Towns of the Golden Age
All content by World Expeditions
8 days (Amsterdam)
Destinations visited: The Netherlands, Amsterdam, World
from
USD$1,390
Discover the Dutch Golden Age as you explore seven of Holland's historical towns at handlebar level
Cruising along the waterways of the Netherlands by barge we visit seven historical towns from the Dutch Golden Age. We become acquainted with their history of art, commerce, industry and water based transport systems stemming from the 17th century. It was during this important historical period that the Dutch Masters painted their most famous works. As we cycle through some of Holland's most picturesque countryside we are allowed an inside view to the contemporary remnants of industries steeped in Dutch history. We visit the infamous ceramic artists & potters of 'Delft Blue' chinaware, Flemish linen manufacturers, cheese makers and gin distillers as we learn of the diverse cultures and history that have shaped contemporary life in the Netherlands.
Highlights
- Cycling through countryside Holland
- Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge
- Discover the towns of Holland's Golden Age
- Cycle through a variety of landscapes
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Spaarndam, cycle to Haarlem (10km )
We board our barge in Amsterdam and sail to nearby Spaarndam by barge then cycle to Haarlem, home to a historical migration of Flemish peoples seeking luck and fortune. Here the linen industry and consequent growth in commerce flourished. Artists were attracted to the area, among them Frans Hals. In the evening we will enjoy a delicious meal and a beer connoisseur will tell us all about the history of the Haarlem Breweries.
Day 2 Sail to Leiden (birthplace of Rembrandt), visit museum (45km)
After sailing by barge this morning we cycle right past windmills, lakes and the abundantly green ‘Green Heart’ of Holland to Leiden. This beautiful town is the birthplace of Rembrandt and Jan Steen. It is also home to Leiden University - one of the oldest in the Netherlands. In the evening we take a walk through the historical centre of the city with its open-air markets, beautiful canals and charming narrow streets.
Day 3 Cycle to Delft, visit Delft Blue and modern ceramics factory (50km)
Today we cycle to Delft. In the 17th century the Delft potters were so impressed by chinaware brought in from overseas that they created their own Delft ware – now known around the world as Delft Blue. A visit to the china factory ‘De Porceleyne Fles’ is an unforgettable experience and a wonderful insight into the world of ceramics.
Day 4 Visit 5 highest mills in the world (30km)
After a city walk through the gabled houses, arched bridges, almshouses, hidden courtyards and market squares of Delft we cycle to the town of Schiedam. Schiedam is famous for its many gin distilleries (or jenever in Dutch) that were founded during the Golden Age. We may even sample a 'jenevertje' in the Museum 'De Gecroonde Brandersketel'.
Day 5 Cycle past rural villages & De Biesbosch Reserve, visit Dordrecht Museum (50km)
This morning we cycle past small rural villages and a part of the national reserve ‘De Biesbosch’. This reserve is one of the largest natural parks of the Netherlands and is one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe. Our cycle trip ends in Dordrecht, one of the first ports of the Netherlands. There should be time to visit Dordrecht’s Great Church, the only church in Holland constructed in true Brabantine Gothic style. The church’s tower was originally intended to be twice as tall, however due to its forward lean, work was not continued. Our evening is spent aboard our barge here in Dordrecht.
Day 6 Cycle to Gouda, famous market town past 19 windmills (40km)
After leaving Dordrecht we sight the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk and ensure we visit at least one of them! Our journey continues in Gouda where the central marketplace has been home to traders since the middle ages. The famous St. Jans church with its beautiful stained windows is the longest church in the Netherlands and certainly worth exploring. We also pay a visit to a potter who shows us his craft in making earthenware and Gouda clay pipes.
Day 7 Cycle along Amstel river enroute to exploring delights of Amsterdam (25km)
Our barge leaves Gouda early this morning and heads in the direction of Amsterdam. Around noon we disembark and cycle alongside the Amstel River into Amsterdam. We spend the afternoon and evening exploring the Dutch capital and its canals.
Day 8 Trip concludes Amsterdam
After breakfast, trip concludes.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks). Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch onboard. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
- 7 nights accommodation aboard a barge with private facilities on a twinshare basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. Cabins are configured with two lower beds.
- Bicycle with gears and pannier
- Bicycle insurance
- Sightseeing - Kinderdijk Mills and Porceleyene Fles
- Beer lecture
- Visit Jenever Museum
- Several city walking tours
- Detailed information package including map marked with route
- Experienced guide
Summary
- BARGE
Trip Main Activities
- Guided cycling
- barge
Group Size Min
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
During the trip you will be accommodated on a hotel barge which holds between 15 and 35 passengers depending on the barge used on your departure. There are a number of different barges in the fleet which are used for the trip and these range from 4 to 5 star in comfort level. Ask our office for details of the barge used for your the date you are interested in travelling. The barges are not only a means of transportation; you also sleep, eat and relax aboard. The ships are equipped with a recreation/ dining room, sometimes with a separate bar, a modern galley, a spacious sundeck, cabins with two lower berths, private bathroom. From the recreation room you will have an excellent view. Depending on the waterways the ships sail between 8 and 15km per hour. Naturally, the itinerary you would like to sail is also depending on the size (e.g. height and depth) of the ship of your choice. All of the ships used are built under the supervision of the national shipping authorities and fulfill all safety regulations. For contacts ashore during sailing, a marine telephone and cell phone are on hand. The crew consists of a captain and a cook, both professionals, who are often assisted by an extra hand. The crew will see to it that your trip will proceed smoothly.
Equipment Required
Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. Note that storage capacity is limited in cabins and we recommend you bring a soft luggage bag. (A comprehensive packing list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
In your daypack you may need to carry extra warm clothing (location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, film and camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc.
Check dates and prices
Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site
from
USD$1,390
Why we recommend World Expeditions
- Pioneers in responsible travel.
- No local payments.
- True adventures in every sense.
- Expert guides and support.
- Quality facilities and transport.
Customer care
World Expeditions is a global company with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Canada, all staffed with experienced adventure travellers.
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