London

Greenwich

Day 1: London/Greenwich

Individual arrival in Greenwich and hotel check in. At 6 pm attend a welcome meeting with your guide and receive your bike. Dinner is on your own in the charming village of Greenwich. Greenwich - an UNESCO World Heritage Site - is an ancient village overlooking the south bank of the River Thames. It is located just a few kilometers from the center of London. The Royal Observatory stands on the hill overlooking the village. From here you can admire the Thames and St. Paul's Cathedral. The historic astronomical observatory is the location of Greenwich Prime Meridian for which the village is known worldwide. Every day at 1 pm the red globe atop the observatory is dropped to mark the time (GMT). In the evening a laser travels through the skies of Greenwich marking the Prime Meridien. Greenwich is also a place rich in history. It was the site of a royal palace, the birthplace of King Henry VIII, including the most ancient royal park of city. Extraordinary architecture such as the Charlton House and the Queen's House, many village parks, and one of the most popular markets of London are here to see and explore. All that, along with the tranquility pervading the village, makes Greenwich one of the most fascinating areas of the capital.

Greenwich

Canterbury

Day 2 : Greenwich - Canterbury (46 Km / 29 mi.)

After breakfast we begin the tour by cycling along the southern bank of the river Thames to Dartford (31). Here we board a train and travel across the County of Kent to Whitstable (1h20). Kent is known as "garden of England" for its green landscape dotted with some of the most beautiful and famous gardens of the UK. Once in Whitstable we ride the last 10km by bike to the day's destination, Canterbury. This beautiful town is 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, 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 dominates the narrow alleys and half-timbered houses of the old medieval city center. Today, after several renovations, the Cathedral is one of the best examples of English Gothic architecture.

Canterbury

Dunkirk

Day 3 : Canterbury - Dover + ferry to Dunkirk (50 / 32 mi.)

We depart by bike early in the morning to cycle 34 to Dover, famous for its white cliffs and one of the most important ports of Great Britain. Here we board the ferry to Dunkirk France (about 2 hours + 1 Time Zone). Once in France we ride 18 from the port to the center of the city. Dunkirk is the third most important port in France. It is located in the Nord- Pas de Calais, 10 from the border with Belgium. 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.

Dunkirk

Bruges

Day 4 : Dunkirk - Bruges (78 / 49 mi.)

The majority of this stage occurs in Belgium. Once across the France-Belgium border we ride through the Flemish green countryside. Several World War II battles took place here as French and British troops tried to block the German invasion. Cycling along the coast of the North Sea we 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. Our bike tour continues through the Flanders region towards the romantic city of Bruges where time seems to have stopped and everything runs slowly.

Bruges

Vlissingen

Day 5 : Bruges - Breskens 40 + ferry to Vlissingen / 25 mi.

After breakfast take time to visit Bruges. As you walk through the city center you will discover historic buildings, lace shops, pubs serving local beers, and a network of canals. A canal tour is an unique and interesting way to discover the city. We continue our ride through the countryside along the Dutch border in the direction of Breskens. Here we board a ferry for a short ride (about 15 minutes) to Vlissingen, the day's destination. 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.

Vlissingen

Vianen

Day 6 : Vlissingen - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht - Vianen (66 / 41 mi.)

After breakfast, we transfer by train from Vlissingen to Dordrecht (1h30). Dordrecht is a elegant river town rich in art, theater and architecture. This cultural center gave birth to several accomplished artists including students of Rembrandt. From here we cycle through the Dutch countryside crossing flower gardens, walled cities, canals and dams. We continue northwards through pastures, orchards and meadows dotted with windmills to the village of Vianen.

Vianen

Amsterdam

Day 7 : Vianen - Amsterdam (64 / 40 mi.)

During the last cycling day we travel first to Utrecht. Utrecht is an old city vibrant with culture and university life. The historic center 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 we continue through charming towns and along canals on the way to Amsterdam, the cosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is famous for streets that weave with canals, for its architecture, and especially for its open-minded society. Cycling is definitely the most suitable way to visit the 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.

MIlazzo

Day 8 : After breakfast end of the tour.