Freewheel - Bike & Barge: Rotterdam to the Province of Zeeland

Bike & Barge: Rotterdam to the Province of Zeeland

Germany

From £885 P/P

The province of Zeeland, also known as the “Land in the Sea” is located in the west of the Netherlands. This interesting landscape consists mostly of islands and peninsulas.

The Eastern and Western Scheldt estuaries of Zeeland reach far inland, making it a paradise for various flora and fauna. Cycle with us from the energetic city of Rotterdam, a city known for its easy and relaxed atmosphere and culture of togetherness, to the province of Zeeland. Discover historic towns such as Zierikzee and Middelburg, and the Delta Works; Holland’s most impressive storm surge barriers. Sample delicious local delicacies, such as mussels, oysters and Eastern Scheldt Lobster.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1 (Sat): Arrival in Rotterdam, Boat Tour Rotterdam – Dordrecht

Make your own way into Rotterdam. Embarkation at about 4:00 pm.
Depending on your arrival time, you might have the chance to see Rotterdam’s stunning Market Hall. The Dutch often refer to it as their “Sistine Chapel”, because of the incredible decor.
At 6:00pm the boat will cast off to Holland’s oldest town, Dordrecht, located impressively on an island between three wide rivers.

Day 2 (Sun): Dordrecht – Willemstad – Hellevoetsluis, Cycle Tour, approx. 45km

We will set sail for Willemstad in the morning. This small, fortified town dates back to the 17th/18th century, and is well worth the visit. Here, you will start your first bike tour. Cross the inland waters of Haringvliet over the Volkerakdam, and cycle through pleasant fields. You will pass villages that look like they've come straight out of a storybook, like Zwartsluis and Goudswaard, and finish the day at the popular water sports centre of Hellevoetsluis.

Day 3 (Mon): Hellevoetsluis – Bruinisse, Cycle Tour approx. 45 km

If the weather is on your side, it is well worth taking a detour to the bathing beach of Rockanje, a wide fine-sandy beach with marvellous dunes, before you set out on today's bike tour. Crossing the Haringvliet again, you will pass through small villages like Stellendam with the mill Korenlust, the small water sport village of Herkingen and, continuing along the Grevelingendam, you will eventually reach your destination for the day, the village of Bruinisse, famous for its mussels.

Day 4 (Tue): Bruinisse – Middelburg, approx. 54km

Today you will cycle to the small town of Zierikzee, which often ranks among the 10 most beautiful Dutch national heritage towns. The “fat tower” rises high above the town. From the top of the tower you will be treated to marvellous views over the town, the harbour and the island. Continue your tour crossing the Zeeland Bridge to Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland.
Middleburg is a town full of history. Numerous shops and cafes are waiting to be discovered.

Day 5 (Wed): Boat Tour Middelburg – Veere, Cycle Tour Middelburg - Neeltje Jans – Veere, approx. 35 - 55km

Destination of today’s cycle tour is Neeltje Jans. You can choose between three different routes for today's ride. You can head to Neeltje Jans, the former working island, which was created by raising a sand flat to facilitate the construction of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, the most impressive construction of the Delta Works. You will have the possibility to marvel at the locks from close and also from the inside. Afterwards, you will continue your ride to Veere, a beautiful holiday seaside town.

Day 6 (Thu): Round Trip Veere / Bout tour Veere – Dordrecht, Cycle Tour approx. 40 km

Today you have another opportunity to enjoy the picturesque, typically Dutch landscape on the Peninsula Walcheren around the lively tourist towns of Veere and Middelburg. Nowhere in the Netherlands does the sun shine as often and long as on Walcheren. Alternatively, you can do one of yesterday's cycling tours.

Day 7 (Fri): Dordrecht – Rotterdam, Cycle Tour approx. 40 km

On your final ride you will get the chance to explore the best-known windmills in the Netherlands at Kinderdijk. These 19 windmills date back to the 18th century, and are beautifully well preserved and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windmills are a must see attraction in the area! Follow the route along the Maas River up to Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world.

Day 8 (Sat): Departure from Rotterdam

Disembarkation until 09:00am and individual journey home.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Due to its numerous cycle paths, Holland has become a paradise for cyclists. The cycle routes are on flat terrain and are easy to cycle on, although strong head winds are possible.

Total distance cycled: 171 km

Route Map (For guidance only):

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Rotterdam or Amsterdam airport to reach the starting point of 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.
What’s Included?

What’s Included?

The Bike & Barge: Cologne to Rotterdam cycling holiday includes accommodation on-board the MS Arkona and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)

7 nights aboard MS Olympia with private facilities and air conditioning
• Programme according itinerary
• Port fees included
• Captains greeting and Welcome drink
• Daily cabin cleaning, Changing of towels and bed cloths if wanted
• Full meals: 7x breakfast, 6x light lunch on board (non cyclists) or packed lunch for cyclists, 6x afternoon coffee break, 7x dinner
• Daily informational meeting and Information pack with route book (one per cabin)

Services not included

Journey to Rotterdam and from Cologne, shuttles, entrance fees and excursions, ferry fares, travel insurances, parking fee, bike hire, drinks on board, tips.
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.

You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)

Rental Bike PLUS

E - Bike (Colour may vary)

Accessories

If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.

All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.

You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.

Gearing information available on request.

Frame Sizing

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. 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!

Bike Hire Insurance

This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.

Electric Bike Hire

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. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.

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

MS Olympia

Comfortable and cosy river ship with family environment. The ship was refurbished in 2015/2016. The panoramic salon with bar in gentlemens club-style and the bright and friendly restaurant are waiting for you to pass relaxing hours here. A spacious, partly shaded sun deck and storage space for bicycles.

A total of 49 comfortable outside cabins for a max. of 96 guests are available.

Main deck: 21 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²).

Upper deck: 22 two-bed-cabins (about 11m²), 4 cabins of bigger size at the stern of the ship (12m²), 3 of which feature twin beds; during the trip increased noise perception as well as two single cabins about 9m². All cabins boast en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, telephone, TV, individual air conditioning/heating, fridge, safe, and large panoramic window. On the Upper deck, cabins feature opening windows.

Technical Details: Length 88.50 m. Width 10.50 m. Draught 1.30 m. Capacity max. 96 passengers. Flag Switzerland. Built 1984. Refurbished 2015/2016. Crew ca. 21

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:

Sailing Information:

Ship	Route Summary
MS Olympia	Rotterdam to the Province of Zeeland

2022 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season A	07. May – 14. May I 14. May – 21. May I 02. July – 09. July I 09. July – 16. July I 16. July – 23. July I 23. July – 30. July I 30. July – 06. Aug. I 06. Aug. – 13. Aug. I 13. Aug. – 20. Aug. I 20. Aug. – 27. Aug. I 27. Aug. – 03. Sept. I 03. Sept. – 10. Sept	Saturday

Main Deck Information:

Season	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season A: Main Deck 2 bed	£885	Saturday
Season A: Main Deck (Single use)	£1160	Saturday

Upper Deck Information:

Season	Prices per person	Arrival Day
Season A: Upper Deck 2 bed Astern	£975	Saturday
Season A: Upper Deck 2 bed	£1020	Saturday
Season A: Upper Deck Single Cabin	£1205	Saturday

Bike Hire per person:

Bike Type	Price
Rental Bike:	£80
Electric Bike Upgrade:	£165

SE22

Date From	Date To
07 May 2022	10 September 2022

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