Historic Cities, Scenic Canals and Vibrant Culture

Embark on a 16-day cycling journey from the wooded hills of Luxembourg to the vibrant canals of Amsterdam. This two-part itinerary—Bike Across Belgium and Bike Across the Netherlands—offers a seamless and enriching experience through the cultural heart of Northern Europe. The first leg winds through the dramatic landscapes of the Ardennes, past World War II memorials, and into historic towns like Mechelen and Leuven. Taste traditional Trappist ales, explore medieval citadels, and roll along legendary Tour of Flanders cobblestones. The second part continues effortlessly into the Netherlands, where flat, scenic bike paths carry you along tulip fields, canals, and charming towns like Gouda, Utrecht, and Zierikzee. Visit iconic windmills at Kinderdijk, cruise through Amsterdam’s canal belt, and enjoy the warm hospitality of elegant Dutch hotels. With handpicked cultural experiences, rich regional cuisine, and expertly crafted routes, this moderate-level tour is perfect for those who want to cycle, savor, and soak in the soul of Europe—one beer, bite, and breathtaking view at a time.

This epic ride is part of our new Grand Journey Tours Series, and unfolds in two chapters: Bike Across Belgium and Bike Across the Netherlands. Click on each itinerary to learn more about the tour—we have combined them into one seamless cycling adventure.

Bike Across Belgium + Bike Across the Netherlands

Tour Logistics: on day 9 of Bike Across Belgium in Bruges, you will be joined by new friends who are doing the second half of the adventure – Bike Across the Netherlands. The plan consists of a well-deserved morning of rest, introductions to the new group, an optional short ride on the outskirts of Bruges, and a group dinner.

Date: August 3 to 18, 2026

Duration: 16 days/15 nights

Level: Athletic Beginner/Intermediate

Price: $13,300 (Receive 5% off your second tour, applied to its final payment, when both tours are paid in full. Discounts are not cumulative with other offers, including alumni discounts.)

Single Supplement: $2,660

Tour Essence:

• Ride through Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands
• Visit the historic cities of Utrecht, Gouda, Zierikzee, and Middelburg
• Cycle scenic Ardennes hills and WWII memorial landscapes
• Tour iconic breweries with tastings
• Visit Dinant’s clifftop citadel by scenic cable car
• Climb Mechelen’s Gothic tower and explore Leuven’s Gothic town hall
• Ride cobbled climbs from the Tour of Flanders route
• Visit Bruges’ canals, squares, and medieval heart
• Cycle through Zeeland’s islands and colossal Delta Works
• Ferry from Breskens to Vlissingen with coastal views
• Taste cheese and tour the weigh house in Gouda
• Arrive in Amsterdam via parks, canals, and vibrant lanes
• Stay in historic hotels, including churches and monasteries

Day 1: Clervaux, Luxembourg (15 miles – 1,200 ft)
Meet at 12:30 pm for a welcome toast and lunch before a warm-up ride through the Ardennes hills. Explore Clervaux’s monastery and castle, home to “The Family of Man” photo exhibition and a museum on the Battle of the Bulge.

Day 2: Clervaux to Marcourt (50 miles – 3,500 ft)
Ride across the border into Belgium, cycling past WWII memorials and through forested Ardennes villages. Stop in Achouffe for a taste of its iconic Belgian beer and visit La Roche-en-Ardenne’s medieval fortress and war museum.

Day 3: Marcourt to Dinant (40 miles – 2,600 ft)
Pedal quiet roads into softer hills and creeks, passing historical WWII sites. Arrive in Dinant, famed for its dramatic citadel, Leffe Abbey, and as the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.

Day 4: Dinant to Leuven (55 miles – 1,800 ft)
Cross into Flanders as the terrain flattens. Follow scenic bike paths along the Meuse River, stop for a tasting at the historic Hoegaarden brewery, and end the day in vibrant Leuven with its stunning Gothic city hall.

Day 5: Leuven to Mechelen (25 miles – 400 ft)
Enjoy an easy ride along canal paths to Mechelen, known for its towering bell tower. Optional loop to Lier adds mileage. End with a brewery tour, tasting, and dinner at Het Anker Brewery.

Day 6: Mechelen to Oudenaarde (60 miles – 1,600 ft)
Cycle scenic bike paths to Geraardsbergen and the legendary Kapelmuur climb, part of the Tour of Flanders. Visit Oudenaarde’s main square and the iconic Tour of Flanders cycling museum.

Day 7: Oudenaarde to Bruges (50 miles – 1,100 ft)
Ride cobbled climbs like the Oude Kwaremont before a serene journey through channels and countryside. Arrive in Bruges, Belgium’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its medieval heart.

Day 8: Bruges Loop to the Netherlands and North Sea (35 miles – 600 ft)
Follow ancient canals to the North Sea and cross into the Netherlands. Visit windmills and the historic village of Damme before returning to Bruges for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 9: Bruges Loop Ride or Rest Day (10 miles – 250 ft). Start of the second tour!
Enjoy a well-deserved morning of rest and meet new friends joining for the second leg of the journey, as the next tour begins today. For those eager to ride, an optional short loop is available.

Day 10: Bruges to Middelburg (35 miles – 700 ft)
Cycle through Flemish villages and along North Sea dunes. Ferry across the Westerschelde and explore Middelburg’s rich maritime heritage and landmarks.

Day 11: Middelburg to Zierikzee (35 miles – 100 ft)
Cross the impressive Delta Works and Zeelandbrug, passing Neeltje Jans and Oosterschelde National Marine Park. End in Zierikzee with a festive mussels-and-fries dinner.

Day 12: Zierikzee to Dordrecht (45 miles – 600 ft)
Ride through peaceful Dutch villages and wetlands. Arrive in Dordrecht, Holland’s oldest city, with its charming canals and historic harbor.

Day 13: Dordrecht to Gouda (30 miles – 400 ft)
Visit the iconic Kinderdijk windmills, then ride to Gouda for cheese tastings and a stroll through its picturesque town square.

Day 14: Gouda to Utrecht (35 miles – 450 ft)
Pedal through lush farmland to Utrecht, where medieval canals and historic churches await.

Day 15: Utrecht to Amsterdam (35 miles – 650 ft)
Finish your journey riding into Amsterdam, with its iconic canals, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Day 16: Tot Ziens!
Depart or extend your stay in Amsterdam to explore more of this cycling paradise.