Holland / From Amsterdam to Maastricht

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1. Amsterdam - Weesp (10 km)

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Around 2 p.m. the barge sails to Weesp. This small city on the banks of the river Vecht has a historical centre with many canals and buildings dating from the seventeenth and eighteenth century. It also has a few beautiful windmills. The scenic river Vecht and the small roads along the river attract yachters and cyclists. As soon as you arrive the tour leader will organize a test ride. After dinner you will have time to stroll through this charming city.

2. Weesp - Vianen (50 km)

Your bike tour starts in Weesp and you will cycle along the beautiful meandering river Vecht while admiring impressive mansions built on its banks. Along the way you will visit a typical Dutch cheese farm, where cheese is still produced according to traditional methods. You will meet the barge in the city of Utrecht and from there you will sail the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

3. Vianen - Heusden (40 km)

From Vianen you cycle through a typical Dutch landscape to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Leerdam is famous for its glasswork. A visit of the ancient crystal factory of Royal Leerdam is on the program. You can see a team of master glass blowers at work. Later on you will continue cycling on the beautiful roads along the Linge to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. After a short visit, you will join the barge to Heusden.

4. Heusden - Cuijck (40 km)

During breakfast the ship sails from Heusden to Maasbommel, a village on the Maas river. Here starts your bike tour, leading you along the Maas river to the medieval towns of Ravenstein and Grave. In Ravenstein you can visit the Tanner’s Cottages and in Grave you will be able to admire Napoleonic canons. Grave also played an important role in Operation Market Garden during the second world war, because it was situated near an important bridge. Following the Maas river, you’ll arrive in Cuijk where the neo-gothic church of St. Martins is worth a visit. In fact it houses a very well kept baroque organ (built 1639-1650) one of the oldest in the Netherlands. Overnight in Cuijck.

5. Cuijck - Arcen (55 km)

Today’s ride will truly impress you. Cycle along the Maas valley to Afferden and Heyen. The route continues through Maasduinen National Park to Well, where you will admire the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating back to the 14th century. Today’s destination is Arcen where may visit the famous castle gardens. They will surprise you with a great variety: the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water- and sculpture garden; the Lommerijk, with shades, waterfalls and streamlets; the Valley, offering six ‘international’ gardens; Casa Verde, offering Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the Golf garden, with a view at the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

6. Arcen - Roermond (50 km)

Your bike route follows the Meuse river. and you will cross by ferry or bridge in order to follow the most interesting trails. The first stop is Venlo, with interesting historical monuments and a lively city centre. Around lunchtime you will arrive in Kessel, one of the oldest villages along the Meuse. From there you will cross over to the other bank and continue to the beautiful village of Beesel known for its mill featuring a ‘grey bear’, standing right by the road. Todays’s tour ends where the rivers Roer and Meuse join in the city of Roermond. which is known becasue of its rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a bishop city and it proudly displays many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, one of the 19th century most important Dutch architects, who planned the Rijksmuseum and the Central Station in Amsterdam.

7. Roermond - Maastricht (40 km)

Today, the cycling tour continues through charming villages and the beautiful landscape of the Limburg province. First stop is Thorn, the ‘white Village’ on the Dutch/Belgian border, known for its cobblestone streets and white painted houses where the only odd building is the 14th-century church. From Thorn you cycle across the Dutch/Belgian border to Maaseik, Belgium. This city is famous for the Flemish painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. On the market square you will see typical Renaissance-style buidings and their impressive facades. You can also take the opportunity to have a nice Belgian “pint” on this beautiful square. You will meet the ship in Born, from where you sail to Maastricht the capital of the province. Here you enjoy St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortified works dating back to the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored!

8. Maastricht

End of your tour: disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday. Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered - previously not announced - repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the barge’s captain.