Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
Netherlands/Belgium

A Cycling Journey: Bike and Barge in Holland and Belgium

Program No. 10530RJ
From your floating home on a river barge, set out on a bicycle journey through lovely, historic towns to discover the local history, culture and art of Holland and Belgium.
WishlistShare
Start
  • 10530-NL-Kinderdijk-lghoz.jpg
  • 10530-map.jpg
  • 10530-NL-BE-LaMar-ship-c.jpg
  • 10530-NL-BE-LaMar-ship-interior-c.jpg
  • 10530-barge-bicycle-holland-belgium.jpg
  • 10530-barge-bicycle-holland-belgium-netherlands-bicycle-c.jpg
  • 10530-BE-antwerpen_centraal_station-c.jpg
  • 10530-NL-Amsterdam-c.jpg
  • 10530-NL-BE-cheese-c.jpg
BicyclingOutdoor AdventuresAdventures Afloat Study CruiseBargeSmall Group
Length
16 days
Rating (4.82)
Activity Level
Starts at
7,199
Flights start at
900

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
29 meals ( 14B, 1L, 14D )
9 expert-led lectures
17 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
There will be no biking today which provides an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after your international flight. Motorcoach time approximately 1 hour (30 miles). Barging time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Morning:
Join the Group Leaders and your fellow Road Scholars at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to board a motorcoach to the picturesque village of de Zaanse Schans just north of Amsterdam. We will visit a klompenmaker and observe the art of wooden shoe production.
Lunch:
Enjoy an authentic taste of the Netherlands at a village restaurant located in an 18th-century grain barn. The restaurant specializes in Dutch-style pancakes, savory or sweet treats, which can measure almost a foot in diameter, and often eaten as a main course.
Afternoon:
We proceed by motorcoach to the barge moored in Amsterdam and then motor to Utrecht. Orientation: The Group Leaders, barge captain and crew will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. A support vehicle will accompany the group while biking each day in the event of emergency situations. Periods in the daily schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge, enjoy a three-course plated set menu featuring tasty local cuisine with coffee, tea or water.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 18 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge, the breakfast buffet will offer a variable hot entrée each day as well as meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, cereals, breads, juices, and hot beverages. Breakfast each morning will follow this description.
Morning:
After a fulfilling breakfast, join your Group Leaders in the salon for an informative session on safety and road rules. Bicycles will be fitted for each participant, followed by a test to ensure everyone is able to safely start, stop, and control their bike. This will prepare you for navigating the course ahead as we make our way to Schoonhoven, a town renowned for its silversmithing heritage. Then bicycle to Kinderdijk for an unbelievable view of a row of 19 historic windmills constructed in the mid-18th century to prevent flooding and to drain the surrounding area of water.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy in Kinderdijk. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
We will cycle along the lush green pathways from Kinderdijk to the small village of Alblasserdam. Board the barge in Alblasserdam and sail to Willemstad.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
After dinner, we will attend a lecture on board by a local historian on the history of the Netherlands.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 27 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Before we leave Willemstad, a local expert will show us Fort Sabina, built in 1811 by Napoleon and surrounded by 30 acres of nature preserve. We will then bicycle to Tholen. In 1953 a major flood disaster hit the provinces of Zeeland and Brabant. A combination of wind and high tide causing the sea to flood the land 20 feet above sea level. The former island of Tholen almost disappeared.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Tholen.
Afternoon:
The barge is waiting for us in Tholen, so you will have some free time to explore before we bike back. Once onboard, we cross international borders and will cruise to Antwerp, Belgium and pass through the imposing Kreekrak locks uniquely engineered to reduce freshwater loss and prevent salinization.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
Enjoy an evening stroll around Antwerp with your Group Leaders.
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Antwerp.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Explore Antwerp, the diamond capital of Belgium. Attend a lecture by a local expert on the city's history followed by a field trip to explore the elegant guild houses of the 16th century and the cathedral of our Lady, home to three of Rubens' works, including his masterpiece, Deposition. After your field trip, you will have time to explore Antwerp on your own and may want to climb the cathedral's 400-foot tower for the best views of the city.
Lunch:
On your own in Antwerp.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will visit the Red Star Line Museum, where a local expert will explain why Europeans emigrated to the U.S. Afterwards, take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Antwerp. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Try French fries with a platter of mussels - nothing is more Belgian! Sample one of the many beers brewed by monks; it is not likely we'll find these brands stateside.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 24 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Depart Antwerp by barge via the Albert Canal, a busy commercial hub. Learn about the governing and operation of the canal's locks with the Group Leaders as the barge cruises into the Kempen, a peaceful region of moors, heather fields and forests.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will cycle along a peaceful trail beside the Albert Canal toward Hasselt. On the way, we will visit the 800-year-old Abbey of Herkenrode, where a local expert will guide us through the fascinating history of the women who lived there over the course of 600 years.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 26 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Explore Hasselt with a local historian to learn about the 12th-century cathedral with its 18th-century tower, as well as the patrician houses on the big square, which date to the 1600s and have names such as "The Pelican" and "The Sword." We will begin our journey to Maastricht and stop for lunch on the way.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will cross the border back into the Netherlands and meet the barge in Maastricht.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure to explore Maastricht as we are docked overnight.
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Maastricht.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will hear a lecture about the industrial and cultural history of Maastricht. We will then discover the beautifully preserved city of Maastricht with a local expert. Learn about its Roman roots and explore the Gothic St. Servaas Church and Hellgate, the only gate left from 1229.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Maastricht.
Afternoon:
Free Time, take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Maastricht. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Don't miss the chance to sample beer, gin or a hot chocolate at one of the many terraces.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge as we sail to our next port.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Barging time is approximately 3 hours. Biking distance is 24 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Barge to Born via the Juliana Canal, where we'll disembark at the locks. From here, bicycle to Thorn for a field trip with your Group Leaders to the White Village on Belgium's border known for its patterned cobblestone streets and white painted houses. The only non-white building is the 14th-century church.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Thorn.
Afternoon:
Pleasant biking from Thorn to Roermond as we enjoy the homes around us with their little gardens and the owners' cars parked in front (not many homes have a garage). You'll note that cars in the Netherlands tend to be smaller than those in North America.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 30 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Bicycle to Venlo with your Group Leaders for a field trip to this ancient city dating back to the Romans. As we explore, notice the many different Dutch dialects, including the local Limburg dialect with its soft "g" sounds.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Before leaving Venlo, join your Group Leaders and a local expert for a visit to the 17th-century Sint-Martinuskerk, home to an exquisite Baroque pulpit, 20th-century stained glass windows, and a tower that was rebuilt after World War II. You are welcome to continue exploring Venlo with free time this afternoon.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 29 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
The day starts with a ride to Arcen with a field trip led by your Group Leaders to the gardens at the local castle. Today’s trip takes us close to the German border. Don’t look for any customs people, either here or in Belgium; the Europeans have done away with border checkpoints years ago.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The province of Limburg is known for its vlaais, a delicious pastry you may want to sample.
Afternoon:
The Netherlands has more bicycle paths than any country in the world and all are marked by road signs in the form of paddestoelen, or mushrooms, which have a number on top corresponding to a detailed bicycle road map, as well as directions to nearby towns. End the day in Cuyk on the Maas River.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
Enjoy a lecture on the history of the Netherlands by a local expert.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 26 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will barge this morning to Lith then start riding our bikes. We are in the province of Brabant, where we will explore small villages, taking in the local customs and admiring the well-tended homes. Gardening is big in the Netherlands and it shows!
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Hertogenbosch.
Afternoon:
The capital of Brabant is Hertogenbosch, but the Dutch commonly call it Den Bosch. Similarly, the official seat of government in the Netherlands is Gravenhage, though the Dutch refer to it as Den Haag. After lunch, we will head to Den Bosch, the hometown of the famous painter Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516). The city’s cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, complete with devil-shaped gargoyles. You’ll also have the chance to explore Den Bosch’s canals on a field trip, taking a boat ride through the medieval Binnendieze, which flows beneath the city. Later, we will continue our journey to Heusden to meet the barge.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Biking distance is 25 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We start our ride to the village of Heusden on the river Maas. During a field trip, explore the walled-town of Heusden with your Group Leaders.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Our afternoon ride takes us to Loevestein, where a well-preserved castle, built in 1357, beckons. Join a local docent for a guided exploration of this historic gem. From the castle, cross by ferry to Gorinchem and see a 16th-century Gothic tower, slightly leaning to one side. Board the barge here and sail to Vianen to stay for the night.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Barging time is approximately 2 hours. Biking distance is 11 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Enjoy one last ride on your two-wheeler from Breukelen, located on the River Vecht, to Nigtevegt. We will have time to stroll this small village and eat lunch.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
After lunch we meet up with our barge and relax on deck as we motor to Amsterdam, our final destination, where it all began.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Amsterdam.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Your Group Leaders leads you on a journey along Amsterdam's canals to the city center. The Amstel River is crossed by several canals lined with beautiful 16th- and 17th-century homes with a variety of different gable styles.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free Time: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Amsterdam. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leaders will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. We recommend pre-booking museum reservations between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to have enough time. If you want to relax, seek out one of the local cafés to sip a Heineken or cup of coffee while watching the locals.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Barge check-out time is 9:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Transfer from the barge to the airport is approximately 30 minutes (15 miles / 22 kilometers).
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge. This concludes our program.
Morning:
Morning transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!





Recommended For You