AAVE's Summer Bike Journey from Amsterdam to Paris

AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - 2 days:
You will be met upon arrival at the airport gate by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check, to assure that you are prepared for the diverse and demanding regions we explore, we load up and head to camp outside of Amsterdam - our home for the next two nights. During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained and the process of growing together as a group begins. We test our bikes on an introductory bike ride to our camp. Amsterdam is perfect for cyclists and many streets are only accessible by bicycle. The next day we cycle more through the city and visit the Anne Frank House or the Van Gogh museum and other famous sites in Amsterdam.

SOUTH COAST NETHERLANDS - 4 DAYS:
We bike from our campsite, through Amsterdam to the North Sea coast. The following four days we traverse the Dutch coast, riding on double-laned bicycle "highways" through vast dune areas, quaint towns and through the Zeeland province. The Zeeland province, located in the southwest of the country, consists of a number of islands (hence its name, meaning "sea-land"). Its sunny beaches make it a popular holiday destination in the summer, and we are welcomed with opened arms by the local people. On our way, in order to rest our legs a little, we will visit a theme park on one of the largest levees in the world.

BRUGES, GHENT & YPRES-BELGIUM - 5 DAYS:
We take it easy for a day, then continue across the border into Belgium where we discover the beautiful medieval streets of Bruges, West-Flanders. While in Bruges, we spend one night in a downtown hotel and sample some famous Belgian chocolate and waffles. The next day we continue to Ghent, the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys, and, in the Middle Ages, became one of the largest and richest cities of northern Europe. Today it is a busy city with countless, intriguing historical sites. We spend three days exploring this charming city and participating in a local service project from our base camp outside of the city limits. We then continue on to Ypres where we stay for a day and ride past many World War graveyards and memorials. We then continue to the French border to finish the biking portion of the trip.

PARIS, FRANCE - 3 DAYS:
We'll leave our bikes at the coast and hop on a train to Paris where we'll spend two nights in a popular youth hostel. The next day we'll discover the highlights of Paris - Eiffel tower, Notre Dame cathedral, Louvre museum and much more - before returning home. Finally, Leave early for the airport to say goodbye to our new friends and "Bon Voyage" to Paris!!

Price Includes:
Three CPR and First Aid Certified Venture Europe guides; all ground costs, all ground transportation including airport pickup and drop-off; all camping and camping gear (except sleeping bags, sleep mats and mess kits); all activities and gear listed in the above itinerary; all meals; local gratuities to wait-staff and all hotels or hostels.

Price Doesn't Include:
Flights to/from Paris or Amsterdamn; optional gratuities, extra snacks and souvenirs.

This itinerary is a sample outline of the program highlights. It is not a precise description. Changes made before or during the trip will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip. This diverse itinerary is our framework for a summer of exhilaration and adventure. Get your mind and body set. Activities are planned using years of experience with your highest expectations in mind.

We appreciate the importance of this decision and want you to be as informed as possible! Please phone 303.526.0806 or email us at info@aave.com with questions, to receive 2009 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!