Join us in Amsterdam for an unforgettable 8-day bike and barge adventure through the Netherlands and Belgium, where you'll cycle past windmills, cheese farms, and medieval towns by day, and unwind each night aboard your comfortable floating hotel.
Start - End: Amsterdam - Bruges
Total trip: 8 days
Average group size: 12 people
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Meet us in Amsterdam and step into an unforgettable 8-day journey where cycling meets cruising and the best of the Netherlands and Belgium comes to life.
Spend your days pedaling through the beautiful, flat Dutch countryside of Zeeland and into Belgium’s western Flanders region. The riding feels easy and relaxed, with wide-open views and quiet paths that invite you to take your time. Roll into world-famous cities like Antwerp, Ghent, and the UNESCO-listed historic Bruges, each filled with history, architecture, and lively squares where you might stop for a coffee or a stroll. Explore charming villages that feel a world away from big-city bustle.
Along the way, you visit a working Dutch cheese farm, stand in awe of the 19 iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, and take in the peaceful river delta shaped by the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers. Zeeland is known for its beaches and fresh sea air, while Flanders draws you in with medieval lanes, delicious food, and some of the world’s most beloved beers. Every day brings something new to discover, and every evening you return to your welcoming floating home.
Your deluxe barge cruises to a new destination while you dine, sleep, and enjoy breakfast on board. You choose the cycling route that feels right each day, whether you’re in the mood for a longer spin or a gentle ride. And if you ever want a break from the bike, you can simply stay aboard and relax on deck while the barge carries you to the next stop.
It’s bike touring at its best. No buses. No repacking. Just beautiful countryside, fascinating history, and a perfect blend of adventure and comfort that lets you enjoy each day your own way.
Check out the map below for the picturesque route you'll take on this tour.
Please meet at the Magnifique IV between 1:30-2pm, where your leaders and crew for the week will be waiting to welcome you on board. At 2:30 p.m., the ship departs from Amsterdam for Vianen — a small, fortified village on the Lek River. After dinner, you have the opportunity to enjoy a short first test ride through the surrounding area.
Today, you cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven — nicknamed Zilverstad (“Silver City”) — a city renowned for its talented silversmiths since the 17th century. Later in the day you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region to reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight — you have the opportunity to visit one, so don’t forget your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you take the “Waterbus,” a fast ferry that takes just 10 minutes to bring you and your bicycle to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.
As you enjoy your breakfast aboard the ship, cruise to Willemstad, where you start your day’s cycling. Willemstad is a beautiful old, fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway. Your bicycle ride goes to Tholen — once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Now Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways.
Next you cycle on to the famous fortified town of Bergen op Zoom. The town once lay on the open waters of the Oosterschelde. After dinner, you can take a walk through the old town. The narrow streets, old town, market, church squares and unique monumental buildings show the history of a rich and eventful past that goes back more than eight hundred years.
In the morning, enjoy a short bike ride through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” surrounding Bergen op Zoom. In the early afternoon, you board the ship, which will sail to the port city of Antwerp — situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle.
Dinner is on your own tonight and will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).
This morning, you cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to St. Amands, your home for the night. There’s only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde, and that is “magnificent.” It’s without doubt one of the scenic highlights of the tour.
Today, you continue along the river Schelde to Ghent, where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of town. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times, Ghent’s position at the junction of the Leie and Schelde Rivers has ensured that it has been a successful trading port. The city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches, and over 400 historical buildings. Major attractions are St. Bavo Cathedral — where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by Jan van Eyck are kept — and the 91-meter-tall belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city center. Before dinner, a small canal boat will take you on a guided tour through the historic city.
Today, you cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as the “Venice of the North” and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors every year who come to see the picturesque medieval town center of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and a long list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic treasures as it has evolved over the centuries. That means today the city’s original Gothic buildings still form an integral part of the town’s identity. While you are here, you can visit one of the many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
Say farewell after breakfast and depart the barge to head on your way for further explorations or your travel home.
Accommodation: Not applicable
Meals: Breakfast
Inns
Magnifique IV
Step aboard the Magnifique IV, the newest member of the Magnifique fleet. Built in 2020 with comfort and style in mind, this intimate barge carries just 36 guests, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Sailing through the Netherlands and Belgium, it’s the perfect home base for your unforgettable bike and barge adventure.
We know you might have a few questions before you book. Our Frequently Asked Questions cover useful information to help you feel ready for the ride.
On the first day of the tour please meet at the Magnifique IV between 1:30-2pm. The Ship will be docked at either at Minervahaven or Buiksloterweg in Amsterdam - we will let you know closer to the departure.
You are welcome to book your pre-tour stay at any hotel in Amsterdam. For easy access to local sights and a central location, consider staying in neighborhoods like the Canal Ring, Jordaan, or De Pijp. You must make your own way to the Ship at the pre-designated time, though taxis and Ubers are readily available throughout the city.
Your tour ends at Bargeweg in Bruges at 9:30am.
Arrival: We recommend arriving in Amsterdam before 10am. Many guests like to arrive a day or two early to accommodate potential flight delays and/or explore the city before the tour begins. Taxis and Ubers are readily available from Schiphol Airport to take you to your hotel or the ship.
Departure: Flying out on the last day, we recommend departing from Bruges after 1pm. Taxis are easily arranged from the ship to Bruges train station or Brussels Airport.
The Magnifique IV is your floating home for this journey — a deluxe barge with 18 cabins accommodating up to 36 guests that blends modern elegance with classic charm.
Upstairs, the spacious salon welcomes you with panoramic windows, comfortable seating, a bar and lounge area, and large screens showing the barge's real-time location. Wi-Fi keeps you connected when you want to be.
The inviting restaurant is separated from the kitchen by a glass wall, so you can watch our talented chefs at work. Large glass doors open onto a beautiful partially-covered teak sundeck, furnished with tables and chairs — perfect for morning coffee or evening conversation.
The front deck has space for all the bicycles, while the top deck boasts a hot tub and deckchairs where you can soak in the scenery.
Between cycling excursions, the barge cruises to a new destination each day. You'll dine, sleep, and enjoy breakfast on board, with a packed lunch provided for your ride. Each day, you can choose between a longer or shorter cycling route, then return to your floating retreat. And if you prefer a rest day, you're always welcome to stay on board and relax while the barge cruises to the next stop.
The Magnifique IV offers two styles of cabins to suit your preference.
On the upper deck, you'll find 10 generous suites*, each measuring 16 m² (172 ft²). These spacious retreats feature two beds set together hotel-style (200 x 160 cm), a cozy sitting area, and a large sliding window perfect for watching the world drift by.
The lower deck houses eight twin cabins at 12 m² (129 ft²), each with two single beds and fixed portholes.
Every cabin includes a private bathroom with shower, individually regulated air-conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, mini safe, and hair dryer. Whether you're on the upper or lower deck, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.
*Upper deck suites are available at an additional charge. Please see pricing or contact us for details.
Limited time offer: Book with flexible dates and save 10% on your trip. Use code: FLEX10 Learn more
