Trip code: C07AX 5 (3 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
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 taste buds. 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 Europe'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.
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.
You stay at Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*.
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TV
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Tea/coffee
Less than 5km from the Old Town, this lovely hotel offers trendy and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy the Wellcome Wellness centre which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Grand Cafe serves all-day dining. You can also visit the restaurant Mme Coco for a delicious culinary evening. The chic SKYY Bar offers panoramic city views and serves a range of wines and exotic cocktails, as well as a 5 course dinner at the chef's table.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Best Western Hotel 4*.
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Located just 600m from the Markt, and next to the Gouwe River, this modern hotel offers 101 sound-proofed rooms all decorated with a warm, stylish colour palate. Each floor has its own colour - red for the City Arms and the flag of Gouda; yellow for the colour of the famous Gouda cheese and blue for the city's waterways, bridges and locks. Each room has its own name and a photograph referring to a special landmark in Gouda. The hotel has a Bistro-Bar where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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
You stay at Leonardo Hotel 4*.
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The contemporary Leonardo Hotel located in Papendrecht's centre and just 3km from Dordrecht, offers modern and elegant rooms with great facilities.The hotel also has a comfy lounge bar, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a sun terrace and its own whisky distillery. There is a fitness centre just around the corner where guests have complimentary access.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Grand Hotel De Draak 4*.
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Located right on Bergen op Zoom's main square and the Netherland's oldest hotel, the Grand Hotel de Draak has comfortable and luxurious rooms, all ensuite with shower and/or bath and offering excellent facilities. The hotel has a wellness area with sauna and Turkish steam bath as well as a small fitness room in the hotel's medieval 'dungeon'. There is a high-ceilinged breakfast room and Restaurant Hemingway serves classic cuisine with a French twist.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*.
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Just 10 minutes from Antwerp's central station, this hotel is designed with a contemporary touch for modern travellers. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site RBG restaurant, or sit back with a good book in the cosy lobby.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*.
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The Radisson Park Inn is a contemporary hotel located close to Leuven's Central Station and within walking distance of the sights of the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the University Library and the Stella Artois brewery. The hotel has a fitness centre that is complimentary for guests and a Bar & Grill restaurant offering both international and regional favourites.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 4*.
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All rooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind at this eco-friendly hotel in Brussels. Located in the heart of the European Quarter and near the vibrant city centre, the hotel has convenient access to the Grand Place, Magritte Museum, European Commission, and Brussels International Airport.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Depart from Brussels after a hearty breakfast.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £468.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Amsterdam airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
15.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
