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Jun 5 - Jun 20, 2025
Netherlands/Belgium
A Cycling Journey: Bike and Barge in Holland and Belgium
Program No. 1053060MEADV-1116-60
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.
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800-454-5768
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16 days
15 nights
29 meals
14B 1L 14D
1
In Transit
In Flight
8
Maastricht Field Trip & Lecture, Free Time
Maastricht
14
Vecht River, Barge to Amsterdam
Amsterdam
16
Program Concludes, Departures
In Flight
At a Glance
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.
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
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Hendrik Robberecht
Hendrik Robberecht holds a degree in art history and archaeology from the University of Ghent. He has arranged study explorations for Flemish leaders in Belgium and taught courses in modern and contemporary art through the Flanders Tourism Office. His hobbies include listening to classical music and opera, travel, interior design, contemporary visual arts, and architecture.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Hendrik Robberecht
View biography
Hendrik Robberecht holds a degree in art history and archaeology from the University of Ghent. He has arranged study explorations for Flemish leaders in Belgium and taught courses in modern and contemporary art through the Flanders Tourism Office. His hobbies include listening to classical music and opera, travel, interior design, contemporary visual arts, and architecture.
Kees Grandia
View biography
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.
Suggested Reading List
(21 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Cycling Journey: Bike and Barge in Holland and Belgium
Program Number: 10530
The Undutchables
A laugh-out-loud, irreverent guide to Dutch character and habits, including how to drink coffee and why you shouldn't even think about haggling over prices.
The Embarrassment of Riches
An engaging cultural history and much more, this book is a study of the Dutch in the 17th century and their surprising challenge to Spanish rule.
A Tall Man in a Low Land
Pearson, a British travel writer, journalist and comic, is an entertaining guide to Belgium and its traditions, culture, beer and chocolate.
Master of Shadows, The Secret Diplomatic Career of the Painter Peter Paul Rubens
Ranging from his home in Antwerp to London, Madrid, Paris and Rome, Lamster uncovers the gripping tale behind one of the world’s most famous painters and his double life as a secret agent, diplomat and political operative in 17th century Europe.
Tulip Fever
In this surprise bestseller, set in 1630s Amsterdam, a man contracts the talented painter Jan Van Loos to paint a portrait of him and his beautiful wife, Sophia. A vivid drama unfolds as a mutual attraction develops between Van Loos and Sophia.
Why the Dutch are Different
Mingling history with travelogue, Coates speaks to why the Netherlands is such a fascinating country. He explains their world-famous culture of tolerance, the significance of milk, beer and the color orange in the lives of the Dutch and much more.
Eyewitness Guide The Netherlands
Gorgeously illustrated and filled with excellent maps, this compact book covers Holland, its history, traditions, cultures and sights. With hundreds of color photographs and illustrations.
The Anatomy Lesson
A fictionalized account of the events surrounding Rembrandt’s first commissioned piece, the Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp. Well-researched and vivid with period details that transport the reader back to 1600s Amsterdam at the height of Dutch artistic vigor.
The Autumn of the Middle Ages
A pioneering work of social and cultural history, this well-translated classic of 1924 is a richly detailed portrait of life, thought and art in 14th- and 15th-century France and the Netherlands.
Tulipomania
The story of the world's most coveted flower and the extraordinary passion it aroused, this vivid history traces the tulip from its origins on the Turkish steppes to its status as an absurdly desired object in Europe and its key role in the financial follies of 17th-century Holland.
Eyewitness Guide Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp
This superbly illustrated guide features color photos and maps of city neighborhoods, with information on history, culture and sightseeing.
Benelux Map
Covering the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg at a scale of 1:400,000.
Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer
A British journalist, Winner interviews football stars -- along with architects, political scientists and novelists -- in this insightful, humorous look at the transformation of Dutch society since the 1970s.
The Netherlands in a Nutshell
With information on the Dutch East India Company, Huygens, Spinoza, Van Gogh, the Great Flood, the Dutch overseas colonies and much more, Van Oostrom's popular primer covers the essential highlights of Dutch history.
Girl With a Pearl Earring
Chevalier's richly drawn novel imagines the story behind Vermeer's mysterious portrait of a turbaned girl with a pearl earring.
A Worldly Art
This appreciative analysis of Dutch art in its Golden Age (1585-1718) features 100 exemplary illustrations by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Pieter de Hooch, Frans Hals and other Old Masters.
Niccolo Rising
From the reigning queen of historical fiction comes this fast-paced, thoroughly-researched novel of ambition and worldly goods in 15th-century Bruges. This is the first volume in her House of Niccolo series.
Dutch, A Rough Guide Phrasebook
An A-Z pocket dictionary, phrasebook and mini-guide to the Dutch language.
Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City
Russell Shorto opens this delightful ode to an adopted city with his daily journey, by bike of course, through his neighborhood to drop off his toddler son. He spins a tale of a diverse city wrestled from the sea, its coffee shops, canals and its personalities and politics, with panache.
Good Beer Guide Belgium
The seventh edition of Webb's invaluable guide to breweries, beers and bars.
The Coffee Trader, A Novel
An entertaining, suspenseful work of historical fiction set in Amsterdam. It's 1659 and in the new, capricious world of stocks and investment, a desperate Portuguese-Jewish trader partners with a Dutchman. Their idea: import the first shipment of coffee to the country. What follows is a wild tale of ruthlessness, greed and fortune.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
16 days
Program Begins
Vianen
Program Concludes
Amsterdam
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
29
| 14B |
1L |
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.
Featured Expert
Hendrik Robberecht
Hendrik Robberecht holds a degree in art history and archaeology from the University of Ghent. He has arranged study explorations for Flemish leaders in Belgium and taught courses in modern and contemporary art through the Flanders Tourism Office. His hobbies include listening to classical music and opera, travel, interior design, contemporary visual arts, and architecture.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Kees Grandia
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.
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 Reading List
View Full List
(21 Books)
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
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
16 days
15 nights
What's Included
29 meals | 14B | 1L | 14D |
9 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive, Transfer to Utrecht, Bicycle Fitting, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Vianen
Meals:
L,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
There will be no biking today which provides an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate after your international flight. Motorcoach time approximately 1 hour (30 miles). Barging time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Morning:
Join the Group Leader and your fellow Road Scholars at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to board a motorcoach to the picturesque village of de Zaanse Schans just north of Amsterdam. We will visit a klompenmaker and observe the art of wooden shoe production.
Lunch:
Enjoy an authentic taste of the Netherlands at a village restaurant located in an 18th-century grain barn. The restaurant specializes in Dutch-style pancakes, savory or sweet treats, which can measure almost a foot in diameter, and often eaten as a main course.
Afternoon:
We proceed by motorcoach to the barge moored in Amsterdam and then motor to Utrecht. Orientation: The Group Leader, barge captain and crew will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. A support vehicle will accompany the group while biking each day in the event of emergency situations. Upon arrival in Vianen, bicycles will be fitted to the participant and testing will take place to insure participants are able to safely start, stop, and control their bicycle. Periods in the daily schedule designated as "Free time" and "At leisure" offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge, enjoy a three-course plated set menu featuring tasty local cuisine with coffee, tea or water. Other beverages are available for purchase that can be charged to your tab and settled prior to departure with Euro cash or by credit card on the last night on board. Dinner each night will follow this description.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Barge to Schoonhoven, Kinderdijk, Willemstad, Dutch History
Location:
Willemstad
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 18 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge, the breakfast buffet will offer a variable hot entrée each day as well as meats, cheeses, eggs, yogurt, cereals, breads, juices, and hot beverages. Breakfast each morning will follow this description.
Morning:
After a hearty breakfast, join your Group Leader in the salon for a presentation on safety, rules of the road, and the Corner System, the way in which we navigate throughout the course of this program, as you barge to Schoonhoven, a town known for its silversmiths. Then bicycle to Kinderdijk for an unbelievable view of a row of 19 historic windmills constructed in the mid-18th century to prevent flooding and to drain the surrounding area of water.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
Board the barge in Alblasserdam and continue on to Willemstad. Before dinner, we'll attend a lecture on board by a local historian on the history of the Netherlands.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure. Your evenings are free to spend time with new Road Scholar friends, relax, or go exploring on your own.
Day
4
Medieval Bergen op Zoom Lecture, Zeeland, Barge to Antwerp
Location:
Antwerp
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 27 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 2 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Before we leave Willemstad, a local expert will show us the well-preserved Fort Sabina, built in 1811 by Napoleon. We will then bicycle to Tholen. In 1953 a major flood disaster hit the provinces of Zeeland and Brabant. A combination of wind and high tide caused the sea to flood land up to 20 feet above sea level. The former island of Tholen almost disappeared.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Tholen.
Afternoon:
The barge is waiting for us in Tholen, so you will have some free time to explore before we bike back. Once onboard, we will cruise to Antwerp and pass through the imposing Kreekrak locks uniquely engineered to reduce fresh water loss and prevent salinization.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
Enjoy and evening stroll around Antwerp with your Group Leader.
Day
5
History of Antwerp Lecture, Free Time, Belgian History
Location:
Antwerp
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Antwerp.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Explore Antwerp, the diamond capital of Belgium. Attend a lecture by a local expert on the city's history followed by a field trip to explore the elegant guild houses of the 16th century and the cathedral, home to three of Rubens' works, including his masterpiece, Deposition.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
This afternoon, we will visit the Red Star Line Museum, where a local expert will explain why Europeans emigrated to the U.S. Afterwards, take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Antwerp. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Try French fries with a platter of mussels - nothing is more Belgian! Sample one of the many beers brewed by monks; it is not likely we'll find these brands stateside.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At your leisure.
Day
6
Barge the Albert Canal, Heather Fields, Hasselt
Location:
Hasselt
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 24 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 4.5 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Depart Antwerp by barge via the Albert Canal, a busy commercial hub. Learn about the governing and operation of the canal's locks with the group leader as the barge cruises into the Kempen, a peaceful region of moors, heather fields and forests.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
After lunch (which might be a picnic!), bicycle on a quiet trail along the Albert Canal to Hasselt.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Hasselt Field Trip & Lecture, Dutch Gin, Maastricht
Location:
Maastricht
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 26 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Explore Hasselt with a local historian to learn about the 12th-century cathedral with its 18th-century tower, as well as the patrician houses on the big square, which date to the 1600s and have names such as "The Pelican" and "The Sword."
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Before leaving Hasselt, look into the town's specialty: Dutch gin, which has nothing to do with the Dutch, but that's what the Belgians call it. We'll not want to try this drink during the day as there is still a way to bicycle toward Maastricht after crossing the border into the Netherlands.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Maastricht Field Trip & Lecture, Free Time
Location:
Maastricht
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Maastricht.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will hear a lecture about the industrial and cultural history of Maastricht. We will then discover the beautifully preserved city of Maastricht with a local expert. Learn about its Roman roots and explore the Gothic St. Servaas Church and Hellgate, the only gate left from 1229.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Maastricht.
Afternoon:
Free Time: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Maastricht. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Don't miss the chance to sample beer, gin or a hot chocolate at one of the many terraces.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Barge to Born, Thorn, Limburg Province, Roermond
Location:
Roermond
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Barging time is approximately 3 hours. Biking distance is 24 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Barge to Born via the Juliana Canal, where we'll disembark at the locks. From here, bicycle to Thorn for a field trip with your Group Leader to the White Village on Belgium's border known for its patterned cobblestone streets and white painted houses. The only non-white building is the 14th-century church.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Thorn.
Afternoon:
Pleasant biking from Thorn to Roermond as we enjoy the homes around us with their little gardens and the owners' cars parked in front (not many homes have a garage). You'll note that cars in the Netherlands tend to be smaller than those in North America.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Venlo, Sint-Martinuskerk, Limburg's Forest, Arcen
Location:
Venlo
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 30 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Bicycle to Venlo with your Group Leader for a field trip to this ancient city dating back to the Romans. As we explore, notice the many different Dutch dialects, including the local Limburg dialect with its soft "g" sounds.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Before leaving Venlo, join your Group Leader and a local expert for a visit to the 17th-century Sint-Martinuskerk, home to an exquisite Baroque pulpit, 20th-century stained glass windows, and a tower that was rebuilt after World War II. You are welcome to continue exploring Venlo with free time this afternoon.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Arcen Castle Gardens, Paddestoelen, Cuyk
Location:
Cuyk
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 29 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
The day starts with a ride to Arcen with a field trip led by your Group Leader to the gardens at the local castle. Today’s trip takes us close to the German border. Don’t look for any customs people, either here or in Belgium; the Europeans have done away with border checkpoints years ago.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like. The province of Limburg is known for its vlaais, a delicious pastry you may want to sample.
Afternoon:
The Netherlands has more bicycle paths than any country in the world and all are marked by road signs in the form of paddestoelen, or mushrooms, which have a number on top corresponding to a detailed bicycle road map, as well as directions to nearby towns. End the day in Cuyk on the Maas River.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
Enjoy a lecture on the history of the Netherlands by a local expert.
Day
12
Brabant, Locks of Lith, Binnendieze Boat Tour, Den Bosch
Location:
Heusden
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 26 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We will barge this morning to Lith then start riding our bikes. We are in the province of Brabant, where we will explore small villages, taking in the local customs and admiring the well-tended homes. Gardening is big in the Netherlands and it shows!
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like in Hertogenbosch.
Afternoon:
The capital of Brabant is Hertogenbosch but the Dutch call it Den Bosch. Similarly, the Netherlands' seat of govenment is Gravenhage, but the Dutch refer to it as Den Haag. After lunch we head for Den Bosch where the painter Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516) lived and worked. The cathedral is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, including its devil-shaped gargoyles. Explore the canals of Den Bosch on a field trip and boat ride through the medieval Binnendieze, traveling underneath the city. Later, we will continue our ride to Heusden to meet the barge.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
13
Heusden, Loevestein Castle, Gorinchem, Vianen
Location:
Vianen
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Biking distance is 25 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths. Barging time is approximately 3 hours.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
We start our ride to the village of Heusden on the river Maas. During a field trip, explore the walled-town of Heusden with your Group Leader.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Our afternoon ride takes us to Loevestein, where a well-preserved castle, built in 1357, beckons. Join a local docent for a guided exploration of this historic gem. From the castle, cross by ferry to Gorinchem and see a 16th-century Gothic tower, slightly leaning to one side. Continue by barge to Vianen to stay for the night.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Vecht River, Barge to Amsterdam
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
Barging time is approximately 2 hours. Biking distance is 11 miles on flat to rolling terrain, primarily on dedicated paved bicycle paths.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Enjoy one last ride on your two-wheeler from Breukelen, located on the River Vecht, to Nigtevegt before we motor toward Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. We will pass many house boats where folks live year round.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
After lunch we meet up with our barge and relax on deck as we motor to Amsterdam, our final destination, where it all began.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
15
Amsterdam's Canals, Free Time, Farewell Dinner
Location:
Amsterdam
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Barge La Mar
Activity Note
There will be no biking today to allow us to explore Amsterdam.
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge.
Morning:
Your Group Leader leads you on a journey along Amsterdam's canals to the city center. The Amstel River is crossed by several canals lined with beautiful 16th- and 17th-century homes with a variety of different gable styles.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free Time: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Amsterdam. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. If you haven’t already been there, venture to the Anne Frank House or the Rijksmuseum. If you want to relax, seek out one of the local cafés to sip a Heineken or cup of coffee while watching the locals.
Dinner:
Aboard the barge. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
16
Program Concludes, Departures
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Barge check-out time is 9:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers. Transfer from the barge to the airport is approximately 30 minutes (15 miles / 22 kilometers).
Breakfast:
Aboard the barge. This concludes our program.
Morning:
Morning transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for departures. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!
MEALS
29 Meals
14 Breakfasts
1 Lunch
14 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
- Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025 (Vianen to Amsterdam)
- Aug 14, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025 (Vianen to Amsterdam)
- Sep 11, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Vianen to Amsterdam)
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
Sort By:
The Bike and Barge In The Netherlands and Belgium program was wonderful. The crew of the La Mar, Captain Marnik, Henk, Damaris, and Chef Franco made the barge aspect delightful. Chef Franco gave us a wonderful breakfast menu and gourmet dinners. The cycling leaders, Hester and Mieke, provided an unforgetable experience, taking us through the country side as well as through busting cities, always taking care that we were safe. The lectures, tours, and presentations were informative, and we were given time to explore when possible. Although not part of the program, I learned a lot about barging and locks! "Living small" on a barge does not limit you to all that the barge offers. Fellowship among the group was enhanced by the kind and caring crew and cycle leaders.
— Review left October 3, 2024
My wife and I could not have been any happier with our experience. Every aspect of our trip was ideal...the biking, boat, crew, guides, and the food all exceeded our expectations. I recommend this trip highly.
— Review left September 29, 2024
While it is true that the route is “primarily flat,” there are stretches with dirt and loose gravel.
Do not be intimidated by the reviewers who suggest the riding would be hard without an e-bike. The route is doable on a regular bike.
Be aware that the riding is different from other tours that have cue sheets and allow independent riding and stopping—you will have to follow the group closely and stop only when the group leader stops. The standard in the materials we got (a month after final payment!) indicated that we would bike about 25 minutes at a time at about 10mph; however, we did deviate from this riding time and speed (17 mph once on a dirt trail). Mirrors, shoe straps, clips, and handlebar bags are not allowed.
The two countries are beautiful, and I loved seeing them by bike, barge, and foot.
Every meal was good, on or off the barge (we had phenomenal meals on the barge from Chef Joel).
Compliments also to Captain Marnick; sailors Jurre, Denise, and Tomek; and tireless hostess Lineke for making it a wonderful time.
— Review left September 2, 2024
Wonderful leaders, boat staff, and participants made for a wonderful trip. Saw lots of the country from our bikes. Even thought the terrain is relatively flat, I would highly recommend renting an e-bike as on the days with rain and wind, you will appreciate being able to keep up the pace.
— Review left June 30, 2024
Amazing bike trip. Beautiful countryside. Amazing villages and cities. I highly recommend this trip for the active individuals that enjoy the outdoors!!
— Review left October 16, 2023
Trip leaders were exceptional. Food better than expected. Staff on the barge were very helpful. Pace just right for what was stated online. Educational events were very interesting.
— Review left October 10, 2023
The one thing that was confusing, was the trip date where based on the beginning date being the 15, so 2 of us arrived at the airport on the 15. The 15th was when participants boarded they flight the program booked.
I had sent emails indicating I was working towards meeting at the airport on the 15th.
This caused additional last minute expenses to arrange a place to stay in Amsterdam.
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— Review left October 1, 2023
Our expectations for Road Scholar's 2-week Bike and Barge trip in Holland and Belgium were high and the trip exceeded them in every possible way.
— Review left July 4, 2023
This was a great trip led by outstanding guides in Hester and Rikko. The Fiep was a wonderful home based staffed by a terrific crew. I'm glad I had one-bike as it made the entire experience that much better.
— Review left June 28, 2023
I enjoyed this trip immensely. Intellectually rewarding and physically challenging.
— Review left June 26, 2023
Bike & Barge in Holland and Belgium exceeded all of our expectations. The Barge, the Barge Staff and the Guides went out of their way to share their country with us through personal conversations, additional expert guides & lecturers and stops along the way. Cycling through the countryside, alongside canals, through small historic villages, visiting windmills, cheese farms and castles along with stops in historic cities gave us an appreciation of The Netherlands and Belguim, a view of their place in history and a glimpse into the lives of the residents. Only Road Scholar could have put together an itinerary which provided the in depth cultural, historical and current issues that expand our appreciation of this corner of Europe along with an excellent staff,knowledgable guides & wonderful barge accomodation that propels this trip onto our 'short-list' of outstanding experiences.
— Review left June 25, 2023
I'm a mid-70s occasional cyclist and was able to keep up with the group. Some days it was more of a struggle than others. However, towards the end I was taking advantage of optional extended trips. Great boat and crew. Wonderful and accommodating leaders. Excellent speakers and local guides.
— Review left June 25, 2023
I started this trip thinking that two weeks on a bike tour of the Netherlands would be too long, but it wasn’t—every day was packed with beautiful sailing and great riding. Our boat, the Fiep (soon to be la Mar), and our crew were outstanding. Our leaders, Hester and Ricco, brought enthusiasm and joy to the trip. I used an e-bike based on reviews here. The e-bikes were very heavy. I was thankful I had the e-bike on our two days in Belgium, but mostly for a couple hills we climbed rather than wind.
— Review left June 25, 2023
Both of us are probably older than most participants on this ride but ride several times a week at altitude. We were surprised at the weight of the bicycles used and how much effort it took (even with the enriched oxygen of sea level) to pedal these bikes, especially with somewhat windy conditions. That being said, we thoroughly enjoyed our exertions and experiences. The crew of the barge was exceptional, the food excellent, the learning informative, the countryside beautiful and our group compatible. We happened to hit a stretch of sunny days which added to our enjoyment.
— Review left September 4, 2022
Excellent program, pace, participants, leaders, etc. The weather was exceptionally pleasant and we all recognized how important, and apparently rare such weather was, to our enjoyment. Potential participants should give careful consideration to the personal choice of bicycle type. The vast majority of our group chose e-bikes and were very glad we did.
— Review left June 28, 2022
This was a great trip. I learned a great deal about a part of Europe with which I was not previously very familiar. The activity level challenged me, but did not detract from my enjoyment, and differences in ability were accommodated. Nevertheless, participants should be able and prepared to bike up to 30+ miles/day under different weather conditions, including the possibility of brisk winds. A highlight was the barge experience, due to the wonderful staff on board and the excellent food.
— Review left July 7, 2019
My first Road Scholar Trip-a bike and barge-was phenomenal! The varied people on the trip were a great group to be with, as were the various staff members. I will definitely go on more Road Scholar trips!
— Review left April 21, 2019
