Compare Cycling from Amsterdam to Brussels by Exodus Travels vs Art History in Belgium and Holland by Road Scholar

Day 1 Arrive in Amsterdam

Marvel at the townhouses along the 17th century canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could also opt to saunter down the infamous red-light district which attracts millions of curious tourists every year; or enjoy the street performers on friendly Rembrandtplein. Overnight Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.

Day 2 Amsterdam to Gouda

Today's route takes you through the Green Heart of Holland, a true cycling paradise, with characteristic peat and polder landscapes, small farming communities and picturesque historical towns such as Oudewater. It was to this place that women who had been accused of witchcraft fled from all over Europe to try to have their innocence proven by weighing. Finish your ride in medieval Gouda, discover this beautifully preserved town centre, visit the Gothic town hall and St. John's church. Stop off at a bakery to buy fresh syrup waffles (Gouda is the hometown of the famous stroopwafels) and pick up some Gouda cheese. Overnight Best Western Plus City 4*, Gouda.

Day 3 Gouda to Papendrecht

From Gouda you'll continue through the Green Heart of Holland to the village of Kinderdijk. Explore the site on which 19 windmills have stood majestically since 1740 and used to drain excess water out of the low-lying polder up into the River Lek. You can even pay one of the mills a visit. Your destination, Papendrecht, is just a ferry crossing away from of one of Holland's oldest towns; Dordrecht, which is completely surrounded by rivers. Beautiful bridges take you across the water into the heart of town with its many monumental buildings around the harbour Overnight Leonardo Hotel 4*, Papendrecht.

Day 4 Papendrecht to Bergen op Zoom

Follow today's route past one of the few remaining freshwater tidal areas in Europe: the Biesbosch National Park. Crossing a one-kilometre-long bridge high above Holland's Diep river, you arrive in the south of the Netherlands. Continue through village after village, with Brabant hospitality enticing you in to stop for a cup of coffee and a big slice of fruit tart. Bergen op Zoom, today's destination, is 800 years old and the town's narrow streets, old squares and hundreds of monuments testify to a rich and dramatic past. Be sure to feast your eyes on Markiezenhof, a late-gothic mansion built by the local noble family in 1485, that now serves as a museum and archive, before you settle down at one of the many pavement cafes. Please note you will only be able to cycle through the Biesbosch park on days when the ferry is running, which is not daily. An alternative route will be provided for days when there is no ferry service. Overnight Grand Hotel De Draak 4*, Bergen op Zoom.

Day 5 Bergen op Zoom to Antwerp

The landscape along today's cycling route is predominantly wooded. On the border between the Netherlands and Belgium, catch your breath in De Zoom - Kalmthoutse Heide, a lovely cross-border nature reserve. The route takes you along the Scheldekaaien (quays on the River Scheldt) right into the historical heart of Antwerp, Belgium's most important port city and the largest town in Flanders. After seeing the historical centre you might like to venture to the hip and trendy parts of the city: 't Zuid and Het Eilandje. If you've worked up a thirst on your journey, consider a visit to the De Koninck beer brewery. It has been going strong since 1833 and has a new visitors centre welcoming guests wishing to look around and do some tasting. This brewery is best known for its 'bollekes', a type of rounded beer glass. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Antwerp.

Day 6 Antwerp to Leuven

After a short stretch on the banks of the River Scheldt, change course to follow the River Rupel, the shortest river in the country (nearly 10km long). Along the way you'll see abandoned brick works and chimneys as silent witnesses of a tough industrial past. A good place to stop for lunch is the old town of Mechelen, within sight of the church tower of 13th century St. Rombold's cathedral or the Grand Place with its fabulous architecture. Continue along the River Dijle to end your day in the delightful university town of Leuven, where the oldest houses date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Also visit the early-Gothic church of St. John the Baptist (1304) and the Old Market Square (Oude Markt), nicknamed 'the longest bar counter in the world' due to the enormous number of bars and cafes on the square. Overnight Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*, Leuven.

Day 7 Leuven to Brussels

The hills of Belgian Brabant and the expansive Sonian Forest set the scene for today's cycle. There are also train options if you don't feel like cycling into the big city of Brussels. The city's main attraction is the fantastic Grand Place and the nearby little statue of Manneken Pis still draws the crowds although there's plenty more to see. Your visit to Brussels should involve culinary treats such as delicious hot waffles, chocolate, triple-fried frites and beer. You should also enjoy the shopping and culture; you'll be hard-pushed not to want to stay longer. Overnight Courtyard by Marriott 4*, Brussels.

Day 8 Depart Brussels

Depart from Brussels after a hearty breakfast.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Brussels, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Ghent

Driving transfer to Ghent is about 50 miles (80 km); approximately 1 hour. Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

Orientation: 4:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Breakfasts will typically be European-style buffets with cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, breads, milk, juice, coffee, tea, water. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated meal featuring Belgian specialties with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Ghent, Craft into Artistry, Museum of Fine Arts Ghent

Getting on/off public transportation; about 1/2 hour total. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 3 hours; paved terrain; periods of standing in the museum; unavoidable stairs and cobblestones in the city. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent time according to personal choice.

In the hotel meeting room, an artist and art teacher will join us to give a lecture focused on the development of craftsmanship into art in the lowlands, and how art mirrors society.

Arriving via public transit, we will join a museum staff member for an expert-led field trip at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent. While here, we will learn about Flemish and Dutch art from the Middle Ages, and its development through to the middle of the 20th century.

At leisure.

In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and breads, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

At a restaurant near the town hall, we’ll enjoy a 2-course plated meal with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll have a 3-course plated meal with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Ghent, Van Eyck Painting, Bosch & Bruegel Ghent

Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven pavement, some stairs without railings; occasionally crowded places.

Setting out from the hotel, we will take an expert-led walk through the city center of Ghent, a medieval city where the Industrial Revolution began in the 19th century. A local expert will provide us with the history of the city as we walk along the canals, through the historical center with its many squares (Vrijdagsmarkt, Groentenmarkt, and Koorenmarkt), and to see such sites as the medieval fortress of Gravensteen and the meat market.

We will then visit St. Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the famous Van Eyck altarpiece. Our local expert will show us a replica painting of "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" because the original is being restored. Back at the hotel later in the afternoon, we will take in a lecture from an art historian about the painters Hieronymus Bosch (1450 – 1516) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525 – 1569), and track their evolution from the 15th to 17th century.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At a restaurant in downtown Ghent, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 5 Brussels, Oldmasters Collection, Antwerp Painters Ghent

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 80 miles total (140 km); approximately 2 hours, with stops. Walking about 3 miles total throughout the day, including time in the museum; uneven pavement, unavoidable stairs, cobblestones in the city center; periods of standing.

After transferring via private motorcoach to Brussels, we’ll set out on a walk with our Group Leader into the city center to soak in the sights. Afterwards, we’ll enjoy some time for independent exploration around the market square before heading to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium.

We’ll then enjoy a field trip on site at the Museum of Fine Arts to visit the Oldmasters Museum collection. Led through the museum by a member of the staff, we will see the best examples of the 15th and 16th century paintings and sculptures in Flanders.

In the hotel with an art historian, we will settle in for a lecture focused on famous the Antwerp painters, Peter Paul Rubens and Anthony van Dyck.

Hotel buffet.

On your own at the Museum of Fine Arts buffet restaurant.

Hotel plated meal.

Day 6 Antwerp, The Rubens House, Middelheim Museum, Zurenborg Ghent

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 80 miles total (140 km); approximately 2.5 hours, with stops. Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven pavement, sometimes in very crowded places; stairs without railings and periods of standing in the museum.

After transferring to Antwerp, we will set out on an expert-led bus field trip to the more remote areas of the city of Antwerp including a walking visit through the Middelheim Museum sculpture park. Afterwards, we’ll continue aboard the bus to Antwerp’s Zurenborg architectural area, which boasts beautiful examples of many types of building traditions.

Next, we will take a walk through the old city center led by a local expert, and then visit The Rubens House museum, which used to be the home and workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, who is known to some as one of the greatest painters of all time. On site, we will independently explore what was once his home, and now houses a collection of his paintings. We’ll then return to Ghent.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

Day 7 Bruges, Groeninge Museum Ghent

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 70 miles total (110 km); approximately 2 hours, with stops. Walking up to 4 miles total throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven pavement, sometimes in very crowded places; stairs without railings; periods of standing in the museum. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during independent time according to personal choice.

Arriving in Bruges via motorcoach this morning, we will have an expert-led walk in the beautiful, fairytale city of Bruges. This field trip will take us along the Minnewater Park, the Begijnhof (courtyard of the Beguins – secular nuns), the city's medieval street, and finishing at the Belfry of Bruges.

This afternoon, everyone will be provided with tickets to independently explore the Museum of Flemish Primitives (also known as the Groeninge Museum). This museum houses a beautiful exhibit of paintings by the Flemish Primitives, a group of masterful artists from the 15th and early 16th centuries who specialized in using oil paints, a new medium at the time. Afterwards, take some time to explore more of the museum on your own. We’ll then return to Ghent via motorcoach.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to sample the regional cuisine.

Hotel plated meal.

Day 8 Rotterdam, Royal Delft Blue Pottery Factory Amsterdam

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 140 miles (225 km) total; approximately 3 hours, with stops for field trips throughout the day. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven pavement, stairs without railings; periods of standing in the Royal Delft factory.

Once checked out of the hotel and en route to Amsterdam, we will enjoy an expert-led walking and bus field trip through Rotterdam to learn about the city's architecture. We will see such sites as the former Holland America Line headquarters (today's Hotel New York), the famous Cubic Houses, and the modern Market Hall.

Next, we’ll visit the Royal Delft (Porceleijne Fles) blue pottery factory in Delft, where traditional blue and white hand-painted Delftware porcelain is exclusively produced and sold. After our visit, we will continue our transfer to Amsterdam, arrive at the hotel, check-in, and get settled.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own in the Market Hall to explore local fare.

At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 Amsterdam City Walk, Free Time Amsterdam

Getting on/off public transportation; less than 1/2 hour during group activities. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 3 hours; uneven pavement, unavoidable stairs and cobblestones in the city. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

After setting out from the hotel via tram, we’ll begin an expert-led city walk to admire and learn about the architecture of Amsterdam. We’ll see the canals, the National Monument, the Royal Palace, the New Church, and the many different styles of houses that the city is famous for.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in Amsterdam. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to visit the Amsterdam Historical Museum or the Anne Frank House.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to explore more of the local fare.

Day 10 The Hague, Vermeer & Rembrandt Amsterdam

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 70 miles (110 km); approximately 1.5 hours. Walking up to 3 miles total throughout the day; cobblestones and uneven pavement; stairs without railings; periods of standing in museum.

We will start the day with an expert-led bus field trip to The Hague, the legal capital of the world, with its many legal institutions and the seat of the Dutch Parliament. On our journey, we will pass the Scheveningen and the Peace Palais, which houses the International Court of Justice, and walk through the inner courtyard of the Parliament buildings.

Carrying on, we will go on an expert-led field trip through the Maurits House Museum to see famous Dutch paintings from Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. This museum is the home of such famous Dutch paintings as Vermeer's "View of Delft" and "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own to enjoy what you like.

At a local restaurant in Amsterdam, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Rijksmuseum, 18th Century Art Amsterdam

Getting on/off public transportation; less than 1/2 hour during group activities. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 3 hours; uneven pavement, unavoidable stairs and cobblestones; periods of standing in museum. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

An art historian will join us at the hotel and give a lecture on art in the Golden Age. Afterwards, he will lead us on a field trip to the Rijksmuseum, a wonderful representation of Dutch history and art. We’ll see some of the art that was discussed in the morning lecture, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Your ticket will be valid for the entire day, including multiple entries. We’ll conclude our field trip in the early afternoon, around 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in visiting the Anne Frank House, this would be a good opportunity to do so, but you must book your tickets online for a specific time slot in advance.

After some time for independent exploration in the early afternoon, we’ll meet back at the hotel later in the afternoon and listen to an art historian give a lecture about art in the 18th and 19th centuries.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy plated meals featuring Dutch cuisine with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Cathedral of St. Bavo, Haarlem, Frans Hals Museum Amsterdam

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 30 miles (48 km); approximately 1 hour. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; uneven pavement, unavoidable stairs and cobblestones; periods of standing in museum.

Arriving via motorcoach, a local expert will introduce us to the city of Haarlem during a field trip that includes a visit to the Cathedral of St. Bavo, home to one of the world's greatest organs. We’ll then walk to the Frans Hals Museum.

While on site with a staff member at the Frans Hals Museum, we will discover the paintings of Frans Hals, and other Old Masters from the Golden Age. Later in the afternoon back at the hotel, we will settle in for a lecture on modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries given by an art historian.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own at the museum buffet restaurant.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy plated meals featuring Dutch cuisine with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Kröller-Müller Museum, Free Time Amsterdam

Getting on/off motorcoach; driving about 112 miles total (180 km); approximately 2 hours total. Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; pavement, some unavoidable stairs; periods of standing in museum. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Transferring via motorcoach, we’ll take a field trip to the Kröller-Müller Museum to see the Van Gogh and Mondrian exhibit. While here, we will be led by a staff member through the museum, which owns the second largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, as well as many French impressionist paintings.

Free time. You might like to view the Garden of Statues of The Kröller-Müller Museum.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

On your own at the Kröller-Müller Museum buffet restaurant.

At a local restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated farewell dinner with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 14 Program Concludes Amsterdam

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.