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Netherlands/Belgium

A Cycling Journey: Bike and Barge in Holland and Belgium

Program No. 10530RJ
From your floating home on a river barge, set out on a bicycle journey through lovely, historic towns to discover the local history, culture and art of Holland and Belgium.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
16 days
Program Begins
Vianen
Program Concludes
Amsterdam
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
30 ( 14B, 2L, 14D )
Activity Level
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Dutch provinces of Utrecht, South Holland, Brabant, Zeeland, Limburg and the Flanders region of Belgium as you barge along scenic rivers and canals and cycle past windmills and through picturesque villages. With experts aboard the barge and in the field, learn about Dutch history and architecture, Roman influence in the Netherlands, the difference between the Flemish and the Walloons and much more.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Learn about Antwerp’s medieval and Renaissance architecture, and admire Rubens' masterpieces in its Gothic cathedral.
  • Cycle to the charming 13th-century trading town of Bergen op Zoom and Maastricht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.
  • Experience the canals of Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
General Notes
Program itinerary subject to change due to water levels, lock and bridge schedules and local conditions.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Kees Grandia was born and raised in the city of Rotterdam. He received a teaching certificate in Dutch and English at the teachers training college in Delft and studied history at the University of Leiden and the University of Texas in Austin. In 1999, he returned to education at the Albeda College as a teacher of Dutch to immigrants. Kees currently works as an educational manager with Albeda College in Rotterdam. He enjoys a game of tennis, loves opera, and is interested in American politics.
Mieke Thomas decided to follow her true passion for travel after nearly 20 years in the IT industry, where she began as an SAP developer and rose to the role of international IT project manager, and made the career shift to become a certified group leader. Mieke has since led Dutch groups in Africa and Asia. After the pandemic, she joined Boat Bike Tours, where she combines her love for cycling with her passion for sharing fascinating facts about the Netherlands.
Ronald Kersbergen, raised in Ethiopia and Nigeria, is a group leader for Boat Bike Tours. Although Dutch by nationality, Ronald speaks German and English fluently, earning him the nickname "the German" among colleagues. After studying business economics in Dortmund, Germany, he worked in Germany, Switzerland, and the UAE before returning to Germany in 2012. Since 2022, Ronald has worked with BBT during the cycling season. In the off-season, he works in administration and finance at his partner's dermatological clinic.
Pim Biemans is a Dutch native who has always had a deep connection with cycling. He worked as a labor lawyer before stepping away from the profession during a holiday in South America, which extended to over four years of exploration and personal growth. He turned his focus to language instruction, music, and producing health food. Pim has since traveled regularly to South America, particularly Brazil. Pim holds an LL.M. in social law and social policy from the University of Tilburg.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Intermediate to experienced cyclists. Cycling up to 20-30 miles (five hours) daily on primarily flat terrain with frequent stops. Walking one mile on uneven terrain, standing for up to two hours and climbing stairs.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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