Explore the world’s Best Cycling Cultures. You'll travel to the top 3 rated cities in the world for cyclists and learn from the people who helped design these unparalleled cycling communities.
Duration
8 day/7 nights
Activity Level
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
Amsterdam Vacation & Cycling Tour – 8 days / 7 nights
You’ll travel to the top 3 rated cities in the world for cyclists, learning from the people who helped design these unparalleled cycling communities. You’ll not only meet the experts in urban design and city planning, you’ll also learn what you can do to help bring about such improvements to your own communities. Starting in Denmark, we’ll meet with James Thoem, who runs Copenhagenize a design firm dedicated to bringing the Danish style cycling culture to the rest of the world. You’ll not only cycle, but also get a chance to go skiing down a futuristic power plant, visit breathtaking castles, and soak in Danish Hygge all while sipping bubbly aboard a hot tub/boat.
From there you’ll take a short flight to the Netherlands to Explore Amsterdam and Utrecht. Spending 2 nights in Utrecht, we’ll tour a community built for cyclists, where kids cycle to school without encountering car traffic. You’ll see the world’s largest parking garage for bikes, and experience a city who has taken back it’s streets for people and cyclists, instead of cars. Absent of traffic noises you’ll be amazed at how a city can feel more like a park. The last stop is Amsterdam, where we journey by private boat to learn the story of how it was nearly demolished to create a superhighway, but has since been turned into a cyclist’s paradise.
We meet in Copenhagen in the morning • After a brief intro to the program and bike fitting, we cycle with one of Copenhagen’s top tourist attractions, “Bike Mike” • We’ll venture inside the borders of Christiania, seen by the locals a “Social Experiment”, this self-governed commune has existed since the 60’s with Doctors, artists, lawyers and free spirits all living side-by-side • After lunch we trade our bikes in for skis, shredding the slopes of the world’s first powerplant turned ski hill! • Tonight, your guides and fellow travelers for a wonderful welcome dinner
About the Hotel Phoenix
Located in the center of Copenhagen, Hotel Phoenix is a four-star hotel just a five- minute walk away from the old Nyhavn Harbor and 10 minutes from the Rosenborg Castles that houses the crown jewels. With classic architecture, the hotel features an onsite restaurant, as well as a bar, fitness center, and a top notch breakfast.
Today we start with a relaxing bike ride with a world famous urban planner from Copenhagen to learn how his community became the world’s top rated cycling city • After lunch, we’ll meet some locals as they show us one of Copenhagen’s newest neighborhoods Nordhaven • We’ll then paddle our way across the harbor so that we can soak in a boat/hot-tub, or choose the scenic harborside Sauna to sweat out any remaining jetlag • Tonight dinner is on your own as we peruse Copenhagen’s street food island • (B, L)
This morning we’ll cycle to the unforgettable Fredriksborg castle and gardens in Hillerød castle via a cycling superhighway • A tour of the castle is a definite highlight with its stately rooms, stained glass, and collection of classic and modern art • After lunch explore the grounds the remarkable castle before cycling back to Copenhagen or opting for a train ride • Tonight’s dinner is on your own, with so many world famous food options, make sure to choose wisely
This morning we jettison off to the Netherlands where shortly after landing, we meet our bikes in the Amsterdam Forest as we set off for Utrecht and the Heart of the Netherlands • We’ll stop for lunch in the charming village of Oudekerk an de Amstel for a canal-side lunch • Later we’ll cycle to the picture perfect Castle of Haar, its graceful silhouette is mirrored in the languid waters that surround it • After resting and freshening up, gather with the group for yet another delectable meal • (B, L, D) Overnight at
This morning we’ll meet with someone from the famous Dutch Cycling Embassy and learn what it takes to become the worlds best cycling culture • After the meeting we’ll cycle with some locals to the city of Houten, twice recipient of the Netherlands acclaimed best cycling city award • Explore the community planned to be ultra-safe for kids riding their bikes to school • In the early evening, we’ll stop at a gorgeous Tea house in the woods for a delectable Dutch style pannekoek dinner
Enjoy a free morning to climb the famous Dome tower, explore the cities catacombs, or to kayak the canals of Utrecht • This evening we charter a private boat to Amsterdam and cater this cruise with an Indonesian feast, better known as a rijsttafel in the Netherlands • End your fantastic day with a famous local beer while taking in the charming canal houses of Amsterdam during sunset
This morning we meet with an internationally acclaimed city planner who’ll show us her favorite parts of the city on a whirlwind tour of Amsterdam • We’ll end our tour underneath the Rijksmuseum home to the Netherlands most treasured works of art where you’ll have time on your own to contemplate the works of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer • We’ll toast to an amazing week during an unforgettable final dinner in Amsterdam
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Copenhagen. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Hotel Phoenix in Copenhagen at 8:30 a.m. After a briefing and bike fitting, you are ready to explore town. After breakfast on Day 8, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Amsterdam.
Activities
Cycling:
Day 1 bicycle mileage options: 17
Day 2 bicycle mileage options: 11
Day 3 bicycle mileage options: 23 / 46
Day 4 bicycle mileage options: 24
Day 5 bicycle mileage options: 14 / 29
Day 7 bicycle mileage options: 13
Canoeing/Kayaking:
Day 2 kayak 2.5 miles
Cultural Discoveries
Discovery:
It’s perhaps no coincidence that these two nations are repeatedly ranked amongst the happiest nations in the world, and that they both have world class bicycle infrastructure. Being able to cycle where you want, whenever you want equals freedom. From its youngest citizens to its oldest, almost everyone enjoys cycling care free in both of these safe and well-organized bicycle countries.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They take the time to explain the local history and daily sightseeing and route options. Each route has been carefully planned to include options to please each traveler’s interests. Austin Adventures guides are available to help you select the distance that’s right for you and to offer advice and assistance as you desire.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in the Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
Meals as indicated in detailed itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in the Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
European Expert
Adam Beecham
After moving to a new neighborhood at age five, Adam took off on his bike in search of new friends in Minnesota. More than thirty years later Adam still enjoys making friends on his bike while cycling around Europe. Adam has lived the life of a nomad, having taught English in China, managed a beach resort in Mexico, and now lives in the Netherlands with his wife since 2011, where they raise their daughter in the continued family tradition getting to know the world on the seat of a bicycle. Adam enjoys playing on local sports teams, adventure travel with the family, and continually learning new things from whichever culture he might be living or traveling in.
