Freewheel - Amsterdam to Brussels

Amsterdam to Brussels

This multi-country bike tour kicks off in the capital of the Netherlands and ends right in the thick of Europe, Brussels. The route is not circular and stretches over 340 KM. You will see a number of beautiful Dutch and Flemish towns. Between the hustle and bustle of the cities, you will find more tranquil, natural landscapes with old agricultural land and towering churches.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival in Amsterdam

After making your own way to Amsterdam, get to know the Netherland’s famous capital. Visit the 400-year-old canal district, exquisite museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank’s house. See performers and artists on Dam Square, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, and of course visit the world-famous red-light district. Should you arrive early, you can visit the tree-lined canal systems, thin townhouses, and the 17^th-century canal ring, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city truly does have endless things to do and deserves the popularity it has.

Day 2 – Amsterdam – Gouda / Bodegraven 79km

Time to get on your bike and say goodbye to the cosmopolitan life of Amsterdam. Head into a more idyllic landscape in “Groene Hart” or green heart, here you will find typical polders, peat meadows and feeding livestock. The scenery here is strikingly flat and open and is filled with church spires and windmills reflecting into the lakes and canals. Gouda has been a popular market destination for hundreds of years, with people coming from miles away to buy horses, cows, meat, turf, seeds, cheese and so on. In the evening why not take a small walk in the Old Town and embrace the historical atmosphere. You will find a beautiful market square, 15^th century town hall and Weighing House or “Waag”.

This 79-km route can be divided into two shorter versions of 49km and 38km, which would be done by booking an additional night in Woerden. You could even ride some of the way and catch the train for the rest, making the journey 56km.

Day 3 – Gouda / Bodegrave – Papendrecht / Dordrecht 38km

From Gouda, head to Kinderdijk or the “Green Heart of Holland” which is home to 19 windmills which date back to 1740. The mills were originally used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder and pump it into the River Lek, today you can visit one of them. Your stay for the night is Papendrecht, to where you need to catch a ferry from Dordrecht. Dordrecht is one of Holland’s oldest towns and is bordered by rivers. You can reach the town centre by one of the numerous bridges and see impressive buildings at the edge of the harbour. Just a 3km stretch separates you and your hotel in Papendrecht, just on the north shore of the river just from Dordrecht town centre.

Day 4 - Papendrecht / Dordrecht – Bergen op Zoom 69km

Your first port of call for the day is Biesbosch, which due to a high flood in 1421 is now one of a handful of wetlands in Europe where the ecosystem is adapted to salt and freshwater from both the sea and rivers. The constantly changing system of creeks ad rivulets contains small islands of willows and reeds, making a fantastic home for birds. Cycle on the edge of the National Park and finish your day off in Willemstad, a walled town which is shaped like a star with seven points. Please note you can only cycle Biesbosch Park on the days that the ferry runs. For the days when the ferry doesn’t run there is an alternate route.

Day 5 - Bergen op Zoom - Antwerpen 57km

This day of cycling will entail mostly wooded areas as you head into Belgium. Once you cross the border you will be greeted by De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide, which is a delightful nature reserve spreading across both countries. Follow the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) into the thick of historical Antwerp. The popular city of Antwerp is Flanders’ largest town and the most important port city in Belgium. Start by taking a look at the historical town centre and then head to the popular parts of the city Zuid and Het Eilandje. By now you will have most likely worked up a thirst, quench it on a tasty Belgian beer! You can try it right from the source in the De Koninck beer brewery. It dates back to 1833 and now has a visitors’ centre which allows you to sample some beer and take a look around. It is best known for its “Bollekes”

Day 6 – Antwerpen – Leuven/Louvain 68km

Leaving Antwerpen on the South, you will pass through countryside on the way to Rumst. Here three rivers meet: the river Nete, Dijle and Rupel (which is also the country’s shortest river at 10km). You will continue along the Dijle and arrive at the old town of Mechelen, where there is the gorgeous church tower of St. Rombold’s cathedral – a fantastic spot for lunch. We would highlight recommend some Belgian French fries! Going along the river again you will reach the university town of Louvain. Enjoy this welcoming town with old houses from the 14^th and 15^th century. Pay a visit to the Grand Béguinage, an old community for spinsters that was set up in 1234 and now makes up part of the university campus. You may also want to pay a visit the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304). Finish off your day of exploring in the Old Market Square (the Oude Markt). You can also opt for a shorter route of 63km along the Leuven-Dijle canal, this may, however, be less scenic.

Day 7 – Leuven/Louvain – Brussels 40km

Your last day of cycling entails the Belgian Brabant hills and the huge Sonian Forest. If you don’t fancy arriving in Brussels by bike, you can instead choose to get a train from one of the numerous train stations along the route. Some of the highlights in Brussels include the Grote Markt (Great Market Square) with the nearby statue of Manneken Pis, the trip of course wouldn’t be complete without sampling some hot waffles, chocolate, or beer. Bring a memory back from Brussels from one of the numerous shops.

Day 8 – Return home

Have one last breakfast and then say goodbye to your trip!
Route Overview

Route Overview

Route Map (For guidance only)

Start point: Amsterdam

End point: Brussels

Total distance: 340 KM

A route of medium difficulty, which is on a sign-posted route that is mostly flat and has very low traffic. Towards the end the route becomes slightly more challenging as it becomes hillier. The towns are ideal for bikes, there is total freedom and mobility and copious places to park your bike.
Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to/from Amsterdam or Brussels airports for this cycling holiday.

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.

The Amsterdam to Brussels cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The Amsterdam to Paris cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- Accommodation in 3/4 * Hotels
- Breakfast
- Luggage transfers
- Route notes and maps
- Tourist information on all the places of interest
- 7-days a week service-hotline
Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
- Bike hire and helmet
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.

You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump.

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.

Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.

E-Bike Upgrades:

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
Hotels

Hotels

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Date & Prices

You can find out more about this cycling holiday by completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.

2022 Cycling Holiday Dates & Prices:

Season	Date	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season 1	01.05 – 30.09	£710	Monday
Single Room Supplement	All	£215
Half Board Supplement	All	£180

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike	£95
Electric Bike Upgrade	£195

Reference DBT22

Date From	Date To
02 May 2022	27 September 2022

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