Belgium & the Netherlands Biking: Ghent & Gouda
8 days | 10 days with Amsterdam extension |
- Physical activity
- Equipment
- Group size
- 5–12 travelers
Spring blooms at Keukenhof
In 2026, Keukenhof Gardens will be open from March 19 to May 10. To experience this beautiful spring park on this tour, reserve a departure within this date range.
Cycling perfection from Flemish canal towns to Dutch countryside
Experience some of Europe’s most bicycle-friendly terrain on an unforgettable journey through Belgium and the Netherlands. With 5 days of guided rides, you’ll first explore the Flanders region, where medieval cities like Bruges and Ghent anchor rides through pastoral countryside dotted with castles and canals. Cross into the Netherlands to experience Baarle-Hertog—a peculiar border town where Belgian and Dutch territory zigzags through streets and houses in a maze of enclaves—then cruise past the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk. The terrain is gloriously flat, the cycling infrastructure is world-class, and the scenery shifts from Gothic spires to windmill-lined polders with ease. Depending on the season, you’ll experience either Keukenhof Gardens—where millions of tulips bloom in spring—or the dramatic coastal dunes of Scheveningen in summer and fall. Along the way, you’ll tour an unconventional brewery, explore Gouda’s famous cheese market, and glide down canals that have shaped these lowland countries for centuries. Whether you’re chasing windmills, medieval architecture, or simply the joy of riding through breathtaking scenery, this is your tour.
What's included
- 6 nights in handpicked hotels
- Private local transfers
- Support van for bike rides
- 6 breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 3 dinners with beer or wine
- Stroopwafel, beer & cheese tastings
- Two expert European Tour Directors/bike guides
- Performance road bike or e-touring bike (e-road bike is available for a fee)
- Helmets, GPS tracking devices, and other biking equipment
- 5 days of guided bike rides through Belgium & the Netherlands
- Select guided sightseeing tours
Why you'll love it
- Bike through Flemish countryside past castles on the famed Château Route
- Explore fairy-tale Bruges on a walking tour of its Gothic landmarks
- Ride into Baarle-Hertog where the border zigzags through streets and buildings
- Experience Gouda’s famous cheese market and sample the namesake cheese
- Bike to Kinderdijk’s 19 UNESCO windmills and cross the Lek River by ferry
- Pedal through Keukenhof’s blooming tulip fields in spring or along dramatic coastal sand dunes from Scheveningen in summer and fall
Itinerary
Overnight flight1 night
Day 1: Fly to Brussels
Settle into your overnight flight to Belgium. Get some rest if you can—your first ride through the Flemish countryside is less than two days away.
Ghent region3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Brussels & transfer to the Ghent region
Included meal: Welcome dinner
Welcome to Belgium! You’ll land in Brussels and head straight to your hotel in the Ghent region, where Gothic towers loom over cobblestone squares and beer flows as freely as the canals. After checking in and settling in, gather with your Tour Directors and fellow riders for a Welcome Orientation over drinks. Then sit down for your first proper Belgian meal—a Welcome Dinner that sets the tone for the week ahead.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport.
- Transfer to your hotel in the Ghent region (about 1 hour) to check in and explore your surroundings.
- Raise a glass of beer or wine while you get to know your fellow riders and Tour Directors during a Welcome Orientation.
- Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and toast to the adventure to come.
Note: Airport transfers are included for travelers who book flights with EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
Day 3: Ghent countryside cycling, Ghent walking & canal tour, and optional chocolate-tasting experience
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Your first full day in Belgium means one thing: it’s time to ride. You’ll head out into the Flemish countryside for your inaugural spin on mostly flat trails, following a section of the renowned Château Route. You’ll pass through the Gentbrugse Meersen nature reserve, ride by the medieval fortress of Laarne Castle, and pedal through charming villages like Lochristi—known for its fragrant greenhouses. This afternoon, on a walking tour of Ghent, you’ll learn this city doesn’t fit neatly into one category. It’s got the Gothic drama of Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the imposing stone walls of Gravensteen Castle, but also the youthful energy of Werregarenstraat—a graffiti-covered alley where artists have turned urban decay into creative expression. You’ll cap off your tour of Ghent with a canal cruise, gliding past guild houses and bridges that have stood for centuries. If you’re craving something sweet later in the evening, consider joining the optional chocolate-tasting experience.
Ghent countryside cycling: The Château Route
- Distance: 26.3 miles
- Elevation change: 151 ft gain
- Set out on your first ride of the trip through the Ghent countryside along a section of the Château Route.
- Explore Ghent’s medieval streets on a walking tour with a stroopwafel tasting, then see the city from the water on a canal cruise.
- Opt for a hands-on chocolate-tasting experience to learn the art of Belgian chocolate, or kick back and relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Bruges walking tour and Bruges to Ghent region bike ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Bruges is the kind of place that looks almost too perfect to be real—a medieval masterpiece so well-preserved it’s been nicknamed the “Venice of the North” and has starred in its fair share of films (like In Bruges). Today you’ll walk its cobblestone streets with a local guide who knows the history behind every Gothic archway and canal bend. You’ll stop at the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Rozenhoedkaai—a picturesque canal corner where buildings reflect in the water, creating one of the most photographed views in Bruges. You’ll have lunch with the group before choosing your ride back to the Ghent region. You'll follow classic Flanders terrain—flat and gentle—along quiet country roads and bike paths through fields, canals, and villages. Those opting for the shorter ride will stop after 19.5 miles and hop in the support van, while others continue the full route as the landscape shifts from rural hamlets to Ghent’s vibrant outskirts. Once you’re back at the hotel, the evening is yours to relax and unwind however you’d like.
Ride options:
- Option A: 19.5 miles, 128 ft elevation gain
- Option B: 27.2 miles, 180 ft elevation gain
- Explore fairy-tale Bruges on a guided walking tour, enjoying the city’s Gothic landmarks and canal-side architecture.
- Sit down for lunch with your group in Bruges, then change into your biking clothes for your afternoon ride.
- Bike from Bruges back towards your hotel in the Ghent region through pastoral Flemish countryside, choosing between a 19- or 27-mile route.
Gouda region3 nights
Day 5: Cross into the Netherlands, bike to De Dochter van de Korenaar Brewery, and brewery tour with lunch
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch, Dinner
Today you cross into the Netherlands, a country where bicycles outnumber people and cycling infrastructure is woven into the national identity. Your ride begins in the Dutch city of Breda, quickly transitioning to flat, green landscapes dotted with farmhouses and windmills. You’ll stop at Schijnvliegveld De Kiek, a WWII decoy airfield designed to fool enemy bombers, where you can decide whether to continue riding or hop in the support van. Everyone will arrive at Baarle-Hertog, one of the world’s most bizarre border towns where Belgian territory sits within the Netherlands in a complex puzzle of enclaves. The border zigzags through streets, shops, and houses—you’ll cross between countries multiple times, marked by stones. From here, both bikers and van riders will head to De Dochter van de Korenaar, a brewery run by a Dutchman brewing Belgian-style beers with French names. A tour takes you behind the scenes, followed by a tasting and lunch. Then it’s off to your next hotel in the Gouda region to settle in and enjoy dinner with your group.
Ride options
- Option A: 15.6 miles, 92 ft elevation gain
- Option B: 21.8 miles, 141 ft elevation gain
- Cross the border to Breda, then bike through Dutch countryside, stopping at a WWII decoy airfield.
- Continue riding to Baarle-Hertog and experience its bizarre border-crossing culture, or take the support van into town.
- Go behind the scenes at De Dochter van de Korenaar Brewery to see how their beers are made, then sample the results over lunch.
- Make your way to the Gouda region, where your new hotel and dinner await.
Day 6: Visit Gouda cheese market and Kinderdijk windmills bike ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Welcome to Gouda, a city synonymous with cheese but offering so much more—canals, Gothic architecture, and a market tradition that dates back centuries. A short walk from your hotel brings you to the weekly cheese market, where the town square transforms into a bustling display of Dutch life. Sample some cheese, soak in the atmosphere, then head back to your hotel to change into cycling gear. From Gouda, you’ll head south through the Green Heart—a protected rural area at the center of the Netherlands’ urban ring—on country roads past cows and waterways. Your route brings you to Schoonhoven for lunch before crossing the Lek River by bike-friendly ferry. On the other side, the path continues to Kinderdijk, where 19 UNESCO World Heritage windmills stand in perfect formation. Built in the 18th century to keep the low-lying land dry, these windmills represent Dutch engineering at its finest. You’ll walk among them and explore inside a working windmill to see the massive wooden mechanisms still in action. Those ready to finish riding for the day can catch the support van back from here, while others can continue on more quiet roads with another ferry crossing before returning to Gouda by bike.
Ride options
- Option A: 24.5 miles, 92 ft elevation gain
- Option B: 41.9 miles, 174 ft elevation gain
- Experience Gouda’s lively weekly market and sample local cheese.
- Bike to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, crossing the Lek River by ferry and exploring the iconic windmills.
- Ride the full loop back to Gouda (for those choosing the longer route), crossing the Lek River again by ferry—or head back to the hotel via the support van.
Day 7: Keukenhof Gardens (or Scheveningen) to Gouda region bike ride
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
What you do on your final day of riding depends on the season. In spring, you’ll experience Keukenhof Gardens—one of the world’s most spectacular floral displays—before cycling through the vibrant tulip fields that have made the Netherlands famous. In summer/fall, you’ll start from the North Sea coast at Scheveningen, riding along dramatic sand dunes where wild grasses bend in ocean winds and seabirds fly along the shoreline. Both routes pass through historic Leiden—one of the Netherlands’ oldest university cities, where tree-lined canals wind past centuries-old buildings and the energy of students fills café-lined streets—before returning to Gouda for your Farewell Dinner.
Spring bike ride: Keukenhof Gardens to Gouda region
- Option A: 10.8 miles, 33 ft elevation gain
- Option B: 30.5 miles, 135 ft elevation gain
Begin at Keukenhof Gardens, where seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom across 32 hectares in an explosion of color that draws visitors from around the globe. This is spring at its most extravagant—themed gardens bursting with carefully orchestrated blooms, art installations nestled among the flowers, and winding paths that reveal new combinations of color at every turn. After wandering through the grounds, you’ll step onto your bike and pedal through the fields that supply bulbs to gardens worldwide. The landscape transforms into stripes of vivid red, golden yellow, and deep purple stretching toward the horizon on your way to Leiden, where everyone will stop for free time for lunch. From here, those opting for the shorter ride can hop in the support van back to the hotel, while others continue riding through windmill-dotted countryside to Gouda.
Or
Summer/fall bike ride: Scheveningen to Gouda region
- Option A: 16.5 miles, 335 ft elevation gain
- Option B: 36.1 miles, 423 ft elevation gain
Start from Scheveningen, a lively beach town where the North Sea meets the Netherlands, and pedal along a coastline that feels worlds away from the flat polders inland. The route takes you through a protected landscape of rolling sand dunes—dynamic, ever-shifting terrain shaped by wind and sea. The views are expansive: open sea stretching to the horizon on one side, tranquil dune forests on the other. The scenery gradually softens as you approach Leiden, transitioning to the lush green countryside that defines the Dutch interior. Everyone will stop in Leiden for free time for lunch. From here, those ready to finish can take the support van back to the hotel, while others continue riding through windmill-dotted countryside to Gouda.
- In spring (March – mid-May): Explore Keukenhof’s blooming gardens, then cycle through tulip-striped fields on your way to Leiden.
- In summer/fall (late May – September): Ride along the dramatic North Sea coastline through rolling sand dunes on your way to Leiden.
- Gather with your group for a Farewell Dinner celebrating the week’s rides and memories you’ve created together.
Flight home
Day 8: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Well, that’s all folks! You’ve spent a week riding through two countries, along countless canals, and past enough windmills to fill a postcard collection. Finish packing your bags and transfer 45–60 minutes to the Amsterdam airport for your international flight home.
Amsterdam extension
Not ready to leave the Netherlands just yet? Spend two extra days in Amsterdam, a city built on water where 17th-century canal houses lean at impossible angles and bicycles rule the roads. Cruise through UNESCO World Heritage canals, explore the world’s largest Van Gogh collection at the Van Gogh Museum, and have time to explore the city’s vibrant streets at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to bookend your cycling journey: from Flemish villages to Dutch tulip fields, and finally, to the vibrant city of Amsterdam.
Day 8: Travel to Amsterdam, canal cruise, and Van Gogh Museum visit
Included meal: Breakfast
Welcome to Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most progressive and free-spirited cities—a place where historic canal houses stand alongside coffee shops, world-class museums neighbor the neon-lit Red Light District, and centuries of merchant wealth blend with modern liberal attitudes. After arriving, you’ll step aboard a canal boat for a guided cruise through the city’s historic waterways. From the water, you’ll see Amsterdam from its best angle—passing under bridges, floating past gabled façades, and learning the stories behind landmarks like the Skinny Bridge and Opera House. Once back on land, it’s time for art. The Van Gogh Museum houses hundreds of his paintings and drawings, which you’ll explore at your own pace. The evening is yours to explore Amsterdam’s vibrant nightlife—whether that’s a quiet drink along the canals, wandering through the famous Red Light District, or diving into the city’s legendary bar scene.
- Travel to Amsterdam, then board a canal cruise to see the city’s historic waterways and landmarks from the water.
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum to explore hundreds of the artist’s paintings and drawings with immersive audio guides.
- Settle into your Amsterdam hotel for the next two nights in a city known for its museums, canals, and electric nightlife.
Day 9: Optional Van Gogh & Dutch Countryside excursion or free day in Amsterdam
Included meal: Breakfast
Today is yours to spend as you please. If you’re craving one more taste of the Dutch countryside, join the optional excursion to Hoge Veluwe National Park—one of the Netherlands’ largest nature preserves. In the park, you can rent a free bicycle to explore, or step inside the Kröller-Müller Museum. If you’d rather stay in the city, you can wander the canal-lined streets, visit more world-class museums like the Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum, or simply soak in Amsterdam’s laid-back energy. In the evening, you’ll come together with your group for a farewell drink at the hotel.
- Join the optional Van Gogh & Dutch countryside excursion to Hoge Veluwe National Park, stopping in Arnhem and visiting the Kröller-Müller Museum.
- Opt to stay in Amsterdam and enjoy a free day to explore at your own pace.
Day 10: Fly home
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Your Belgian and Dutch adventure wraps up today. You’ll transfer 30 minutes to the Amsterdam airport with memories of canal cruises, cheese markets, windmills standing against flat horizons, and rides through some of Europe’s most bicycle-friendly terrain.
Handpicked accommodations
From boutique hotels to 5-star luxury retreats, our accommodations are curated with the expert eye and attention to detail that come from 60 years of travel experience, always prioritizing authenticity. We select high-quality properties that balance comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm. From bustling city centers to serene countryside and picturesque small towns, each hotel is chosen to complement your adventure’s unique style. While the specific accommodations may vary based on your travel dates, you can always count on staying at fantastic properties that meet our standards for quality and character.
Ghent region - Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof
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Gouda region - Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda
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Amsterdam - Grand Hotel Amrâth (Extension)
See detailsEquipment
We've partnered with EF Pro Cycling and Cannondale to offer three exceptional Cannondale bikes for you to choose from. You'll be able to select your preferred bike in your online account after you book.
Flights
Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
Add our airfare and you’ll get:
- Round-trip flight for your tour
- Airport transfers at your destination
- A great price locked in today
- 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
- Options for requesting an upgrade
- Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
Weather
Bruges, Belgium
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Ghent, Belgium
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Baarle-Hertog, Belgium
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Kinderdijk, Netherlands
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Breda, Netherlands
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Gouda, Netherlands
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Amsterdam
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Brussels, Belgium
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Know before you go
- In order to enter Belgium and the Netherlands, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in late 2026, passport holders from visa-exempt countries like the U.S. and Canada will need to register for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter certain European countries. Even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these 30 countries without a visa, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you’ll only need to complete the form once.
- All EF Adventures travelers will be responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- Round-trip flights booked through EF arrive in Brussels and depart from Amsterdam.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through EF Adventures. If you book your own flights, airport transfers may be available for a fee upon request.
- When you arrive in Brussels, an EF Adventures representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with an EF Adventures sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical activity level
This tour is rated as Moderate, which means you’re ready to tackle some hills and elevate your heart rate, but not at the expense of enjoying the surroundings. This level balances active cycling with moments of leisure. The rides on this tour are almost entirely flat, with plenty of breaks to catch your breath and soak in the scenery.
This tour is great for:
- Recreational bike riders
- Those who enjoy a good workout on two wheels
What to expect:
- Daily mileage: 10-42 miles
- Daily elevation gain: Up to 450 ft
- Typical terrain: Predominantly flat with gentle rolling hills
Tour pacing
This is a steady-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- Two 3-night stays
- Most days are full of included activities (more if you add excursions), however most evenings are free
- Most transportation by mini-vans and taxis
Climate considerations
- Belgium and the Netherlands have a temperate maritime climate with mild summers. Summer temperatures (June to September) typically range from 60°F to 75°F.
- Rain is common year-round, so pack a waterproof jacket and rain pants for cycling.
- Spring (March to May) can be cooler with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 60°F, but this is peak season for tulip blooms at Keukenhof Gardens.
- Layered clothing is essential to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
- Wind can be a factor, especially when cycling through open polder landscapes or along the coast, so windproof layers are recommended.
Physical activity & tour pace questions
- EF Adventures and the Tour Directors who accompany your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Directors is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- If you have physical activity concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or give us call at 617-619-1679. We’re here to help!
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including mini-vans, taxis, and boat cruises.
Equipment for all bike rides will be included.
For bikes, you’ll have your choice between the included Performance road bike and E-Touring bike, or you can upgrade to an E-Road bike for an additional cost:
- Performance road bike: for those who crave speed and efficiency on paved roads, the Synapse Carbon offers race-level performance with all-day comfort. This lightweight, versatile bike is perfect for tackling long distances throughout your biking tour—from flat stretches to challenging climbs.
- E-Touring bike: For a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience, opt for the Tesoro Neo X2 StepThru. This electric touring bike features a step-through frame, wide tires, and a powerful motor, making it perfect if you prioritize comfort and stability as you explore new destinations.
- E-Road bike: if you want a little extra assistance on hills or longer rides, the Synapse Neo is your ideal companion. This electric road bike combines the speed and efficiency of a road bike with the added boost of pedal assistance, ensuring you can fully enjoy your adventure without overexerting yourself. Note: there is an extra cost for the e-road bike.
We also include:
- Helmets: Helmets are provided and are required for all bike rides.
- GPS Devices: GPS devices are provided to help guide you through the routes and track your progress.
- 2 reusable water bottles.
- Bike bags: These bags can attach to your bike and allow you to store some of your personal belongings during rides.
- Support van: A support van will accompany the group on all bike rides. The van carries water, snacks, and basic bike maintenance equipment.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on mini-vans and taxis.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you’re responsible for any baggage fees incurred.
- Contact your airline(s) for the baggage size and weight restrictions on your flights.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
Remember to bring clothes you’ll feel comfortable cycling in for several hours a day. Quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials are best. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:
On the bike
- Cycling shorts and/or bibs (we recommend 2-3 in total)
- Cycling jerseys/sports shirts (we recommend 2-3 in total)
- Long-sleeve cycling jersey or thermal base layer
- Cycling jacket or windproof vest for wind protection
- Bike shoes (with clips if applicable)
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Warm cycling gloves for cold/wet conditions
- Buff or neck warmer for wind protection
- Sports sunglasses
- ID, credit card, phone
- Snacks - bars or gels
- Bike water bottles (provided)
In your day bag (a small day pack to leave in the van while riding)
- Lightweight, packable rain jacket
- Lightweight jacket or sweatshirt
- Arm and leg warmers
- Walking shoes/sneakers/sandals
- Change of clothes (non-cycling)
- Sunscreen
- Water & snacks
- Medications for the day
Off the bike
- Athletic shoes for walking around
- Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants for sun protection
- A few casual outfits for evenings and any downtime at the hotels
- A swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim at hotel pools
- Dressier attire for Welcome/Farewell Dinners and in case you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance
- Sleepwear and toiletries
- Insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs
- A refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour (and cut down on single use plastic waste)
- A universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter
- Any personal medications, including motion sickness remedies for boat rides
- Your medical insurance card, in case of emergencies (pack this in your carry-on)
- EF Adventures handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, sustainability, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-five-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our mini-vans can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Belgium and the Netherlands operate on the European standard 230 volts and use Type C (two round pins) or Type E/F (two round pins with grounding) plugs.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Directors may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify EF Adventures at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- There are inherent risks associated with adventure activities such as biking, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- This tour includes two lunches and three dinners. They may be set menus, à la carte, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also may include beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, as well as water, coffee, and tea.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- In Belgium, seafood is of a very high quality, and mussels steamed in white wine are a favorite. Patisseries offer decadent pastries and cakes, and you won’t want to miss indulging in favorites like fries, handmade chocolate, locally brewed Abbey-style beer, and, of course, Belgian waffles. Please note that Belgian beers vary widely in style and flavor and are often much higher in alcohol content than other European beers.
- In the Netherlands, simply prepared meat and fish dishes, substantial soups and hearty stews are local staples. Snack food traditionally features fish—you might try maatje, raw green herring served with onions—but pancakes, french fries, doughnuts, and waffles are just as plentiful.
- Tips for meals, drivers, porterage (if applicable), and sightseeing guides are included in the price of your tour.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Directors a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping $30-$40 USD per person per day (to be given to the lead Tour Director, who will divide it up).
- On an 8-day tour, we recommend tipping a total of $240–$320.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Directors.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Adventures mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the mini-vans or taxis.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your tour will be led by two expert European Tour Directors who are also experienced cycling guides. They have intimate knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and geography, as well as the specific routes you’ll be riding. Your Tour Directors will provide both on-the-bike and off-the-bike support, including:
- Leading and supporting the group during daily rides
- Providing detailed route briefings and overviews of local history and culture
- Coordinating logistics and arranging meals
- Offering basic bike maintenance and riding tips
- Ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers
- As experienced cyclists themselves, your Tour Directors will ride with the group and are trained in first aid and bike safety procedures.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Adventures is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Belgium and the Netherlands are 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 6pm on tour.
- When you travel with EF Adventures, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Directors to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- EF Adventures encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.
- When visiting national parks, reserves, or other protected areas, please do not remove anything from the natural environment or leave any litter. Carry out what you carried in.
- When you come across wild animals on tour, take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart: Don’t touch or feed them, and maintain a respectful distance. The animals you encounter on your trip should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior.
- Furthermore, avoid buying exploitative animal products, like crafts made from animal parts or products tested on animals.
- If you feel we aren’t meeting any of these commitments, please let us know.
Flights? We got you.
Round-trip flights are one more thing we can handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate. Rates shown in cart.
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