London to Hamburg Cycle

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 Harwich (85 miles)

We meet in London for a briefing and then after a short cycle through the outskirts of London, our route takes us into rural Essex and to the city of Chelmsford. From Chelmsford we continue North‐East, crossing over the River Brain and into Colchester before arriving in Harwich. After our evening meal, we will be boarding our ferry for an overnight crossing to the Hook of Holland. There are cabins onboard so hopefully you’ll get plenty of rest before arriving into The Netherlands the following day.   

Day 2: Hook of Holland to Zwolle (114 miles)

After a good night’s rest on the ferry, we begin our second day cycling. From the Hook of Holland our route takes us firstly north‐east, skirting The Hague, the capital of South Holland and seat of the Dutch government and parliament. From The Hague we continue North‐East towards the capital city of Amsterdam then cross over the Hollandse Brug (bridge) into the province of Flevoland. Our evening stopover is Zwolle, here we’ll have our evening meal and a much‐deserved rest in anticipation of our third day in the saddle.   

Day 3: Zwolle to Cloppenburg (104 miles)

Today we say goodbye to The Netherlands and cross the border into Germany. The route is flat today but we’ll have an early start just in case! Soon after skirting around Zwolle, we arrive at the German border and along rural roads through picturesque farmland. Our overnight stop for this evening is Cloppenburg.

Day 4: Cloppenburg to Hamburg (112 miles)

Our final day cycling first takes us North‐East from Cloppenburg to the city of Bremen, a major port on the River Weser and home to the fabulous St Peter’s Cathedral. We continue North‐East and soon enter the outskirts of Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city. Our journey ends at the Hamburg Rathaus (town hall) square ‐ well done, you’ve made it! From here, we’ll make a short cycle to our hotel and prepare for our celebratory meal and last evening as a group.   

Day 5: Hamburg sightseeing & return to London

With over 40 theatres, 60 museums, magnificent architecture and some very interesting local dishes to try, there’s plenty to do and see in this incredible city. Hamburg is also home to the Vattenfall Cyclassics, an annual race through the city streets which contributes to the UCI World Ranking. You’ll have the whole day to explore Hamburg before your flight back to London in the early evening.

You will need to purchase a return flight from Hamburg to London on day five, Germanwings offer these for around £50 (please only book this once the trip has been confirmed). You will be met by the More Adventure team at Heathrow airport with your bicycle and luggage from 17:30 onwards. If you wish to stay on for longer in Hamburg or return to a different airport, you are responsible for transporting your bicycle and luggage on the flight, which will incur further costs.  

Map

Includes

– Cycle Leader(s) and Support Driver(s)
– 3 x night’s hotel accommodation
– 3 x breakfasts
– 4 x buffet-style lunches
– Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland with cabin accommodation
– Bicycle mechanical & First Aid support
– All luggage transported during your trip
– Bicycle and main luggage transfer back to London
– GPX files of the route (if requested)

Not Included

– Bicycle and Helmet
– Transfers to Hamburg Airport
– Evening meals, drinks and snacks
– Flights from Hamburg to London
– European Health Card (www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do)
– Insurance