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Bike Northern Holland | |
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Northern Holland |
July 14-23, 2008 |
| This bicycle trip will cover the northern part of the Netherlands. The three provinces of Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe all have their own interesting traditions, customs and culture. The infrastructure of the whole area is extremely bike-friendly, with hundreds of miles of bicycle paths. We start in Friesland, the land of cows, lakes, Beerenburger, ice skating, cheese, blue skies and strong traditions. Moreover, it is flat as a pancake, and if the wind blows from the west (as it usually does) we will be happy because we bicycle east. The villages and towns are built on so-called 'terpen,’ small mounds in a landscape that used to be dominated by the sea. Cycling to one of these (the highest is approximately 20 feet) is the only elevation gain we will encounter. Groningen is the province of big farmhouses, agriculture, potatoes, mustard and stubborn and independent personalities. The bicycling will lead us along the river Ee and through quaint small towns. Drenthe is quite different from Friesland and Groningen. Instead of the open countryside and the historical towns, we enter woodlands and heather fields. It looks like the area was made for bicycling. In the traditional farming communities, the houses are still gathered around the central square. We will see the remnants of prehistoric times and visit the sad and tragic camp of Westerbork, an important memorial of the darkest side of World War II. Our plan is to stay overnight in Koudum, Harlingen, Dokkum, Norg and Odoorn. There are nine overnight stays, all two-night stays except in Harlingen. The hotels are good, picked for their comfort, charm and friendly staff. The last hotel at Odoorn is a converted ancient farm with exquisite modern touches. Meals will be excellent. The Dutch cuisine is not as well known as the French, but is very good with a large selection of vegetables. Sightseeing will include the famous local art work in the Frisian town of Hindeloopen, the ancient church at Workum, the tile factory in Makkum dating back to 16th century, an ancient saw mill, the local museum near Dokkum, the memorial museum of the Dutch concentration camp, the prehistoric ‘Hunebedden,’ the modern art museum in Groningen, and a guided bicycle tour of the inner city area of this great town. The terrain will be easy. The abundance of bicycle paths is fantastic. Many are built independently of car traffic through the scenic countryside. The daily mileage is approximately 30 to 35 miles. Don’t miss this opportunity to bicycle through a part of Europe many Americans never visit! |
INCLUDES
PRICE
$3439
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