Amsterdam - Bruges - Paris

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam, sail to Vianen, 9 mi (15 km)
Day 2: Vianen - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 30 mi (48 km)
Day 3: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen - Antwerp, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 4: Antwerp - Temse - Dendermonde, 20 or 32 mi (32 or 52 km)
Day 5: Dendermonde - Ghent, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 6: Ghent - Bruges, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 7: Bruges - North Sea Coast - Bruges, variable distance
Day 8: Bruges - Paris (by transfer)
Day 9: Departure from Paris

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam, sail to Vianen, 9 mi (15 km)
Begin your trip in Amsterdam, a city shaped by centuries of trade and innovation. Arrive early to visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, or explore the UNESCO-listed canal district built during the Dutch Golden Age. Boarding the Iris begins at around 1 pm. Guests arriving earlier can drop off luggage after 9:15 am and explore the nearby harbor. As the ship departs, it follows the IJ and the Amsterdam Rhine Canal, offering a first look at the Dutch waterways that connect much of Europe. In the afternoon, enjoy a short bike ride along the River Vecht past elegant country estates, old farms, and traditional windmills. Return to the Iris for dinner while sailing toward Vianen, a historic walled town on the River Lek known for its medieval gate and quiet atmosphere. An evening stroll through its old streets provides a pleasant introduction to life along the Dutch rivers.

Day 2: Vianen - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 30 mi (48 km)
The route today showcases the Dutch countryside in its purest form with open meadows, grazing cattle, and narrow canals stretching toward the horizon. The morning ride leads to Schoonhoven, a town famous for its silversmithing tradition that dates back more than six hundred years. Its compact center features workshops, a small museum, and inviting cafés perfect for a midday break. The journey continues to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where nineteen eighteenth-century windmills stand in a long row beside the water. These windmills were built to prevent flooding and remain one of the Netherlands’ most photographed landmarks. After visiting Kinderdijk, return to the Iris for a short sail to Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Established in the twelfth century, Dordrecht was once a major port for wine and grain, and its canals and leaning church tower still tell the story of its prosperous past.

Day 3: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen - Antwerp, 25 mi (40 km)
The day begins with a relaxing breakfast on board as the Iris sails toward Willemstad, a star-shaped fortress town designed for defense during the wars of the sixteenth century. Its streets and bastions form one of the most complete examples of Renaissance military architecture in the Netherlands. From Willemstad, begin cycling along the Volkerak locks, an impressive part of the Dutch Delta Works that controls the flow of the country’s major rivers. The route continues to Tholen, once an island surrounded by estuaries, now connected to the mainland yet still retaining its fishing heritage and small harbor charm. Back on board, enjoy an afternoon sail toward Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city and one of Europe’s busiest ports. The skyline is marked by the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to works by Rubens, whose art shaped much of Antwerp’s cultural identity.

Day 4: Antwerp - Temse - Dendermonde, 20 or 32 mi (32 or 52 km)
Begin the day exploring Antwerp, often called the 'City of Diamonds and Art'. The historic center features grand merchant houses from the sixteenth century, the Grote Markt square, and the baroque Church of St. Carolus Borromeus. After some time in the city, start the ride by crossing the River Scheldt through a tunnel built in 1933 that still carries cyclists and pedestrians beneath the river. The route follows quiet dikes lined with castles and meadows, passing through rural villages. Stop at Castle Wissekerke, a noble residence surrounded by gardens and a centuries-old drawbridge. Continue through the green countryside to St. Amands or Dendermonde, where the Iris is docked for the night. Back on board, take part in a Belgian beer tasting and learn about local brewing traditions that date back hundreds of years.

Day 5: Dendermonde - Ghent, 25 mi (40 km)
Leave Dendermonde and follow scenic paths through the Flemish countryside toward Ghent, one of Belgium’s most historically important cities. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was a powerful center for the textile trade and rivaled Paris in size and wealth. The city still displays its rich history in the guild houses and towers that line the Graslei and Korenlei canals. Explore the medieval core, where St. Bavo’s Cathedral holds the Van Eyck brothers’ world-renowned altarpiece, 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb'. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace or join a guided walking tour through the city’s cobbled lanes and courtyards.  

Day 6: Ghent - Bruges, 25 mi (40 km)
This morning offers time to enjoy more of Ghent before cycling toward Bruges. The route passes through quiet farmland, tree-lined lanes, and small Flemish villages. Stop at a local estate for lunch before following a former railway path that leads directly into Bruges. Often called the 'Venice of the North', Bruges is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, known for its canals, bell tower, and cobblestone squares. The Iris docks close to the historic center, allowing easy access to explore on foot or by bicycle. In the evening, enjoy dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants or take a walk along the illuminated canals that reflect the spires and bridges of this enchanting city.

Day 7: Bruges - North Sea Coast - Bruges, variable distance
Today offers two choices. Join a ride through the Flemish countryside to the North Sea coast and visit Blankenberge, a seaside town known for its long beach promenade and lively marina. Along the way, the path passes quiet villages, open fields, and canals that have defined this region for centuries. Alternatively, stay in Bruges to explore its many landmarks, including the Belfry Tower, the Markt square, and the Church of Our Lady with its Michelangelo sculpture. Bruges offers countless museums and craft shops specializing in lace and chocolate. The day ends with a farewell dinner on board the Iris, celebrating the week’s journey through the Netherlands and Belgium.

Day 8: Bruges - Paris (by transfer)
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Paris, the 'City of Light'. The journey is smooth and comfortable, bringing you directly to your four-star hotel in the center of the city. In the afternoon, join your guide for a dinner cruise on the River Seine, where landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame can be seen from the water. The illuminated bridges and boulevards create a memorable introduction to Parisian life. The evening offers time to relax and enjoy fine cuisine.

Day 9: Paris Departure
After breakfast, use the hotel’s shuttle service to reach Charles de Gaulle Airport or extend your stay in Paris at your own expense. Spend the day visiting any remaining highlights such as Montmartre, the Latin Quarter, or the Luxembourg Gardens. 

Day 1: Arrival in Paris 
Day 2: Bruges
Day 3: Bruges - North Sea Coast - Aalter - Ghent, 35 mi (58 km)
Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde - St. Amands, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 5: Dendermonde - Antwerp, 20 or 32 mi (32 or 51 km)
Day 6: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 25 mi (40 km)
Day 7: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Schoonhoven - Vianen, 30 mi (48 km)
Day 8: Vianen - Amsterdam, 9 mi (15 km)
Day 9: Departure from Amsterdam 

Day 1: Arrival in Paris 
Your journey begins in Paris, the 'City of Light', where an airport shuttle brings you directly to your central hotel. As evening approaches, you board an elegant dinner cruise on the River Seine, where landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame appear beautifully illuminated. This evening offers a perfect introduction to Parisian life, combining fine cuisine, music, and timeless scenery. If you wish to explore Paris further before the tour officially begins, additional nights and airport transfers can be arranged in advance.

Day 2: Paris - Bruges (by bus transfer)
After breakfast, travel by coach from Paris to Bruges, one of Europe’s most perfectly preserved medieval cities. On arrival, your luggage is transferred to the Iris while your guide leads a walking tour through the historic center. The Market Square is home to the Belfry, where bells have sounded over the city for centuries, and nearby chocolate shops and cafés create a warm atmosphere. Visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s 'Madonna and Child', or take a canal boat ride to admire the Gothic facades reflected in the water. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board and take a stroll through the softly lit streets of Bruges.

Day 3: Bruges - North Sea Coast - Aalter - Ghent, 35 mi (58 km)
Spend the morning in Bruges or join an optional ride to the North Sea. The route to Blankenberge follows quiet country lanes past meadows, windmills, and small Flemish villages. The coastal town of Blankenberge offers long sandy beaches, cafés, and a maritime museum that recalls Belgium’s connection to the sea. After the visit, cycle back inland toward Aalter, meeting the Iris for an afternoon sail to Ghent. Those preferring a shorter route can ride from Moerkerke to Aalter or remain on board and enjoy the scenery as the barge moves through the tranquil canals. The approach to Ghent reveals a skyline of medieval towers that once symbolized the wealth of this former trading capital.

Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde - St. Amands, 25 mi (40 km)
The day begins in Ghent, a university city where medieval architecture meets everyday life. The old center is filled with historic guild houses, cobbled streets, and canals that reflect the city’s prosperous past in the textile trade. Visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to view 'The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eyck brothers, a masterpiece of fifteenth-century art. Later in the morning, cycle along the River Scheldt through a quiet landscape of dikes and farmland toward Dendermonde, a town where the Dender and Scheldt rivers meet. The ride continues to St. Amands, where the Iris is moored for the night. In the evening, take part in a Belgian beer tasting on board and learn about local brewing traditions that date back hundreds of years.

Day 5: Dendermonde - Antwerp, 20 or 32 mi (32 or 51 km)
Today’s route follows peaceful cycling paths that lead from rural Flanders to Antwerp, Belgium’s second largest city and one of the world’s leading diamond centers. The ride offers a choice between shorter or longer distances, allowing everyone to enjoy the pace that suits them best. Antwerp grew wealthy during the sixteenth century through its thriving port and sugar trade, which funded the magnificent architecture seen around the Grote Markt. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, whose work defined the city’s artistic legacy. This evening, explore Antwerp at leisure, as dinner is not served on board. The city offers many fine restaurants, from traditional Belgian bistros to modern culinary venues.

Day 6: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 25 mi (40 km)
The Iris departs Antwerp early, sailing toward Tholen, once an island community known for its fishing fleet. From here, begin the day’s ride across bridges and dikes that reveal the scale of the Dutch water management system. Follow the route along the Volkerak Lock, part of the Delta Works project that protects the Netherlands from flooding. Continue to Willemstad, a seventeenth-century fortress town designed in a star shape, where the streets still follow the pattern of the old defensive walls. After exploring Willemstad, rejoin the Iris and sail to Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands. Dordrecht’s narrow canals, ancient warehouses, and leaning church tower reflect its long history as a hub of trade and religion.

Day 7: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Schoonhoven - Vianen, 30 mi (48 km)
Today’s route highlights the essence of the Dutch landscape. Begin with a visit to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where nineteen windmills stand side by side, built in the eighteenth century to manage water levels in the polders. Step inside one of the windmills or take in the broad view from the canal path before continuing toward Schoonhoven. Known as the 'Silver Town', Schoonhoven has been the center of silversmithing since the Middle Ages and its small museum displays centuries of craftsmanship. After a lunch break, continue through the countryside to Vianen, a historic walled town on the River Lek. The town’s preserved gate and quiet streets make it a peaceful place to end the day’s ride.

Day 8: Vianen - Amsterdam, 9 mi (15 km)
The final cycling stage leads through the Dutch heartland toward Amsterdam. The path follows rivers bordered by old estates and willow trees, passing small villages and farms that illustrate the close relationship between land and water. There is often time to stop at a local cheese farm for a tasting or a light lunch before continuing toward the city. Near Amsterdam, cross by ferry and cycle safely through designated paths to the harbor where the Iris awaits. 

Day 9: Departure from Amsterdam 
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to the crew and fellow travelers. Disembarkation is scheduled for 9 am. Your guides can assist in arranging a taxi or help with directions to the train station. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is easily reached by train from the city center, located directly beneath the airport’s main hall.