holland family barge & bike

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1 A UTracks holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, UTracks has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Amsterdam standard barge: $1250 All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS Single Supplement (travelling in family group): $290 TRIP NAME: HOLLAND FAMILY BARGE & BIKE TRIP CODE: RIF TRIP DURATION: 8 DAYS GRADE: INTRODUCTORY 1 ACTIVITY: GUIDED CYCLING AND BARGE ACCOMMODATION: 7 NIGHTS BUNK BED CABIN Gouda Gorinchem Belgium The Netherlands Amsterdam Heusden Electric Bike Supplement (on request and where available): $330 Child (aged 11 and under) sharing with one adult: $740 Child (11 and under) sharing with 2 adults: $780 Two children (aged 11 and under) sharing with one adult - per child: $890 As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single cabin is required. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single cabins some boats do not have single cabins available in which case you will be matched with another person of the same sex. Other boats only have a limited availability of single cabins. Single cabins are always on a request basis. DATE DETAILS: JUL - 08 JUL, 08 JUL - 15 JUL, 15 JUL - 22 JUL, 22 JUL - 29 JUL, 29 JUL - 05 AUG, 05 AUG - 12 AUG, 12 AUG - 19 AUG, 19 AUG - 26 AUG highlights Cycling through countryside Holland at a relaxed pace Visit the mediaeval castle of Loevestein and the world famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk Discover the famous cheese town of Gouda Enjoy a game of Dutch golf with the kids Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge the trip The flat cycle ways and pretty canals of Holland offer some of the most enchanting and safe cycling opportunities in Europe. Aboard your hotel barge and in the company of other families, visit castles as you cycle through the Dutch riverlands. During the day there is plenty of opportunity to visit interesting towns such as the famous cheese town of Gouda, take advantage of local family friendy attractions such as Dutch golf and view the 19 windmills of Kinderdijk. Specially designed for kids from 7 to 11 years old, the pace is relaxed ensuring that all members of the family are able to fully participate in the days cycle World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 11/28/2016 3:40:33 PM Page 1

2 IMPORTANT NOTES DN1 - Prices based on two adults and two children (11 and under) sharing. Supplements may apply to different family groupings. 1 - A second barge of similar standard will run on these dates. holland family barge & bike itinerary at a glance Day 1 Join barge in Amsterdam, cruise to Vianen, orientation cycle (10km) Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 detailed itinerary Cycle from Vianen to Gorinchem (20km) Visit markets before taking the ferry to Castle Loevestein, cycle to Heusden (20km) Free day: visit local attractions including the fairy-tale park Efteling, cycle to Waspik Cruise to the famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk then cycle to Gouda (20km) Visit cheese farm and play Dutch golf (20km) Cycle along the Amstel River to Amsterdam (25km) Trip concludes Amsterdam Note: Itinerary subject to change DAY 1 Join barge in Amsterdam, cruise to Vianen, orientation cycle (10km) At approximately 12:30pm, you can check into the barge and meet your crew and tour leader. Shortly after at around 1:30pm we begin with a cruise to Vianen where we stay the night. During the sailing you will have a light snack on board (lunch is not included). In the evening there will be a warm up ride in the vicinity of the town to get to know your bikes. meals: D DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 Cycle from Vianen to Gorinchem (20km) On today s ride you will follow a winding canal until you reach the town of Gorinchem, where we spend the night. This historical town, once used for trade, still features 16th century city walls and bastions which are almost completely intact, and 17th century houses. Visit markets before taking the ferry to Castle Loevestein, cycle to Heusden (20km) In the morning, visit a cosy market in downtown Gorinchem before travelling by ferry to visit Castle Loevestein, which used to be a prison in the Middle Ages. Once, a famous Dutchman escaped from the castle in a bookcase! Continue cycling to picturesque Heusden, a fortified town, where you will spend the night. Free day: visit local attractions including the fairy-tale park Efteling, cycle to Waspik Today is Family Day! You are free to spend the day with your own family (or join another family if you wish!) as you please. Here are some wonderful ideas: a visit to the fairy-tale park Efteling, take a splash at a local swimming pool or spend the day at the dune area of Drunen (where you can walk to visit the nearby playground). Late afternoon, cycle back (on your own) to the barge in the village of Waspik/Waalwijk or Drongelen. Cruise to the famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk then cycle to Gouda (20km) We begin this morning with an early cruise to the famous 19 windmills of Kinderdijk. Nowhere else in the world will you find so many traditional windmills so close together! From here, cycle through the polderland Krimpenerwaard, which is approximately 2 metres below sea level, towards the famous cheese town of Gouda. The famous St. Jans church, UNESCO listed, with its beautiful stained glass windows is the longest church in the Netherlands and certainly worth exploring World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 11/28/2016 3:40:33 PM Page 2

3 DAY 6 DAY 7 DAY 8 Visit cheese farm and play Dutch golf (20km) From Gouda you cycle to a cheese farm where the whole family have the opportunity to enjoy a game of Dutch golf. Dutch golf means your golf club is a wooden shoe! In the afternoon there s time to explore the town of Alphen aan de Rijn and you also have the opportunity to visit Avifauna, a bird zoo. Cycle along the Amstel River to Amsterdam (25km) The barge will drop the family off at Kudelstaart, where you will begin the day s cycle trip alongside the river Amstel all the way to the port in Amsterdam. The afternoon is free for exploring the lively Dutch capital. After dinner your guide invites you for a short city walk and you may wish to make a roundtrip of the famous Amsterdam canals. Trip concludes Amsterdam The trip concludes after breakfast around 9:00am and individual departure. meals: B additional deposits Due to the specific arrangements we have with our tour partner, we require the prepayment of an additional deposit which is non refundable. This payment is required at the time of booking together with our normal per person deposit. This prepayment should not be viewed as an additional cost. We recommend you take out travel insurance at the time of booking. inclusions 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch onboard. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish. 7 nights accommodation aboard a standard barge in bunk bed cabin (shared shower / toilet) 7 speed bike rental with lock, pannier and insurance Entrance fee to Castle Loevestein and Farmer s golf Information pack including route notes and maps per cabin tour leader for cycle tours and one city walk items not included Travel to and from Amsterdam Drinks and other items of a personal nature Helmets mandatory on all bike tours, you are encouraged to bring your own well fitted helmet Entrance fees and excursions not specified Transfers not specified Travel insurance mandatory Tips while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the leader and crew have done a good job. As a guide we would recommend EUR15 30 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew). getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: com Amsterdam has regular services from around Europe. For timetables see www. railplus.com.au. We are happy to assist with Rail pass and ticket bookings World Expeditions Travel Group - Kate Baker 11/28/2016 3:40:33 PM Page 3

4 BY AIR TRANSFER SERVICE Your closest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol. There are good connections throughout Europe and the rest of the world to this airport. You are then able to take a train directly from the airport to Amsterdam Central. Taxis are readily available to / from the ports in Amsterdam, all located near Amsterdam Central station. trip grading - introductory INTRODUCTORY GRADE 1 The cycling is introductory (1) grade with daily cycling distances from 10 to 25km. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for beginners and children. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections. the boats THE BARGE EXPERIENCE During your week long barge and bike experience you will be travelling with a group of cyclists of different ages, nationalities and physical condition. All have a common wish to experience a relaxed and somewhat active holiday, so the cycling speed will always be easy going. The barges are not only a means of transportation; you also sleep, eat and relax aboard. The ships are equipped with a dining area, sometimes with a separate bar, a modern galley and a spacious sundeck. From the recreation room there is an excellent view of the surrounding scenery. Depending on the waterways the ships sail between 8 and 15 km per hour. The crew consists of a captain and a cook, both professionals, who are sometimes assisted by an extra hand. The captain is responsible for the safe transportation of the passengers and their luggage. The chef takes care of your meals. The barge travels with you from port to port and will transport your luggage. The barges range in standard from D to A+ with A+ being the highest level of comfort and facilities. These ratings are based on the barges in the fleet servicing France, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Germany and Romania. We ask that you carefully consider the standard of accommodation you are comfortable with as the range is quite diverse. The following is an indication of what the ratings mean. Please note that none of the barges could be called luxurious. D standard barges with shared bathroom facilities. 2 bed bunkbed cabins but also may have multishare cabins. C standard barges usually bunk beds in cabins generally with private facilities but often without air conditioning. Cabin sizes are compact with little space to move around comfortably within the cabin. B standard plus barge combination of lower twin beds and bunk beds in the cabins with private facilities which are generally more spacious (although never as spacious as a hotel room). A and A+ are comfort barges offer more space per person, some have air conditioning and the beds are lower berths. All barges are equipped with double cabins with private facilities (except D category or unless otherwise noted). Cabins on comfort barges are equipped with two level beds instead of bunk beds. The crew on the barge will ensure that your stay aboard is as pleasant as possible. Page 4

5 The trip will be accompanied by an enthusiastic and multilingual tour leader. He/she guides you along the fixed cycle itineraries, or remains on board providing daily briefings (Danube trips), answers your questions, assists with problems and may invite you to accompany him/her on some interesting city walks. The details of the barge you will be travelling on follows. Note there is often more than one barge used on different departures of this trip and in that case more than one barge description follows. Barges are also subject to change without notice. Please speak to your travel agent or UTracks consultant who will provide the name of the barge you will be on. This information is also on your tour voucher. This category D basic barge is ideal for a large group with 16 two person cabins and one quad cabin. The view from the spacious living room is superb, and when weather permits the sun deck offers a well sheltered sitting area. All two person cabins and the two shared bathrooms can be found on the lower deck. The AMSTERDAM has a bar area, where you can enjoy a drink in the evening. For many years the tjalk JACOB, with skipper Teunis at the wheel, is sailing the Dutch waterways. This category D bsic barge is well set up for groups from schools, youth clubs and families, with accommodation in multi share bunk bed cabins for up to 24 passengers. Originally named the Tijdgeest the Vita Nova was built and launched in 1913 as a cargo vessel in the winter and for pleasure passengers in the summer. The first passengers were members of the Christian church and had to sleep in hammocks slung between the decks. The present owners took over the boat in 1996 and after a major refit it has been dedicated to tourism ever since. The category D basic barge accommodates up to 45 passengers in 2 and 3 person cabins with shared bathroom facilities. The AMICITIA is a Category D basic standard barge perfect for small groups. The living room has a small bar specialising in group entertainment. From the living room you have direct access to the foredeck. There are 17 cabins in total, all equipped with bunk beds (2 with 2 bunk sets accommodating 4 people). There are five showers and five toilets on board for sharing. trip organisation The experience of sailing on a barge through Holland is one that should not be missed. During the trip you ll find out that the perspective constantly changes: on a narrow canal the ship seems huge, on big water it is more like a tiny nutshell. From the sundeck you can enjoy the view as it passes by. While the skipper will bring you safely to the next harbour, the cook is preparing a delicious meal. Along the various sailing routes there will be embarkation points where you begin cycling. You are supplied with a packed lunch and bike to explore the backroads, canal routes, villages and national parks. The leader speaks English and one or more other languages and usually cycles with the group. The leader will ask one of the group members to act as a sweep, taking up the rear position in the group. After the cycling is over for the day you return to the barge to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner. If we are moored in a town there are also opportunities to take in further sights at your leisure. On board there will be a mix of nationalities. This trip is not exclusive to UTracks. equipment provided THE BIKES During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed bike with hand brakes and lock. You will be provided with a pannier to carry your gear during the day. Helmets are not supplied but are highly recommended and we suggest bringing one from home. Electric bikes are available for an additional supplement (must be pre booked). Page 5

6 dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets but may not be able to assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). On this trip, whilst vegetarian options are always available, lactose or gluten free diets may not be catered for. Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to medically recommended dietary requirements. Usually those with special requirements will need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. joining instructions On confirmation of your booking you will receive a pre departure kit. Three weeks prior to your departure from your home country you will receive your final travel vouchers with details on how to join the trip. On embarkation you will receive your information pack. Embarkation generally begins at 12.30pm. about your group You will be joining a group with a mix of participants from different countries, speaking different languages including English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. Your tour leader is likely to be guiding in more than one language to cater to all participants. This is not an English only speaking tour. Daily briefings will be conducted in German and English. The length and format of these briefings will be tailored to the makeup of the group. The final size of the group will determine if more than one guide is leading the group. accommodation DURING TOUR During the trip you will be accommodated on a hotel barge which holds between 15 and 35 passengers depending on the barge used on your departure. There are a number of different barges in the fleet which are used for this trip and all have bunk beds with shared facilities. the region Zuid Holland or Southern Holland is a bustling region home to 3.5 million people, inhabiting an area of around 2,900 square km. This makes it the most densely populated of the twelve Dutch provinces, with 1,220 inhabitants per square km. Criss crossed by a busy network of roads, railways and waterways, Southern Holland also offers spacious tranquility, sprawling countryside, rivers, lakes, dunes and endless sandy beaches. From the historical city of Dordrecht to the cultural centres of Delft and Gouda there is much to see and do in this low lying area. Northern Holland has some spectacular scenery, including the unique natural reserve of the Weerribben, along with the waterways of Giethoorn and the vast woods and moorland in the Veluwe area. Northern Holland is home to many picturesque drawbridges, windmills, and tulip fields. However it is also where many of the Netherlands larger towns and cities are located, including Amsterdam. Manufacturing is central to the region s economy and agriculture, cattle raising, flower growing, cheese production, fishing and foreign trade are all important sources of revenue and evident activities as you travel the roads and waterways of the north. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED Holland Page 6

7 VISAS Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The trip runs between July and August during the European Summer. These months are busier times with temperatures ranging between degrees Celsius and sometimes slightly higher. MIN GROUP SIZE 15 MAX GROUP SIZE 36 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. Note that storage capacity is limited in cabins and we recommend you bring a soft luggage bag. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre departure information provided on booking. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. luggage Aboard your hotel barge your cabin does not have much storage space but this can vary depending on the barge and cabin configurations, e.g. some cabins have small storage cupboards and/or storage space underneath or beside the beds. We recommend to not bring large suitcases on board and to only bring what you will actually need for the trip for your own comfort. If you bring aboard a standard 20kg suitcase this is permitted but may mean less space to move around the cabin. Luggage storage facilities are available at Amsterdam Central Station ( your trip/travelling by train/ facilities at the station) or Amsterdam Schipol Airport ( Luggage/LuggageService/LuggageLockers.html) or at a hotel if you are staying in town before and/or after the tour. special notes SINGLE TRAVELLERS: As the trip price is based on twinshare, a single supplement is payable if a single cabin is required. Please refer to the price options for costs or ask our office for details. Note regarding single cabins there is limited availability and single cabins are always on a request basis. If a single cabin is not available, we will endeavour to arrange for single travellers to share accommodation with another participant of the same gender. how to book Booking a UTracks holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can you a copy then scan/ , fax or post the form to your nearest UTracks or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, with the relevant deposit by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges may apply for credit card payments if full payment is made). UTracks has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us Page 7

8 There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at slide shows UTracks invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY, AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 8

9 AUSTRALIA UTracks / World Expeditions Level 5, 71 York St Sydney NSW 2000 T: (02) F: (02) Toll free: info@utracks.com.au Feel free to visit our World Expeditions offices in:- Melbourne Perth Brisbane Adelaide (Thor Travel) Our staff will be happy to assist with your enquiries. For address and office phone numbers see our website at NEW ZEALAND World Expeditions Level 1, High St Auckland CBD PO Box Auckland City 1143 T: (09) F: (09) Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.co.nz CANADA - OTTAWA World Expeditions 47 William St Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1N 6Z9 T: F: Toll Free: info@worldexpeditions.com UNITED KINGDOM World Expeditions 1B Osiers Road Wandsworth London SW18 1NL T: F: T: (Ireland) info@utracks.com Page 9