Overview
Cycle from Harpenden to Amsterdam in two days and arrive in style for the Amsterdam Rugby 7’s! Our ride begins at Harpenden Rugby Club where we’ll begin our ride east through Essex to the ferry port of Harwich. After an evening meal we’ll board the overnight ferry and arrive at the Hook of Holland. From here our route takes us along blissful cycle lanes to the incredible city of Amsterdam in time for the Amsterdam Rugby 7’s.
It is fully supported and guided by the More Adventure team, with your luggage transferred throughout. On the final day your bicycle and luggage will be transferred back to Harpenden Rugby Club for you to collect once you’ve returned. All you need to do is turn up and ride!
Highlights
- Riding through rural Essex
- Arriving at historic docks in Harwich
- Waking up on a boat in a different country!
- The fantastic traffic-free cycle lanes of The Netherlands
- Picturesque canals, boats and windmills
- The incredible city of Amsterdam
- Arriving in style at the Amsterdam Rugby 7’s
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: Harpenden – Harwich (90 miles & ↑ 1500 feet)
We’ll meet at Harpenden Rugby Club where we’ll have a trip briefing and load up the support vehicles. We then begin our ride, leaving Hertfordshire behind and cycling through rural Essex to the port of Harwich. After a meal in a local restaurant, we’ll board the overnight ferry for a few drinks and a good night’s sleep.
Day 2: Hook of Holland – Amsterdam (54 miles & ↑300 feet)
After an evening’s sleep in the comfortable ferry’s cabins, we’ll be showered and ready to begin cycling in The Netherlands. The fantastic cycling lanes and lack of hills should make today a relatively straightforward and enjoyable ride. Our route skirts around the administrative centre and capital city of The Hague before entering the outskirts of Amsterdam. Our cycling journey ends in the vibrant city centre where we’ll take some team photos before heading to our hotel to freshen up. You’ll have earned a few drinks by this point, so we’ll go out for a celebratory meal and enjoy this wonderful city.
Day 3: Amsterdam
The More Adventure team will be departing for the UK with your bicycles and luggage. You’re are then free to explore the city and the infamous Amsterdam Rugby 7’s tournament. It is then your responsibility to make your own way home, your bicycle and main piece of luggage will be ready to be picked up from the club when you are.
Single room supplement for this trip is £105, this can be added upon booking.
Map
Includes
- Cycle leader(s) and support driver(s)
- Ferry crossing from Harwich to Hook of Holland
- 1 x night cabin accommodation on ferry
- 1 x night’s hotel accommodation
- 1 x breakfasts
- 2 x buffet-style lunches
- Bicycle mechanical support
- First Aid cover
- All luggage transported during your trip
- Bicycle and main luggage transfer back to Harpenden Rugby Club
- GPX files of the route (if requested)
Not Included
- Bicycle and Helmet
- Transport back from Amsterdam
- Breakfast on the ferry
- Evening meals, drinks and snacks
- European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
- Insurance
FAQs
What's the overnight ferry like?
The overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland is excellent. You will be assigned a cabin in which there are beds and hot showers. In the ferry is also a bar, restaurant and sometimes evening entertainment.
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