We will meet the lovely barge, the IRIS, in the Flemish city of Bruges. Bruges is referred to as the ‘Venice of Northern Europe’ because of the canals that meander through the city. Never touched by bombing, it is beautifully intact. History and art are on the agenda for this journey as we visit the cities of Ghent and Antwerp, the homes of the painters Rubens and Jan van Eyck. Between cities we bike along the beautiful tidal river, Nederschelde. On into one of the most scenic parts of the Netherlands, we head towards the fortified town of Willemstad, situated on the impressive wide Zeeland streams. Along the winding river Vecht we will see castles. A visit to a traditional Dutch cheese farm and the Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk round out our travels as we head into Amsterdam to our mooring in the center of the city. Because the barge is generally moored for the night near the city centers, it is easy to take in the local culture and shopping.
Biking averages 20-30 miles per day at a leisurely pace with many stops for sightseeing and enjoying the villages that we pass through. The bikes are built for comfort.
The IRIS, our floating hotel, was put to sea in April 2005. The IRIS is a refitted Dutch freight barge that accommodates 24 passengers. The interior of the IRIS is fresh, tasteful, comfortable and fully air-conditioned. The cabins sleep two and all have private baths with showers. The captain and crew take wonderful care of their guests and the onboard chef prepares meals that delight the senses. Also onboard is a bar stocked with beer, wines and liquors along with soft drinks.
Included is lodging onboard, all meals (packed lunch), bicycles with panniers/water bottle, helmets and guide. Not included are beverages other than those served with meals.
Airfare is not included, but can be arranged, as well as pre- and post tour extensions. It is suggested that you fly into either Brussels (1 hour by train to Bruges) and out from Amsterdam, or round trip to Amsterdam (2 ½ hours by train to Bruge). Train fare not included. Please try to plan your travel to arrive at the barge in Bruges between the hours of 3PM-5PM local time.
We must depart the barge by 9AM on the final morning.
Not-included: museum entrances and tips to the staff.
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