Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Bike & Barge Bruges to Amsterdam
DURATION
11 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
10 to 32 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
1-Easier
REVIEWS
STARTING FROM
$4595
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,100
Trip Overview
This 11-day tour through the lowlands of the Netherlands and Belgium has all the ingredients a successful bike & barge tour needs — highlights like the iconic windmills at Kinderdijk; north Belgian culture in the beautiful Flemish cities of Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges; and personal encounters with locals as you bike through Flanders. Above all, you enjoy wonderful cycling off the beaten path, along quiet country roads.
On this 11-day tour, you have time to explore this region’s intriguing cities, visit world-class museums or spend an afternoon shopping. This tour’s relaxed cycling passes through the gorgeous, green and flat Dutch countryside in the Lower Rhine delta and in Flanders — the western region of Belgium.
Visit charming villages, a Dutch cheese farm, 19 windmills at Kinderdijk, and world-famous historic cities. You cycle through and discover the Dutch province of Zeeland … which is essentially one big river delta where the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers converge … and is famous for its fantastic beaches and amazing engineering. And the Flanders region of Belgium awaits you, which has a reputation for its fabled medieval towns — and superb food and drink.
On the June 29 departure, the route is reversed. So you begin in Amsterdam and end in Bruges with the same attractions.
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Bruges Arrival Day
Distance: about 6 miles + Bruges walking tour | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
Embarkation time is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Bruges, where your lovely ship awaits you in the Bruges Harbor. After a welcome and briefing from your friendly and experienced crew at 2 p.m., there is time for bicycle fitting and a "short but sweet" test-ride through the countryside around Bruges. After dinner, our guide will introduce you to the city with a short walk through its gorgeous medieval center.
Embarkation time is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in Bruges, where your lovely ship awaits you in the Bruges Harbor. After a welcome and briefing from your friendly and experienced crew at 2 p.m., there is time for bicycle fitting and a "short but sweet" test-ride through the countryside around Bruges. After dinner, our guide will introduce you to the city with a short walk through its gorgeous medieval center.
DAY 2 - Roundtrip from/to Bruges & North Sea
Distance: 23 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
After a sound night’s rest, start out along a quiet canal, past beautiful poplar trees and through attractive landscapes of flat green polder fields dotted with small farmhouses (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). On the return ride to Bruges, you will cycle along a charming little canal.
In the afternoon, you have time to discover this marvelous UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city, which is aptly nicknamed “the Pearl of Flanders.” While you are there, make sure you visit one of the many museums in Bruges or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
After a sound night’s rest, start out along a quiet canal, past beautiful poplar trees and through attractive landscapes of flat green polder fields dotted with small farmhouses (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). On the return ride to Bruges, you will cycle along a charming little canal.
In the afternoon, you have time to discover this marvelous UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city, which is aptly nicknamed “the Pearl of Flanders.” While you are there, make sure you visit one of the many museums in Bruges or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
DAY 3 - Bruges – Aalterbrug | Aalterbrug – Ghent
Distance: 23 or 28 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
After enjoying breakfast on board, you start cycling out of Bruges, zigzagging through charming woodland and pastures. Your barge patiently waits for you halfway along the canal between Bruges and Ghent. Once everyone is back on board, the anchor is lifted, and you can enjoy the scenery as you cruise onwards to Ghent. In the evening, you can take a guided tour through the historical center of Ghent, seeing it from one of the best perspectives possible — from a small canal boat that passes delightful areas like the Graslei and Korenlei.
Ghent is a lively university city, also with a rich past. The city has its origins in Roman times, where it arose at the confluence of the rivers Leie and Scheldt. This favorable site resulted in great prosperity over the years, which peaked in the late 13th and early 14th centuries when textile manufacturing brought great wealth to Ghent. In the city center, many old patrician houses have been skillfully preserved in all their glory. The impressive Clothmakers’ Hall (1425) is where textile merchants used to meet, and Ghent’s major church is St. Baafs’ Cathedral, which was built across various ages and in various styles. In the cathedral, you can admire a number of masterpieces of medieval painting, of which the “Adoration of the Lamb” by Jan van Eyck is the most famous.
After enjoying breakfast on board, you start cycling out of Bruges, zigzagging through charming woodland and pastures. Your barge patiently waits for you halfway along the canal between Bruges and Ghent. Once everyone is back on board, the anchor is lifted, and you can enjoy the scenery as you cruise onwards to Ghent. In the evening, you can take a guided tour through the historical center of Ghent, seeing it from one of the best perspectives possible — from a small canal boat that passes delightful areas like the Graslei and Korenlei.
Ghent is a lively university city, also with a rich past. The city has its origins in Roman times, where it arose at the confluence of the rivers Leie and Scheldt. This favorable site resulted in great prosperity over the years, which peaked in the late 13th and early 14th centuries when textile manufacturing brought great wealth to Ghent. In the city center, many old patrician houses have been skillfully preserved in all their glory. The impressive Clothmakers’ Hall (1425) is where textile merchants used to meet, and Ghent’s major church is St. Baafs’ Cathedral, which was built across various ages and in various styles. In the cathedral, you can admire a number of masterpieces of medieval painting, of which the “Adoration of the Lamb” by Jan van Eyck is the most famous.
DAY 4 - Ghent – Dendermonde/St. Amands
Distance: 24 or 34 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
After a delicious breakfast in Ghent, you cycle downstream through diverse landscapes, along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, located at the confluence of the Dender and Schelde rivers. There is only one way to describe the scenery along the Schelde and that is: “magnificent.” Its natural splendor is, without doubt, one of the highlights of the tour. During this section of the Schelde, the speed of your ship is determined by the height of the tide. You travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by either bicycle or barge, depending on the tides. You and your ship spend a relaxing night docked in St. Amands.
After a delicious breakfast in Ghent, you cycle downstream through diverse landscapes, along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, located at the confluence of the Dender and Schelde rivers. There is only one way to describe the scenery along the Schelde and that is: “magnificent.” Its natural splendor is, without doubt, one of the highlights of the tour. During this section of the Schelde, the speed of your ship is determined by the height of the tide. You travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by either bicycle or barge, depending on the tides. You and your ship spend a relaxing night docked in St. Amands.
DAY 5 - St. Amands – Temse – Antwerp
Distance: 21 or 31 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
Today, you follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region to Antwerp. Over the centuries the Schelde River held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish, and Napoleon … Today it is a stunning waterway just perfect for bike and barge holidays! Antwerp, your shining destination for the day, is a harbor city famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds — and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. This city has many delights in store for you, including the City Hall — one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period — the Grote Markt historical city square, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle.
Today, you follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region to Antwerp. Over the centuries the Schelde River held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish, and Napoleon … Today it is a stunning waterway just perfect for bike and barge holidays! Antwerp, your shining destination for the day, is a harbor city famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds — and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. This city has many delights in store for you, including the City Hall — one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period — the Grote Markt historical city square, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle.
DAY 6 - Antwerp
Antwerp | Lena Maria
Today your ship stays in Antwerp. This means you have an entire day to discover this city of culture, cobblestones, and Flemish Baroque masterpieces. You can visit the Rubens House, the palazzo where the brilliant and versatile artist lived with his family. You can find some of his paintings to admire just a ten-minute walk away in the “Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Dear Lady) Cathedral.”
Other ideas for spending a pleasant afternoon here are to visit the famous beer brewery of de Koninck for a tour and tasting, explore the fascinating Museum on the Scheldt River (MAS — Museum aan de Stroom) or go shopping in Antwerp’s welcoming shopping area. Dinner tonight is not included as you have the chance to dine at a restaurant of your choosing. If needed, your crew can provide restaurant recommendations.
Today your ship stays in Antwerp. This means you have an entire day to discover this city of culture, cobblestones, and Flemish Baroque masterpieces. You can visit the Rubens House, the palazzo where the brilliant and versatile artist lived with his family. You can find some of his paintings to admire just a ten-minute walk away in the “Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Dear Lady) Cathedral.”
Other ideas for spending a pleasant afternoon here are to visit the famous beer brewery of de Koninck for a tour and tasting, explore the fascinating Museum on the Scheldt River (MAS — Museum aan de Stroom) or go shopping in Antwerp’s welcoming shopping area. Dinner tonight is not included as you have the chance to dine at a restaurant of your choosing. If needed, your crew can provide restaurant recommendations.
DAY 7 - Antwerp – Kreekrak locks | Kreekrak locks – Tholen
Distance: 13 or 23 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
This morning, your ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and through the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here, your bicycle tour starts through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest to Tholen. Tholen once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland waterways, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways, but it is still a picturesque village with many relics from an eventful past.
This morning, your ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and through the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here, your bicycle tour starts through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest to Tholen. Tholen once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland waterways, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways, but it is still a picturesque village with many relics from an eventful past.
DAY 8 - Tholen – Willemstad | Willemstad – Dordrecht
Distance: 23 or 26 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
Your bike tour today passes through the pleasant Tholen village of Oud-Vossemeer to Willemstad, an old fortified town on the Haringvliet inlet of the North Sea. From here you board the ship again for a pleasant afternoon sail to the city of Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. In the evening, your guide leads you through the city as they bring the history of the Netherlands to life.
Spend the night in the port of Wolwevershaven, which has a rich history dating back to 1609 when it emerged as a trading center for wool weavers.
Your bike tour today passes through the pleasant Tholen village of Oud-Vossemeer to Willemstad, an old fortified town on the Haringvliet inlet of the North Sea. From here you board the ship again for a pleasant afternoon sail to the city of Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. In the evening, your guide leads you through the city as they bring the history of the Netherlands to life.
Spend the night in the port of Wolwevershaven, which has a rich history dating back to 1609 when it emerged as a trading center for wool weavers.
DAY 9 - Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (waterbus ferry) | Alblasserdam – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen
Distance: 19 or 36 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
Today you start with the “Waterbus,” a fast ferry that takes you and your bicycles to Alblasserdam in just 10 minutes. After a few minutes of cycling, you reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder. You then continue to cycle to Vianen via Schoonhoven, a small fortified town on the river Lek (Lower Rhine), where you stay for the night and where you can explore at your leisure after a scrumptious dinner.
Today you start with the “Waterbus,” a fast ferry that takes you and your bicycles to Alblasserdam in just 10 minutes. After a few minutes of cycling, you reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder. You then continue to cycle to Vianen via Schoonhoven, a small fortified town on the river Lek (Lower Rhine), where you stay for the night and where you can explore at your leisure after a scrumptious dinner.
DAY 10 - Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen – Amsterdam
Distance: 22 or 29 miles | Terrain: Easier | Lena Maria
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark to begin your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles, and impressive houses with expansive gardens. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland, you arrive at Nigtevecht where you can treat your tastebuds by visiting a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam, where you meet your lovely barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbor.
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark to begin your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles, and impressive houses with expansive gardens. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland, you arrive at Nigtevecht where you can treat your tastebuds by visiting a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam, where you meet your lovely barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbor.
DAY 11 - Amsterdam
The end of your tour: enjoy your last breakfast on board and disembark before 9:30 a.m.
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
10 nights’ lodging on the barge (2 bunks per cabin),10 breakfast buffet, packed lunches, 9 dinners, 1 glass of wine or beer with each included dinner, coffee & tea, daily cabin cleaning and snacks. Short walking tours. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Up to 8 e-bikes per departure at no extra fee. NOT included: Airfare and tips for crew & leaders, optional extra museums.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
10 nights’ lodging on the barge (2 bunks per cabin),10 breakfast buffet, packed lunches, 9 dinners, 1 glass of wine or beer with each included dinner, coffee & tea, daily cabin cleaning and snacks. Short walking tours. We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus use of a bike and helmet. Up to 8 e-bikes per departure at no extra fee. NOT included: Airfare and tips for crew & leaders, optional extra museums.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Lena Maria
Ideal for bike and barge tours is this spacious river cruiser, Lena Maria. She offers lots of room and comfort to a maximum of 24 passengers. All of the 12 cabins, that are located on the lower deck, are provided with 2 low beds, storage facilities for your luggage, and a small, private bathroom. On the upper deck you’ll find a restaurant area on one side and on the other a salon with nice seats. A perfect spot to regain your strength after a few hours on your bicycle
Guests say …
Quotes from guests about this tour:
"I enjoyed the bike and barge, not having to hop from hotel to hotel made the journey so much more relaxing. Being able to relax out on the top of the barge after riding and after dinner to watch the sunset was an added plus."
— Susan G.
"[Leaders] They both were engaging and supportive. They made the trip enjoyable."
— Nancy D.
"Loved not having to pack and unpack...definitely added to our relaxation. And, this was the first tour where we came home both gaining weight! The food was great!! "
— Jan & Dave C.
"Both tour leaders were excellent … Food was excellent."
— Sara I.
"[Suggestion we plan to implement]: Providing more accurate writeups of the rides in advance to match Ride with GPS. Although I did not mind that several were longer than originally advertised ... "
— Susan G.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
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