Holland / From Maastricht to Amsterdam

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1. Maastricht (5 km)

Embarkation and check-in on board between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. After the welcome meeting there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test-ride along the river. After dinner the tour leader will take you for a walk through the centre of town. We advise you to come to Maastricht one or more days before departure, so that you can explore this interesting city. Maastricht is a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. You can admire St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum and the Kazematten, an underground fortress dating back to the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves. You will not get bored!

2. Maastricht - Roermond (40 km)

During breakfast the barge will sail to Born via the Juliana Canal. From here you will cycle over the Dutch/Belgian border into Belgium to Maaseik. This city is famous for being the birthplace of 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. Then you continue to 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. Your destination today is 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.

3. Roermond - Arcen (50 km)

Today you start biking from Roermond. First you follow the river on the east bank to the beautiful village of Beesel, known for its mill featuring a ‘grey bear’, standing right by the road. You will then cross over to the other bank to Kessel, one of the oldest villages on the Meuse. The afternoon is dedicated to Venlo and Arcen, a fortified town on the banks of the Meuse. There you can visit the beautiful 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.

4. Arcen - Cuijk (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. Your barge will be waiting for you 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. Cuijk - Heusden (40 km)

Today you will be cycling from Cuijk along the Meuse 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. Once again you will join the barge in Maasbommel and from here sail to Heuseden, a beautifully resatured fortified city.

6. Heusden - Vianen (40 km)

In the morning you will sail to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. From here you will 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. In the afternoon you will continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

7. Vianen - Amsterdam (40 km)

You will sail on during breakfast. Today’s bike tour, that starts in Breukelen leads along the winding river Vecht to Amsterdam. In Loenen you will visit a typical Dutch mill. Final destination is Amsterdam, where you can enjoy the many museums and points of interests as well as sailing on the canals to see the city from a very special perpective.

8. Amsterdam

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.