Teen Treks

Our day today was spent exploring the medieval city of Bruges.  After a hearty breakfast at the hostel, the group set out for the center of the city, the Markt. Here, the group climbed the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry of Bruges and  received a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding area. Also at the Belfry, the group received a rude awakening at the top of the hour by the bell tower. After descending the stairs, the group joined others on a walking tour of the city. The tour taught all about the history and legends of the city. This included stories behind the city’s swans and the names of landmarks. After the tour, the group made their way to a nearby shop for artisanal bagel sandwiches. After lunch, the group was on the hunt for Belgian chocolates and waffles. In the afternoon, the group toured the Gruuthuse Museum and the Church of our Lady Bruges. After a long day of city touring, the group split and some did laundry and others prepared dinner in the hostel kitchen. After a long day of discovering Bruges, the team is resting easy in preparation for their last day of true bicycle trekking.

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

We made it to Bruges, Belgium this afternoon! The weather was beautiful, and we all especially enjoyed the relaxing bike ride today. We stopped along the way for coffee, lunch, and even a short ferry ride. We were also excited to celebrate trekker Andreis’s birthday, so we capped off our day with ribs for dinner. Looking forward to exploring Bruges tomorrow, and eating lots of chocolate and waffles along the way!

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

Today’s route was technically the longest day of biking but no way did it feel that way. The weather was great and spirits were high! We left camp as the morning chill was lifting and headed to our route. The route took us along the coast, over bridges, and under the towering windmills. As we biked, we came across many great views including a large group of kite surfers. As we hopped from peninsula to island back to peninsula, the group found plenty of spots to stop, take photos, and soak in their surroundings. Tonight marked our last night of camping which was celebrated with a round of stroopwafels for all.

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

Heat wave! We set out early today to try to beat the heat, and arrived in Rotterdam just in time for “second breakfast.” After meandering around Rotterdam’s giant arch-like “Markt,” we headed over to the Maritime Museum, where we enjoyed the interactive adventure exhibits (and the air conditioning!) Then we headed home, had some delicious stir-fry compliments of today’s cooking team, and ended the day with a nice swim in the lake!

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

Today’s day of biking started out with an early visit to The Hague.  While there, we saw the Escher House and the Hofkapel (photo). From there we ventured inland toward Gouda. Along the way, we biked on miles of bike paths and made plenty of stops in the shade. One stop including a path side farm stand with fresh peaches. Even though it was a hot day, the group stayed in high spirits by stopping, hydrating, and making jokes. Once in Gouda the group stopped for lunch made up of a variety of meats and cheeses. When in Gouda, one must eat Gouda. After lunch, the group went shopping and visited the Church of St. John. Famous for it’s 72 stained glass windows, the audio tour explained the significance of each one. The end of the day brought on a relaxed ride through the country side with cows and canals. The group cooked another great meal and are settling in for bed. Another day of warm weather biking tomorrow accompanied by plenty of water!

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

Today marked our first day of real bike packing. Our trekkers woke up, had breakfast, loaded up their bikes, and hit the road. The group headed west out of Amsterdam, towards the Red Sea. About halfway, a stop was made in Haarlem for lunch. While in town, the group visited the Windmill de Adriaan and the St. Bavo Church. While touring the inside of the church, the group was serenaded by the choir. After the church tour, the group made their way out to the market for stroopwafels and ice cream. After the midday break, the group continued on their route toward the coast. Upon arrival at the campsite, tents were pitched and dinner preparations began. In the evening, the group checked out the nearby beach and watched the sunset over the North Sea. Now, the group settles into their sleeping bags to rest in preparation for another day of trekking tomorrow.

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.

Our last day in Amsterdam was jam-packed with all things Dutch! We started the day at the Rijksmuseum, where we saw famous paintings from Amsterdam’s own Rembrandt. After lunch in the park, we spent some time shopping in the open-air market, and trying out some Dutch herring. We capped off the day with a visit to the famous Anne Frank Museum, and are now prepping for our first long day biking tomorrow.

Learn more about the Teen Treks Amsterdam – Paris Trek.