8 Days Exploring the province of Zeeland, The sea is always near

Individual arrival in Rotterdam.

Embarkation at about 4 p.m. You may have  some time left to see Rotterdam’s stunning Market Hall.

The Dutch refer to it as their version of the “Sistine Chapel“. At 5 p.m. sail to Holland’s oldest town, Dordrecht, impressively located on an island between three wide rivers.Individual arrival in Rotterdam.

Embarkation at about 4 p.m. You may have  some time left to see Rotterdam’s stunning Market Hall.

The Dutch refer to it as their version of the “Sistine Chapel“. At 5 p.m. sail to Holland’s oldest town,

Dordrecht, impressively located on an island between three wide rivers.

In the morning, set sail for Willemstad, a small fortified town dating from the 17th-18th century, which is well worth visiting.

Here start for your first cycle tour.

Cross the inland waters of Haringvliet over the Volkerakdam, and cycle through fields and past storybook villages like Zwartsluis and Goudswaard to the popular water sports center of Hellevoetsluis.

With fine weather, it is worth to take a detour to the bathing beach of Rockanje, a wide fine-sandy beach with marvellous dunes, before starting the bike tour.

Crossing the Haringvliet again, you pass through small villages like Stellendam with the mill Korenlust, the small water sport village of Herkingen and, continuing along the Grevelingendam, you reach the mussel village of Bruinisse.

Today cycle to the small town of Zierikzee, which is among the 10 most beautiful Dutch national heritage towns.

The „fat tower“ rises high above the town.

The top of the tower offers marvellous views over the town, the harbour and the island.

Continue your tour crossing the Zeeland Bridge to Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland.

Once the second most important city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, Middleburg is a town full of history.

Numerous shops and cafes are waiting to be discovered.

Destination of today’s cycle tour is Neeltje Jans.

The former working island was created by rising a sand flat to facilitate the construction of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, the most impressive construction of the Delta Works.

You will have the possibility not only to marvel at the locks from up close but also from the inside.

Afterwards, continue the cycle tour to Veere, a beautiful holiday seaside town, where once deeply loaded Scottish ships landed.

Cycle via Oude-Tonge – the small, popular water sports village was badly impacted by the 1953 flood catastrophe.

305 people are buried in a mass grave near the dike just outside the village – and via small villages like Achthuizen back to Willemstad.

Today´s cycle tour starts in Willemstad and takes you back to Rotterdam.

While passing the popular Erasmus Bridge you can see the Olympia from a distance which already awaits you.

Use the chance and experience Europe´s largest harbour on an interesting harbour tour.

Disembarkation until 9 a.m. and individual home journey home.

Cycle Tours: Individual and self-guided. Daily distances range from 25 – 58 km. All indicated distances are approximate and refer to the recommended cycling tours.

Timetable and Itinerary: subject to alterations. In case a section of the journey cannot be sailed due to low or high water levels or bad weather conditions, the Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary for your safety (this does not constitute a valid reason for withdrawal).

Details: In italics printed parts will be covered by the ship.

Embarkation: from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Disembarkation: until 9 a.m. On-Board Language: German, English Cycle Sections/ Level of Difficulty: Due to its numerous cycle paths, Holland has become a paradise for cyclists. The cycle routes are on flat terrain and are easy to cycle on, strong headwinds possible. Luggage: We recommend quality rain gear, bike helmet, sun hat and trainers Special Dietary Needs: (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free dietary) possible upon request and for extra charge and must be ordered at least 14 days prior to departure. It might be necessary to bring special dietary products.

Travel Documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.

This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.

7 nights in outside cabin with en-suite shower facilities in the booked category

Programme according  to itinerary from/to Rotterdam

Welcome drink

Daily cabin cleaning

Change of linen and towels on request

Full board (7 x breakfast buffet, 6 x packed lunch for cycle tours or lunch snack, 6 x coffee and tea in the afternoon, 7x three-course dinner)

All port, bridge and lock fees

Daily briefing on the respective cycle tours

Maps and information material for the cycle tours, 1x per cabin

Tour manager on board

Arrival and departure

Parking fees and transfers

Bike rental

Entrance fees and excursions

City maps

Travel insurances

Gratuities and own expenses

Rental bicycle: €70 per week

Rental E-Bike: €165 per week (only on request, limited number available)

You can find a description of the bicycles when you click on ship.

To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck.

Optional Excursion Programme: we have organised a small choice of optional excursions for you, these can be booked directly aboard the ship. A short description of the excursions you will find in the travel documents. Depending on the group composition, the tours will be bilingual, German-English

Car Parking Facilities in Rotterdam (subject to change, effective April 2018): For example “Parkeergarage de Boompjes“ Rotterdam Car park near the docking location (about 10 minutes walking distance), approx. € 28 every 24 hours or

Central Parking Valet Parking Services At the day of arrival, leave the car at the docking where a driver will meet you, upon your return, the car will be waiting for you at the ship (application form enclosed in the travel documents). Charges about € 150/week (on-site payment).

Minimum number of participants: 70 guests (must have been reached within 21 days prior to departure).

Olympia

Welcome aboard this comfortable and cozy river cruiser with its homely atmosphere. The ship was renovated in 2015/2016.

Rental Bikes on Board: smooth-running 7-speed unisex tour bikes made by Velo de Ville (custom built) with hand and back pedal brakes or freewheel (subject to availability) and equipped with pannier.
Electro Bikes (limited number – early booking required).
Please provide your body measurements upon booking.

To bring your own bike: on request only – due to lack of space on sundeck.

The English-style lounge with bar and the restaurant with panoramic windows invite you to relax on board. The spacious and partially covered sundeck offers enough seats and a storage space for bikes.

Description of the cabins
The 48 comfortable cabins offer enough space for a maximum of 94 guests. On the lower deck there are 20 twin cabins (about 11 sq. m.) and on the upper deck 24 twin cabins (about 11 sq. m.), 4 larger cabins in the rear area of the ship (12 sq. m., 3 of them with a double bed, during the trip amplified noises are perceptible) and 2 single cabins (about 9 sq. m.). All cabins have a bathroom with shower, toilet, and hairdryer; a telephone, TV, individually controlled air conditioner / heating, refrigerator, safe and panoramic windows. The windows on the upper deck can be opened.

Description of the ship
Take a seat in the homey, English-style salon and order your drink at the bar. Your dinner is served in the bright and cozy restaurant. The spacious and partially covered sundeck is great for a drink after your cycling trip.

Facts about the ship:
Length:                 88.5 m (290 ft.)
Width:                  10.5 m (34.5 ft.)
Draft:                    1.3 m (4.3 ft.)
Cabins:                 48
Pass.:                    94 (max.)

As this is one of the boat and bike tours what cover most of the famous sights around Amsterdam and popular places is always in high demand:

June 22  On request

June 29  On request

July 6  On request

July 13  On request

July 20  On request

July 27  On request

August 3  On request

August 10  On request

August 17  On request

August 24   On request

August 31  On request

September 7  On request

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