Cycle Bruges to Amsterdam
Cycle Bruges to Amsterdam
Tour Overview
When it comes to self guided cycling holidays the cities and countryside of the Netherlands are ideal for this flexible style of travel. This itinerary from Belgium follows high-quality cycle paths past the delightful towns, villages and canals that the Netherlands is famous for and will take you to regions of the country you might otherwise never discover. From the Belgian city of Bruges, pearl of the Flanders region, the ride takes you to the border and the polders and nature reserves of the Netherlands. Cycling through the Green Heart and past the famous Kinderdijk windmills, you'll explore some of the most picturesque, well preserved and evocative towns of the Netherlands and Flanders including the cheese capital of Gouda and the fortified town of Willemstad. Finishing in the dynamic city of Amsterdam, you should allow time to explore its many museums, parks and canals either on foot or by bike. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bruges
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: hotel
The trip commences in enchanting Bruges, known as the 'Pearl of Flanders'. With most of its medieval architecture intact, the town remains exceptionally well preserved and gives a sense of times gone by when it was at the centre of the European wool and cloth trade. After checking in to your hotel, we recommend heading to the Markt for some delicious waffles, chocolates or beer.Optional upgrade available in Bruges to a more centrally located 4* hotel - supplement applies, must be requested a time of booking. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Cycle To Zeelandic Flanders And Take The Ferry To Middelburg Or Vlissingen (66Km/41Mi)
Location: Zeeland
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast you start cycling to the charming little town of Damme on the banks of the Damse Vaart. Continue to the border and enter Zeeland, a Dutch province marked by light, wind, water and lots of space. It is mostly made up of islands so bridges and ferries will be taking you across the waters as you head north east. Picture-book towns with ancient houses and cobbled streets are lined up for the coming days. But first you will pass through Zeelandic Flanders with its winding country roads, pollard willows, wet meadows and scattered villages. Later, at Breskens you hop on a local ferry (the ferry crossing must be reserved online in advance, link provided on booking). and cross to the maritime town of Vlissingen. A little further north, you will discover the splendour of Middelburg, capital of Zeeland. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the most important centres of trade in the Netherlands.The usual standard hotel is in Middelburg, optional hotel upgrade available to stay at Vlissingen 4* hotel - must be requested at time of booking.
Day 3 : Cycle Via Veere To Zierikzee / Noordgouwe (42Km/26Mi)
Location: Zierikzee
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you discover the charming village of Veere. From 1541 everything that was exported to Holland from Scotland (mainly wool) came ashore and was distributed from Veere, which brought the town not only prosperity but also a very lively Scottish expat community that stayed for 300 years. Walk in their footsteps as you take a tour of the sights. A wander down the narrow streets of Zierikzee is an absolute delight. Quaint little old houses take you back in time to the town's glory days when ships set sail for the Baltic and Mediterranean seas to sell salt, wool, fish, grain and red dye.
Day 4 : Cycle And Take Ferries In Zeeland (50Km/31Mi)
Location: Zeeland
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoying your last day in Zeeland, traverse a patchwork landscape of vast polders, idyllic countryside, rolling dunes and golden sand flats. Round off the day in Willemstad, a fortified town shaped like a seven-point star.
Day 5 : Cycle Willemstad To Papendrecht/Dordrecht (65Km/40Mi)
Location: Dordrecht
Meals Included: Breakfast
The result of a major flood in 1421, Biesbosch is one of the few remaining wetland habitats in Europe where the ecosystem has adapted both to saltwater coming in from the sea through tidal creeks, and to fresh water coming from the rivers. It’s an ever-changing labyrinth of creeks and rivulets encompassing countless little islands of willow woods and reeds, a paradise for birds. Pedalling on, you will reach one of the oldest towns in Holland: Dordrecht, completely surrounded by water. The area around the marina is a true gem. This oldest part of town counts over a thousand historical buildings and three nostalgic canals. Please note you will only cycle through de Biesbosch park on days that the ferry departs (not a daily service, payable locally, card only). If the ferry does not go you will follow an alternative route.
Day 6 : Continue Past Kinderdijk Windmills To Gouda (37Km/23Mi)
Location: Gouda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hit the trail once again and set off for the village of Kinderdijk where nineteen majestic windmills present a unique spectacle. They were used to drain excess water from the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. As you ride towards Gouda, cruising at about 2m below sea level, enjoy pastoral countryside and wonderful cloudscapes. For centuries, people flocked from far and wide to buy livestock, meat, turf, seed, cheese etc, at weekly and annual markets in Gouda. We recommend a stroll around the old part of town to soak up the yesteryear atmosphere including all the way around St John’s church and the market square, boasting a 15th-century town hall and a Weighing House (“Waag”).*if we are unable to accommodate you in Gouda due to availability, you will stay in Bodegraven or Oudewater.
Day 7 : Cycle To Amsterdam (68Km Or 58Km/36 Or 42Mi)
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you head into the “Groene Hart” (green heart) of Holland, a pleasant rural area of low-lying polders with peat meadows and grazing cattle. It’s a flat, open, spacious landscape where church spires and windmills touch the horizon and clouds are reflected in lakes and canals. Your trip ends in Amsterdam, famous for its 400-year-old canal district. The city is brimming with things to see and do. Street artists and performers draw crowds on Dam, Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, there's a multitude of museums including “Het Grachtenhuis” (Museum of the Canals), Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum and the Maritime Museum, or take a canal cruise to see the sights from the water.Optional upgrade available to 4* hotel in Amsterdam - must be requested at time of booking. Both hotels are near Spaarndammerbuurt, a great base from which to explore interesting Expressionist architecture, nearby Westerpark and the busy city and canals.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Amsterdam
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes this morning in Amsterdam after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
What's Included
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Accommodation
hotels -
7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices
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7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Optional upgrades available: in Bruges on day 1 at a more centrally located 4* hotel
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Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps, roadbook and GPS Tracks plus printed roadbook provided locally
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Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
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24 speed hybrid rental bike with pannier, helmet, repair kit and lock (e-bikes available - supplement applies)
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Emergency hotline
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Travel to Bruges and from Amsterdam
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Meals not listed as included, drinks
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Travel insurance - mandatory
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E-bike hire, supplement applies
What's Not Included
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Travel to Bruges and from Amsterdam
Travel to the starting point in Bruges and from the endpoint in Amsterdam is not included.
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Meals not listed as included
All drinks, lunches, and dinners are not included.
A dinner package can be booked which includes a 3-course dinner each night - supplement applies. -
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.
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E-bike hire
E-bike hire is available but a supplement applies.
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Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday; no guide is included.
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Solo traveler supplement
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included and transfers if you need to skip a stage are excluded.
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Ferries
Ferries are not included.
Allow 1 to 4 EUR per ferry. -
Bike insurance
Bike insurance is not included but can be pre-purchased through UTracks.
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Excess luggage
Excess luggage is not included.
Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement. -
Hotel taxes
Hotel taxes, if applicable, are payable directly to the hotel.
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Optional accommodation upgrades
Optional accommodation upgrades in Bruges, Amsterdam, and Vlissingen must be requested at the time of booking, supplements apply.
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Handlebar phone holder
We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to more easily follow the route using the app/GPX files.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are not included.
Grading
Daily cycling distances are 37 to 66km/23 to 41mi, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You only need to carry your daily requirements as your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is suitable for beginners who have a good level of fitness. ...more ...less
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes cycling on paved cycle paths and quiet country roads, with luggage transfer between hotels. Ferries and bridges will be used to cross waters in Zeeland.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. Optional upgrades are available in Bruges on day 1 at a more centrally located 4-star hotel.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities. There are optional upgrades available, such as a more centrally located 4-star hotel in Bruges on day 1.
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Is luggage transfer included in the tour?
Yes, luggage transfer between hotels is included. However, it is limited to one piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg. Excess charges apply for additional luggage, which must be booked and paid for before departure.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A 24-speed hybrid rental bike with a pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock is provided. E-bikes are also available for an additional supplement.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided cycling holiday. An information pack is provided digitally, including route notes and a navigational app for use with your smartphone, as well as a printed pack at the joining hotel.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are continental style. All other meals, including lunches and dinners, are not included. However, a dinner package can be booked, which includes a 3-course dinner each night for an additional supplement.
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What should I carry during the cycling day?
During the cycling day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Additional costs may include excess luggage charges, entrance fees not listed as included, transfers if you need to skip a stage, ferry costs (1 to 4 EUR per ferry), bike insurance, hotel taxes if applicable, and items of a personal nature. Optional accommodation upgrades and a dinner package are also available for an additional supplement.
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What is the terrain like for cycling during the tour?
The cycling terrain is generally flat, with paved cycle paths and quiet country roads. Only towards the end of the tour does the terrain become slightly hilly. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free, although there will be some traffic in and out of the cities.
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What happens if the ferry service in Biesbosch is not available?
If the ferry service in Biesbosch is not available, you will follow an alternative route. The ferry does not operate daily, and the service is payable locally by card only.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Cycle Bruges to Amsterdam
8 Days Starting in Bruges, Belgium and ending in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Visiting: Bruges, Zeeland, Zierikzee, Dordrecht, Gouda, Amsterdam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CBA
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided