London to Amsterdam

Day 1: Arrival in London/Greenwich
Day 2: Greenwich - Canterbury, 25 mi. (40 km + train)
Day 3: Canterbury - Dover + ferry to Dunkirk, 32 mi. (50 km) 
Day 4: Dunkirk - Bruges, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 5: Bruges - Breskens + ferry to Vlissingen, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Vlissingen - Dordrecht by train - Vianen, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 7: Vianen - Amsterdam, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam

Day 1: Arrival in London/Greenwich
Individual arrival in Greenwich and check-in to the hotel. Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient village overlooking the south bank of the River Thames, just a few kilometers from the center of London. It is also known as the home of time. The Royal Observatory stands on a hill overlooking the village, and from here you can admire the Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. The historical astronomical observatory is the location of Greenwich's prime meridian, known throughout the world. Greenwich is also a place rich in history and is the site of the royal palace, the birthplace of King Henry VIII, and the oldest royal park in the city. There is a rich architectural heritage here as well, such as the Charlton House and the Queen's House. Greenwich Market is packed full of unique and distinctive arts and crafts that can not be found elsewhere in the world. All this, together with the feeling of tranquility that pervades the village, makes Greenwich one of the most fascinating areas of the capital.

Day 2: London/Greenwich - Canterbury, 25 mi. (40 km) + train
After breakfast, your bike tour begins along the southern bank of the River Thames leading to Dartford 19 mi. (30 km). From here, there is a train transfer to Faversham (1h 10) crossing the county of  Kent, known as the “garden of England”. The green landscape is dotted with some of the most beautiful and famous gardens in the UK. The last 10 km by bike leads to beautiful Canterbury, located on the main road between Dover and London. It is the starting point of the Francigena Way and in spite of its medieval past, it is now energized by the multitude of students who come here from all over Europe to attend its important university. The city was the first capital of the Saxon kingdom of Kent and then the seat of the first Christian diocese of England, founded by St. Augustine. The grandeur of Christ Church Cathedral overshadows the narrow alleys and half-timbered houses of the old medieval center. Today, after several renovations, it is one of the best examples of English Gothic. 

Elevation gain: 260 m

Day 3: Canterbury - Dover + ferry to Dunkirk, 31 mi. (50 km)
The cycling day begins early heading to Dover, one of the most important ports of Great Britain, famous for its white cliffs. After lunch, embarkation on the ferry to Dunkirk (about 2 hours + 1 time zone) after which, it is 15 km to reach the center of Dunkirk, located east of the city. Dunkirk is the third most important port in France and is located in the Nord- Pas de Calais, only 6 mi. (10 km) from the border with Belgium. The first impression is of an industrial town focused on maritime trade, but then the unusual beauty becomes apparent in the dunes and the tens of kilometers of sandy beaches where flora and fauna flourish. Dunkirk is also known for an important battle fought here during World War II, as French and British troops tried to block the German invasion.

Elevation gain: 495 m 

Day 4: Dunkirk - Bruges, 50 mi. (80 km)
The main part of today's stage takes place in Belgian territory. Once the border is crossed, you will cycle surrounded by the lush, green Flemish countryside. Cycling along the coast of the North Sea you reach Ostend, a popular tourist destination on the Flemish coast characterized by its wide promenade bordered by shops, hotels, and restaurants where you can taste excellent mussels, oysters, and drink local beers. The final destination is the romantic city of Bruges where time seems to have stopped and everything runs slowly.

Elevation gain: 350 m

Day 5: Bruges - Breskens + ferry to Vlissingen, 28 mi. (45 km)
You continue to cycle through Flanders, a garden land, rich in pastures, historic sites, and charming towns. The route is leading towards Bruges, the romantic little city of canals and bridges, medieval Flemish architecture, and cobbled streets. Be sure to visit the lace shops and of course, once again, taste the local beer! The cycling continues through the countryside, along the Dutch border, in the direction of Breskens, followed by a short ferry ride (about 15 minutes) to reach Vlissingen, the day's destination. This fishing town is the home of shipyards and a naval academy. The promenade, called Boulevard, is a long and beautiful walk, where the prison tower dating from the fifteenth century is located. 

Elevation gain: 165 m

Day 6: Vlissingen - Dordrecht (by train) - Vianen, 41 mi. (65 km)
​After breakfast, transfer by train from Vlissingen to Dordrecht (not included – 1h30). Dordrecht is an elegant river town rich in art, theatre, and architecture. From here you will cycle through the typical Dutch countryside to Vianen. It is an important fluvial center that gave rise to several artists including some students of Rembrandt. It delights for art and culture, for the terraces overlooking the canals, for theatres and festivals. From here you start riding through the typical Dutch countryside, walled cities, and several canals and dams. You then continue northwards again by bike, surrounded by pastures, orchards, and meadows to the village of Vianen.

Elevation gain: 145 m

Day 7: Vianen - Amsterdam, 41 mi. (65 km)
During your last cycling day, you will first reach Utrecht, an old university town vibrant with culture. This historic city is full of medieval buildings, proof of its rich commercial past. Back on your saddle, you fill finally head to Amsterdam, the cosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands, famous for its art and architecture. Cycling is definitely the best way to visit the city center and to get lost among its romantic canals.

Elevation gain: 255 m

Day 8: Departure from Amsterdam
Your bike tour ends after breakfast.

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Day 2: Amsterdam - Vianen, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Dordrecth - Vlissingen by train, 41 mi. (65 km)
Day 4: Vlissingen - Breskens by ferry - Bruges, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Bruges - Dunkirk, 50 mi. (80 km)
Day 6: Dunkirk - Dover by ferry - Canterbury, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 7: Canterbury - London/Greenwich, 25 mi. (40 km + train)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam  
Individual arrival in Amsterdam and hotel check-in.  A welcome meeting will be scheduled so that you can learn about the tour and receive your rental bike. Dinner is on your own in this unique city. Amsterdam, the cosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands, is famous for streets that weave with canals, for its architecture, and especially for the open-minded society. Cycling is definitely the most suitable way to visit the city center, but a tour of the canals by boat is highly recommended. Dam Square, museums of art and history, and the Anne Frank house await you.

Day 2: Amsterdam - Vianen, 41 mi. (65 km)
Depart Amsterdam cycling south through charming towns and along canals on the way to Utrecht. Utrecht is an old city vibrant with culture and university life. This historic city is characterized by medieval palaces and ancient buildings, evidence of its rich commercial past. Picturesque canals are fringed by wine cellars transformed into trendy clubs. Pubs and coffee shops surround the docks. From Utrecht continue the ride to the day’s destination, the village of Vianen.

Elevation gain: 280 m

Day 3: Vianen - Dordrecht + Dordrecht - Vlissingen, 41 mi. (65 km)
Your tour continues through the Dutch countryside surrounded by pastures and meadows dotted with windmills. Along the way, you cross flower gardens, walled cities, canals, and dams. Dordrecht is an elegant river town rich in art, theater, and architecture. This cultural center gave birth to several accomplished artists including students of Rembrandt. From Dordrecht transfer by train to Vlissingen (1h30 – not included). This fishing town is home to shipyards and a naval academy. The promenade, called Boulevard, is a long and beautiful walkway where a prison tower dating from the fifteenth century is located. 

Elevation gain: 190 m

Day 4:  Ferry Vlissingen - Breskens - Bruges, 28 mi. (45 km)
After breakfast start the day with a short ferry ride (about 15 minutes - not included) from Vlissingen to Breskens, Belgium. From here you cycle along canals and fields towards the romantic city of Bruges where time seems to have stopped and everything runs more slowly. Explore the Unesco listed city center and discover the pleasures of Belgian chocolate, lace, and beer. A tour through the network of canals is a unique and interesting way to discover the city. (not included).

Elevation gain: 165 m

Day 5:  Bruges - Dunkirk, 50 mi. (80 km)
Your ride continues northward through the Flanders region rich in pastures, historic sites, and charming towns. The first stop will be in Ostend, a popular tourist destination on the Flemish coast. Enjoy the wide promenade bordered by shops, hotels, and restaurants, savor the fresh mussels, oysters, and local beers. Then continue on your way to the French border. Several World War II battles took place here as French and British troops fought to block the German invasion. Once across the French border, ride through rich farmland and along the coast of the North Sea to arrive in Dunkirk. Dunkirk is the third most important port in France. It is located in the Nord- Pas de Calais. At first glance Dunkirk is an industrial town focused on maritime trade. But then the unusual beauty of this place sets in with its dunes and tens of kilometers of sandy beaches flourishing in flora and fauna. Kite-surfing and the famous surf on the sand are popular activities here. The city center is characterized by low buildings, mainly of the last century, and Flemish influences. The church of St. Eloi and the two bell towers are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and are well worth a visit.

Elevation gain: 345 m

Day 6: Ferry to Dover + Dover - Canterbury, 31 mi. (50 km)
Depart early to cycle 16 km to the port of Dunkirk. Here board the ferry to Dover (about 2 hours - 1 Time Zone). Dover, famous for its white cliffs, is one of the most important ports of Great Britain. Once in Dover cycle 34 km to Canterbury. This beautiful town, located on the main road between Dover and London, is the starting point of the Francigena Way and, in spite of its medieval past, is now lively with students who come here from all over Europe to attend its important University. The city was the first capital of the Saxon kingdom of Kent and the seat of the first Christian diocese of England founded by St. Augustine. The magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, one of the best examples of English Gothic architecture, dominates the narrow alleys and half-timbered houses of the old medieval city center. 

Elevation gain: 495 m

Day 7:  Canterbury - Greenwich, 25 mi. (40 km)
Your last cycling day begins with a 10 km ride to Whitstable. In Whitstable, you board a train and travel across the County of Kent to Dartford (not included - 1h20). Kent is known as the “garden of England” for its green landscape dotted with some of the most beautiful and famous gardens of the UK. Once in Dartford you cycle the last 32 km traveling along the southern bank of the River Thames to Greenwich. Greenwich - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - is an ancient village overlooking the south bank of the River Thames, located just a few kilometers from the center of London. This London is a Unesco World Heritage Site, known worldwide for its Royal Observatory, the location of Greenwich Prime Meridian, marking the time for the whole world (GMT) 

Elevation gain: 255 m

Day 8: End of tour after breakfast.