Five Countries Cycle

Five Countries Cycle

tourhub | UTracks | Five Countries Cycle | 5CC
tourhub | UTracks | Five Countries Cycle | 5CC tourhub | UTracks | Five Countries Cycle | 5CC

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10 Days From

$1701

Five Countries Cycle

10 Days Starting and ending in Maastricht, Netherlands

Visiting: Liège, Namur, Givet, Charleville-Mézières, Bouillon, Bastogne, Sankt-Vith, Monschau, Maastricht

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

5CC

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate to challenging

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active, Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, History

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1701

NB: Prices correct on 19-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an exhilarating journey through five captivating countries on the "Five Countries Cycle" tour. Pedal along dedicated cycle paths as you traverse Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, and Luxembourg, uncovering Europe's largest castle, charming villages, and historical forts. Savor diverse cuisines and beverages as you cross borders, and rest in comfortable 3-4 star hotels each night. This self-guided adventure includes bike rental, luggage transfer, and comprehensive route notes, ensuring a seamless experience. With daily rides ranging from 36 to 83 kilometers, this tour offers a blend of moderate to challenging stages, perfect for avid cyclists seeking a unique European escapade.

Highlights

  • Enjoy your own Tour d'Europe through five countries on mainly dedicated cycle paths

  • Discover Europe's largest castle, pretty villages, forts and a wealth of history as you pedal

  • Experience the different cuisines and beverages as you cross borders

  • Cycle alongside the river Jeker to the picturesque village of Kanne

  • Explore the historic centre of Liège and wander through the parks and boulevards lining the river

  • Visit the charming town of Monthermé, known for its religious monuments

  • Explore the medieval fortress at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers in Namur

  • Cycle through the Ardennes-Eiffel Nature Park and visit the quaint town of Monschau

Itinerary

tourhub | UTracks | Five Countries Cycle | 5CC | Route Map

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Day 1 : Arrive In Maastricht (Nl), Cycle To Liège (B) (36Km/21.5Mi)

Location: Liège

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Liege

Make your own way to the meeting point, a hotel in Maastricht*, no later than 1pm, ready to cycle. (*July departures and other times when Maastricht is full, the meeting point is a hotel in ‘s-Gravenvoeren, approx. 20km from Maastricht, across the border in Belgium. This will be advised on confirmation - in this case today's cycle will be 29km.)
At the meeting point you leave your luggage at the hotel for collection and transfer and collect your travel documents and bike.
When you're ready, set off to Liege (in Belgium). Cycle alongside the river Jeker to the picturesque village of Kanne and soon after pass the locks at Ternaaien / Lanaye. From here, follow the RAVeL International Meuse Route cycle path via Vise to Liege (Luik in Dutch). The last few kilometres take you past tall cranes, rusty boats and old but busy industrial zones. Straddling the Meuse River (or Maas as it is known in Dutch), Liège is in Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region and dates from medieval times evidenced by St Bartholomew, a Romanesque church. Its cultural legacy is demonstrated by Opéra Royal de Wallonie, which has been the home of opera since the early 1800's. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore the historic centre or wander through the parks and boulevards lining the river. Overnight in Liege.

Day 2 : Cycle To Namur (B) (74Km/46.3Mi)

Location: Namur

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Namur

Taking you right through the centre of Liege, the cycle path along the Meuse is very pleasant and safe. Follow the John Cockerill railway as you make your way out of the city, following the signs for RAVeL International Meuse Route, and past the blast furnaces of Seraing, which are awe-inspiring up close. If you like decorative glass, you can stop at the Val St Lambert crystal factory shop. Continue along the quiet backroads, past typical Walloon villages and never far from the river, towards Huy. Just before Huy, switch to the bike track, where the Tihange nuclear reactor is another striking industrial complex. The Grande Place in Huy is an ideal spot for a lunch break. On the way to Namur, enjoy the change of scenery as nature gradually prevails over industry. In Namur, at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers, a stunning medieval fortress has a commanding position above the river. Take time to explore some of the 7km of underground passages of the Citadel de Namur and drink in the views from the gardens. Overnight Namur.

Day 3 : Continue To Givet (F) (55Km/34Mi)

Location: Givet

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Givet

Today you will follow the river along the Meuse route to Dinant, passing through the village of Wepion, famous for strawberries, and the Gardens of Annevoie, which are well worth a visit. In Dinant take your time exploring and enjoy its riverside cafes. After Dinant, you will reach the lovely Chateau Freyr, once the summer house of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin. For the next several kilometres you'll cycle on the former railway line that went from Hastiere to Mariembourg, before crossing the border into France and the town of Givet with its imposing Charlemont citadel. Overnight in Givet.

Day 4 : Ride Via Montherme To Charleville-Mézières (F) (83Km/51.5Mi Or Shorten By Train)

Location: Charleville-Mézières

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Charleville-Mézières

Today you will cycle on the 'Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes' following the Meuse river. One of today's highlights is a visit to the charming town of Montherme, best known for its religious monuments, the Abbey of Laval Dieu and the Church of Saint-Leger. Your destination is Charleville-Mézières, with its lovely historic town centre. If the full 83km is a little daunting, you can take a train from Givet to Charleville-Mézières, or at various points along the way, to shorten the stage. The train mostly follows the Meuse route.

Day 5 : Cycle To Bouillon (B) (50Km/31Mi)

Location: Bouillon

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bouillon

The cycle today is more challenging than other days. The route continues on the Voie Verte Trans-Ardennes through a picturesque landscape to Sedan, famous for its castle. At Sedan, you leave the International Meuse Route. After a break for lunch, set off on the first leg of the connecting route that bridges the end of the Meuse route and the start of the Vennbahn. On the French side, a quiet road climbs gradually (average 3% incline) to the border. After crossing back into Belgium, there's a delightful descent to Bouillon. The town has an impressive castle-fortress, once the residence of Godfrey of Bouillon, the French nobleman and pre-eminent leader of the First Crusade. Overnight in Bouillon.

Day 6 : Via Libramont-Chevigny To Bastogne (B) (71Km/44Mi)

Location: Bastogne

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bastogne

This is the most challenging day of the trip, across the Ardennes. Leave Bouillon this morning by way of a narrow, climbing road and proceed along a connecting route through the south of Belgium. After a few kilometres you'll be pedalling on country roads flanked by farmland, on a rolling plateau, passing characteristic villages seemingly untouched by time. The views are lovely. A good place to stop for lunch is the town of Libramont-Chevigny, home to the Museum of the Celts. At the end of this section, follow another stretch of the RAVeL route, on the former railway line (163 from Libramont via Bastogne to Gouvy), to Bastogne. Bastogne has many monuments remembering the Battle of the Ardennes at the end of WWII. Overnight in Bastogne.

Day 7 : Through A Corner Of Luxembourg To Sankt-Vith (B) (62Km/39Mi)

Location: Sankt-Vith

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Sankt-Vith

From the 'Gare du Sud' railway station, follow RAVeL 163 in a northerly direction on one of the most beautiful bike tracks in the RAVeL network. South of Gouvy, at the end of this RAVeL route, head east to the border with Luxembourg. Shortly afterwards you cycle through a slightly undulating landscape on peaceful roads to the Vennbahn route. In Huldange, the highest point in Luxembourg (at 558.5m) you will reach the Vennbahn, then a little later cross back into Belgium. Through a beautiful landscape the route takes you to the ruins of Burg Reuland, towering high above the village. Continue to Hemmeres, a German enclave, and finally to today's destination of Sankt-Vith.

Day 8 : Cycle To The German Town Of Monschau Or Rohren (D) (53Km/33Mi)

Location: Monschau

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Monschau

Progress is easy on the new bike track between Sankt-Vith and Waimes, as you pedal towards Belgian-German Ardennes-Eiffel Nature Park. Stop off in Montenau (and an Ardennes ham smokehouse), in Sourbrodt, a former station on the Vennbahn railway, and in Kalterherberg, where there are several place to choose from for a tasty lunch. Further on you will leave the Vennbahn to make a detour to Monschau. Quaint and enchanting, this small resort town in the Eifel region boasts lovely half-timbered houses, enticing shops, friendly cafes and good restaurants. Overnight is usually in Monschau. If not available other options may be in Rohren (+2km) or Aachen (in which case today's cycling is 90km, and 40km to Maastricht tomorrow).

Day 9 : Ride Via Aachen To Maastricht (Nl) Or ‘S-Gravenvoeren (B) (85Km/53Mi) Or Shorten With Train

Location: Maastricht

Accommodation Name: Hotel in Maastricht

On your last cycling day head back from Monschau centre to the Vennbahn rail trail. A visit to the monumental town of Kornelimünster is a must. After a long descent you will reach the town of Aachen. Once a royal residence of the emperor Charlemagne, it served as the principal coronation site of Holy Roman emperors and of German kings from the Middle Ages to the Reformation. After your visit to this historic town, cycle trough the rolling Limburg landscape to Maastricht…
Or book a train ticket and cycle to Kerkrade from where you take the train. Taking the train will shorten the cycling to 61-80km/38-50mi (dependent on your hotel). Ticket not included, payable locally. You can relax and enjoy as the hills of the scenic southern Limburg glide by.
Overnight in Maastricht (NL) or ‘s-Gravenvoeren (B)

Day 10 : Trip Concludes

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip concludes after breakfast.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    9 nights hotels

  • 9 breakfasts

    Enjoy a hearty breakfast each morning of your tour.

  • 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities

    Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels with private facilities, based on twin share.

  • Luggage transfer

    One piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg will be transferred between hotels.

  • Bike rental

    Rental of a 24-27 speed bike with helmet, pannier, repair kit, and lock. Electric bike available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Information pack

    Receive a digital information pack including route notes and a navigational app for use with your smartphone, plus a printed pack at the joining hotel.

  • Coffee and apple pie in Cugnon

    Enjoy a coffee and apple pie in Cugnon on Day 6.

  • Tourist tax

    All applicable tourist taxes are included.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for any issues during your trip.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to/from Maastricht

    Travel to and from Maastricht (or ‘s-Gravenvoeren) is not included.

  • Meals not listed as included

    Meals not listed as included, and drinks are not covered.

    A dinner package can be booked which includes a 3-course dinner each night for an additional supplement.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory and not included.

  • Tour guide

    This is a self-guided cycling trip; no tour guide is provided.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Entrance fees not listed as included

    Entrance fees to attractions not listed as included are not covered.

  • Transfers not listed as included

    Transfers not listed as included are not covered.

  • Train Kerkrade to Maastricht

    Train ticket from Kerkrade to Maastricht on the last cycling day is not included.

  • Excess luggage

    Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement.

    Luggage cannot be heavier than 20kg.

  • Mobile phone holder

    We recommend bringing a mobile phone holder to fix to the handlebar to cycle smoothly using the app/GPS tracks.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Personal items and expenses are not included.

What You Carry

As the trip is fully supported with your luggage transferred between hotels, you only need to carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided.

Grading

Moderate to challenging - grade 4
Daily cycles are between 36 and 83km / 21.5 and 51.5mi on flat to undulating terrain. 7 out of 9 stages are classified as introductory to moderate. The Bouillon-Bastogne stage is moderate to challenging across the Ardennes. St Vith to Monschau is moderate if you are booked to stay in Rohren (only the last climb - 2km) but not more than introductory to moderate if you stay in Monschau. On average it is a grade 3 but we have given an overall grade of 4 due to the more challenging stages. There are opportunities to shorten the cycling by taking the train on occasion. The cycling is on a combination of dedicated cycle paths and low traffic roads, including into towns. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in the attractions, with time to stop and take photos. You will need a good level of fitness to participate fully in this adventure. If you are concerned about your overall cycling fitness, we recommend you consider an e-bike.

Mode of Transport

Travel by bike with a 24-27 speed rental, including helmet, pannier, repair kit, and lock. Electric bikes are available on request for an additional supplement.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities for 9 nights.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 9 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with private facilities.

  • Is luggage transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer is included. One piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg will be transferred between hotels.

  • What kind of bike is provided for the tour?

    A 24-27 speed bike with a helmet, pannier, repair kit, and lock is provided. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.

  • Is there any support available in case of emergencies during the tour?

    Yes, there is an emergency hotline available for support during the tour.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 9 breakfasts. Other meals, drinks, and a dinner package (which includes a 3-course dinner each night) can be booked for an additional supplement.

  • Is travel insurance required for this tour?

    Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.

  • What should I carry during the daily cycling trips?

    As the trip is fully supported with luggage transfer between hotels, you only need to carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The tour is graded as moderate to challenging. Daily cycles range from 36 to 83km on flat to undulating terrain. Most stages are introductory to moderate, but some stages, such as Bouillon to Bastogne, are more challenging.

  • Can I shorten the cycling distances if needed?

    Yes, there are opportunities to shorten the cycling distances by taking the train on certain stages.

  • What kind of information is provided for navigation during the tour?

    An information pack is provided digitally, including route notes and a navigational app for use with your smartphone. A printed pack is also available at the joining hotel.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

V. Kanigan(Merritt, Canada)  

Five Countries Cycle

24 Jul 2024

My wife and I had a fantastic adventure on the Five Country UTracks bike trip. We were impressed with the route as it took us through beautiful countryside and through historic cities. The route was mostly on dedicated cycling paths and when we did ride on roads, they were quiet and safe. The hotels and their locations were excellent and at each one we enjoyed excellent options for breakfast. The hotel staff was very accommodating and quickly helped us secure our bikes and get lodged. Descriptions for each day were accurate, thorough and allowed us to plan where we would stop each day to explore and eat. The only concern I had was that the tool kit consisted of tire wrenches, a patch kit and a pump. We quickly sourced a couple of tubes and a multi-tool that came in handy. We are busy trying to figure out which UTracks bike tour to select for next summer!

J. Needham(Epping, Australia)  

Five Countries Cycle

11 Jun 2024

A challenging but beautiful cycling experience. The trip was well coordinated and we did not experience any issues with accommodation or movement of luggage. The ebikes had a couple of issues which we managed to sort ourselves. The road bike did not meet other rider’s expectation as it was “city” bike that was not suitable for this type of ride.

T. Kanigan(Merritt, Canada)  

Five Countries Cycle

31 Jul 2024

We had such An amazing time on this trip. We loved every day! We saw such beautiful countryside, incredible cities and so many historic sights. The planning was excellent. Every hotel was expecting us and they were in excellent locations so we were able to walk to more great places after our riding day was done. Every hotel had wonderful breakfasts as well. Route planning was perfect. Would definitely recommend this tour!

K. Lister(Golden Beach, Australia)  

Five Countries Cycle

13 Sep 2023

Superb route to scenic locations and opportunity to meet local people.

P. Hazell(Stepney, Australia)  

Five Countries Cycle

5 Jun 2024

The scenery, the design of the trip, the accommodation, the quiet back roads and bike tracks were all fabulous.

J. Walton(Gosford, NSW)  

Five Countries Cycle

14 Jun 2018

Wonderful ride through interesting and varied scenery. Initially industrial riverfront then rural riverine landscape. Challenging climb over the Ardenne hills followed by long down hill on rail trail.

G. Pollock(Calgary)  

Five Countries Cycle

7 Jun 2022

I really enjoyed this trip. Each day was unique, from the scenery to the towns and cities we stayed in. The bikes and hotels along the route were both good. Finding the correct route was sometimes a challenge, but the overall experience was exactly what we wanted on a cycling trip in Europe.

Read all 7 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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