Sea Cloud Cruises Goes Cycling
Next spring, for the first time, Sea Cloud Cruises will initiate something new and beguiling--- cycling cruises through Holland and Belgium aboard the River Cloud II. Three eight-day cruises during April are planned with prices starting at $3,340 per person. This will be old-world travel in the slow lane during the day and all the comforts of a luxury hotel at night. If you have marathon knees or hips, you should know that the biking will be on flat, flat country ---no steeps and at a leisurely pace.
Each of the bike tours is guided. Should you wish to stop riding a support bus with a bike trailer can give you and your bike a rest. The bikes are top quality Terranova touring bikes. Before you even take off on your first ride, a technician will adjust the bike and the seat to your size and give you a few simple instructions about the rules of the road for bikers in these two bike-centric countries.
The cruise begins in Amsterdam with a tour of the city and continues to Antwerp, Belgium, a haven for history and architecture buffs as many of its 16th century buildings have been preserved. In Ghent, you will have a chance to see one of the world's great treasures, the 1432 Ghent Altarpiece, and also meander around another old city on two wheels. The cruise then heads back to the Netherlands with a last stop at Keukenhof, a must-see tulip festival that is open only a few weeks of the year.
River Cloud II is a 338-foot river cruiser with 44 well-appointed outside cabins. All admissions to historic sites, bike fees, and meals with wine are included in the cost of the trip. Should you decide not to bike, $645 per person will be deducted from the cost of the cruise. The three eight-day cruises are schedules for April 7-14; April 14-21; and April 21-28 and feature six guided cycling excursions on selected routes. Book early before November 30 and the company will give you a $500 discount per person. Details at seacloud.com.
