This tour explores the relatively unknown centre of the Netherlands. The cycle trip follows rivers like the Linge, Bergse, Maas and Lek. You’ll be passing the medieval castles Loevestein and Ammersoyen, and staying overnight in attractive fortified towns like Gorinchem and Heusden.

Visits to the Old Dutch towns of Dordrecht and Gouda will take you back to the atmosphere of centuries ago.You’ll also have a chance to visit the famous natural reserve Biesbosch. By bike and by ship you’ll be able to enjoy both this unique scenery and the rivers that run through it.

Day to Day Itinerary

Monday: cycle trip 30 km
We’ll go to the castle Loevestein by way of a small ferry. After having visited the castle, our cycle trip takes us to Poederoijen and to Ammerzoden, where we come upon two more castles. The ferry crossing the Bergse Maas takes us to picturesque Heusden, the fortified town where we’ll spend the night.

Tuesday: cycle trip 45 km
Right across the Drunense Duinen, a vast area of moving sands we cycle further to Dongen. Following the river Donge and crossing the rivers Oude Maas and Bergse Maas we arrive in Dussen. Geertruidenberg, known as the oldest town of Holland, may be admired for its fortifications and its splendid location at the river Amer.
Here we embark and leave by boatel for Dordrecht, one of the six towns known as ‘The Secrets of Holland’.

Wednesday: cycle trip 55 km
In the morning there is a small cycle trip that leads to and through the nature reserve Biesbosch. Those who prefer to stay the morning in Dordecht may discover this historic town by themselves. In the afternoon the barge will sail for approx two hours to Gouda, world famous for its cheese! If you sail to Gouda, we recommend a visit to a pottery, a candle maker or to the St. Jans church (unique stained-glass windows).
If you cycle to Gouda you will pass the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and enjoy the polderlands of the Krimpenerwaard.

Thursday: cycle trip 55 km
The cycle trip goes right through the Reeuwijkse Plassen, a lake area that is coveredwith cycle paths showing fine views of untouched scenery. Via Woerden the trip leads to Uithoorn, where you stay the night.

Friday: cycle trip 55 km
'Early birds' may take the opportunity to visit the Aalsmeer flower auction. The cycle trip goes alongside the river Amstel into Amsterdam. You can also sail to Amsterdam (appr. 3 hours) and discover the town centre in the afternoon. In the evening you may wish to join the guide for a walk through the centre or you may (on your own account) go for a round trip of the Amsterdam canals.

Saturday:
After breakfast your guide and the crew will say good-bye and your stay aboard has come to an end.

Airport / Transfers

Flights are in/out of Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. There are trains from the terminal into Central Station every 20 minutes, at a cost of approx. Euro 8.00. The barges are docked right beside the Central Station.

Schedule