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April 27 - May 5 , 2007
Trip Cost: $2350/ person
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On a Bike & Boat Holiday, you'll discover many different regions of the Netherlands rather than being based in one place. You can experience both a bustling cultural metropolis and a sleepy farmers' village on the same day. In these charming little villages, virtually unknown to outsiders, many traditions are still part of everyday life. Tulip fields, windmills, wooden shoes... no typical aspect of the Netherlands will remain unseen.
In addition to this, you'll spend the nights on a 5 star sailing ship; literally a floating hotel. This hotel ship takes you to the various starting points of your bicycle tours. In fact, it's a means of transport, accommodation and luggage transportation all in one! That's what this Bike & Barge Holiday is all about: having a comfortable and pleasant stay in the Netherlands , in a uniquely Dutch way.
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| A TYPICAL DAY
Breakfast is taken at about 8 o'clock . The daily distance is about 40 - 70 kilometers/ 25 - 44 miles (1 kilometer is 0.62 miles). The route booklet describes the daily routes and embarkation points. There are stops for exploring the many historic sights en route and for taking some well earned coffee and lunch breaks. Activities can be arranged for non-cyclists.
Back on board tea and coffee are served. You can also use the minibar. After a 4 course dinner you can go into town and end up in a nice Dutch 'dark brown' café. The ship never sails during the night, so the risk of getting seasick when trying to sleep is reduced to a minimum. In the end, it's all about having a comfortable and pleasant stay in the Netherlands .
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THE BARGE
The Sailing Home is a 5* Comfort Deluxe motor passenger ship. There are 12 x 2 person cabins. All cabins have 2 x 1 luxury beds, a bathroom with shower and toilet, heating and air conditioning. The interior of the salon and bar is decorated in a modern Victorian style and has a relaxed atmosphere.
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PACKAGE:
Pricing is based on double occupancy and includes round trip air fare, transfers, accommodation, Pre-trip party, and anything else we can get for free!
Included
- All nights on board (incl. bed clothes, 2 towels)
- Breakfast and dinner
- Lunch packages when on the road
- Coffee and tea on board
- Rental bike: 24-speed Gazelle Medeo, incl. pannier bags, lock, water bottle
- Tour guide
- Route information
- Ferry fares on the route
- Reservation costs
- Bicycle insurance
Not included
- Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 15 per tour
- Travel risk insurance / cancellation insurance (optional)
Trip Cancellation Insurance is highly recommended.
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Note: Additional charges will apply if paid by credit card. |
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Contact:
John Garner
16500 Collins Avenue
Unit 1554
Oceania Tower 5
Sunny Isles,
Miami, Florida, 33160
holland@miamiskiclub.net 
Tel: (786) 402-8200
When communicating by email please put HOLLAND as part of subject line.
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Background Detail
Weather – average temp during the day around 15-16 dec C. Will obviously be cooler in the evenings.
Historic towns, picturesque villages in a rural environment abounding with water, but also dunes and beaches. Those are the typical ingredients of the Southern tour. And do not forget the mills. A varied trip that guarantees a striking introduction to the heart of The Netherlands .
While roaming the centre of Haarlem , Leiden or the 16th Century Delft on one day, the next day you will cycle along the reedy borders of the Lek or Vecht river. In the historic towns there is time for visiting a museum (Frans Hals, Rembrandt and Van Gogh), shopping, or relaxation in an outdoor café.
You will visit the beach and the dunes of Scheveningen near The Hague by bike, just like many Dutch people. You will discover the world's largest seaport, Rotterdam , very appropriately by boat. Absolutely breathtaking are the eighteen mills in Kinderdijk, built around 1750, driven by the wind. The canal tour by boat through Amsterdam will make this route complete.
The route from day to day
- Amsterdam , embarkation at 4 PM near Central Station, short round trip (20 km).
- Amsterdam - Haarlem (45 km).
- Haarlem - biking via the dunes or the Keukenhof (in April/May- Leiden (42 or 49 km).
- Leiden - Delft (49 km).
- Delft - Rotterdam (30 km).
- Rotterdam - with fast ferry to Kinderdijk - biking to Schoonhoven/Nieuwpoort or Vianen, depending on the time (52km).
- Schoonhoven/Nieuwpoort or Vianen - sailing to Breukelen - biking to Amsterdam (43 km).
- Amsterdam , debarkation before 10 AM near Central Station.
1 km = 0.62 miles
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