Amsterdam's Keizersgracht at Nighttime. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Sisyfus St Michel Cathedral in Brussels - photo by Luc Viatour

Amsterdam to Brussels

Belgium, Netherlands Bike + Boat Tour

Crossing Borders

This great tour combines 2 exciting capital cities! First is Amsterdam and, upon arrival, you'll have the afternoon to explore this vibrant city. The next day, you’ll sail to Breukelen (Brooklyn’s namesake in NY) along the charming Vecht River. En route, you’ll notice gorgeous stately houses that have been beautifully restored and which belonged to the rich during the prosperous Dutch Golden Age (17th century).

Continuing on, you will pass the very impressive Castle De Haar and the village of Montfoort before reaching Vianen. Across Holland’s many fruit gardens, the Betuwe, the ship will sail the Waal River to the town of Tiel. Via dikes and waterways, you’ll next arrive in the town of ‘s Hertogenbosch with the impressive St. Jans Cathedral. The beautifully preserved fortified town of Willemstad is strategically situated on several waterways. Pedaling over the stilled islands of Zeeland, you’ll cross the Belgian border. Belgium is famous for its many tasty beers! The Flemish port town of Antwerp is another highlight. The trip will visit Belgium’s capital, Brussels, renowned for its lace, chocolate, Manneken Pis, and La Grand Place! You end the tour in the enchanting town of Mechelen.

Where You’ll Stay

On the Standard Plus class boats, the Holland and the Tijdgeest.

What’s Included

  • 7 nights on board ship
  • Breakfasts, packed lunches, 3-course dinners
  • Coffee & tea on board
  • Multi-lingual tour guide
  • 7-speed hybrid bicycle
  • Beer tasting in Antwerp café ‘t Waagstuk
  • Train Mechelen - Brussels v.v.
  • Route information & maps
  • Several city walks

What’s Not Included

  • Individual arrival to the boat
  • Beverages (incl. alcohol), available on board

Amsterdam to Brussels Map

Book This Trip

TourBike + Boat
TypeGuided
SkillEasy
Length8 days
From€689
Print Tour

Tour Dates

  • May 26 and July 7, 2012 aboard the Holland
  • August 4 and 18, 2012 aboard the Tijdgeest.

Skill Level

Easy - guided tour

Easy guided tour with distances of about 20 to 28 miles per day over flat roads/bike paths with little or no traffic.

Tour Boats

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Amsterdam to Brussels Map
  1. Arrival in Amsterdam; optional cycling, 9 mi.
  2. Amsterdam - Breukelen - Vianen, 20 mi.
  3. Vianen – ‘s Hertogenbosch, 28 mi.
  4. ‘s Hertogenbosch - Willemstad, 25 mi.
  5. Willemstad – Tholen – Antwerp, 28 mi.
  6. Antwerp – Mechelen, 25 mi.
  7. Train to Brussels, day of rest, train back to Mechelen.
  8. Departure from Mechelen.

*Cycling distances are approximate. The above planned itinerary is subject to change due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, etc.

SATURDAY: Arrival in Amsterdam; short bike tour, 9 mi. (15 km)

Individual arrival in Amsterdam where the ship is moored. Boarding time is between 12:30 and 1:30. After you check-in on board you can meet with the crew and your fellow passengers. In the afternoon you have the option of going on a city walk with the tour guide, or a canal tour of Amsterdam!

SUNDAY: Amsterdam - Breukelen - Vianen, 20 mi. (32 km)
The ship will take you to Breukelen, where you'll start your bike tour. Brooklyn in New York was named after this quaint town. Via the impressive Castle De Haar and Montfoort, you'll ride to Vianen and stay the night.

MONDAY: Vianen – ‘s Hertogenbosch, 28 mi. (45 km)
Today will start off with a ferry trip to Tiel, which is a rural region lying between the Maas and Waal Rivers. After passing many dikes and rich polderlands, you'll arrive in the town of ‘s Hertogenbosch, the charming capital of the province of Noord-Brabant.

TUESDAY: ‘s Hertogenbosch - Willemstad, 25 mi. (40 km)
The day starts with a sailing trip on the Maas River. At Geertruidenberg, you'll mount your bike for a very varied tour to the attractive walled town of Willemstad.

WEDNESDAY: Willemstad – Tholen – Antwerp, 28 mi. (45 km)
In the morning after breakfast, a cycle tour to Tholen in Zeeland is planned. Tholen is famous for its Huis Roosevelt in which ancestors of Presidents Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt lived. After visiting this town, you'll embark on a sailing trip across the Belgian border to the port town of Antwerp. In the evening, the tour guide will take you out for a city walk.

THURSDAY: Antwerp – Mechelen, 25 mi. (40 km)
The morning is at your disposal to see more of the great city of Antwerp. Towards the afternoon, you bike across the Flamish countryside to the charming town of Mechelen, where the barge will be waiting for you.

FRIDAY: Train to Brussels, day of rest, train back to Mechelen.
We start the day with a train ride to Brussels. Your tour leader shows you the way by means of a small city walk. You should have plenty of time to visit all the highlights of the capital of Belgium. In case you become hungry or thirsty, try one of the culinary specialties: mussels, french fries, chocolate, waffles and - of course - a special beer. Late in the afternoon you'll return to Mechelen by train.

SATURDAY: Departure from Mechelen.
Tour ends following breakfast.

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

Amsterdam to Brussels Boats + Barges

  • Holland Photo

    Holland Belgium, Netherlands, Germany Standard Plus Class Boat Standard Plus class boats contain cabins are more spacious, have private bathrooms, and either flat/low beds or bunk beds.

  • Tijdgeest Photo

    Tijdgeest Belgium, Netherlands Standard Plus Class Boat Standard Plus class boats contain cabins are more spacious, have private bathrooms, and either flat/low beds or bunk beds.

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