HOLIDAY DETAILS
The Area: This trip links the UK capital with one of the best known cities in Europe, Amsterdam. Covering an area of just over 1,500 square kilometresmiles, with a population of 71/2 million people London is one of the largest cities in Europe. By contrast Amsterdam covers just over 200 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 11/4 million people. However both cites share a long and varied history and an equally rich culture.
To the north of London lie the old historical counties of Herfordshire and Essex. It is a gently rolling landscape dotted with old villages of timber framed cottages and flint churches, and modern commuter towns.
Across the North Sea lies the most low lying country in Europe the Netherlands, (although everybody refers to the country as "Holland" the name which actually only applies to the two westernmost provinces). Much of the land has been reclaimed from the sea and even today it has a very distinctive landscape of windmills and canals. Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the 17th century and became aleading centre for finance and diamonds. Today it is well known for its waterways and narrow 17th-century canal houses as well as it's long list of attractions - the Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Franks House.
The Tour: This is a Fully Supported Cycling Holiday with a leader cycling with the group, and support vehicle to carry all the luggage and provide any necessary assistance. The holiday is designed to offer a gentle but interesting ride from the UK capital to Holland's most cosmopolitan city, Amsterdam. In the UK most of the route is gently undulating, although there is the occasional moderately steep hill (but generally they are quite short). In Holland, as you would expect, the route is mostly flat (although there is still the occasional short, steep climb onto a dyke or bridge). The route is designed to avoid traffic as much as possible, and follows minor roads, cycle routes and cycle paths where feasible, and traffic on these is generally light. The route out of London follows a mainly traffic free cycle route much of the way along the Lee Valley, and then mostly uses a mix of quiet lanes and local cycle routes the remainder of the way. In Holland the route mostly follows the countries excellent network of signposted cyle paths and routes, and although you do pass through some moderately large towns along the way, the cyclepaths mean that you can do so safely and easily.
Accommodation & Food: Accommodation is in small family run hotels, mostly graded 2* or similar, offering clean and comfortable rooms. Single people travelling alone will be booked into a twin bedded room with another single member of the same sex – unless you have
paid the single room price for the holiday. We book rooms with en-suite facilities where available, but this cannot always be
guaranteed. Breakfast is provided at the accommodation, most hotels also have a restaurant attached for an evening meal, or
there is at least one other restaurant nearby. Note that the 3rd night is spent on the ferry on the way to Holland. Accommodation on the ferry is in standard two berth cabins (with single occupancy for those paying the additional supplement), with ensuite facilities.
Start: The holiday starts Greenwich in southeast London, close to the Naval Museum and the "Cutty Sark". The ride will start here at 10am.
Finish: The holiday ends at Amsterdam. You will have the final day of the holiday free in Amsterdam, returning to the Uk in the afternoon/evening (Note: The amount of time you have free will depend on the time of your flight back to the UK). Regular direct flights are available from Amsterdam to most regional airports in the UK. Note: The cost of the return flight is not included in the price of the holiday. You may book the flight yourself (or make your own alternative arrangements), or if you wish us to make the booking for you we can do so (an additional fee is payable). A separate form will be sent to you. To save you the hassel of flying with your bike all the cycles will be transported home on the support vehicle and will be returned to you a few days later.
Cycle Transport: If required we offer a cycle transport service to take your bicycle from your home in the UK
to the start of the holiday (additional fee payable).
Documents: You require a passport to visit Holland. Nationals of some other countries also require a visa. Non
EU passport holders should check with the nearest Dutch Embassy. You are also required to have travel insurance for the duration of the holiday. If you do not purchase insurance through us you will be required to provide evidence of a suitable alternative policy.
Bikes: All types of cycle are suitable for the trip. The most important thing is that the bike functions
properly and that you are comfortable riding it. You should make sure that your bike has suitable gears as there are a few hills along the way. If you are riding a mountain bike then you should fit it with narrow 'slick' tyres. You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and clothing with you on the bike.
Weather: The weather in September should be warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the mid 20’s, although as always you should be prepared for the odd shower. |