Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels

Experience Overview

Starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Belgium's capital city of Brussels, we recommend adding a few extra nights on to do city breaks in both cities to discover the variety of architecture, historic sites and monuments as well as shopping arcades, parks, gardens, art galleries and museums. Discover why millions visit these two key European cities every year with Amsterdam's famous network of canals (a UNESCO World Heritage site), its infamous red light district and its fabulous squares - Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Brussels is famous for its food, comic strips, the world-famous Manneken Pis statue as well as the Atomium and the amazing Grand Place. As well as the start and finish cities, this linear route is mostly flat cycling and allows you to discover even more Dutch and Belgian treats - for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Archetypal images of Holland include its windmills and bridges with plenty of windmills in Kinderdijk and bridges in Papendrecht to feast your eyes on as you cycle across Holland's Green Heart. Famous local snacks from Gouda include syrup waffles (or stroopwafels) and cheese. Continuing southwards you'll get to see the Biesbosch National Park, one of Erurope's last remaining freshwater tidal areas, before heading over the border into Belgium where you'll discover the historical cities of Antwerp and Leuven with awe-inspiring architecture and delicious beer and mussels (moules) with Belgian triple-fried chips (frites). For those with a sweet tooth, Belgium's sweet and sugary gaufres (with various toppings) and the luxury pralines and chocolates are well worth trying an assortment.
Profile
— 7 nights in 3* & 4* hotels, all rooms en suite — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
At a Glance
— 7 nights in 3* & 4* hotels, all rooms en suite — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)
Trip For You
Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedAverage daily distance: 59km (37 miles). No. of days cycling: 6 Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet cycling routes and tarmac roads. The terrain is mainly flat which means the distances achieved each day can be longer. Alternative shorter routes are available on some days and are detailed in the route notes. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Your bikes will be delivered to the start hotel, all set up relevant to your height and ready to go. Our local agent will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes into larger towns and cities. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service. FamiliesSelf-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day's cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please consider the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be high in the middle of summer.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts are included. There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from the Netherlands to Belgium with local specialities including stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres and beer.
Transportation
Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by our local agent. They are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedaling under your own steam but the emergency number for the local agent is in the trip notes if you need assistance.
Joining Instructions
Your trip normally starts at your hotel in Amsterdam on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 3pm.We can arrange flights or trains to Amsterdam and back from Brussels - please contact our sales team for more information and prices.
Spending Money
— You will need money for lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks as well as any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Dinners can cost between €15-40 depending on the type of restaurant you visit and would not include drinks.

Highlights