Itinerary

Day 1 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION fly overnight to Amsterdam

Depart from the U.S. for the Netherlands. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 2 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Arrive in Amsterdam

Upon arrival at the Amsterdam airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If any portion of your luggage appears to be lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area -- VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you.) After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign. Please wait here while your representative helps make arrangements for your transfer via taxi or minibus to your Amsterdam hotel (transfer time is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic). Important: Transfers are provided by Schiphol Taxi who will be looking for you and carrying a VBT sign. You may be approached by other companies offering a transfer. Please use only Schiphol Taxi, telephone 0681 299 101 or 0654 354 601. Transfers provided by any other company will be at your own expense.

Please note: If you cannot find the VBT representative, or have been delayed in customs or because of lost luggage, please go to the Red & White Meeting Point and wait there.

Once you are at the hotel, VBT provides you with a City Information Packet that includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Amsterdam during your stay. You have the rest of the day to relax or to begin your exploration of the city.

Day 3 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Amsterdam

Delve into Amsterdam's cultural and historic riches at your own pace during this independent trip extension. From the Van Gogh Museum to the floating flower market, you can expect to find an inexhaustible variety of delights in this cultured capital. Take in the superlative collection of art by Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum. Visit Anne Frank's house, including the attic where she and her family hid from the Nazis until they were betrayed. Your hotel is located near the major points of interest, and you have ample time to browse Amsterdam's huge array of shops and be entertained by the city's animated street life.

Day 1 of Air Package Depart U.S./Fly to Amsterdam

Depart from the U.S. for the Netherlands. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.

Day 4 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Amsterdam

Continue your independent exploration of the city's amazing cathedrals, art galleries, museums and shops.

Day 2 of AIR PACKAGE Arrive in Amsterdam

Upon arrival at the Amsterdam airport, claim your luggage and clear customs. If your luggage is lost, fill in a PIR form before leaving the customs area -- VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. (Please note: Also make certain your VBT luggage tags are affixed to your bag so your VBT representative can identify you.) After exiting customs, enter the arrival hall and look for your VBT representative, who will be holding a VBT sign and who will make arrangements for your transfer via taxi or minibus to your Amsterdam hotel (transfer time is approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic).

Important: Transfers are provided by Schiphol Taxi, who will be looking for you and carrying a VBT signboard. You may be approached by other companies offering a transfer. Please use only Schiphol Taxi, telephone 0681 299 101 or 0654 354 601. Transfers provided by any other company will be at your own expense.

Please note: If you cannot find the VBT representative, or have been delayed in customs or because of lost luggage, please go to the Red & White Meeting Point and wait there.

After checking in, you have free time to explore Amsterdam. This evening meet one of our VBT Trip Leaders at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the hotel for an introductory meeting before trying one of Amsterdam's wonderful restaurants for dinner on your own.

Day 5 of PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Independent exploration of Amsterdam

Spend the morning on your own before joining the other guests at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the hotel for an introductory meeting with one of our VBT Trip Leaders. After, try one of Amsterdam's wonderful restaurants for dinner on your own.

Day 1 OF BIKE TOUR Embark barge/Warm-up ride/Cruise to Vianen

VBT No-Air Package guests: You are responsible for making your own way to meet our barge, The Iris, and to arrive between 1 and 1:30 p.m. Please note that you cannot arrive before this time. If you are late, you must contact the barge as soon as possible to make alternative arrangements, as the barge will sail shortly after this time. The barge will be moored in Oosterdok, near the entrance of the NEMO museum and behind the Amsterdam Centraal train station. Contact telephone number is 0651 437 444 from within The Netherlands or ++31 651 437 444 from abroad. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package and Pre-Trip Extension guests: After breakfast, make sure your luggage is packed and ready to be transported to the barge. At 9:30 a.m., meet one of our VBT Trip Lleaders in the hotel lobby for a guided walking tour of Amsterdam, visiting many of the city's highlights. Board the barge at 1:45 p.m. in order to depart at 2 p.m. At the docks, meet the barge crew and your second VBT Trip Leader, who will welcome you aboard with refreshments. Cruise out of Amsterdam on the IJ waterway, catching glimpses of houseboats and floating houses. The barge stops before dinner for your warm-up ride, which goes along the river Vecht. This evening, gather with the group for a welcome dinner onboard. After dinner there is a crew presentation. We moor in Vianen, a small city on the river Lek.

Day 2 of BIKE TOUR Cycle and Cruise to Dordrecht

After breakfast we cycle along small canals of the Krimpenerwaard. We pedal alongside the river through Schoonhoven, the “Silver City.” We continue on to the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site, where 19 of Holland's famous windmills — some more than 260 years old — decorate the horizon. During a tour, we learn how these gems were used well into the 20th century. Then we cycle (or cruise, if you prefer) to Dordrecht, one of Holland's oldest towns and birthplace of Aelbert Cuyp, a leading landscape painter from the Dutch Golden Age. We stroll through the city's historic center to get a glimpse of its rich past. This evening, your Trip Leaders will give you an insight into water management systems You can also enjoy Belgium Beer tasting and a crew presentation.. We moor tonight in Dordrecht.

Day 3 of BIKE TOUR Cruise to Willemstad/Cycle to Tholen

This morning, enjoy a short language lesson whilst the barge sails to Willemstad, an old fortified town on the Haringvliet, where you can explore before cycling to Tholen. Your route goes along the impressive complex of locks de Volkerak. Tholen was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams where many people fished for their living. Today, Tholen is connected to the mainland, but it remains a picturesque village with relics of an eventful past. We have a picnic lunch at the historical locks before we arrive at our destination. Tonight we will have a home hosted visit in Tholen.

Day 4 of BIKE TOUR Cycle and Cruise to Antwerp

This morning we will cycle through the Wouwse Plantage, a wooded area adjacent to Tholen. We'll cross the Oosterdam in the Oosterschelde; our barge waits on the other side. From there, cruise to the impressive port of Antwerp. After lunch on board the barge you have the rest of the afternoon to explore Antwerp with your local guide. Antwerp is not only known as the “Diamond City,” but also as the native city of the painter Rubens. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Market Square, which is surrounded by beautiful historic townhouses. Tonight, enjoy dinner on your own in a local restaurant.

Day 5 of BIKE TOUR Cycle to Temse

After we cruise out of Antwerp, we begin our bicycle journey to Temse. We wind along scenic paths until we see Temse's tall spires and towers, arriving in time for lunch on your own.

Our afternoon route continues past magnificent river views to Dendermonde, the centuries-old city with a Benedictine abbey at its center. Dinner is served aboard the barge tonight. Before dinner you can learn more about Belgium beer during our onboard beer tasting.

Day 6 of BIKE TOUR Tour Ghent

After breakfast, we cycle from Dendermonde to Ghent. Located at the confluence of the Schelde and Leie rivers, this “City of 200 Bridges” was founded around 600 AD and boasts many beautiful buildings dating back to medieval times. Eat lunch on board the barge before a guided boat excursion to the centre of Ghent. Then explore the city on your own before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 of BIKE TOUR Arrive in Bruges

During breakfast this morning, the barge cruises out of the city while cyclists who have chosen the longer ride option begin cycling toward Bruges. Others remain on board until Aalter, where the shorter cycling route to Bruges begins. The barge rejoins the main canal and arrives in Bruges in the late afternoon.

Regarded by many as Europe's best-preserved medieval city, Bruges is filled with beautiful houses, built by wealthy textile merchants that lined its network of canals. A 350-foot, 13th-century belfry tower, which houses Europe's most famous carillon, presides over the city's Market Square. You have ample time to marvel at the medieval ambience of this lovely city and to walk its winding streets. Dine on the barge one last time this evening.

Day 8 of BIKE TOUR Depart Barge/Discover Bruges VBT No-Air Package ends

VBT No-Air Package guests: After breakfast, your tour ends. It is important that you leave the barge no later than 9 a.m. Please refer to the information listed in the tour handbook.

VBT Air Package guests and Post Trip Extension guests: After breakfast say goodbye to your barge crew and Trip Leader, then walk through Bruges's winding streets to the hotel with a second Trip Leader. During the walk, you will get an orientation of the historical city center. After checking in, you have free time for independent exploration. Bruges was northern Europe's leading trade center between the 13th and 15th centuries, based largely on thriving wool and textile industries. The city has been famous for its fine lace for 500 years; you may wish to visit one of the small cottage industries revolving around lace-making. Enjoy dinner on your own in town tonight.

Day 9 of Air Package Free day in Bruges

Today is free for you to independently explore Bruges or one of the nearby villages. Dinner is on your own in town tonight.

Day 9 of Air Package Free day in Bruges

Today is free for you to independently explore Bruges or one of the nearby villages. Dinner is on your own in town tonight.

Day 10 of Air Package Depart for U.S. or begin optional Brussels extension

After breakfast* meet in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the Brussels airport and your flight back to the U.S. Please note: Be sure that you are waiting at the designated time and transfer location.

Important: The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

* Note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Day 1 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Brussels

If you have chosen the VBT Post-Trip Extension, transfer after breakfast to your Brussels hotel (transfer time is 11 a.m.). After settling in, enjoy the next few days exploring at your own pace. This is an independent extension – there is no VBT representative or Trip Leader. VBT provides a City Information Booklet, which includes information and recommendations on what to see and do in Brussels. Earlier in your trip, your VBT representative will have told you what time to expect your final hotel/airport transfer. A taxi will meet you on the last day of your extension at the hotel's reception area and will transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the U.S.

Day 2 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Brussels

From your centrally located hotel, walk the cobbled streets to popular sites or hop on a tram right outside the hotel. Stroll through the Grand Place, Brussels' magnificent central square that boasts the country's finest Baroque guildhalls. Visit the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique, where you can see Belgium's premier collections of ancient and modern art including works by Pieter Breugel the Elder, Rubens and the Belgian Surrealists. End your day with regional specialties at one of Brussels's many delightful restaurants.

Day 3 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Independent Exploration of Brussels

Continue to explore and stroll through the squares and streets of Brussels on your independent trip extension.

Day 4 of POST-TRIP EXTENSION Brussels extension concludes/Depart for home

After breakfast*, transfer to the airport for your flight home. Be sure that you are waiting at the designated time and transfer location.

Important: The transfer is prearranged by VBT and is prepaid. VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you extend your stay beyond the scheduled program dates, return transportation to the airport will be at your own expense.

* Please note: For guests with early-morning departures, breakfast at the hotel may not be available. Please check with the Front Desk to verify the times that breakfast is served.

Holland & Belgium Bike & Barge Amsterdam 2011

Pre and Post Trip Extensions

Pre-Trip Extension

Amsterdam 2011 (Holland & Belgium) - 3 nights for only $395

Make your own discoveries as you explore Holland’s exciting capital city. Stroll through the Rijksmuseum to view works by the great Dutch masters, like Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch. Visit the Van Gogh Museum for an unforgettable look into the famous painter’s life and work. Shop at the floating flower market, or wander along the city’s many canals, lined with pretty gabled houses. See the home where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis, and where Anne wrote her famous diary. It’s all here: endless art, culture, history, and shopping from your centrally located hotel.

Only available with the Air Inclusive Package.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $345.

Post-Trip Extension

Brussels 2011 - 3 nights for only $395

Make your own discoveries as you explore Brussels, the lively city that is headquarters for both NATO and the European Union. Visit the Cathedrales des Sts. Michel and Gudule. See Belgium’s premier collection of ancient and modern art at the Musees Royaux des Beaux-Arts. Stroll around the Grand Place, the magnificent central square located in the old town, and discover Baroque guildhalls and countless, charming restaurants.

Available with Air Inclusive Package only.

Note: Single supplement for this extension is $295.

Accommodations

Hotel Vondel

A wonderful first-class hotel located in the heart of vibrant, historic Amsterdam, the Hotel Vondel is extremely well suited for every traveler, thanks in large part to its special atmosphere and individual character.

Barge Iris

A luxurious and spacious two-deck, 24-passenger barge with a homelike atmosphere, the Iris was put into service in April 2005. Its 12 comfortable cabins have private bathrooms with showers, and the barge has air-conditioning and heating throughout. Common areas include a dining area and lounge with a bar, and a sundeck at the bow. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sundeck. The barge moors each night.

Drinks of all types are available for purchase at the bar on board the Iris. It is not customary for guests to bring their own drinks and use the facilities of the barge (including ice, glasses and crew services); your understanding is appreciated. Onboard meal menus are set, though the chef is happy to accommodate vegetarians and those on restricted diets for health reasons.

Hotel Oud Huis De Peellaert

With its two beautiful 19th-century buildings, this four-star hotel was completely restored and is now a protected monument built in Empire and classicist style. The hotel is located in the historical center of Bruges, just 150 meters from the “Grote Market” (Market Square) and has 50 elegant rooms, all with air-conditioning and modern conveniences. Breakfast is served in the “orangerie” room with a view of a charming inner garden. The 16th-century cellars have been transformed into a wellness center with fitness and sauna facilities.

Rating Level

Easy

This tour offers easy terrain mixed throughout the trip and is ideal for beginning cyclists