Overview
Cycle through four countries in just four days! This fantastic trip will see you pedalling from the capital of the UK, through France, Belgium and finally The Netherlands. Over four days you will cycle around 300 miles with plenty of time to soak up the different landscapes and cultures we pass through. Each evening we’ll be staying in hotels giving you the chance to shower and relax before the following day’s ride.
Upon arriving into Amsterdam on Day 4, we’ll have a celebratory group meal. You will then have the following day to explore this vibrant city before travelling back to London on the train.
Highlights
- Riding through the Garden of England, Kent
- Catching a ferry from Dover to Calais, France
- Wandering around the historic city of Bruges, a UNESCO Heritage Site
- Cycling along the flat, open cycle lanes of Belgium and The Netherlands
- Picturesque canals, boats and windmills
- Exploring the incredible city of Amsterdam
Single room option is an additional £225 which can be added upon booking.
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Join tour in London, cycle to Calais (77 miles & ↑4100 feet)
We meet early at Blackheath Common and after a short cycle through the outskirts of London, our route passes through Kent to the port at Dover. We will arrive at the ferry for a late afternoon crossing to Calais during which we’ll have dinner. Once in Calais it is a short cycle to our hotel for a well-earned rest.
Day 2: Calais – Bruges (76 miles & ↑550 feet)
After breakfast, we begin our ride east, skirting around the town of Dunkirk, before crossing the border into Belgium. Our route then follows the Belgian coast to our overnight stop, Bruges. Bruges is the capital city of the West Flanders region, the historic city centre of which is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Day 3: Bruges – Vlaardingen (86 miles & ↑1500 feet)
Don’t let the mileage put you off today! During the first 25 miles we cycle northeast to Breskens where we take a foot passenger ferry crossing the Western Scheldt estuary to Vlissingen. Once over, our route crosses several similar inlets but this time on bridged roads. When we say there are very few hills today, we really mean it – we should fly along the second part of the ride (provided the wind is kind)! Our ride today ends at Vlaardingen on the outskirts of Rotterdam, the second-largest city in The Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world.
Day 4: Vlaardingen – Amsterdam (55 miles & ↑300 feet)
Leaving Rotterdam behind, our route today heads northeast, skirting around the Netherland’s governmental hub of The Hague. You’ll know we’re getting close as we pass Amsterdam’s airport in the southwest of the city. A further ten miles and we reach the capital city of Amsterdam, one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world!
You made it! This evening we should have plenty of time to check into our hotel, grab a shower and have a final celebratory group meal in a nearby restaurant.
Day 5: Amsterdam
Your bicycle and main piece of luggage will be transferred from Amsterdam to London St Pancras Station. You have the day to explore the sights of Amsterdam before getting a train from Amsterdam to London in the afternoon. Here, the trip ends. If you wish to fly or travel to a different onward destination, you will need to take your bike and luggage with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and can sometimes be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Whilst we endeavour to uphold the proposed daily mileages, this cannot be guaranteed due to changes to hotel bookings.
*Single room supplement is £180, this can be added upon booking.
Map
Includes
– Cycle Leader/s and support driver
– 4 x nights hotel accommodation
– 4 x breakfasts
– 4 x buffet-style lunches
– Ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
– Ferry crossing from Breskens to Vlissingen
– Train & Eurostar from Amsterdam to London St Pancras
– All luggage transported during your trip
– Bicycle mechanics
– Bicycle and main luggage transfer back from Amsterdam to London
Not Included
– Bike & helmet
– Transport to and from pick-up and drop-off points (Blackheath Common & London St Pancras)
– Evening meals, drinks and snacks
– Optional excursions in Amsterdam
– Personal Travel Insurance
FAQs
Is the whole route flat?
The first day's ride from London to Dover has a number of significant climbs. From Calais to Amsterdam however is very flat but wind direction and weather can have a huge impact on how easy the final three days can be.
Are there cycle lanes in France, Belgium and The Netherlands?
We'll be riding on roads in France and Belgium. In The Netherlands however, there are a large number of cycle lanes that we will be using.
How do we get back from Amsterdam?
By Eurostar train from Amsterdam to London. You'll need to book your travel back from Amsterdam once the trip has been confirmed.
How are our bicycles transported back from Amsterdam?
Your bicycles and luggage are loaded into the support vehicle(s) and driven back to London to meet you at St Pancras station for certain arrivals on the Eurostar. We take off pedals from all bicycles and load them using industrial removals blankets that offer excellent protection and security in transit. Pedals will be put back on by the time you meet us in London.
Do I need to pay the full trip cost or can I just pay a deposit?
We need a 40% deposit to secure your places on the trip, the balance is then due no later than five weeks before the trip begins.
Can I join up as a single person and pay extra to have my own room?
The single room supplement for the London to Amsterdam ride is £180 and can be added upon booking.
Which Eurostar train should we book back from Amsterdam?
This will be confirmed once the trip has been confirmed but it usually departs early afternoon arriving into London late afternoon.
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