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HOLLAND, BELGIUM, FRANCE: Route Ravel
Bike / Barge Tour from Maastricht (7 days)
Route: Maastricht > Liege-Namur > Dinant > French Givet > Riviere-Huy > Monsin > Maastricht
Price: begins at $1095.00 USD per person based on double occupancy.
(Fuel tax of 98 Euro is not included and should be paid onboard directly to the Captain)
Please note this price may fluctuate based on the current exchange rate.
Payment in full at time of booking will protect against any future currency fluctuation.
Ask Margie about discounts that may apply when payment in full is made at time of booking. Discounts may vary depending upon the tour date as well the current exchange rate.
Single Supplement: Please ask about single supplement.
Dates: Season is April 4, 2010 through November 1, 2010.
Bike and Boat holiday on the beautiful River Maas and the Bike route Ravel Maastricht - Liege - Namur - Givet - Rivier-Huy - Masastricht. The luxuriously apppointed Miro is a real first class yacht. Your tour includes bicycles. Your adventure begins on the authentically restored in 2006 motorized Salon Yacht Miro, Gentlemen Yacht, 1928, and encompasses a dynamic Boat and Bike Holiday through three countries; Holland, Belgium, and France.
The tour begins in Maastricht in the Pietersplas Harbor close to the Congress Center, the historical city where the EURO treaty was signed. The route takes you through the breathtaking and welcoming Wallonian River Maas Valley, a gorgeous, historical landscape between The Netherlands and France.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
A hearty welcome on board and a cruise to Liege. Upon your arrival in Maastricht, travel to the Pietersplas Yacht Harbour at 12.00 noon. Once on board the yacht, enjoy welcome champagne or complimentary cafe while we let you know about your upcoming tour. The bikes are handed out at 14:00 and will be personally adjusted to your biking comfort. We set sail with the Miro towards Liege, via the locks of Lanaye. With their 18 meter drop, these are the highest locks in the Maas and very impressive. Upon arrival in the historical centre of Liege, we will dock at the Aquarium Museum, Du Liege. Dinner will be served in Liege in the local restaurants and int he evening there will be ample time to visit the lovely city highlights. The Captain will be happy to take you to the renowned Cafe Chantant Le Jardin des Ollivette, where the music of the region and the famous French "chansons" create a wonderfully unique atmosphere.
Day 2:
Cycling ± 24 km. We'll begin the day early with a hearty Captain's breakfast, after which you'll be more than fortified for a visit to the famous Sunday market La Batte, Belgium's oldest market. The Miro will then set sail for Namur via the Route-Ravel, along the mighty steel mills that underline the industrial importance of the Maas. The route is ever-changing; wild, wooded glens and cultivated areas compete for your attention alonside the winding river. We will also see many an ancient castle, straight of a fairy-tale. Above the d'Ampsin-Neuville locks, you'll disembark once more and take a bike ride to Namur, a rich old city and also the Captial of Wallonia, situated on the junction of the Sambre and the Maas Rivers. In the evening hours you'll visit the enchanting castle of Namur and wonder at the sights of this lovely city. You will fall alseep under the romantic canopy of lights that illuminate the imposing walls of the Chateau Namur.
Day 3
Bike tour to Dinant (29 or 52 km). The bike route takes you from the Maasdal, or Maas Valley, From Namur to Dinant. On the left riverbank you can admire the strawberry town of Weppion, while on the other riverbank you'll have a great view of Profondeville en Riviere with it's fabulous vantage point 'Sept Meuse', which offers a breathtaking view over seven Maas valleys. On the right bank the Famous les jardins du Annevoie . The route travels along the typical Maas-style village Dave-Frenes en Godinne with its beautiful 17th century Spanish manor house called Yvoir and the lovely abbey-brewery of Maredsous and Maredred . Small, welcoming villages where the delights of the famous Belgian beer await surround you on your sailing adventure. Shortly before Dinant you can wonder at the old fortresses of Poilvache to your right and Crèvecoeur to your left, directly opposite each other and each guarding its own riverbank. Today you'll also be rewarded by the gorgeous natural beauty of the region. The Miro will be waiting for you again in the centre of the picturesque city of Dinant.
Day 4
From Dinant to French Givet (32 km ). Breakfast tour to Waulsort.
The valley disappears after Dinant, and the villages get sparser and the cliffs more steep. They give this landscape a wild and untouched flavor. On the right bank you'll pass Anseremme and then via the locks to the Château of Freyr, also known as little Versailles on the Maas. We start the bike tour in Waulsort towards Hastière. Here you can visit the old Roman Abbey church, before continuing onto Givet, a city known as the port of France. The return route is an alternative one. On the fourth day you're welcome to rest or you can also take a short bike ride through the lovely scenery surrounding Dinant. at 16.00 there is a romantic afternoon River cruise planned to Riviere/ Provondeville ( optional ) with the traditional Captains Dinner . This is also where we'll spend the night, in a quiet place alongside the picturesque banks of the river. If you've still got any energy reserves, the skipper will be happy to take you for a lovely walk to see the charming watermills or the renowned Sept Meuse.
Day 5
Riviere-Huy (32 km). During your breakfast the Miro will be sailing through gorgeous mountain scenery to La Plante. And from La Plante we'll take a bike tour via Marche-les-Dames (the place where in 1934 the Belgian King and mountaineer Albert I met his death while climbing the steep cliffs) to Huy. Here we'll dock at the beautiful city piers for the night. Huy is a lovely peaceful city with windy streets and alleys and an ancient tradition in metal work. The golden treasure of the Cathedral Notre Dame is unique, crafted by goldsmith Gottfried von Huy in the 13th century. The Citadel allows unforgettably breathtaking views of the plateau of Sarte.
Day 6
Huy-Maastricht (27 km). While enjoying yet another sumptuous breakfast, we'll already be sailing towards the sun to Liege, where we'll begin a bike tour of harbor sides and iron works. Via the country towns of Monsin and Visé, we'll cross the border and bike past gorgeous apple orchards to Castle Eijsden, and then through lovely Limburg country to Maastricht. We'll be sure to stop at the famous Mergel Caves for your sightseeing pleasure. We'll end the day with a visit Maastricht you're welcome to take the Harbour taxi to the delightful city of Maastricht where it is also possible to take a tour of this magnificent part of the Netherlands. And for those who enjoy a spot of shopping, all shops and museums are open till 21.00 on Thursday evenings.
Day 7
Return Trip. Enjoy a last delicious breakfast on board; disembark at 10.00. Your crew will be sad to see you go & will hope that you have had an unforgettable experience! Please note that booking an extra night of accommodation either at the beginning of your trip or the end is sometimes possible. Please send inquiries to 4 Winds Tours for assistance.. Dinner (Not Incl )is either in renowned local restaurants or on board the Miro. We're here to meet your needs and are happy to make all arrangements as you wish. We'll be happy to help you make reservations during your trip. It is also possible to bring your own bike, if you so wish.
(subject to changes)
Included in tour:
- Welcome Drink
- 7 day River Cruise, 6 nights including fine local breakfast, packed lunch on board, Hotel Yacht Miro
- Afternoon tea
- Towels, bed linens, maid service, every day room cleaning
- 2 person luxurious Comfort Class double bed cabin with private bath room, shower, toilet, sink
- Satellite TV/DVD
- Air conditioning
- Safe
- Central heating
- Bike rental of first class Gazelle Chamonix bikes with roller breaks, 2 saddle bags, extra long step-in, 8-speeds, bike computer, rain poncho, repair materials, double safety lock, bike helmet, reinforced tires.
- Route Ravel biking maps, walking maps, route descriptions, all tourist information for your use and convenience.
- Multi-lingual crew on board.
- Warm and welcoming family atmosphere.
Not included in tour:
- Airfare
- Transfers
- Drinks
- Dinner
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