Euro City Cycle
266 miles
Approx. Distance
Challenging (1)
Challenge Grading
5 days
Challenge Duration
UK, Amsterdam & belgium
Challenge Location
Challenge Highlights
Link three awesome European capital cities
Bike through breathtaking Dutch and Belgian countryside
Enjoy a meal in Amsterdam and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the nightlife
Full support from our experienced team, leaving you to focus on the experience!
The Challenge
Our journey takes us from the east coast of England to the flat cycle routes of the Netherlands, and through the historic city of Breda before we reach our finish line in Brussels! This exciting challenge combines city sights with countryside cycling, and is suitable for beginner and experienced riders alike. With incredible highlights along the way, including an evening meal in the bustling city of Amsterdam and a stay in the compact city of Breda, packed with restaurants and bars, each day of our adventure brings something new to look forward to. We complete our journey at the incredible Atomium, constructed for the first universal world exhibition following the war and designed to represent a magnified iron crystal. After a glass of fizz to celebrate, we’ll get together for an evening meal before enjoying the Brussels nightlife!
Challenge Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Harwich
Our challenge begins early morning. It’s not too long before we are cycling through beautiful Essex countryside on roads that undulate and weave through the county. We arrive at the port of Harwich where we board our overnight ferry to the Hook of Holland.
Cycling distance – approx. 64 miles
Day 2 - Hook of Holland to Amsterdam
As soon as our ferry docks we waste no time and hop straight into the saddle to get to our destination today – Amsterdam! The route hugs the coastline and winds its way along typical Dutch cycle lanes passing lots of windmills, Holland’s famous landmarks. Leaving the coast and heading inland towards the capital, we ride along the canal paths that eventually lead us into the city.
Amsterdam is the world capital of cycling and is a fantastic place to end the second day of our European cycling extravaganza! This evening we enjoy a meal together as a group before opting for either a quiet night of relaxation, or the hustle and bustle of the Amsterdam nightlife!
Cycling distance – approx. 62 miles
Day 3 - Amsterdam to Breda
Leaving the liberal and quirky city of Amsterdam behind us, we push on with our challenge, riding out of the city using the designated cycle ways. We’ll pick up speed and clock up our miles today as most of the route is flat as we head towards the charming and historic city of Breda.
Cycling distance – approx. 81 miles
Day 4 - Breda to Brussels
The cycling today will be more challenging as we leave the flat lowlands of the Netherlands and head further inland towards Belgium’s bustling capital via stunning Belgian countryside, along tree-lined lanes and through sleepy villages. Our finish line is at the amazing Atomium, where we celebrate our cycling achievements with a glass of fizz! This evening we get together and enjoy our farewell meal, before sampling Brussels nightlife.
Cycling distance – approx. 76 miles
Day 5 - Return to the UK
Today we have free time to explore Brussels before making our way to the Eurostar Terminal for the easy hop back to London, arriving in St Pancras.
Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change.
Challenge Inclusions
What's Included
- One way ferry crossing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland using four-berth cabins
- One way Eurostar ticket from Brussels to London
- Transfer of bicycles back to starting venue in London
- Transfer back to starting venue from St Pancras
- All accommodation (with the exception of the evening prior to the start of the challenge)
- Lunch on day 1, breakfast, lunch and dinner on days 2, 3 and 4
- Breakfast on day 5
- Water/refreshment/snack stops – one in the morning and one in the afternoon
- Vehicles for back up and support
- Route markers
- English speaking guides
- Mechanic and medical support
- Basic spare bike parts will be taken but please note, we cannot cater for every eventuality, therefore it is vital that participants ensure that their bike is in full working order and in good condition.
- Challenge Medal
What's Not Included
- Accommodation on the night prior to the start of the challenge
- Breakfast on day 1, evening meal on ferry crossing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland
- Lunch and dinner on day 5
- Alcoholic drinks
- Bicycle hire (it is requested that all participants bring their own bike – road bikes are highly recommended)
- Bicycle insurance
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Please note that for bespoke challenges, inclusions and exclusions may differ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this trip for me?
ABSOLUTELY! This cycle is suitable for all ages with the correct training. The minimum age for this cycle is 18 years old (14-17 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and a desire to help a charity. Whether you are taking part as an individual or as a team with friends, team spirit will be flying high on the challenge.
How fit do I need to be?
This cycle ride has been graded as Challenging (1) on our challenge grading scheme, and is designed to be challenging but achievable by anyone – as long as you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are cycling for 4 consecutive days, covering approximately 266 miles so expect to be in the saddle for about 7 – 8 hrs per day – the fitter you are, the more you will enjoy this challenge. Cycling training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to put you in the right direction.
Our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. But they may not be suitable for all people due to restriction posed by limitation in mobility, physical or cognitive disability, pregnancy or other various medical conditions. If you have any doubts regarding your suitability for your challenge please contact our office to speak to one of the team.
What is the challenge grading scheme?
All our challenges are graded on a scale from 1 to 3 to indicate the level of difficulty, 1 being the lowest challenge grade and 3 being the most challenging. (1 = Challenging, 2 = Tough and 3 = Extreme).
Do I need specialist kit?
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Each participant will need to bring their own bicycle for this challenge. Other items of kit will be required, such as cycling shorts, cycling helmet and cycling gloves – other than this, you do not need any specialist kit.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation by our support vehicles. You will need a small day pack/bum bag/‘camel bak’ while cycling to carry items such as sunscreen, energy snacks, water, etc.
Food Matters...
All meals will be provided with the exception of breakfast on day 1, evening meal in Harwich and lunch and dinner on day 5. Whilst cycling, we will either stop at local cafes/restaurants or eat open air buffets – this depends on the size of our group. We cater for most dietary requirements as long as we know in advance – just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.
What support is there on the challenge?
There will be a strong support team with professional Global Adventure Challenges Leaders from the UK. Full comprehensive first aid kits will be taken and we are never too far away from hospitals if needed. A vehicle will travel with the group providing medical and mechanical support if needed.
Can I stay in Brussels after the challenge?
Unfortunately, we are not able to arrange for you to stay in Brussels after this challenge as Eurostar will not allow us to change the dates of any of our group tickets. You can of course make your own arrangements to return at your convenience and stay in Brussels as long as you wish, but remember you will need to keep your bicycle with you too.
What happens if I get tired?
There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks after approximately every 20 miles of cycling – there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. Remember, this is not a race!
How do I go about raising the sponsorship?
Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so try to register as soon as you can! You can register online at www.globaladventurechallenges.com or fill in the enclosed registration form and return it to Global Adventure Challenges, along with the registration fee – all costs and payment options are explained on the enclosed information sheet. Once your registration is received, Global Adventure Challenges will write to you, sending you further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Your charity will also be in contact with you to discuss your fundraising.
Request a Call Back
We understand that booking your challenge is a big step, and you may have some questions before you take the plunge! If you'd like to talk to our Customer Care team before you book your space, just click the button below to request a call.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
Request a Call Back
Need more information before you book your space? Just enter your details and our friendly team will give you a call back!
If you have any particular questions or would like to request a specific time for your call, please include this in the message section.
Please note, our office hours are 9am - 5:15pm Monday - Thursday, and 9am - 4:15pm on Fridays.
dates and costs
Payment Option A - Minimum Sponsorship
This option means the challenge balance of your event cost is met through raising a minimum sponsorship for a charity of your choice.
Step 1 – To join the challenge you pay the non-refundable registration fee directly to us and commit to raising the minimum sponsorship shown on the challenge page.
Step 2 – Start fundraising and send your sponsorship money to your chosen charity as you raise it. Your charity will most likely keep a log of monies you are sending in.
Step 3 – 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your charity no later than 12 weeks before departure. If you have raised the required amount, your charity would then be in a position to pay the challenge balance, which is never more than 50% of the minimum sponsorship figure.
Step 4 – The remaining 20% of your minimum sponsorship should be sent to your charity no later than 6 weeks following your return after the challenge. Some charities may request you send this 20% to them before the challenge takes place – your charity will guide you further on this.
Payment Option B - Self-Funding
This option enables you to fund the entire challenge yourself, which means you do not have to commit to raising a set sponsorship. Although no fundraising is required, we do strongly encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can.
Step 1 – You pay the non-refundable registration fee to us, in order to join the challenge.
Step 2 – Prior to your departure, you will receive an invoice to pay the challenge balance as shown on the respective challenge page.
Step 3 – The challenge balance invoice is to be paid no later than 12 weeks before departure.