Current as of: March 28, 2024 - 19:56

Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels

Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Belgium, The Netherlands
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 8 Days: Flight Inclusive
  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: C07AX

Trip Overview

This linear cycling trip takes in the capitals of Holland and Belgium as well as historic cities en route.

Starting in Amsterdam and finishing in Belgium’s capital city of Brussels, we recommend adding a few extra nights on to do city breaks in both cities to discover the variety of architecture, historic sites and monuments as well as shopping arcades, parks, gardens, art galleries and museums. Discover why millions visit these two key European cities every year with Amsterdam’s famous network of canals (a UNESCO World Heritage site), its infamous red light district and its fabulous squares – Dam, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. Brussels is famous for its food, comic strips, the world-famous Manneken Pis statue as well as the Atomium and the amazing Grand Place.

As well as the start and finish cities, this linear route is mostly flat cycling and allows you to discover even more Dutch and Belgian treats – for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Archetypal images of Holland include its windmills and bridges with plenty of windmills in Kinderdijk and bridges in Papendrecht to feast your eyes on as you cycle across Holland’s Green Heart. Famous local snacks from Gouda include syrup waffles (or stroopwafels) and cheese. Continuing southwards you’ll get to see the Biesbosch National Park, one of Erurope’s last remaining freshwater tidal areas, before heading over the border into Belgium where you’ll discover the historical cities of Antwerp and Leuven with awe-inspiring architecture and delicious beer and mussels (moules) with Belgian triple-fried chips (frites). For those with a sweet tooth, Belgium’s sweet and sugary gaufres (with various toppings) and the luxury pralines and chocolates are well worth trying an assortment.

At a Glance

  • 7 nights in 3* & 4* hotels, all rooms en suite
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Highlights

  • Visit two European Capitals in Amsterdam and Brussels along with the historic cities of Gouda and Antwerp
  • Enjoy the peace and quiet of Holland's Green Heart and the Flemish countryside with mostly flat cycling
  • Delight in Dutch and Belgian treats - stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury chocolates, gaufres and beer!

Is This Trip for You?

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 59km (37 miles).
No. of days cycling: 6
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet cycling routes and tarmac roads. The terrain is mainly flat which means the distances achieved each day can be longer. Alternative shorter routes are available on some days and are detailed in the route notes.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Your bikes will be delivered to the start hotel, all set up relevant to your height and ready to go. Our local agent will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes into larger towns and cities.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day’s cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please consider the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be high in the middle of summer.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Adult min age: 12

Min group size: 1

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

C07AX map

Land Only

  • Start City: Amsterdam
  • End City: Brussels

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Amsterdam

Marvel at the townhouses along the 17th century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein.

Overnight Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.

Day 2
Amsterdam to Gouda

Today’s route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. It was to this place that women who had been accused of witchcraft fled from all over Europe to try to have their innocence proven by weighing. Finish your ride in medieval Gouda, discover this beautifully preserved town centre, visit the Gothic town hall and St. John’s church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of the famous stroopwafels) and pick up some Gouda cheese.

Overnight Best Western Plus City 4*, Gouda.

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Gouda to Papendrecht

From Gouda you’ll continue through the Green Heart of Holland to the village of Kinderdijk. Explore the site on which 19 windmills have stood majestically since 1740 and used to drain excess water out of the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. You can even pay one of the mills a visit. Your destination, Papendrecht, is just a ferry crossing away from of one of Holland’s oldest towns; Dordrecht, which is completely surrounded by rivers. Beautiful bridges take you across the water into the heart of town with its many monumental buildings around the harbour

Overnight Leonardo Hotel 4*, Papendrecht.

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Papendrecht to Bergen op Zoom

Follow today’s route past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe: the Biesbosch National Park. Crossing a one-kilometre-long bridge high above Holland’s Diep river, you arrive in the south of the Netherlands. Continue through village after village, with Brabant hospitality enticing you in to stop for a cup of coffee and a big slice of fruit tart. Bergen op Zoom, today’s destination, is 800 years old and the town’s narrow streets, old squares and hundreds of monuments testify to a rich and dramatic past. Be sure to feast your eyes on Markiezenhof, a late-gothic mansion built by the local noble family in 1485, that now serves as a museum and archive, before you settle down at one of the many pavement cafes.

Please note you will only be able to cycle through the Biesbosch park on days when the ferry is running, which is not daily. An alternative route will be provided for days when there is no ferry service.

Overnight Grand Hotel De Draak 4*, Bergen op Zoom.

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Bergen op Zoom to Antwerp

The landscape along today’s cycling route is predominantly wooded. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom – Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you along the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) right into the historical heart of Antwerp, Belgium’s most important port city and the largest town in Flanders. After seeing the historical centre you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: ‘t Zuid and Het Eilandje. If you’ve worked up a thirst on your journey, consider a visit to the De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting. This brewery is best known for its ‘bollekes’, a type of rounded beer glass.

Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Antwerp.

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Antwerp to Leuven

After a short stretch on the banks of the River Scheldt, change course to follow the River Rupel, the shortest river in the country (nearly 10km long). Along the way you’ll see abandoned brick works and chimneys as silent witnesses of a tough industrial past. A good place to stop for lunch is the old town of Mechelen, within sight of the church tower of 13th century St. Rombold’s cathedral or the Grand Place with its fabulous architecture. Continue along the River Dijle to end your day in the delightful university town of Leuven, where the oldest houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Also visit the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304) and the Old Market Square (Oude Markt), nicknamed ‘the longest bar counter in the world’ due to the enormous number of bars and cafes on the square.

Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Leuven.

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Leuven to Brussels

The hills of Belgian Brabant and the expansive Sonian Forest set the scene for today’s cycle. There are also train options if you don’t feel like cycling into the big city of Brussels. The city’s main attraction is the fantastic Grand Place and the nearby little statue of Manneken Pis still draws the crowds although there’s plenty more to see. Your visit to Brussels should involve culinary treats such as delicious hot waffles, chocolate, triple-fried frites and beer. You should also enjoy the shopping and culture; you’ll be hard-pushed not to want to stay longer.

Overnight Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Brussels.

Distance covered: 25mi (40km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Depart Brussels

Depart from Brussels after a hearty breakfast.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.

Less than 5km from the Old Town, this lovely hotel offers trendy and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy the Wellcome Wellness centre which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Grand Cafe serves all-day dining. You can also visit the restaurant Mme Coco for a delicious culinary evening. The chic SKYY Bar offers panoramic city views and serves a range of wines and exotic cocktails, as well as a 5 course dinner at the chef’s table.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Best Western City Plus 4*, Gouda

Located just 600m from the Markt, and next to the Gouwe River, this modern hotel offers 101 sound-proofed rooms all decorated with a warm, stylish colour palate. Each floor has its own colour – red for the City Arms and the flag of Gouda; yellow for the colour of the famous Gouda cheese and blue for the city’s waterways, bridges and locks. Each room has its own name and a photograph referring to a special landmark in Gouda. The hotel has a Bistro-Bar where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Leonardo Hotel 4*, Papendrecht

The contemporary Leonardo Hotel located in Papendrecht’s centre and just 3km from Dordrecht, offers modern and elegant rooms with great facilities.The hotel also has a comfy lounge bar, a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, a sun terrace and its own whisky distillery. There is a fitness centre just around the corner where guests have complimentary access.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Grand Hotel de Draak 4*, Bergen op Zoom

Located right on Bergen op Zoom’s main square and the Netherland’s oldest hotel, the Grand Hotel de Draak has comfortable and luxurious rooms, all ensuite with shower and/or bath and offering excellent facilities. The hotel has a wellness area with sauna and Turkish steam bath as well as a small fitness room in the hotel’s medieval ‘dungeon’. There is a high-ceilinged breakfast room and Restaurant Hemingway serves classic cuisine with a French twist.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Antwerp

Just 10 minutes from Antwerp’s central station, this hotel is designed with a contemporary touch for modern travellers. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site RBG restaurant, or sit back with a good book in the cosy lobby.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Radisson Park Inn 3*, Leuven

The Radisson Park Inn is a contemporary hotel located close to Leuven’s Central Station and within walking distance of the sights of the Grand Place (Grote Markt), the University Library and the Stella Artois brewery. The hotel has a fitness centre that is complimentary for guests and a Bar & Grill restaurant offering both international and regional favourites.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 4*, Brussels

All rooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind at this eco-friendly hotel in Brussels. Located in the heart of the European Quarter and near the vibrant city centre, the hotel has convenient access to the Grand Place, Magritte Museum, European Commission, and Brussels International Airport.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Single supplement from £ 468

Food & Drink

All breakfasts are included.

There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from the Netherlands to Belgium with local specialities including stroopwafels, cheese, moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres and beer.

Transport

Your luggage will be transported between the hotels by our local agent. They are often able to dispatch a taxi should you need it, but may wish to charge you for this service. You will be pedaling under your own steam but the emergency number for the local agent is in the trip notes if you need assistance.

Joining Instructions

Your trip normally starts at your hotel in Amsterdam on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 3pm.
We can arrange flights or trains to Amsterdam and back from Brussels – please contact our sales team for more information and prices.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Amsterdam
Location end: Brussels

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Warm top and leggings for the early spring and autumn departures

Windproof and waterproof layer

Comfortable shoes and clothes for the time off the bike if you want to explore the towns

Self-Guided Hire Bikes

We use touring bikes provided by our local agent. All bikes are supplied with:

  • rear pannier
  • bike lock
  • 1 puncture repair kit

Bike sizes will have been given to the local operator in advance from the heights you have given us on booking. However, when you receive your bike there will be the opportunity to test and adjust.

Please note helmets are not provided and we recommend that you take your own on this trip.

E-Bikes

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 25mph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are just perfect if you want to try a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it. You can upgrade to an E-bike on a number of our European trips.

Bike Repairs

As you are riding unaccompanied, it is wise to know at least how to repair an inner tube before setting off on your bike! The bikes are serviced before being rented out so there should be no problems but there are emergency numbers provided in the Route Notes for more complex problems.

If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.

You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.

Extra bike accessories

You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.

Recommended Cycling Clothing

Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.

Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.

For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.

Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.

Local Bike Details

A quality local hire bike is included in the overall price of our cycling holidays. At the time of booking we will take your height in order to reserve equipment. There may on occasions be insufficient bikes available in the correct size; we will endeavour to find suitable alternative equipment but this cannot be guaranteed. We will tell you before you book whether suitably sized bikes are available.

Conditions 

1. The equipment remains the property of the supplier and you may not sell, hire out or part possession with the equipment.
2. You must not misuse the equipment and must return it in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear excepted). The supplier is entitled to charge for any damage caused to the equipment during the period of hire.
3. You must ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use. In the event of the equipment being lost or stolen, you may be liable for the replacement value of the equipment
4. You must not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and should immediately notify the Supplier in the event of breakdown or loss.

E-Bikes Available

Electric bikes offer all the thrills and healthy exercise of a regular bike, but with one crucial difference – power! A tiny electric motor (capped at 20-25mph/32-40kph) assists your pedalling, allowing you to make molehills out of mountains. Cycle further, see more, have more fun. They are perfect if you want a trip with companions of differing fitness level – or a trip at a slightly harder grade – and want to know there’s a bit of motor power available if you need it.

Practical Information

Visa

The Netherlands

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Belgium

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Belgium. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

The Netherlands

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Belgium

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

The Netherlands's time zone: Europe/Amsterdam (UTC +01:00)

Belgium's time zone: Europe/Brussels (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

European plug – 2 round pins.

Money

The Netherlands's currency: Euro (EUR)

Belgium's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

You will need money for lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks as well as any sites you wish to visit. Lunches can be inexpensive if you buy produce from local markets or shops and make up a picnic. However, if you stop at a café you can easily spend €15. We would recommend budgeting for €5-15 for lunches and allow an additional €10 a day for any extras. Dinners can cost between €15-40 depending on the type of restaurant you visit and would not include drinks.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.