination, a quaint village where the boat welcomes you to set sail for Heusden, a beautiful fortified and recently restored town. Tonight you choose where to dine, and the crew is available to make restaurant suggestions.
6. The green Dutch countryside to Vianen
From Heusden, you’ll start cycling through a typically Dutch landscape, green and peaceful, to Leerdam, the glassworks town nestled on the Linge River. Don’t miss a visit to the old Royal Leerdam glassworks, founded in the 19th century. In the afternoon, continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the Lek River, where the boat is moored for the night.
7. The meandering of the Lek River and entry into Amsterdam
For the last bike ride of the week, you’ll pedal along the green meanders of the Vecht River, passing through Loenen, where you can visit a windmill, and then off to Amsterdam. Having arrived in the bustling Dutch capital, you can enjoy a tour along the canals or a visit to one of the city’s many museums, such as the Van Gogh Museum or the Rijksmuseum.
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- cabins have small windows which can be opened
- 1 sundeck
- 22 guests, 11 cabins
Flora
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- cabins have small windows which can be opened
- 1 sundeck
- 22 guests, 11 cabins
Flora is a small and cozy river boat that sails through the “green heart” of Holland. It offers a lounge with an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. On the deck there are the common areas with the dining room, where breakfast and dinner are served, and an area dedicated to relaxation.
Cabins
- 10 twin cabins with separate beds
- 1 cabin with double bed
All cabins measure 8 sq. meters and two of them have a bunk bed that can accommodate a child up to 12 years old (max. 40 kg).
All cabins feature a private bathroom, small windows which can be opened and a mini-safe. Hair dryer is available on request.
Common areas
- intimate and cozy dining room
- sundeck for relaxing moments
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
Gandalf
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
The Gandalf is a small, cozy river barge where common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. On the deck is the dining room and outside free space for some relaxation.
Cabins
- 10 twins with single beds. Two cabins can become triple cabins with bunk beds
All cabins measure about 10 m² and are equipped with private bathrooms and toiletries, a fan, and opening windows. A number of hair dryers are available and can be requested if needed.
Common areas
- Spacious and cozy dining room and bar
- large deck for relaxing moments while sailing
Jun, Jul
enter no. of people and see all departures
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 22 guests, 10 cabins
Sarah
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- air conditioning in common areas
- WiFi available
- 22 guests, 10 cabins
Small, cozy river boat, sailing through Dutch canals. On the bridge is the dining room, bar, and relaxation area.
The outside deck is a pleasant place to dine or admire the view while sailing.
Cabins
- 6 doubles with separate beds
- 2 doubles with separate beds and one bunk bed
- 2 cabins with two single beds joined to form a double bed
All cabins measure 10 sq. meters and are equipped with private bathroom and toiletries, portholes which can be opened, mini safe and hairdryer.
Common areas
- Open space with lounge area, dining room and bar
- Sundeck to admire the scenery while sailing
Jun, Jul
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
- Daily cabin cleaning service
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
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Coffee and tea and other hot drinks on board
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets (to be paid in advance).
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- route descriptions and maps
- GPS tracks
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
Additional services included
- Entrance to the Ceuclum Museum in Cuijk
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Dinner on day 6
- Drinks on board
- Entrance tickets
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 10 €/week for the standard bike, 25 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Bike helmet
Bike helmet
Comfortable bike helmet ideal for safe cycling.
Route profile
- Total length: 285 km
- Terrain: mainly on paved cycle paths or on secondary roads with little traffic
On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter bicycle route. If you choose the shorter route, you may not be able to visit all the mentioned attractions.
Embarkation
Boarding is scheduled between 1 and 2 p.m. in Amsterdam or Maastricht. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Amsterdam - Maastricht
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
Amsterdam is connected with Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) airport.
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
B) Direction Maastricht - Amsterdam
Maastricht is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
Bruges is connected with the following airports: Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) and Eindhoven (EIN).
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- train Dutsch Railways (NS) with one change (approx. 3 hours)
From Eindhoven (EIN):
- shuttle bus until Eindhoven train station. From here train Dutsch Railways (NS) until Maastricht (approx. 1,5 hour)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Amsterdam Centraal / Maastricht are the closest stations. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Amsterdam – Maastricht
Maastricht is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Maastricht is connected with the following airports: Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) and Eindhoven (EIN).
To get to Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- train Dutsch Railways (NS) with one change (approx. 3 hours)
To get to Eindhoven (EIN):
- shuttle bus until Eindhoven train station. From here train Dutsch Railways (NS) until the airport (approx. 1,5 hour)
B) Direction Maastricht – Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Amsterdam is connected with Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) airport.
To get to Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) (about 20 min).
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Sustainable traveler
Per viaggiare nel rispetto dell’ambiente, dei luoghi e delle persone che ci accolgono:
- informati sugli usi e i costumi del Paese che stai visitando
- fai attenzione ai gesti, che possono assumere significati diversi o offensivi
- chiedi sempre prima di fotografare le persone
- nei luoghi di culto indossa un abbigliamento adeguato
- non lasciare traccia del tuo passaggio, non abbandonare rifiuti
- non raccogliere “souvenir” da ambienti naturali protetti e siti archeologici
- cerca sempre di seguire i sentieri, non disturbare gli animali e non danneggiare le piante
- non sprecare acqua ed energia, risorse preziose per tutto il pianeta
- rispetta le regole stabilite dai proprietari delle strutture ricettive
Roberta
Published: 24 Jul 2020
Le vacanze in bici sono una bella alternativa al mare
Ann
Published: 17 Jul 2019
We love the bike and barge concept. We have definitely been to towns and cities that we would never visit on another type of trip.
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