Grand Circle Tour
Our Grand Circle Tour is ideal for beginners and first time visitors to Holland! It guides you through the most interesting and diverse parts of this compact, fascinating country! You'll spend two nights each in the delightful but under appreciated towns of Hoorn, Zwolle and Apeldoorn. The tour starts in Hoorn, a splendid 17th century, port town along the IJsselmeer, north of Amsterdam and easily reached by train. It is a wonderful place for a stroll and a warm-up bike ride in Hoorn's rural and flower-filled surroundings. From here we'll visit Edam, well known for its cheese, and then on to one of the nicest windmill museums in all of Holland. By ferry we'll cross the IJsselmeer to experience biking under sea level in the new Northeast Polder. We'll visit Giethoorn, Holland's "Venice", a centuries-old flower village and photographer's paradise, where almost all travel takes place over water. A peaceful boat ride to enjoy Giethoorn's flower filled gardens is a highlight of this exciting day. The province of Gelderland, with its forests, heather fields and ancient villages with thatched roofed cottages, is next. We'll pass by the 14th century castle Cannenburgh and later take in the splendid palace "Het Loo", former summer residence of the Dutch royal family. We'll conclude our tour with a visit to the world-renowned Kröller-Müller Museum with its superb Van Gogh collection, marvelous sculpture garden and a final ride along the meandering bicycle paths in the National Park "De Hoge Veluwe".

Included:
Daily lodging in 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 5 dinners, entrance to Palace Het Loo, Kröller-Müller and Windmill Museum.

2008 Tour Dates: July 13-19, August 31-Sept. 6
Tour Price: $1995  Single Supplement: $425
Bike Rental: $150  Tandem Rental: $200
Level of Difficulty: Easy

  Friesland Frolic

This is a scenic 7 day/6 night cycling tour in Holland’s northern most province.  Friesland is truly special!  It’s a bike friendly region of lush green farms, boat-filled waterways and picturesque lakes.   Imagine skillful, puffing skaters in the wintry landscapes of the Elfstedentocht, a 125 mile long ice skating race (whose route we partly follow by bike), looping through 11 towns in Friesland.  You’ll see “Skutjes”, Friesian sailboats, “terpen”, hamlets built on earthen mounds to protect them from flooding and beautiful fortified towns all along the way.  Friesland has many handsome 17th century houses and picturesque farms arrayed with prototypical Friesian cows munching in peaceful meadows.  Occasionally entire town centers have been designated as historically protected areas.  There are also numerous little museums to visit and Friesians even speak a unique language that is not a dialect of Dutch!

The tour begins in Enkhuizen in West Friesland, a lively, beautifully preserved 17th century seaport, an easy train ride from Amsterdam or Schiphol Airport.   Here we’ll visit the Enkhuizer Zuiderzee Museum; a fascinating open-air museum that illustrates the way the Dutch lived and worked in the 17th century.  Later we’ll visit close by, historic Medemblik and its medieval Radboud Castle, before we ferry over to Stavoren, a tiny harbor village and the oldest city in the “real” Friesland.  Bike paths will lead us through the forested area called Gaasterland and then on to the Friesian Lake District with its quaint little villages.  Here we can visit lovely Lemmer and Sneek, the water sports capital of Friesland.  Our tour concludes with two nights just east of Heerenveen in the forests of Oranjewoud, once a residence of the Dutch Royal Family.  

Included:
Daily lodging in one 3- and two 4-star hotels, 6 breakfasts and 6 dinners, entrance to the Zuiderzee Museum and Radboud Castle, all transportation during the tour

2008 Tour Date: June 29-July 5, August 23-29
Tour Price: $1750 Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $150  Tandem Rental: $200
Level of Difficulty: Easy

Groningen Glide

 Imagine yourself cycling on wonderful, well paved, flat bicycle paths through the picturesque provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe.  Picture yourself on a relaxing ferry ride to scenic Ameland, one of the Wadden Sea Islands.  In addition we’ll have a guided walking tour in exciting Groningen and make visits to the Hunebedden and the outdoor WW II concentration camp of Westerbork along with an optional visit to the world renowned Groninger Art Museum.  These are the highlights of this exhilarating 7 day/6 night bicycle vacation in Holland!

  The tour starts in historic Dokkum, a pristine, architecturally rich small town with a wonderful, lively center, a number interesting art galleries and a friendly population always welcoming travelers.  The second day is our chance to visit Ameland, a popular Dutch holiday destination where cycling is the most favorable way to explore this interesting area famous for its peaceful beaches, delightful sand dunes, fresh ocean air and oodles of seabirds (more than 60 species breed here).

Leaving Friesland we’ll “glide” into wonderful Groningen simultaneously considered one of the oldest and one of the youngest cities in the Netherlands.  It is first mentioned in documents in 1040 and has been a university town since 1614.  Today it is a fascinating mix of young students, old buildings, narrow side streets, unexpected little shops and quiet 17^th century courtyards surrounded by alms houses.  It is also home to the renowned Groningen Museum, the most modern museum in Holland.  Our three star hotel is right in the center of town, on the Grote Markt, the perfect spot for your time in Groningen. 

After two days we’ll “glide” out of Groningen past lovely farms and picturesque villages, through heather and woods into Drenthe.  In Drenthe we’ll find the Hunebedden (dolmens), a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb similar to Stonehenge in England.   We’ll spend two nights in a lovely 4 star hotel with an excellent restaurant in Westerbork.  There we’ll also encounter Kamp Westerbork, ironically located in a serene nature preserve. Its function during World War II was to assemble Dutch Jews including Anne Frank and her family, for transport to other Nazi concentration camps.  We count our blessings when we return to our luxury hotel and enjoy our farewell dinner together.

2008 Tour Date: July 6-12
Tour Price: $1750 Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $150  Tandem Rental: $200
Level of Difficulty: Easy

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Self-Guided Bicycling Tours

Self-guided tours are for experienced cyclists who can adjust and repair their own bikes and enjoy cycling alone or with a small group. There are many routes to choose from. All tours include daily breakfast, dinner and luggage transportation from hotel to hotel. All accommodations are in charming, mostly family owned hotels and all rooms have private facilities. Comfortable three speed bikes with hand brakes, sufficient for the Dutch terrain, can be rented. 21 speed bike and tandems are available only on the North Holland tour. Daily distances for each tour: 25-40 miles.

2008 Tour Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, daily
Tour Price: $1295  Single Supplement: $325
Bike Rental: $70

Veluwe De Luxe Tour
This 5 day / 4 night tour is similar to the Veluwe Round Tour but you'll stay in luxurious four and one five star hotels, three of which have a swimming pool. You'll start in Oosterbeek near Arnhem and end in Apeldoorn. In between you'll stay in Garderen and handsome Zwolle. Highlights of the tour include: National Park "Hoge Veluwe" with the Kröller-Müller and Arnhem Open Air Museums, Palace "Het Loo", Castle Cannenburgh, scenic woods and heather fields.

Apeldoorn Round Tour

Dutch vacationers love the picturesque “highland” (above sea level) area around Apeldoorn!  They treasure the forests and heather fields, the thatched roofed cottages, charming small farms and the castles that remind them of their illustrious history!  It is amazing that you can find all this natural and manmade beauty a mere 60 miles from Amsterdam!  The tour is centered at the luxurious Hotel De Keizerskroon right next to the historic Palace Het Loo, the former summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Close by is the National Park “Hoge Veluwe” where you’ll find the world-renowned Kröller Müller Museum with its fabulous Van Gogh collection and incomparable sculpture garden, the largest in all of Europe.  Another round trip leads you to Deventer, a lively town on the River IJssel with many medieval and Renaissance gable houses, beautiful churches and a vibrant town center.  This 4 day/ 3 night tour includes breakfast daily and two high quality dinners.

2008 Tour Dates: April 1 - Oct. 31, daily
Tour Price: $655  Single Supplement: $295
Bike Rental: $65

Belgium Self-Guided Biking

Bruges & Coast

This 8 day/7 night tour explores the north-west part of Belgium known as Flanders. The pleasing Flemish countryside is painted with soft green hills, winding roads, rustic farms, peaceful canals and bustling villages. The gently rolling hills make for relatively easy cycling from one town to the next and there is plenty of time for sightseeing, especially in the Flemish capital of Bruges where you’ll lodge comfortably for three nights.  

The pedaling commences in Roeselare easily reached by train from the Brussels Airport.  You’ll visit medieval Ypres well know for its WW I battles and the Tyne Cot Cemetery and world famous Menin Gate. You’ll have time for some beer tasting in the St.-Sixtus Abbey before cycling along the borders of the River Yzer to Diksmuide with its historic plaza.  Next is splendid Bruges.  Over the years this medieval canal city has gone by many names: City of Romance, Venice of the North, the City That Time Forgot, and Cultural Capital of Europe since 2002. However, none of these titles accurately capture the enchantment of Bruges. With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored by foot, canal boat or horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets. From Bruges you’ll make two circular rides. The first is to the seaside of Ostend and the second is to Knokke where you can stroll along the new promenade, sunbathe on the broad sandy beach, or wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards. Finally, on your way back to Roeselare, there is are opportunities to visit a chocolate manufacturer and the National Cyclist Museum

2008 Tour Dates: Saturday start from 3/29 – 10/25
Tour Price: $995  
Single Supplement: $195   Bike Rental: $85

Historic Art Cities Tour

Surprisingly beautiful!   That’s a quick way to describe the wonderful region of Flanders and the European Union’s capital city - Brussels .   Here you’ll find active vacation fun for everyone: terrific cycling itineraries through beautiful landscapes, culinary pleasure in great restaurants, cultural treasures in fine museums and historical buildings and, of course, the ever pulsating city of Brussels.  This 7 day/6 night tour includes visits to the Belgian pearls of Brussels , Leuven, Mechelen, Ghent and wonderful Bruges along with an optional train visit to Antwerp!  

Starting in Brussels, you’ll bike on predominantly quiet, flat roads and bike paths along the well signposted Flanders Cycle Route.   You’ll see lush meadows, canals, sandy dunes and coastal villages as well as castles, abbeys, churches and windmills.   You’ll also visit Leuven, home to Belgium’s oldest university and historic Ghent site of the famous St.Baafs Cathedral where you can admire the renowned “Adoration of the Lamb” by Jan van Eyck.  The charming coastal villages of De Haan and Ostend, wonderful North Sea beaches and Bruges, the enchanting Venice of the North, are other highlights you’ll encounter on this splendid cycling vacation!

2008 Tour Dates: Saturday start from 4/26 – 9/27
Tour Price: $910
Single Supplement: $230  Bike Rental: $85  

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Bike and Barge Tours

The Southern Route: $1175

This popular tour starts and ends in Amsterdam with visits to architecturally and culturally wonderful Delft, The Hague, Leiden, Haarlem and the 19 working windmills of the Kinderdijk. These historic towns along with picturesque villages, classic windmills and delightful safe cycling along Cape Cod-like sand dunes and beautiful beaches guarantee a striking introduction to the heart of The Netherlands. In the spring this tour will also include rides through Holland's spectacular tulip fields.

2008 Departure Dates Southern Route:
April 12  and 26, May 10 and 17, July 26

The Southern Route Relax & Relax Cities of Art :
  $1115-$1210

If you’re an inexperienced cyclist or just don’t want to spend as much time ‘in the saddle’ this version of the Southern Route might be ideal for you.  The tour is basically the same as the Southern Route Tour in opposite direction but there is definitely less biking each day so you’ll have more time to visit the places that interest you.  .  The Southern Relax and Relax Cities of Art tours are offered on the same barge.  There will be 1 or 2 tour guides depending on the interests of the passengers. Normally with a minimum of 8 passengers choosing each option there will be two separate tour guides on board.  In case the group is smaller than 8 you can decide to join the regular Southern Relax Tour or follow the Art Tour some days on your own with a special description. 

2008 Departure Dates Southern Route Relax
& Relax Cities of Art:
Every Saturday from April 5 up to and including September 20

The Southern Route Relax Tulip:
  $1155-$1240

2008 Departure Dates Southern Route Relax Tulip:
April 5, 12, 19 & 26, May 3 & 10

  The Northern Route (Top of Amsterdam):
$1075 - $1175
This tour also begins and ends in Amsterdam but it takes you north to the distinctly rural Island of Texel after visits to the architectural jewels of Edam, Hoorn, Enkhuizen and  Alkmaar as well as the fascinating outdoor museum, Zaanse Schans.   In the 17^th century this extensive area was amazingly recovered from the sea with the use of hundred of windmills -  many still in working order today.  One gets a strong feeling for 17^th century Dutch prosperity in Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Edam and Volendam.  Later you’ll sail to Texel, an island with thousands of sheep and a magnificent nature preserve that is a bird lover’s paradise. Back on the main land the route takes you over small dikes and quiet country roads through vast polders and along beautiful sand dunes stretching from Schoorl to Bergen.  Alkmaar is the capital of cheese making and has its own cheese market and historic Waag (weigh house).  In Zaanse Schans you’ll discover a number of 17^th and 18^th century houses and commercial shops.  In the tulip months of April and May you’ll cycle through colorful fields stretching for miles.  

2008 Departure Dates:
Every Saturday from 4/5 up to and including 9/20 except 7/5, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/16

The North & South Amsterdam Relax Route $1210

If you’re an inexperienced cyclist or just don’t want to spend as much time ‘in the saddle’ this version of the Northern Route might be ideal for you.   The tour is basically a Relaxed Big Loop around Amsterdam and an attractive combination of historic towns (Amsterdam, Alkmaar, Haarlem and Leiden) and lovely countryside in the West of Holland.  There is definitely less biking each day with an extra day in Amsterdam at the end of the week so that you’ll have more time to visit the places that interest you.  There is a supplement for the Museum Pass and the public transportation to The Hague.

2008 Departure Dates:
July 12, 19 & 26,
August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

The Highlights of Holland Route
(North & South of Amsterdam): $995-$1150
 With this special bike and barge tour we invite you to become acquainted with the still existing Dutch landscapes from the 17th century, the “Golden Age” of the Netherlands. You’ll encounter the splendid countryside known as the “Green Heart of Holland” centered between the 3 largest cities in the Netherlands (Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam). One moment you’ll be cycling in the middle of quiet lake areas, the other you experience the old Dutch atmosphere in the historic centers of Haarlem or Leiden.  In addition this tour will take you through scenic beach and dune areas, the prototypically Dutch province of North-Holland and bustling ports like Hoorn where you’ll find the spirit of the Dutch Golden Age.

2008 Departure Dates:
May 10, June 14 & 28, July 5, 12, 19 & 26,
August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, Sept. 6 & 13

The Friesland Route (Eleven City Tour): $1175 
This interesting route begins and ends in Stavoren, a charming fishing village on the former South Sea.  Mostly you'll follow the route of the Eleven City Skating tour, the grueling 125 mile ice skating race held in Friesland whenever the lakes freeze solidly enough.  You'll visit the beautiful Frisian towns of Franeker, Dokkum and Sneek and also stay one night in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland.  

2008 Departure Dates:
July 26 and August 9

The Island Hopping Route: $1175
The Northern part of Holland is home to a number of delightfully peaceful small islands with beautiful beaches and dunes, that are a paradise for bicyclists, birdwatchers and all around nature lovers.  The tour begins and ends in Stavoren, the lovely fishing village on the former South Sea.  On day 2 you'll sail to Den Oever in the province of North Holland.  Later you'll explore the islands Texel, Vlieland and Terschelling, cycling on quiet bike paths and surrounded by a host of gulls, herons, ducks and numerous other sea birds.   

2008 Departure Dates:
July 5 & 19, August 2 & 16

Rivers, Castles and Estates Route: $1075-1175

This is one of our most diverse tours as far as nature and culture are concerned.  The cycling itinerary includes delightful rides along three rivers, the Vecht, the Rhine and the IJssel.  The rivers meander through meadows, floodplains and forests, alternating with picturesque villages and towns that display clear evidence of their medieval origin.  Highlights include Amsterdam, less well known but very interesting Utrecht as well as Arnhem, Zutphen, Kampen, Breukelen plus the wonderful paintings and outdoor sculpture garden of the Kröller Müller Museum in the National Park of the Hoge Veluwe.   Here you can view some of the world’s most famous Van Gogh paintings.

  From bustling Kampen you sail to Flevoland, the newest polder of the Netherlands; until 1950 there was only water here.  A surprising cycle trip takes you through one of the largest connected marshland areas in Western Europe, with very special flora and fauna.  From Almere you cross the lakes from the polder land back to the ‘old’ country.  There you can visit the splendid medieval water fortress the Muiderslot and the lively port of Muiden before returning to Amsterdam.

2008 Departure Dates:
May 24 and 31, June 7 and 28,
July 19, August 23 and September 27

The Towns of the Golden Age Route: $995
Highlights of this tour are visits to 7 towns that flourished during Holland’s Golden Age: Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, Schiedam, Dordrecht and Gouda. These towns still exude the character of fantastic wealth achieved during this period in Dutch history. The influence of the 17th Century is still apparent in the many monumental buildings you’ll encounter on this wonderful bike-boat vacation.  Starts and ends in Amsterdam.

2008 Departure Dates:
July 26, August 2 & 23

The Castles and Walled Cities Route: $995
In the Middle Ages an economic association, the Hanseatic League, was formed among many trading towns which were located along waterways in Northwestern Europe. On this bicycle vacation through the eastern part of the Netherlands you will visit several of these so-called Hanseatic towns. In the area you’ll encounter many grand castles and estates, lovely farms, munching Dutch cows and grazing sheep as you glide along.  This interesting tour starts and ends in Amsterdam.

2008 Departure Dates:
June 21, July 12 & 19, August 9

The Golden Circle Route: $1175
This route takes you around the IJssel Lake, the former South Sea.  This area is forever linked to that period in Dutch history called the Golden Age: the period in the 17^th century when Holland was a mighty seafaring and trading nation.  Dotted around the Zuiderzee are towns whose names were household words in both hemispheres: Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Kampen, Harderwijk and Amsterdam at the center of the web. Cycling and barging around the IJssel Lake is the ideal way to discover and experience this rich past for yourself.  In the space of a week you’ll pass through four different landscapes: the archetypal Dutch polders with its windmills and drainage ditches; in Friesland the panoramic lake region with the greenest grass you will ever see; the heather and woodland area of the Veluwe and the unique lakes and peat bogs around the Rivers Vecht and Amstel!

2008 Departure Dates:
May 24 & 31, July 12, 19 & 26,
August 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

The Holland to Belgium Route: $1175-$1415

This route takes you from bustling Amsterdam to beloved Bruges in Belgium. On your way, you'll cycle through 't Gooi, Holland's famous mansion region along the River Vecht, then to historic Dordrecht and over the island Zeeland. Here you'll stay one night in charming Zierikzee, a fishing village and one night in Middelburg. You'll arrive in Bruges on Thursday night and on Friday cycle around this famous town. On alternate weeks this tour will be done in reverse - from Bruges to Amsterdam, over a different route. From Bruges you bike to Ghent and then to Antwerpen in Belgium. In Holland you'll stay in Goes, Willemstad and Gorinchem before returning to Amsterdam. On this route a luxury boat will be available on April 19 & 26 and May 31 & June 7 with daily room service, air conditioning, outstanding 4-course (instead of 3-course) dinner and buffet breakfast.

2008 Departure Dates Amsterdam to Bruges:
April 19, May 17 & 31, July 5,
August 9 & 30 and September 13 & 27

2008 Departure Dates Bruges to Amsterdam:
April 26, May 24, June 7, July 12, August 16,
September 20 and October

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Spring Flower Tour  - Amsterdam to Bruges
& Bruges to Amsterdam - $1175 - $1250

This bike & barge vacation combines Holland and Belgium in a very surprising and attractive way. In eight days time you will sail and cycle two countries from fascinating Amsterdam to beautiful Bruges. The next week the tour will be reversed from Bruges to Amsterdam.  In addition in April and early May all of Holland is gorgeously abloom making it the perfect time to be amazed by the fantastically, colorful tulip fields.  Furthermore this tour includes visits to the historic and lovely Dutch towns of Dordrecht and Gouda. Crossing the border to Belgium takes you to the Belgian pearls of Antwerp, Ghent and wonderful Bruges!  Each day you may join the “cycling guide” or follow the "walker's guide” for walks in these architecturally delightful towns giving you the freedom to cycle or stroll throughout your holiday week!

Note:  This new tour is designed for bikers and walkers.  It is a unique opportunity for walkers to stay on a barge or wonderful for couples that consist of one biker and one walker. Note also that the walks are easy city explorations, not 6-10 mile daily hikes.

  2008 Departure Dates Amsterdam to Bruges:
April 12, 19 & 26 (April 19 is bicycling only)

  2008 Departure Dates Bruges to Amsterdam:
April 19 & 26, May 3 (April 26 is bicycling only)

Amsterdam – Brussels Route: $995
Amsterdam and Brussels – so close and yet so different.  In eight days time you will sail and cycle two countries from capital to capital, from Amsterdam to Brussels. The next week the tour will be reversed from Brussels to Amsterdam. Via the Betuwe, Holland’s “orchard” and the old fortified town of Willemstad you’ll reach the peaceful and picturesque rural islands of Zeeland and then cross the Belgian border.  The lively Flemish port town of Antwerp is another highlight.  Belgium is famous for it's tasty beer, so a visit to one of its fine breweries is included.

  2008 Departure Dates:
May 31, June 21, July 5, August 2 & 16, September 6

Brussels – Amsterdam Route: $995

2008 Departure Dates:
June 7 & 28, July 12, August 9 & 23, September 13

Short Tulip Tour
In April and early May, it is possible to book the short (4-day) Tulip Tour.  On this bike and barge holiday you'll experience an immersion in Dutch Tulip culture.  In addition to visits to the incomparable Keukenhof with its 6 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinth bulbs, you'll visit the fascinating flower auction in Aalsmeer and cycle through the spectacular bulb growing fields.  The tour also includes visits to Leiden and Haarlem and a cheese factory. Entrance to the Keukenhof and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction are included in the tour price.

2008 Departure Dates: March 29,
April 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26 & 29,
May 3, 6, 10 & 13
Tour Price: $575 per person (cabins with bunk beds)

2008 Departure Dates: April 12, 15, 19 & 22,
May 3 & 6
Tour Price: $655 per person (cabins with 2 lower beds)

 
It is also possible to Charter a Boat for your own private group! Boats are available for a minimum of 8 people! Reserve early as it is almost impossible to book whole boat packages without 12 -15 months notice. Call us for information!

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