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, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up and head off! 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 camp site, through Amsterdam to the North Sea coast.The following four days are along the Dutch coast. Here we ride on double-laned bicycle 'highways' through vast dune areas and quaint towns with numerous canals. The 'Sealand' province, as it is known, is a group of islands linked by enormous dikes and ferries. On our way through Sealand we stop for a visit to a water park where we can learn about the dikes we ride on, watch seals, and go on a water slide.

BRUGES, GHENT & YPRES-BELGIUM - 5 DAYS:
We take it easy for a day then continue across the Belgium border where we discover the beautiful medieval streets of Bruges, West-Flanders, a great place to eat chocolate and waffles. The next day we continue to Ghent, another spectacular old town, and home to the largest and oldest public university in Belgium. 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 part 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 stay in a Youth Hostel. The next day we'll discover the highlights of Paris, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame church, Louvre museum and much more before returning home. Finally, Leave early for the airport to hug goodbye to friends and starting planning your AAVE adventure for next summer!!

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 800 222 3595 or email us with questions, to receive 2007 references or to make a reservation.

We look forward to having you join us!