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Netherlands

Netherlands: Amsterdam – Maastricht or vice versa

Discover Dutch rivers
Amsterdam One way tour. Possible in both directions. Maastricht
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Netherlands: Amsterdam – Maastricht or vice versa

Highlights of this tour

Bike and Barge The Netherlands: Amsterdam – Maastricht or vice versa | Sarah The beauty of the journey between Amsterdam and Maastricht is captured by the Dutch poet Marsman in the lines: “Thinking of Holland I see broad rivers languidly winding through endless fen, lines of incredibly tenuous poplars like giant plumes on the polder’s rim”. However, mere words could never do justice to this incredible stretch of green and flat landscape where the rivers Vecht, Lower Rhine, Linge, Waal and Meuse form a network of old gullies, secret meanders, […]

Discover magical green river landscapes

Historical cities Utrecht & Maastricht

Vibrant Limburg province hospitality

Barge with max. 20 passengers

Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1
Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch.
8 days

About this tour

Bike and Barge The Netherlands: Amsterdam – Maastricht or vice versa | Sarah

The beauty of the journey between Amsterdam and Maastricht is captured by the Dutch poet Marsman in the lines: “Thinking of Holland I see broad rivers languidly winding through endless fen, lines of incredibly tenuous poplars like giant plumes on the polder’s rim”.

However, mere words could never do justice to this incredible stretch of green and flat landscape where the rivers Vecht, Lower Rhine, Linge, Waal and Meuse form a network of old gullies, secret meanders, dikes and flood plains bursting with an abundance of local flora and fauna.

Our tour from Amsterdam to Maastricht winds past remarkable towns, historical villages and the odd castle and splendid garden thrown in for good measure. As you cycle your way through the province of Limburg, you’ll cross borders into Germany and Belgium multiple times, allowing you the rare opportunity to eat “Kuchen” (cake) in a German “Konditorei” in the morning, only to follow it up with a delicious, cool afternoon beer in a quaint Belgium village. We end the tour on a high at our final destination, Maastricht, the capital of Limburg, which is famous for its warmth, hospitality and lively city center.

Prepare yourself for this tour with our Travel Prep-tips

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Day to day program Amsterdam - Maastricht

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 1 (Sat): Amsterdam – Weesp | testride in Weesp (11 km/6 mi.)

Welcome aboard! Check-in is between 1pm and 2pm, after which we’ll waste no time in sailing on to Weesp. Many of the buildings and canals in this small city date back as far as the 17th century, making it the perfect place for a quick test ride on your new bike. After dinner we’ll take a night-time stroll through this alluring city.

Day 2 (Sun): Weesp – Utrecht | Utrecht – Vianen (47 km/28 mi.)

Your first day in the saddle kicks off in Weesp with a ride along the river Vecht which features a number of impressive mansions on its banks. From there, you’ll cycle on to an authentic Dutch cheese farm that still produces cheese using traditional methods. You’ll hop back onboard the barge again in the city of Ultrecht where you’ll set sail to the small, fortified town of Vianan on the river Lek.

 

Day 3 (Mon): Vianen – Gorinchem | Gorinchem – Heusden (41 km/25 mi.)

On the morning of day three, we cycle on to Leerdam, a small town famous for its exquisite glasswork. Of course, no visit to Leerdam would be complete without a visit to the 250 year-old Royal Leerdam crystal factory where you’ll watch master glass blowers at work. You’ll continue along the magnificent Linge river through the charming town of Gorinchem as you re-join the barge in Heusden.

Day 4 (Tue): Heusden – Maasbommel | Maasbommel – Cuijck (40 km/24 mi.)

Sit back, relax and enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the ship sails to Maasbommel where you’ll mount your bike once again, setting a course along the Maas river to the medieval cities of Ravenstein, where you’ll visit the Tanner’s Cottages, and Grave, which still has cannons on display from the time of Napoleon. You’ll meet your barge in Cuijk, home of the neo-gothic St Martin’s Church which houses a baroque organ originally built ion 1639, making it one of the oldest in the Netherlands!

Day 5  (Wed): Cuijck – Arcen (53 km/32 mi.)

The bike ride scheduled for day five is arguably a highlight of the entire tour. The route you’ll cycle along the Maas valley takes you through the Maasduinen National Park to Well. At Well you’ll find the Well castle that dates back to the 14th century. However, your final destination for the day will be Arcen where you’ll stroll through its famous castle grounds made up of ten different rose gardens, a water and sculpture garden, Mediterranean and tropical gardens, six “international” gardens and even a golf garden that looks out on the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 6 (Thu): Arcen – Venlo – Roermond (50 km/30 mi.)

Sticking close to the Meuse river, you’ll stop by Venlo to visit its many ancient monuments and lively inner city, after which you’ll head on through to Kessel for lunch, one of the oldest villages along the Meuse. Refreshed and recharged, you’ll cross the river and continue on to Beesel and finally Roermond, which has been a bishop city since 1559. It’s also home to Pierre Cuypers, the architect who built the Rijksmuseum and the Central Station in Amsterdam, which is why many consider him the most important Dutch architect of the 19th century.

Day 7 (Fri): Roermond – Born | Born – Maastricht (42 km/25 mi.)

Our cycling tour continues through the captivatingly beautiful province of Limburg, stopping at Thorn on the Dutch/Belgian border. This remarkable village is known for its cobblestone streets and white painted houses. From Thorn we’ll cycle through to the Belgian city Maaseik where painters Hubert and Jan van Eck worked and lived. The market square not only offers beautiful scenery in the form of the magnificent Renaissance-style houses, but also affords you the opportunity to enjoy a cool, delicious Belgian beer in this perfect setting.

We’ll re-join the ship in Born before sailing on to our final stop, Maastricht. The Roman roots of this beautifully preserved city are in everything from the St Servaas Church to the Bonnefanten museum of art and antiquity. Add the Kazematten system of 18th century underground fortress works, the marl caves and the Vrijthof and you’ll quickly understand why it’s impossible to get bored in this awe-inspiring city!

Day 8 (sat): Maastricht

Saturday marks the end of this epic journey, but not before one last delicious breakfast together after which disembarkation continues up until 9:30am.

Good to know
  • The daily cycling tours will be accompanied by a knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leader.
  • You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.
  • In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bike tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.

Day to day program Maastricht - Amsterdam

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours.
The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

Day 1 (Sat): Maastricht (5 km/3 mi.)

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. After the welcome meeting there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test-ride. After dinner the tour leader will take you for a walk through the centre of town. We advise you to come to Maastricht one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover this interesting city.

Maastricht is a beautifully preserved city with Roman roots. In this town you find the treasure house of the St. Servaas Church, the Bonnefanten museum for art and antiquity, and the Kazematten, a system of underground fortress works from the 18th century. In addition to these places of interest, it is also worthwhile visiting the marl caves, or just to thoroughly enjoy yourself on the Vrijthof. You will not get bored!

Day 2 (Sun): Maastricht – Born | Born – Roermond (40 km/24 mi.)

During breakfast you join the barge to Born via the Juliana Canal, where you disembark at the locks. From here you bike over the Dutch/Belgian border into Belgium to Maaseik. This town is famous for the painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck. On the market square you see typical renaissance houses with their impressive facades. You can also use the opportunity to try a Belgian “pint” on this beautiful square. Then you continue to Thorn, the ‘white Village’ on the Dutch/Belgian border known for its cobblestone streets and white painted houses. The only non-white building is the 14th-century church. Our destination for today is the city of Roermond, where of the river Roer and Meuse come together. Roermond is known by its rich cultural heritage. Since 1559 it has been a bishop city. In the centre you will find many historical buildings. Roermond is also the city of Pierre Cuypers, according to many the most important Dutch architect of the 19th century. He is the architect of the Rijksmuseum and Central Station in Amsterdam.

Day 3 (Mon): Roermond – Venlo – Arcen (50 km/30 mi.)

Today you start biking from Roermond. First you follow the river on the east bank to the beautiful village of Beesel, where the grain mill ‘grey bear’ stands proudly along the river. Then you cross over to the other bank to Kessel. Kessel is one of the oldest villages on the Meuse. At lunchtime you arrive in Venlo, with many historical moments and a lively inner city. In the afternoon you ride to Arcen, a former fortified town on the banks of the Meuse. There you can visit the beautiful castle gardens: the Rosarium, with ten different rose gardens; the water and sculpture garden; the Lommerrijk, with shadows, waterfalls and streams; the valley, with six ‘international’ gardens; Casa Verde, with Mediterranean and tropical gardens; the golf garden, overlooking the largest waterfall in the Netherlands.

Day 4 (Tue): Arcen – Cuijk (53 km/32 mi.)

Today a magnificent bike tour is on the program. First you will bike pass Well where you find the Well castle with its heavy round brick tower dating from the 14th century. You continue through the National Park Maasduinen close to the German border. Around lunchtime you arrive in Afferden. You will find the barge again in Cuijk, another interesting city on the banks of the Meuse. The St. Martins Church, a neo-gothic church, houses a very well kept baroc-organ (built 1639-1650). This organ is one of the oldest in the Netherlands.

Day 5 (Wed): Cuijk – Maasbommel | Maasbommel – Heusden (40 km/24 mi.)

Today you bike from Cuijk along the Meuse river to the cities Grave and Ravenstein. Both are medieval cities. In Grave you will see canons from the time of Napoleon. Grave has also played an important role in Operation Market Garden during the second world war, because it was situated near an important bridge. This bridge is now called John S. Thompson Bridge. In Ravenstein you can visit the Tanner’s Cottages in the city park. From Maasbommel you will join the barge again on which you will have a nice sail to Heusden, a very beautifully restored fortified city.

Day 6 (Thu): Heusden – Gorinchem | Gorinchem – Vianen (41 km/25 mi.)

In the morning you will join the barge to Gorinchem, a charming town on the river Waal. From there you cycle through a typical Dutch landscape to Leerdam a little town on the banks of the river Linge. Leerdam is famous for its glasswork. A visit of the centuries-old crystal factory of Royal Leerdam is on the program. You can see a team of master glass blowers at work.
In the afternoon you continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek.

Day 7 (Fri): Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen – Amsterdam (42 km/26 mi.)

You will sail during breakfast. Today’s bike tour, that starts in Breukelen leads along the winding river Vecht to Amsterdam. In Loenen you will visit a mill. Final destination is Amsterdam, where you  can take a tour through the canals or visit the Rijksmuseum or the van Gogh museum.

Day 8 (Sat): Amsterdam

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.


Prices & information

The price of a charter depends on many things. The beauty of the tours that we offer is that they are fully customizable. We can add extra services such as special bikes, extra meals or we can organize visits to the highlights of the region where you cycle that are not included in the program. That all affects the price. You can request a quote here for a trip of your choice. Our team of specialists will assist you to choose the right ship and itinerary or design a customized program for you.

Included in this tour

8 days/7 nights

7 x breakfast

Packed lunches

7 x 3-course dinner

Coffee and tea on board

Welcome drink

Fees for ferries

Use of bed linen and towels

Daily cleaning of the cabin

Daily briefings

Fully guided cycling tours

Some short walking tours

Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)

GPS tracks

Use of a waterproof pannier bag

Wi-Fi

Entrance National Glass Museum Leerdam

Excluded in this tour

Drinks

Bicycle rental or E-bike rental

Helmet rental

Personal insurances

Gratuities (at your discretion)

Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under included)

Transfers to/from the docking place

Parking fees



Reviews

based on 10 reviews on
3 Oct 2018

Group Jackson - Sharon Brownlee and Lori Thorpe

I had a wonderful time! Memories of a life time! Food was the Best.

2 Oct 2018

Barbara Jackson

Great trip. I have booked another for next year.

2 Oct 2018

Barbara Jackson

Great trip. I have booked another for next year.

2 Oct 2018

Michelle

The crew was fabulous. Friendly, professional and extremely knowledgable. The meals were delicious and well-planned. The boat was good for our needs although I would add some shelves in the rooms for easier access to personal belongings. The bike routes were enjoyable. Great trip and would do another. Was on the Sarah for Maastricht to Amsterdam tour.


Available ships for this tour

Ship Sarah Netherlands

Openable windows in cabins

Covered sundeck

Third bed available

Cozy lounge space

max. 22 passengers
10 cabins
2 tours available with this ship

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Duration of the tour.
tijd2 Created with Sketch. 8 days
5 stars
1 Reviews
Guidance
  • Guided cycling: A tour leader will guide you during the cycling days
  • Independent cycling: No tour leader, the ships’ crew does daily briefing, independent cycling
guidance Guided cycling
Difficulty
  • Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain
  • Level 2: quite easy tours, mostly flat terrain
  • Level 3: requires a higher level of exertion, medium hilly terrain
  • Level 4: for experienced cyclists, hilly terrain with climbs
Difficulty level 1 Difficulty level 1

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Netherlands: Amsterdam – Maastricht or vice versa

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