Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days

Amsterdam to Bruges

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Day 2: Overnight dock - Vreeswijk, short route: 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45)
Day 3: Vreeswijk - Rotterdam, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 37 to 40 mi. (60 to 65 km)
Day 4: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 5: Dordrecht, 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) + Canoe tour or hike
Day 6: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km)
Day 7: Tholen - Antwerp, 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
Day 8: Antwerp - Baasrode/Sint-Amands, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
Day 9: Sint-Amands/Baasrode - Ghent, 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
Day 10: Ghent - Bruges, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 11: Bruges

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
This afternoon, you'll check on board and the Merlijn will set sail shortly after. Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and the crew will introduce themselves. You’ll get a run-down on the tour, details of the ship, and of course, go over all the safety information. Once you’re settled in and familiar with your home for the next 10 days, you’ll have dinner together at Merlijn’s restaurant. Later on, you can take a stroll around the little Dutch town where you’ll be docked for the night.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Vreeswijk, short route: 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45)
After a delicious first breakfast, the guide will show you how to use the bikes and go over road safety. Meanwhile, the crew will unload the bikes and fit you for the right one, so you’ll be ready to pedal. You’ll get to bike along the scenic Vecht River on great bike paths, and you’ll see why cycling is so popular here in the Netherlands! After a picnic lunch, you’ll find Merlijn waiting for you at a dock. You can choose to board the ship or keep cycling to extend your tour. In the afternoon, everyone gets back on the ship and enjoy a relaxing cruise to Vreeswijk.

Day 3: Vreeswijk - Rotterdam, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 37 to 40 mi. (60 to 65 km)
You're given a choice this morning: get started with a quick breakfast and enjoy a long bike ride, or relax a bit longer, cruise along on the Merlijn, and join the cycling group later for the day’s ride! Eventually you’ll also visit a real Dutch cheese farm. The hardworking farmers on these farms don’t always have set visiting hours, so we’ll figure out the best time to stop by. You’ll see how cheese is made and maybe pick up some tasty souvenirs. Oh, and you’ll be cycling past Gouda, the city famous for its cheese—yes, the same Gouda you’ve probably already heard of. 

After the cheese farm, you’ll ride through the beautiful Dutch polder landscape on your way to Rotterdam. Once you get there, the guide will lead you along the quietest bike paths to where Merlijn is docked in the port. In the evening, you’ll have some free time to take a stroll on land.

Day 4: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Today’s bike tour kicks off right after breakfast. You’ll soon spot the stunning skyline of Rotterdam, sometimes called ‘Manhattan on the Maas.’ You’ll pedal through the city’s highlights on paved bike paths, and then take a ferry across the river to Kinderdijk, famous for its incredible row of windmills that were built to drain the Alblasserwaard polder. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and biking through this open-air museum is the best way to experience it!

For the final stretch of the day, you have two options: Hop on a ferry that’ll take you straight to where Merlijn is docked in Dordrecht or keep cycling and extend your tour all the way to Dordrecht.

Day 5: Dordrecht, 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) + Canoe tour or hike
The Merlijn stays put today, so you’ve got the whole day to explore Dordrecht and its beautiful surroundings! They day is set up to give you a few options. 

First, you can take a break from biking and dive into Dordrecht’s old city. You can check out some cool cultural spots and museums (did you know the first Dutch constitution was signed here in 1814?), or hit the longest continuous shopping street in the Netherlands! If you’re in the mood to just relax, you can stay on the boat and catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read.

Second, if you’re up for more action, join our guide for a short bike ride to ‘the Biesbosch,’ a huge and famous national park. You can park your bike and hop into a canoe for a few hours of paddling through the serene creeks and spotting wildlife. Don’t worry about getting lost—we’ll guide you the whole way. If canoeing isn’t your thing, there’s one more option: you can join the group for the bike ride to the national park, where there is 10 to 15 km hiking trail ready for you. Lots of Dutch people have walked these trails before you, so you’ll be in great company. After exploring the Biesbosch, the group bikes back to the ship together.

For dinner tonight, you’re free to explore the city on your own and choose from a variety of tasty local and international dishes. Since Dordrecht is the home port of Merlijn’s owners, they can give you some great recommendations for places to eat. Today is a "choose-your-own-adventure"!

Day 6: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km)
You’ll start the day with a sailing breakfast while cruising over to Willemstad. Once you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore this charming little town with its picturesque windmill and harbor. Then you’ll kick off your bike tour to Tholen!

You’ll be riding through some flat, scenic polder landscapes. Tholen used to be an island in the middle of the Zeeland streams, where fishing was the main economy. These days, it’s connected to the mainland, but it still has that quaint, historic vibe with lots of interesting reminders of its past.

Day 7: Tholen - Antwerp, 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
The morning ride is pretty short, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend the whole afternoon exploring Antwerp if you want! After breakfast, you’ll start the bike tour, and just before we get to Antwerp, you can:

Hop back on Merlijn for a scenic sail through Antwerp’s impressive harbor to the docking spot in the historic center. You’ll have lunch on board and get to the city early, so you can dive into the cultural highlights.

OR

Keep biking through the harbor area until you reach where Merlijn is docked in Antwerp.

Either way, you’ll cross the border from the Netherlands into Belgium—no passports needed these days! Antwerp isn’t just the ‘diamond city’; it’s also the hometown of the famous painter Rubens. While you’re here, you can check out the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady (entrance included) and explore the beautiful Market Square with its grand merchant homes demonstrating Antwerp’s rich history. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, the city center is full of great stores. And for dinner, you’ve got over a thousand local restaurants to choose from, delicious Belgian cuisine awaits!

Day 8: Antwerp - Baasrode/Sint-Amands, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
You’ll say goodbye to Antwerp as you bike into the St. Anna tunnel, which takes you under the Schelde River. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll follow the river upstream through the scenic towns of Temse and Sint-Amands. The bike path is beautiful, and the views of the river and the surrounding nature are simply stunning. Sint-Amands is a charming little town right on the tidal Schelde River, perfect for soaking up the natural beauty. After your ride, you’ll be treated to another delicious dinner on board.

Day 9: Sint-Amands/Baasrode - Ghent, 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
The Merlijn will cruise to a new dock at the Dender estuary in the morning, which is where your bike tour will begin. You’ll follow the scenic, winding Schelde River until you reach the city of Ghent. Ghent is a vibrant university town with a rich history dating back to Roman times, right where the Leie and Schelde rivers meet. The city is known for its stunning St. Baafs Cathedral, which was built over several centuries and in different architectural styles.

The dock in Ghent is a bit of a ride from the city center, so you’ll start with a bike loop around the city and then take a relaxing boat ride through the canals. After that, you'll head back to Merlijn.

Day 10: Ghent - Bruges, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
You'll spend your last morning crusing on board. The boat will soon dock and you will start your bike tour through the lovely countryside of Western Flanders, heading towards Bruges. Bruges is often called ‘the Venice of the North’ and it might just be the most stunning of all the Flemish cities. The medieval city center is incredibly well-preserved, giving you a real taste of its rich history as a former hub of art and commerce.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore, shop, or just enjoy the charming streets and canals. You'll wrap up the day with a special farewell dinner on board.

Day 11: Bruges
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Merlijn and your newfound friends! 

Amsterdam to Bruges

Day 1: Amsterdam – Weesp | Test ride in Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Weesp – Utrecht, 28 mi. (47 km) | Utrecht – Vianen
Day 3: Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Alblasserdam, 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km) | Alblasserdam – Dordrecht (Waterbus)
Day 4: Dordrecht – Willemstad | Willemstad – Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Tholen – Kreekrak lock, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km) | Kreekrak lock – Antwerp
Day 6: Antwerp (Layover day)
Day 7: Antwerp – Temse – St. Amands, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 49 km)
Day 8: St. Amands – Dendermonde | Dendermonde – Ghent, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 9: Ghent – Bruges, 13 or 28 mi. (22 or 45 km)
Day 10: Bruges – North Sea Loop, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 11: Departure from Bruges

Distances are approximate. All itineraries are subject to change due to variables in wind and weather and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, lock repairs, etc. Parts in Italics are by boat.

Day 1: Amsterdam – Weesp | Test ride in Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Check-in takes place between 1 pm and 2 pm in Amsterdam. After a warm welcome from the crew, the ship departs for Weesp, a small town along the Vecht River with historic buildings, canals, and traditional windmills. Upon arrival, the tour leader will organize a short test ride. After dinner, enjoy a relaxed walk through this charming town.

Day 2: Weesp – Utrecht, 28 mi. (47 km) | Utrecht – Vianen
Begin cycling from Weesp along the winding Vecht River, lined with manor houses and scenic countryside. Visit a traditional cheese farm before reaching Utrecht, where the ship will be waiting. In the afternoon, sail the Amsterdam–Rhine Canal to Vianen, a fortified town on the Lek River.

Day 3: Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Alblasserdam, 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km) | Alblasserdam – Dordrecht (Waterbus)
Cycle along the Lek River to Schoonhoven, known for its silversmithing heritage. Continue through the Alblasserwaard region to Kinderdijk, famous for its row of historic windmills that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit one of the windmills, then take the Waterbus ferry to Dordrecht. In the evening, join your guide for a short walk through the town’s historic center.

Day 4: Dordrecht – Willemstad | Willemstad – Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
Enjoy breakfast while the ship sails to Willemstad, a beautifully preserved fortress town. Begin cycling toward Tholen, which was once an island surrounded by Zeeland’s waterways. Today, it remains a quiet and picturesque village with reminders of its maritime past.

Day 5: Tholen – Kreekrak lock, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km) | Kreekrak lock – Antwerp
Start cycling through the Wouwse Plantage forest toward the Kreekrak lock. In the afternoon, rejoin the ship for the journey to Antwerp. Known for its diamond district and cultural heritage, Antwerp offers many highlights, including the Grote Markt, City Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the medieval Steen Castle.

Day 6: Antwerp
Spend today exploring Antwerp at your own pace. Possible visits include the Rubens House, the Cathedral of Our Lady, the MAS museum, or the De Koninck brewery. Dinner is not included tonight so you have the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.

Day 7: Antwerp – Temse – St. Amands, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 49 km)
Cycle out of Antwerp along a beautiful stretch of the Schelde River toward St. Amands. This section of the river is peaceful and scenic, and is considered one of the highlights of the tour. In the evening, enjoy the quiet riverside setting as the ship remains docked here overnight.

Day 8: St. Amands – Dendermonde | Dendermonde – Ghent, 32 mi. (52 km)
During breakfast, the ship sails to Dendermonde. Begin cycling from here along the Schelde River toward Ghent, a vibrant university city with a long history. Highlights include St. Bavo Cathedral, home to the famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” and the medieval belfry. The ship docks near the center, giving you time to explore on your own.

Day 9: Ghent – Bruges, 13 or 28 mi. (22 or 45 km)
Today’s ride takes you through the gentle countryside of Western Flanders before reaching Bruges, known for its beautifully preserved medieval center and romantic canals. In the evening, your guide will lead a walk through the city’s historic streets.

Day 10: Bruges, 23 mi. (38 km)
The ship remains in Bruges today. Join the tour leader for a morning ride through the surrounding countryside, following quiet canals and passing through the green polder landscape. If you prefer, you can spend the day exploring Bruges at your own pace.

Day 11: Bruges
Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking by 9:30 am.

Bruges to Amsterdam

Day 1: Bruges, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Roundtrip from/to Bruges and North Sea, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Bruges - Aalterbrug | Aalterbrug - Ghent, 23 or 28 mi. (37 or 45 km)
Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde/St. Amands, 24 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 km)
Day 5: St. Amands - Temse - Antwerp, 21 or 31 mi. (33 or 49 km)
Day 6: Rest day in Antwerp
Day 7: Antwerp - Kreekrak Locks | Kreekrak Locks - Tholen, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
Day 8: Tholen – Willemstad, 23 or 26 mi. (36 or 44 km) | Willemstad – Dordrecht
Day 9: Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (Waterbus) | Alblasserdam – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen, 19 or 36 mi. (32 or 57 km)
Day 10: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 22 or 29 mi. (37 or 47 km)
Day 11: Amsterdam

Parts in Italics are by boat.

Day 1: Bruges, 6 mi. (11 km)
Check-in takes place between 1 pm and 2 pm in Bruges, where your ship is moored in the harbor. After a warm welcome and introduction at 2 pm, bikes will be allocated and you’ll enjoy a short test ride through the nearby countryside. After dinner, your guide will take you on a relaxed walk through the beautifully preserved medieval center of Bruges.

Day 2: Roundtrip Bruges & North Sea, 23 mi. (38 km)
Begin the day with a guided ride along a quiet canal bordered by poplar trees and through the flat polder landscape dotted with farmhouses. On the return to Bruges, follow a scenic canal through peaceful countryside.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy Bruges at your leisure. With its UNESCO-listed historic center, museums, and inviting cafés, it is easy to understand why Bruges is often called the Pearl of Flanders.

Day 3: Bruges – Aalterbrug | Aalterbrug – Ghent, 23 or 28 mi. (37 or 45 km)
Cycle out of Bruges through wooded areas and open fields toward the canal that connects Bruges and Ghent. Your ship will be waiting halfway along the waterway. Once everyone is back on board, relax and enjoy the cruise to Ghent.
This evening, join a guided canal boat tour through Ghent’s atmospheric center, including the Graslei and Korenlei. Ghent is a lively university city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Notable sights include preserved patrician houses, the Clothmakers’ Hall, and St. Bavo Cathedral, home to the famous “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.”

Day 4: Ghent – Dendermonde or St. Amands, 24 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 km)
After breakfast, cycle along the Schelde River toward Dendermonde. This stretch of the river is known for its quiet beauty and is considered a highlight of the tour. Depending on the tides, you will travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by bike or by barge. Spend the night in St. Amands, a peaceful village along the river.

Day 5: St. Amands – Temse – Antwerp, 21 or 31 mi. (33 or 49 km)
Continue cycling along the Schelde River toward Antwerp, passing through the Temse region. This river has been strategically important throughout history and today offers a scenic route for cyclists.
Antwerp is known for its diamond district and for being the home of the painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Explore landmarks such as the Grote Markt, City Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and Steen Castle.

Day 6: Antwerp
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antwerp. You may visit the Rubens House, see the artworks inside the Cathedral of Our Lady, tour the De Koninck brewery, or explore the riverside MAS museum.
Dinner is not included tonight, giving you the opportunity to choose one of the many excellent restaurants in the city.

Day 7: Antwerp – Kreekrak locks | Kreekrak locks – Tholen, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
This morning begins with a sailing section through the Schelde–Rhine Canal and the Kreekrak lock system. From here, start cycling through the Wouwse Plantage forest toward Tholen. Once an island surrounded by Zeeland’s waterways, Tholen still has the charm of a traditional Dutch village.

Day 8: Tholen – Willemstad, 23 or 26 mi. (36 or 44 km) | Willemstad – Dordrecht
Cycle from Tholen through Oud-Vossemeer to Willemstad, a well-preserved fortress town along the Haringvliet. In the afternoon, rejoin the ship for a relaxing cruise to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. This evening, the guide will lead a stroll through the historic center.
You will overnight in Wolwevershaven, a harbor with origins dating back to the early 1600s.

Day 9: Dordrecht – Alblasserdam (Waterbus) | Alblasserdam – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen, 19 or 36 mi. (32 or 57 km)
Begin your day with a short Waterbus ride to Alblasserdam. From here, it is only a few minutes of cycling to the windmills of Kinderdijk. This collection of 19 historic windmills, built to manage water levels in the Alblasserwaard polder, is one of the most iconic sights in the Netherlands. Visit one of the windmills before continuing your ride through Schoonhoven to Vianen, a fortified town on the Lek River.

Day 10: Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen – Amsterdam, 22 or 29 mi. (37 or 47 km)
During breakfast, the ship sails to Breukelen. Begin cycling along the elegant Vecht River, passing mansions, gardens, small castles, and historic villages. Stop at a traditional cheese farm near Nigtevecht before continuing through Muiden and onward to Amsterdam.
Meet your ship again in the Amsterdam harbor for your final evening on board.

Day 11: Amsterdam
Enjoy your last breakfast on board before disembarking by 9:30 am.