Compare Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels by Exodus Travels vs Yuletide Spirit: Brussels to Amsterdam - Northbound 2023 by Tauck
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
Price From | $ 2,525 | $ 3,290 |
Price Per Day | $ 316 | $ 411 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | Small group tour | River cruise |
Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | No | No |
Activities |
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Meals Included | All breakfasts are included. There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from the Netherlands to Belgium with local specialities including stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres and beer. | N/A |
Description |
Starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Belgium's capital city of Brussels, we recommend adding a few extra nights on to do city breaks in both cities to discover the variety of architecture, historic sites and monuments as well as shopping arcades, parks, gardens, art galleries and museums. Discover why millions visit these two key European cities every year with Amsterdam's famous network of canals (a UNESCO World Heritage site), its infamous red light district and its fabulous squares - Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Brussels is famous for its food, comic strips, the world-famous Manneken Pis statue as well as the Atomium and the amazing Grand Place. As well as the start and finish cities, this linear route is mostly flat cycling and allows you to discover even more Dutch and Belgian treats - for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Archetypal images of Holland include its windmills and bridges with plenty of windmills in Kinderdijk and bridges in Papendrecht to feast your eyes on as you cycle across Holland's Green Heart. Famous local snacks from Gouda include syrup waffles (or stroopwafels) and cheese. Continuing southwards you'll get to see the Biesbosch National Park, one of Erurope's last remaining freshwater tidal areas, before heading over the border into Belgium where you'll discover the historical cities of Antwerp and Leuven with awe-inspiring architecture and delicious beer and mussels (moules) with Belgian triple-fried chips (frites). For those with a sweet tooth, Belgium's sweet and sugary gaufres (with various toppings) and the luxury pralines and chocolates are well worth trying an assortment.This linear cycling trip takes in the capitals of Holland and Belgium as well as historic cities en route. |
Experience the magic of Holland and Belgium during Winterfest, when friendships, fun and holiday cheer are celebrated with heartwarming festivities and colorful cultural traditions in picturesque villages along inland waterways from Brussels to Amsterdam. Ashore, discover daily life on guided walking tours in towns, museums and palaces decked out in their season's best, enjoying special moments on private visits, and music and traditions steeped in yuletide spirit. Onboard, dining and cultural entertainment light up your nights, enriching the warm camaraderie inherent in a Tauck river cruise. |
Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam
Marvel at the townhouses along the 17th century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein. Overnight Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.
Day 2 Amsterdam to Gouda
Today's route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. It was to this place that women who had been accused of witchcraft fled from all over Europe to try to have their innocence proven by weighing. Finish your ride in medieval Gouda, discover this beautifully preserved town centre, visit the Gothic town hall and St. John's church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of the famous stroopwafels) and pick up some Gouda cheese. Overnight Best Western Plus City 4*, Gouda.
Day 3 Gouda to Papendrecht
From Gouda you'll continue through the Green Heart of Holland to the village of Kinderdijk. Explore the site on which 19 windmills have stood majestically since 1740 and used to drain excess water out of the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. You can even pay one of the mills a visit. Your destination, Papendrecht, is just a ferry crossing away from of one of Holland's oldest towns; Dordrecht, which is completely surrounded by rivers. Beautiful bridges take you across the water into the heart of town with its many monumental buildings around the harbour Overnight Leonardo Hotel 4*, Papendrecht.
Day 4 Papendrecht to Bergen op Zoom
Follow today's route past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe: the Biesbosch National Park. Crossing a one-kilometre-long bridge high above Holland's Diep river, you arrive in the south of the Netherlands. Continue through village after village, with Brabant hospitality enticing you in to stop for a cup of coffee and a big slice of fruit tart. Bergen op Zoom, today's destination, is 800 years old and the town's narrow streets, old squares and hundreds of monuments testify to a rich and dramatic past. Be sure to feast your eyes on Markiezenhof, a late-gothic mansion built by the local noble family in 1485, that now serves as a museum and archive, before you settle down at one of the many pavement cafes. Please note you will only be able to cycle through the Biesbosch park on days when the ferry is running, which is not daily. An alternative route will be provided for days when there is no ferry service. Overnight Grand Hotel De Draak 4*, Bergen op Zoom.
Day 5 Bergen op Zoom to Antwerp
The landscape along today's cycling route is predominantly wooded. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you along the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) right into the historical heart of Antwerp, Belgium's most important port city and the largest town in Flanders. After seeing the historical centre you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: 't Zuid and Het Eilandje. If you've worked up a thirst on your journey, consider a visit to the De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting. This brewery is best known for its 'bollekes', a type of rounded beer glass. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Antwerp.
Day 6 Antwerp to Leuven
After a short stretch on the banks of the River Scheldt, change course to follow the River Rupel, the shortest river in the country (nearly 10km long). Along the way you'll see abandoned brick works and chimneys as silent witnesses of a tough industrial past. A good place to stop for lunch is the old town of Mechelen, within sight of the church tower of 13th century St. Rombold's cathedral or the Grand Place with its fabulous architecture. Continue along the River Dijle to end your day in the delightful university town of Leuven, where the oldest houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Also visit the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304) and the Old Market Square (Oude Markt), nicknamed 'the longest bar counter in the world' due to the enormous number of bars and cafes on the square. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Leuven.
Day 7 Leuven to Brussels
The hills of Belgian Brabant and the expansive Sonian Forest set the scene for today's cycle. There are also train options if you don't feel like cycling into the big city of Brussels. The city's main attraction is the fantastic Grand Place and the nearby little statue of Manneken Pis still draws the crowds although there's plenty more to see. Your visit to Brussels should involve culinary treats such as delicious hot waffles, chocolate, triple-fried frites and beer. You should also enjoy the shopping and culture; you'll be hard-pushed not to want to stay longer. Overnight Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Brussels.
Day 8 Depart Brussels
Depart from Brussels after a hearty breakfast.
Day 1 Welcome to Brussels / Embark Riverboat
Tour begins: 4:00 PM, Brussels. A transfer is included from Brussels Airport or Brussels Central Train Station to Tauck's riverboat where embarkation begins at 4:00 PM. Settle into your cabin and join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner.
MEALS : D
LODGING : ms Grace
PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium
Day 2 Brussels in Winter
Wake up for a tour of the city that visits the enchanting cobblestoned square, Grand-Place, surrounded by ornately gilded 17th-century guildhouses, and the festive holiday markets of Winterfest, infused with the joys and spirit of the season. Time at leisure this afternoon lets you experience winter's wonders in Brussels as you wish. Your riverboat cruises to Antwerp tonight.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
PORTOFCALL : Brussels, Belgium
Day 3 Gems of Antwerp
Sugar and diamond trading put Antwerp on the map in the mid-16th century when it was one of Europe's most important cities. Today it is also famous for being the home of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens, inviting you to walk in the artist's footsteps and see his masterpieces where he painted them. Traditionally held every December, the Antwerp Christmas Market is spread over different squares of the city, within walking distance of the Grote Markt and other landmarks you'll see today. Guided sightseeing showcases the highlights of Antwerp this morning before time at leisure to explore on your own. Return to the riverboat by shuttle at your convenience and enjoy musical entertainment onboard ship tonight after dinner.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
PORTOFCALL : Antwerp, Belgium
Day 4 City Sightseeing in Ghent & Bruges
Your riverboat arrives in Ghent this morning, one of Belgium's odlest cities. Drive to the fortified medieval city of Bruges for a guided exploration along its meandering canals, magnificent squares, and narrow cobblestone lanes. After time for lunch, enjoy free time to explore as you wish, or depart for Ghent. One of Belgium's oldest cities, Ghent is home to gabled guild houses and private mansions and linked by canal bridges. Both cities are best enjoyed on foot. Return to your riverboat for dinner.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
PORTOFCALL : Bruges, Belgium
Day 5 A Taste of Rotterdam or a Day in Delft
A choice of shore excursions today includes a locally guided walking tour of Rotterdam or a visit to Delft and its porcelain factory. In Rotterdam, view world-class architecture and urban design, along with outdoor sculptures randomly placed, and as you make your way to the city's covered Markthal; topped with sought-after glass-walled apartments, the market is lined with some 96 stalls enticing with a taste of Dutch culinary specialties under an arched fruit-and-vegetable muralled ceiling. Little changed since Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer lived here in the 17th century, the historic center of Delft is a veritable time capsule of medieval treasures and Golden Age glories. Tour the city's Royal Delft factory to learn more about the distinctive blue and white Delftware pottery first introduced by local artisans in the 17th century. Continue to the royal city of Den Haag for a walking tour that includes a visit to Escher in the Palace; housed in an 18th century palace that was once home to the Dutch royal family and is now a museum, it features a permanent exhibition of works by Dutch graphic artist MC Escher.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
Day 6 Gouda
A leisurely morning cruise brings you to Schoonhaven in south Holland for a drive to historic Gouda, famous for its namesake cheese, but also inviting with its lesser-known candles – and stroopwafels. Join a local guide for a walking tour of its compact canal-ringed city center. Visit 15th-century Sint-Janskerk (the Church of St. John), astonishing with 64 magnificent stained glass windows, many of which date back to the mid-1500s, and see the pride of the town, the monumental 17th-century Waag, (weighing house) and the Town Hall. Credited with inventing stroopwafels, an iconic waffle sandwich with syrup in the center, Gouda was the only city to make them until 1870. Enjoy a demonstration and a tasting during your visit to Gouda today! Set sail for Amsterdam this afternoon.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
Day 7 Amsterdam, historic windmills & a Light Festival
Travel to the Zaanse Schans neighborhood to get an idea of what life was like in 17th- and 18th-century Holland; you'll see the historic windmills and green wooden houses from the period. After lunch onboard ship, the afternoon is free for you to explore Amsterdam as you please. Illuminated artwork and sculptures lining the canals add a special glow to the city's winter landscapes at night, and are a highlight of this evening's festive canal cruise.
MEALS : B, L, D
LODGING : ms Grace
PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 8 Journey Home
Tour ends: Amsterdam. Disembark your riverboat by 9:00 AM this morning and fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the riverboat to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, or Centraal Train. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.
MEALS : B
PORTOFCALL : Amsterdam, Netherlands