The province of Zeeland, also referred to as the “Land of the Sea” is located in the west of the Netherlands and mostly consists of islands and peninsulas. The Eastern and Western Scheldt estuaries reach far inland, thus making Zeeland a paradise for flora and fauna. Cycle with us from the energetic city of Rotterdam – the city stands for easy and relaxed togetherness like no other city in the Netherlands – to the province of Zeeland.
Discover the historic towns of Zierikzee and Middleburg and the Delta Works, Holland’s most impressive storm surge barriers. Sample delicious mussels, oysters and Eastern Scheldt lobster. You should not miss out on a stop in one of the numerous fish restaurants!
Individual arrival in Rotterdam. Embarkation at about 4:00 p.m. You may have some time left to see Rotterdam’s stunning Market Hall. The Dutch refer to it as their version of the “Sistine Chapel”. At 6:00 p.m. sail to Holland’s oldest town, Dordrecht, impressively located on an island between three wide rivers.
In the morning, set sail for Willemstad, a small fortified town dating from the 17th and 18th century, which is well worth visiting. From here you start your first cycle tour. Cross the inland waters of Haringvliet over the Volkerakdam, and cycle through fields and past storybook villages like Zwartsluis and Goudswaard to the popular water sports centre of Hellevoetsluis.
With fine weather, it is worth it to take a detour to the swimming beach of Rockanje, a wide and fine sandy beach with marvellous dunes, before starting the bike tour. Crossing the Haringvliet again, you pass through small villages like Stellendam with the mill Korenlust, the small water sport village of Herkingen and, continuing along the Grevelingendam, you reach the mussel village of Bruinisse.
Today you can visit the “Watersnoodmuesum” during your bike tour. Here you will learn all about the great flood disaster of1953 and the “drowned” village of Viane, which was flooded and never rebuilt. Continue towards Zierikzee, which is among the 10 most beautiful Dutch national heritage towns. The „fattower“ rises high above the town. The top of the tower offers marvellous views over the town, the harbour and the island. Continue your tour crossing the Zeelandbrug-an impressive structure 5 km long, built on 54 piers-to your destination of the day-the harbour town of Veere. Where once richly laden ships from Scotland docked, today impressive yachts are moored.
Today you can choose between three different routes, for example the former working islandNeeltje Jans, whichwas createdby rising a sand flat to facilitate the construction of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, the most impressive constructionof the Delta Works. You will have the possibility not only to marvel at the locks from up close butalso from the inside.Theadjacent amusement park “Deltapark” gives an insight into the life of sea lions and the underwater world of the Oosterschelde(optional)
The first stop on your cycling tour is Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland. The city looks back on a rich past and was once the most important city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Numerous stores and cafés invite you to visit. During a city tour(optional) you will have the opportunity to learn all kinds of interesting facts about the charming city. The tour continues through the picturesque, typically Dutch landscape on the Walcheren peninsula. Wide beaches, forests and dunes await you. Nowhere in the Netherlands the sun shine as often and as long as here.
On your last stretch, explore the best-known windmills in the Netherlands at Kinderdijk. The 19 windmills, which date back to the 18th century, are beautifully preserved and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windmills are well worth a visit! Follow the route along the Maas River up to Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world.
Disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. and individual journey home.
Travel Dates: From Saturday to Saturday
May 24; May 31; June 7; June 14; August 2; August 9; August 16; August 23
Price per person in Euros- all prices subject to confirmation on booking
| Service | Price |
| Two Bed Cabin Main Deck | € 1149 |
| Two Bed Cabin Upper Deck Astern* | € 1249 |
| Two Bed Cabin Upper Deck | € 1299 |
| One Bed Cabin Upper Deck | € 1649 |
| Double cabin for single use -limited number | +40% |
| Bike rental (7 speed unisex bicycle, with hand and pedal brake, or hand brakes only, pannier bag) | € 89 |
| E-bike with free wheel (must be booked in advance, limited number) | € 199 |
| Bring own bike-limited number | €39 |
Tour Profile
Relatively Easy. Due to its numerous cycle paths, Holland has become a paradise for cyclists. The cycle routes are on flat terrain and are easy to cycle on, some strong headwinds are possible. Distance: 259-274 km
The Cruise Ship MS Normandie
Cabin refurbishment 2019/2020 Registry Netherlands Length 91,2 m Width 10,5 m Draft 1,60 m
Number of Crew approx. 19 Passengers max. 100
On joining this vessel, you are immediately aware of the cosy and informal ambience on board. On the upper deck you will find the comfy panorama salon with its bar, on the main deck the comfortable restaurant (no direct access from the cabin-zone). On deck there are both deck chairs and ordinary chairs and tables, which encourage conversation and communal activity in fresh air.
MS NORMANDIE possesses altogether two 1-bed-cabins and forty-nine 2-bed cabins. They are all outside cabins, giving some 10-11 square metres of space (2-bed) and about 7 qm (1-bed). All 2-bed cabins on main and upper deck are equipped with two lower hotel beds, shower and WC, hairdryer, TV, safe (deposit), central air-conditioning and a picture window. Only on the upper deck the windows may be opened. 1-bed cabins have one lower hotel bed and are otherwise equipped with same features. In the rear part of the upper deck, in some 2-bed cabins engine and generator noises are perceptible
Embarkation From 4:00 pm
Disembarkation until 09:00 am
Minimum number of participants 60 guests (must have been reached within21 days prior to departure)
To bring your own bike To bring your own bike On request only–due to lack of space on sun deck. E-bikes exclusively with removable battery pack We exclude any liability for loss, theft and damage-this also ap-plies to damage caused by transportation from shore to ship or vice versa.
Excursions
We offer a small excursion program, that can be booked directly onboard at the cruise director only. You will get a brief description together with your travel documents. Depending on the number of participants some excursions could be carried out in 2 languages (German/ English).
Luggage
We recommend: rainwear, bicycle helmet, sunhat and sneakers.
Schedule and program changes
Basically, we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal). Same applies to previously unknown administrative orders of lock or bridge repairs.
Bikes
We focus on three things: quality, comfort and safety. This ensures the best riding experience and a good, secure feeling on the bike during your journey.
We only use components from reputable brand manufacturers for our bikes. Both our regulat bicycles and e-bikes (pedelecs) feature a saddle from Selle Royal. You have the choice between coaster brake and freewheel systems from Shimano. The frames, developed by our partner, are also designed for comfort. With low step-throughs, they provide a secure feeling even for occasional riders.
Hybrid Bike
All bikes are additionally equipped with tyre pumps, repair kits with tools and spare inner tubes. For extra storage room, most bikes are fitted with panniers and/or handlebar bags. In order for you to find your perfect bike aboard our ships, we offer three frame sizes: 45 / 50 / 55. All our Velo de Ville bikes are equipped with brakes by Shimano.
E-Bike
All of our pedelecs are equipped with Bosch mid-drive motors that come with fully integrated 500 Wh Bosch rechargeable batteries. The innovative way of construction allows the batteries to become almost invisible. That way, cyclists gain the advantage of a well-balanced bike, that is easily operated. Hence. We guarantee perfect support and a high level of comfort even on long tours.
This is a partner tour.
TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848
