Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges, Merlijn

 Tulip Tour Amsterdam to Bruges Merlijn Guestimonials “I have recommended this trip to several people and will continue to do so. So many people have never heard of such a trip. One of my friends has already booked on our same barge (Merlijn) for next year! The staff, the rooms, the food, and scenery were absolutely wonderful.” -Elizabeth Yates CONTACT US TOUR OVERVIEW MAILING ADDRESS 218 Hunter Rd. Springville, PA. 18844 TELEPHONE Length of tour 8 days/7 nights Di culty Level Tour Type Toll Free in the USA/Canada: 1.800.951.4384 Phone: +1 570.965.2064 Fax: +1 570.965.0925 Client rating OFFICE HOURS 8:30 a.m ­ 6:30 p.m EST Emergency contact information is on our voicemail plus we are on email frequently. We always recommend that for any problems during your cycling vacation that you contact the boat directly. Your problem will be solved much quicker and more efficiently! You will find contact information on the last page of this travel package.
This tour is an easy, guided tour in Dutch cycling paradise! Bike and barge ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE Location of the Barge The Merlijn will be docked at the De Ruijterkade, Pier 15 in Amsterdam. You will find a map of the barge location here: https://goo.gl/R6RiZ7 From the Airport From the Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, you can take the train to Amsterdam Central. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter in the Arrival’s Hall of the airport, or at ticket machines located in the airport terminal (NS train station). From there you head down the escalator to the train terminal. The train ride from the airport to Amsterdam Central takes about 15­20 minutes and costs only a few Euros. From the train station by taxi If you opt to take a TAXI from the airport (approximately €50), please give your driver the following address: De Ruijterkade, Pier 15. The total amount of the bill always includes service fee and tax. Of course, you are free to tip, especially for remarkable service. The tip depends on the amount of the bill and the service given. An appropriate tip for a taxi driver would be 5­10 %. In town, we recommend TCA taxis +31 (0) 20 7777 777. Meeting time Boarding time is between 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM. Luggage can be brought on board beginning at 10:30 AM. Please note: The ship leaves the dock at 2 PM . If you are going to arrive later than 2 pm or you are delayed in your travel, please inform the captain on board. EMERGENCY NUMBER OF THE MERLIJN: (+31) (0) 653 513 501 From the train station Once you are at the Central train station, you will leave the station at the rear side (North), walk to the left along the water (the water will be on your right). At the North Sea Canal, about 300 meters past the channel ferry, you’ll End of tour Your tour will end 8 days later in Bruges. It is see the barge. It is only a few minutes’ walk. asked that you disembark by 9 AM. The barge WATCH YOUR VALUABLES WHEN will be docked at the Bargeplein, near the buiten TRAVELING BY TRAIN! Katelijnevest, which is close to the train station. You can walk there (about 10 minutes), or take a short taxi ride. You will find a map here: http://goo.gl/maps/pWrAD DAY TO DAY Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam, cruising to Harlem The Merlijn, your sailing hotel, awaits you in Amsterdam. Embarkation is between 1 and 1:30 PM. The barge departs at 2 PM to Haarlem. It is necessary to leave on time because of the operating hours of the bridges. The crew will welcome you on board and while you enjoy a welcome drink, you will be informed about the barge and the daily tours. The barge stays overnight in the neighborhood of Cruquius, just past Haarlem. Day 2: Haarlem ­ Lisse ­ Keukenhof ­ Leiden, 18 mi. (30 km) During breakfast, the Merlin will take you a little closer to the Keukenhof and docks at Lisse. Here, your first bike tour will begin to the Keukenhof. After this visit you will cycle to Leiden. Day 3: Leiden ­ Gouda ­ Dordrecht, 21 mi. (35 km) Enjoy breakfast while the boat cruises to the starting point of the bike tour at Gouda. You will begin by biking through one of the most beautiful parts of Holland, the"Green Heart of Holland " en route to the Kinderdijk, world famous for its impressive row of large windmills. They were built to drain the Alblasserwaard. You have the opportunity to take a tour inside one of the mills. From here, board the Merlijn and cruise to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns of Holland, where you will enjoy a walking tour through this charming old city Day 4: Dordrecht ­ Willemstad ­ Tholen ­ Antwerp, 27 mi. (45 km) During breakfast the boat cruises to Willemstad, where your bike tour to Tholen starts. Tholen was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people were fisherman by trade. Today, Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways, but it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. Today's bike tour ends here and the barge takes you into the Willemdok of Antwerp. Antwerp is not only known as diamond city, but also as native city of the painter Rubens. In the Rubens House, you can admire his work. In the heart of the city you will see the Cathedral of Our Lady and beautiful town houses from a rich past are situated around the Market Square. Tonight you will enjoy your dinner on your own in one of the many local restaurants in Antwerp. Day 5: Antwerp ­ Baasrode, 21 mi. (35 km) After breakfast you will have more time to explore the city of Antwerp. At around 9 AM you will board a tram that brings you into the heart of Antwerp. Y
ou may want to visit the Rubens House if you did not get an opportunity earlier, or a diamond factory. You can also go shopping in the lively center. After your visit, board the Merlijn and have lunch on board while cruising to Rupelmonde. Here, your bike tour for today begins. The tour follows the river Schelde further upstream via Temse to Baasrode. Day 6: Baasrode ­ Merelbeke ­ Ghent, 27 mi. (45 km) After breakfast, bike along the river Zeeschelde. Our first stop will be in Dendermonde, a nice country town on the Dender estuary. The route follows this beautiful but capricious tidal river, Schelde, upstream to Ghent, a lively university city. This city has a rich past with origins in Roman Times, and is located at the place where the rivers, Leie and Schelde converge. This favorable situation brought a great deal of prosperity over the years, which had its peak late 13th, early 14th century. The textile industry brought great wealth. In the city center many old patrician houses have been preserved. In the Clothmakers’ Hall (1425) textile merchants used to meet. The major church is St. Baafs’ Cathedral, built in various ages and in various styles. In the cathedral you can admire a number of medieval paintings, including, ‘Adoration of the Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck. Day 7: Ghent ­ Bruges, 24 mi. (40 km) During breakfast, the barge cruises to Aalter, where your last biking tour begins and leads through the pleasant countryside of Western Flanders to Bruges. Bruges, also called the Venice of the North, maybe is the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. Its old center, which dates from the Middle Ages, is almost completely in tact. At the time, Bruges was a metropolis, the center of trade and art. Bruges is also great for shopping. In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through this city. You may even want to include a ride through the canals. Farewell dinner on the Merlijn and your last overnight stay on board. Day 8: Departure from Bruges. Disembarkation after breakfast, approximately 9AM. WHERE YOU’LL STAY THE BARGE The 12 luxurious cabins are all 11 m² in size with two comfortable airbeds (90 x 200 cm) that can be pushed together or separated, a desk, a wardrobe closet, a hairdryer, and a safe. The lounge covers 90 m². It is comfortably furnished in a modern style with a restaurant area and lounge near the bar. You can enjoy fresh air, water, and nature in all weather on the 40 m² sun deck. The entire ship is climate controlled and you can adjust the temperature in your own cabin. You can treat yourself to an aperitif or a drink in the bar, but room service is also available. The cuisine on board is a delight! You can see more pictures of the boat here: https://www.tripsite.com/bike­boat/boats/comfort­plus/merlijn/ THE CREW The crew on board consists of the boat's owners, a husband and wife team, who will be happy to welcome you on board and make you feel at home! In addition there are usually a two other crew members. A multilingual tour guide will bike with you every day. He or she will be very familiar with the area you are cycling, including all points of interest and their history. Your guide will also assist you if you have any issues with your bicycle. If you have any concerns while on board, your crew will do their best to take care of you! GRATUITIES If you are satisfied with your service on board, the crew will be very grateful to be rewarded for their service. If you are not pleased, it is important to let the crew know. It is customary for each guest to give between 3 to 4 % of the tour price (tips should be paid in Euros). MEALS Meals on board are substantial and healthy, normally of typical Dutch cuisine. Breakfast will be served as a buffet with coffee, tea, milk, orange juice, various kinds of lunch meat, cheese, honey, marmalade, etc. During breakfast, you will be given what you need to prepare your own picnic lunch. Provided are bread, cheese, sausage and meat, fruit and a beverage. Dinner is a three­course meal with soup or appetizer, main menu and dessert. Water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate will be served for free each day after cycling. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available for sale on board. All drinks will be will be recorded on a tab for you to pay at the end of your tour. Payment is accepted in Visa, Mastercard, and cash. Special meals are available for vegetarians and guests with other moderate requests and restrictions with advance notice. Some restrictions and requirements may entail a supplemental fee. WHAT TO PACK We recommend bringing the clothing items in ●
A small backpack that you can put in which you feel the most comfortable cycling in. your pannier and use for valuables Multiple layers of clothing tend to work best during stops along the way for all kinds of climates, and gloves are needed if booked in April/early May when the mornings can be chilly. Storage space in the And: ●
cabins is limited, so please bring only the hat with visor) essentials. Hard covered suitcases are not ●
Chap stick recommended, as they cannot be stored as ●
Wet wipes easily. ●
Hand sanitizer ●
Personal toiletries ●
Small first aid kit Here are some general suggestions: ●
Technical, multi functioning clothing that can be rolled compactly in your luggage ●
Gear: ●
helmet is safer for you than any rented limited to tight spandex. There are helmet!) comfortable, looser "mountain biking" ●
Cycling gloves shorts/capris as well!) ●
Water bottle ●
Cycling jerseys ●
Small flashlight ●
Shoes for both cycling and ●
GPS (if you own and if your self­guided firm soled shoes/sandals that can serve cycling tour provides GPS tracks) ●
as both! Don't forget your cellphone/camera and charging devices ●
Rain gear ●
Adapters for European outlets ●
Extra layers, depending on the weather. ●
If bringing an accessory such as a hair dryer, you will also need a converter (You can read more about converters and adapters here : Look for technical fabrics/activewear. ●
Helmet (your own properly fitted Padded cycling shorts (you are NOT walking/casual. There are very nice Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, Jacket/sweater https://www.ricksteves.com/travel­tips/p
hones­tech/electric­adapters­converters ) DESTINATION DETAILS CLIMATE Average: April May June July August Sep Oct High °F 53 61 66 69 70 64 57 Low °F 40 46 52 55 55 51 46 High °C 11 16 18 20 21 17 13 Low °C 4 7 11 12 12 10 7 CURRENCY ATMs, DEBIT CARDS, AND CREDIT CARDS While travelling in Europe, we recommend using your debit card and withdrawing cash at ATMs in the local currency for your transactions abroad. It is the easiest and most cost­effective method. Upon arrival at a European airport, it is a good idea to withdraw cash from an ATM so that you have some on hand for train/taxi travel to your destination but from then on, it is best to use ATM machines at a local bank, which will have lower fees. Helpful tips: ●
Contact your bank to let them know that you will be travelling internationally. ○
Ask your bank what the fees will be for an ATM cash withdrawal ○
Inquire about your daily withdrawal limit and consider increasing it ○
Know your 4­digit PIN ○
Ask your bank what the fees will be if you use your debit card for purchases (this will typically include fees from both the bank and the creditor on the front of your card) ●
Stick with actual bank ATMs. There are independent ATMs that are tricky and charge higher fees, and are sometimes located right next to banks as well. (Examples of independent ATMs to avoid are Travelex, Euronet, Moneybox, Cardpoint, Cash Zone). ●
Know the symbols on the front and back of your debit card ○
Symbols on the back are for ATM cash withdrawals, they represent the cash networks used (VISA Plus, MasterCard Maestro or Cirrus) ○
Symbols on the front are for purchases – work like a credit card and typically include higher fees (VISA, MasterCard) ●
Be aware of ATMs that give you a message sounding like they are doing you a favor by asking if you’d like them to convert the transaction for your bank into your home currency – you don’t want to do this, you will end up paying a lot more in fees but they don’t tell you. Always choose the currency of the country you are in and have your home bank do the conversion. ●
ATMs are also referred to as “Cash Point” in the UK, “Distribueur” in France, and “Bankomat” elsewhere. ●
You may also wish to use your credit card but be sure to know what fees will be included. ●
Apps for your cell phone that may be helpful: ATM Hunter and Currency Converter WIFI INFORMATION WiFi is ubiquitous now and many of the boats and hotels on our tours offer it as a service. If, however, you'd like your own portable WiFi you can rent devices from numerous companies throughout Europe and the World. We have personally tried Hippocket WiFi in Europe and have been very impressed by their service. You can pick up their device in thousands of locations throughout Europe­­or request it mailed somewhere­­use it during your trip and simply mail it back in a pre­paid envelope locally when you are done. Plans currently start at €31.60 for a 4 day rental or €59 for 10 days. Click to find out more: http://hippocketwifi.com/en/#a_aid=Tripsite TRAVEL INSURANCE We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. For U.S clients, you can purchase travel insurance through our trusted partner, Travel Guard. Go to the following website for a quote or contact us via chat or phone! https://buy.travelguard.com/tgi2/proc/stateselector.aspx?br=agentlink&arc=00445270&agentlin
kasp=yes TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Be sure to bring a valid passport with you, and if you are not an American citizen, please make sure you do not also need a visa. We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process. CELL PHONES You have three options for cell phone usage throughout Europe: 1. You can take your existing phone, buy a phone in Europe, or rent a phone. If you choose to use your own, you need to first find out whether your phone will work in Europe. Many T­Mobile and AT&T phones work fine abroad while only specialized phones from Verizon or Sprint will work. If your phone does not work, check with your service provider and they will likely loan you a phone that will work. You will also want to check into international plans, which allow you to roam throughout Europe using your own phone number. Be sure to find out what the rates are to make and receive calls and also to send and receive text messages. Also, check on whether there are roaming charges. 2. Another option would be to buy a basic “pay as you go” mobile phone in Europe. This can be surprisingly affordable and can be purchased at many mobile phone counters in big department stores or corner phone marts and sometimes, right at the airports. Most phones come with prepaid calling time and additional minutes can be easily purchased. 3. The third option, if you have an unlocked phone, would be to purchase a SIM card. This is a small chip that stores your phone number and other information. Again, these can be purchased at any store that carries mobile phones. A SIM card works most affordably in the country where you buy it. If you roam with the SIM card in another country, call prices go up, and you pay to receive incoming calls. Text courtesy of Rick Steves. For additional information, visit his website . WHAT TO EXPECT ABOUT BIKE AND BARGE TOURS The barge is your floating hotel and the bike is your means to pedal the backroads of countries and cultures. Providing comfortable accommodations, excellent food and drink, and an active vacation in a small group setting, our bike and boat tours are a cycling experience you will never forget. INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR PACKAGE ●
8 days / 7 nights on board ●
7 x breakfast buffets, 6 x packed lunches, and 6 x three course dinners ●
24 speed hybrid bicycle with water bottle, bike bag, towel, and use of universal helmet ●
Entrance fee to Keukenhof ●
Tour guide ●
Daily cleaning of the rooms ●
Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate ●
Welcome drink ●
Harbor fees ●
WiFi on board (not available in Belgium) NOT INCLUDED ●
Travel to/from docking location ●
Excursions and entrance fees not mentioned ●
1 x dinner ●
Gratuities ●
Bicycle protection ●
Travel insurance ●
Bike maps for sale on board BICYCLE RENTAL For the duration of the trip, you’ll have use of a 24­speed hybrid bicycle. The bikes are kept locked on deck when not in use for the length of the tour. The bicycles come with pannier bags for holding personal items, handbrakes, a fixed lock, towel, and a water bottle. A tandem or electric bike may also be available on request for €25 per day. If you have obtained BICYCLE PROTECTION with us, then enclosed you will find that printed on your voucher as proof. The bicycle always needs to be locked when unattended. The protection does not cover the theft of the bicycle while it was unlocked; the key to the bike lock will need to be produced. We kindly ask that you do not change the bike saddle and/or pedals without permission from the crew of the boat. A bicycle helmet will be available to borrow for the week. Helmets are Gyro universal size. Wearing a bicycle h
elmet is not required in the Netherlands, but we do highly recommend wearing one. Pack & Pedal Europe is not responsible for any accidents during the tour. CONDITIONING TIPS We offer a variety of tours for all levels of cyclists. The majority of our tours fall within the Easy to Moderate level which means they can be experienced by the beginner as well as the expert. It is essential, however, that you have cycling experience and be in good physical condition. The cycling involved on a bike tour may requires good balance that can only be acquired from regular cycling. To fully enjoy your cycling vacation, you should prepare! ●
Easy: Flat terrain. Average daily distances approx. 16­30 miles ●
Easy to Moderate: Terrain is mainly flat with some sloping hills. A daily distance can sometimes exceed 30 miles. ●
Moderate: Terrain is made of rolling hills with some climbing involved. Itineraries frequently include two or more days with mileage more than 30 miles. ●
Moderate to difficult: Climbs are more frequent and strenuous, such as you would find in the Tuscany region of Italy. ●
Difficult: Very hilly terrain such as you will find with our Road Bike Tours or some of the tours in Croatia. Daily distances normally exceed 40 miles, but not always. A very mountainous terrain but shorter daily mileage will often times warrant the designation of Difficult. ●
Very Difficult: Road Bike Tours with longer daily distances and strenuous climbs. The most important thing regardless of difficulty rating, is to get saddle ready! Nothing will dampen your enjoyment of cycling more than a sore bottom! You can be aerobically prepared but if you do not put in "saddle time" you will be sorry. A good rule of thumb is the plus 10 x 2 rule . If the longest day on your tour is 25 km, then you should be able to ride 35 km . On self guided tours, the unexpected can happen, you can get turned around, inadvertently adding kilometers, so be prepared for the unexpected. X 2 means that you are able to do this distance AT LEAST twice in one week . Most of our 8 day tours entail at least 5 days of riding. You will benefit even more if you add at least one ride of a shorter distance for a few weeks before your tour. As the difficulty level increases, so should your pre tour preparation and training. For those booking a difficult tour, the assumption is that you are a regular year round cyclist who understands training techniques. Hills require hill work and long distances require longer times in the saddle. CYCLING IN HOLLAND Holland is known far and wide as a "cyclist's paradise". The country possesses one of the best­developed and best maintained cycling infrastructures in the world! As such, cycling is second nature for the Dutch beginning at a very young age. In elementary school, children are given bike traffic lessons and granted a fiets diploma, proving that they know how to be safe while cycling and know and follow the rules. Larger roads, when space permits, have a parallel Fietspad (bike path), physically separated from the roadway. These bike paths are generally also separated from an adjacent footpath. It is obligatory for cyclists to use the bike paths if available. Motorists are not allowed on bike paths but at times, slower mopeds are permitted Bi­directional bike paths on one side of the road are common in towns as well as in the countryside: they are divided into two lanes, similar to roads, by a dashed line. Occasionally bi­directional cycle ways exist on both sides of the road; this reduces the number of times cyclists have to cross the road. Red is the standard color of the bike paths and on­road bike lanes, generally made of asphalt or brick, though there are exceptions. Some older cycle paths are made of black asphalt or the square tiles commonly used for sidewalks. Traffic signs Fiets = Bicycle Fietspad(en) = Bicycle lane(s) Fietsenstalling = Parking for bikes Geen fietsen plaatsen = Bicycle parking is not permitted (often seen in front of shops) Fietsers uitgezonderd = This rule does not apply to bicyclists Fietsen toegestaan = Cycling allowed At many intersections, there are special bike traffic lights for bike paths. The frequency of red and green light does not always match with lights for other traffic. When there's no bike light, use the traffic light for cars. Bicycle laws and safety Do: ●
Use hand signals when preparing to make a left or right turn. Simply put your arm out in the direction you want to turn so drivers and other bikers can be prepared. ●
Be prepared for mopeds and faster riding cyclists passing you on the bike path by cycling on the right­side on the lane. Most of the time the brommers (mopeds) must use the main road rather than the bike roads, however in some cases they are allowed on the bike pads. If so, it is explicitly indicated by the blue traffic sign displaying a bicycle and a moped symbol. ●
Bicycles have bells for a reason! It is normal to ring your bell as a warning, you won't hurt anybody's feelings. ●
Always give right of way to trams , from any direction. Listen for the distinctive clanging of their bells. The rule for all other vehicles and bikes: give right of way to traffic approaching from the right. So, traffic coming from your left should give you the right of way. Taxis and buses often push the limits on this rule, so err on the side of caution when they approach. Do not: ●
Cycle on sidewalks and pedestrian­only area. ●
Cycle on highways! ●
Park your bike in places that have signs posted saying, Geen fietsen plaatsen (No bike parking.) PROBLEMS Should problems arise at some point during the tour, let the tour guide know immediately and give him the chance to help you. Never take action that may require compensation or involves any repairs to the bicycle without consulting the tour guide first. With this type of Boat and Bike Tour you are never far from the captain, a crewmember and or guide. We suggest leaving a copy of your itinerary with family and friends along with important phone numbers. TRIPSITE: Toll Free in the USA/Canada: 1.800.951.4384 EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBER OF THE MERLIJN: (+31) (0) 653 513 501 Phone: +1 570.965.2064 Fax: +1 570.965.0925 We want to stay in touch with you! Tell us about your trip f or a chance to win a free one: http://feedback.tripsite.com ! Don’t miss a thing...from tour discounts and special offers to cycling news and updates from our very own Tripsite Traveler Blog! Just click. Follow and subscribe. Photo credits: Page 1­ Photo courtesy of Jantien, owner of the Merlijn. Page 4 ­ Photo via flickr, bert knottenbeld Page 5 ­ Photo via flickr, nanpalmero ADDITIONAL MAPS