Cycling Holidays - Vennbahn Rail Trail

Vennbahn Rail Trail

Belgium

From £719 P/P

The Vennbahn rail trail is a 125km long cycle path on a former railway leading from Troisvierges in the north of Luxembourg along the scenic River Our to Belgian-German High Fens-Eifel nature park.

The Vennbahn finishes in the historic German city of Aachen, a town of great significance, as the cathedral and gothic Town Hall testify.

The maximum average incline on the route is 2% and is ideal for a leisurely cycling holiday.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Maastricht or Gravenvoeren

Make your own way to Maastricht in Limburg province, in the farthest possible corner of the southern Netherlands or Gravenvoeren, Belgium.

Maastricht is easy to reach by public transport as it is only 2 hours by train from Amsterdam and 1 hour from Eindhoven. For those of you arriving by car, there is parking at the Hotel.

You will be welcomed with coffee/tea and “vlaai”, local fruit tart.

Day 2: Maastricht/Gravenvoeren – Eupen (59 km)

It’s only a short ride from Maastricht to the border with Belgium. Past 's-Gravenvoeren,and Hombourg you cycle to Raeren, where in a Castle a pottery museum is located. Continue your route to Eupen, the capital of the East Cantons. Enjoy the last 7 kilometres of today’s route ‘downhill’ direction Lake Eupen!

Day 3: Eupen – St. Vith (59 km)

Remarkably, nearly all of today’s route is closed to motorized vehicles. Climb gradually to a height of 660m above N.A.P. level, enjoying the natural beauty of the High Fens. From Kalterherberg on, the route follows the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path. It’s an easy ride past Sourbrodt marshalling yard to Waimes; and then past Montenau artisanal ham smokery to Sankt Vith.

Day 4: St. Vith – Clervaux (32 or 50 km)

On the way to Luxembourg, still on the ‘Vennbahn’ cycling path, don’t miss the castle ruins of Burg Reuland. Shortly after, cross the border into Luxembourg to reach Troisvierges. At this point, choose either to catch a slow train to Clervaux or to cycle a splendid route with some stiff climbs and delightful descents!

Day 5: Clervaux – Bütgenbach (65 km)

Set off for the tripoint, the geographical point where Luxembourg, Belgium and Germany meet, near the town of Ouren. From there, follow the valley of the River Our back up north, passing Schönberg (literally: lovely mountain). True to the name, this really is a lovely route! From the Our Valley, the route climbs to 500m guaranteeing fine views for the last stretch to Bütgenbach.

Day 6: Bütgenbach – Monschau (38 km)

Today we’re taking it easy! Cross the magnificent Robertville reservoir (artificial lake) atop the dam to reach the lively town of Robertville. The route then runs back into the High Fens on bike tracks offering marvellous scenery. Past Kalterherberg, set course for the Eifel town of Monschau, famous for its charming timber-framed houses.

Day 7: Monschau (D) to Maastricht (NL) - ´s Gravenvoeren (B) / approx. 45 km (bike) and 35 km (train)

On your final cycling day, head back from the centre of Monschau to the Vennbahn rail trail. A visit to the monumental town of Kornelimünster is a must. After a long descent you will reach the town of Aachen, once the centre of Charlemagne’s empire. After your visit to this historic town, get on a train to Maastricht; relax and enjoy while the hills of scenic southern Limburg glide by like a protracted panorama.

Day 8: Departure

End of tour. Departure after breakfast.
Route Overview

Route Overview

The Vennbahn rail trail uses the route of a former railway line crossing three countries over 125 km.

Starting point of the cycling holiday: Maastricht

The maximum average incline is only 2% and so the route is suitable for cyclists of any level.

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 Cologne, Brussels Zaventum or Brussels Charleroi airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.

TRAVELLING BY TRAIN FROM KERKRADE TO MAASTRICHT-RANDWYCK At day 7 of your cycle holiday, you cycle from Monschau (D) to Kerkrade (NL). The route leads you to the railway station of Kerkrade-Centrum (Kerkrade is a former centre of the Dutch mining industry). From here you travel by train to Maastricht-Randwyck. The departure times are: every hour at (e.g.) 14.00 hrs. and 14.30 hrs. Arrival in MaastrichtRandwyck 0.42 hrs. later, with 1x change in Heerlen!! – from platform 2 to platform 1. Please note: platform 5 is just opposite platform 4, that’s easy! Example! Departure Kerkrade-Centrum : 14.00 hrs. Arrival Heerlen : 14.14 hrs. change from platform 2 to platform 1 Departure Heerlen : 14.16 uur Arrival Maastricht-Randwyck : 14.42 uur ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND IN JULI / AUGUST DON’T TAKE THE TRAIN OF 16.30 HRS. – A CHANGED TIMETABLE IS THAN APPLICABLE! ATTENTION pls.: Bicycle transport in the train is not possible from Monday to Friday during rush hour between 16.30 – 18.00 hrs. Therefore, if you travel e.g. at 15.30 hrs. to Maastricht-Randwyck or previously, above measure does not apply to you! On Saturday, on Sunday, on public holidays and in July and August, bicycle transport is all day allowed. THE TRAIN TICKET (S) FOR THE TRANSPORT OF YOURSELF + FELLOW TRAVELER (S)+BIKE(S) YOU’LL FIND IN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.

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 Voyages SNCF 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 0800 755 5385 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 Vennbahn Rail Trail 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 and 4* hotels
- Bike hire
- Breakfast
- Luggage Transfers
- Tea/Coffee and local fruit tart in Maastricht on Day 1
- Train ticket (incl bike) from Aachen to Maastricht-Randwyck
- 7 days service-hotline
- GPX files on request
- Route descriptions and maps
- Tourist information for places of interest
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 stated)
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 +44 (0) 800 7555385.

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 +44 (0) 800 7555385 for more information.

The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.

Vennbahn	Sample Hotel List
Maastricht	NH Hotel Maastricht
Eupen	Hotel Ambassador Bosten Eupen
St Vith	Hotel Pip Margraff
Clervaux	Hotel Koener (Clervaux)
Butgenbach	Hotel Butgenbacher Hof (Butgenbach)
Monschau	Michel & Friends Hotel Monschau (Monschau)
Maastricht	NH Hotel Maastricht

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 0800 755 5385 to speak to one of the team.

2019 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season 1:	01.05. - 30.06.2019 \| 01.08. - 30.09.2019	Fridays
Season 2:	01.07 - 31.07.2019	Thursdays

Category A Information:

Season	Prices per person including bike hire
Season 1:	£719
Season 2:	£749
E-Bike Upgrade:	£69
Single Supplement Upgrade:	£269
Half Board Upgrade:	£209

Hotel Category Descriptions:

Category Type	Accommodation Overview
Category A:	3 / 4* Hotels

Extra Nights (You will stay in the same hotel as per the cycle tour)

Location	Prices from (DBL/BB)
Maastricht:	£69

Date From	Date To
01 May 2019	30 September 2019

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