Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days

Day 1: Amsterdam | Check-in from 3:30-4:30 | Merlijn sails for Haarlem
Day 2: Haarlem - Leiden, 19 mi. (30 km) 
Day 3: Leiden - Delft, 22 or 28 mi. (35 or 45 km) 
Day 4: Delft - Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 or 22 mi. (30 or 36 km) 
Day 5: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 6: Tholen - Kreekerak - Antwerp, 12 or 31 mi. (20 or 50 km) 
Day 7: Antwerp - St. Amands, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 8: St. Amands - Dendermonde - Gent, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 9: Ghent - Bruges, 24 mi. (38 km) 
Day 10: Bruges, 34 mi. (55 km) 
Day 11: Bruges | Departure following breakfast, by 9 am

Day 1: Amsterdam - Haarlem
Check in begins at 3:30  and at approximately 4:30 pm, the Merlijn will set sail for the day's destination, Haarlem. As you sail, you can enjoy a complimentary beverage, crew introduction, and tour presentation. Dinner will be served on board and In the evening there will be time for a city walk.

Day 2: Haarlem - Leiden, 19 mi. (30 km) 
You leave Haarlem by boat which provides the guide the opportunity to present and fit your bikes and answer any questions you may have about cycling in Holland. At the ship's first stop, the bikes will be offloaded and the cycling begins.  You cycle on good bike paths and through beautiful surroundings and will soon come to understand why Holland is such a cycling paradise.  The route leads to historic Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt, and home to the oldest university in Holland. 

Day 3: Leiden - Delft, 22 or  28 mi. (35 or 45 km)
After breakfast, your bike tour begins directly from Leiden. Soon you will leave the city behind and can enjoy the lush scenery. Halfway along the route, you will visit the Hague, which houses the buildings of Parliament, and cycle by the King’s Palace. The destination for today is Delft, famous for Delft Blue pottery. In the afternoon there is time to visit a 400-year-old factory (included in your tour) where you can see the production and craftsmanship. After dinner there will be an evening walk to show you Delft’s standout sites.

Day 4: Delft - Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 or 22 mi. (30 or 36 km) 
Soon after you begin your cycling, the skyline of Rotterdam will appear. You can see all the highlights while following the paved cycle paths. By ferry, you cross the Lecht River to the Kinderdijk, a small village best known for its unique system of 19 windmills, which were built around 1740 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These windmills were used to drain the surrounding polders (low-lying land areas), preventing flooding and making the land suitable for agriculture and habitation. The windmills of Kinderdijk provide a glimpse into the Netherlands' rich cultural and engineering history. You will cycle along the ‘polder’ towards Papendrecht, from where you have 2 options:

1. Board a deluxe fast ferry, which will take you directly where the Merlijn is berthed in Dordrecht or
2. Extend the tour and cycle on to Dordrecht.

Dorect has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century, and it played an important role in the Dutch Republic during the 16th and 17th centuries. Tonight you can sample some Dutch cuisine in one of the local restaurants of this charming, well-arranged, mid-sized city.

Day 5: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (45 km) 
The Merlijn will navigate to Willemstad in the morning and there will be opportunity to explore. Willemstad is known for its well-preserved fortifications, which were built in the 16th century to protect the town from invasion. The cyling itinerary leads directly from Willemstad to Tholen on flat terrain through a ‘polder landscape’. Tholen was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where the main occupation was fishing. Nowadays, it is connected to the mainland in various ways, but is still a charming village with many relics of an eventful past.

Day 6: Tholen - Kreekerak - Antwerp, 12 or 31 mi. (20 or 50 km) 
Today’s bike tour is not too long, leaving you time to spend an entire afternoon exploring Antwerp. The tour starts after breakfast and just before you reach Antwerp by bike, you have two options:

1. Board the Merlijn and sail through Antwerp’s magnificent harbor to the docking location in the historic center. You will have lunch on board, and arrive in the city early to explore the cultural highlights.
2. Or carry on biking through the harbor landscape until you reach the Merlijn’s berth in Antwerp.

Antwerp is not only known as the ‘diamond city’, but also as the native city of the painter Rubens. In the heart of the city you will see the Cathedral of Our Lady, as well as opulent merchant homes from Antwerp’s illustrious rich past, located around the Market Square. Your guide will show you around this marvelous city, where you can have a closer look at the Cathedral. You can also spend your afternoon shopping in the lively city center. Tonight you can enjoy some Belgian cuisine while eating out in one of the numerous local restaurants in Antwerp.

Day 7: Antwerp - St. Amands, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Leaving Antwerp behind, you cycle through the St. Anna tunnel, which leads to the other side of the Schelde River. From here, you follow the river further upstream via Temse to Sint-Amands. There is a beautiful cycle path, and the landscape around the river is magnificent. Sint-Amands is a small town, located on the banks of river, surrounded by nature.

Day 8: St. Amands - Dendermonde - Ghent, 22 mi. (35 km) 
In the morning, you cruise to Dendermonde, a nice country town on the Dender estuary. Your bike tour starts from here and leads you further along the beautiful but capricious Schelde. Soon you will see the city of Ghent. Ghent is a lively university city, and once again one with a rich past. This city has its origins in Roman times, at the place where the rivers Leie and Schelde converge. This favorable situation brought a great deal of prosperity over the years. The major church is the St. Baafs Cathedral, built in various ages and in various styles. You park the bikes and get to enjoy a different view of the city during a boat ride through the city’s canals. Merlijn’s berth is a fair distance from the city, and after the local touring, you will cycle on to the ship and enjoy another delicious dinner on board.

Day 9: Ghent - Bruges, 24 mi. (38 km) 
Today your bike tour begins in Aalter, after navigating here by boat. You cycle through the pleasant countryside of Western Flanders to Bruges. Bruges, also called ‘the Venice of the North’, is perhaps the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming canals, and picturesque squares. One of the most notable landmarks in the city center is the Belfry of Bruges, which is a medieval bell tower that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

You end your day with dinner  on board and an evening stroll through the city.

Day 10: Bruges, 34 mi. (55 km) 
Today you have 2 options:

1. A guided bike tour to Oostende, a major city by the sea. Have a swim in the North Sea, and feel the sand between your toes while you enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or at a seaside restaurant.
2. Culture lovers can leave their bike onboard and go sightseeing in the city of Bruges. Visit the market square, go on a ride through the canals, and eat some Belgian fries for lunch.

Everybody returns on board for a farewell dinner and your last overnight stay on the Merlijn.

Day 11: Bruges | Departure following breakfast, by 9 am
After breakfast it is sadly time to say goodbye!

Day 1: Bruges | Boarding from 3:30 to 4pm
Day 2: Bruges, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 3: Bruges - Moerbrugge - Ghent, 24 mi. (38 km) 
Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde - St. Amands, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km) 
Day 5: St. Amands - Antwerp, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 6: Antwerp - Kreekerak - Tholen, 12, 31, or 43 mi. (20, 50, or 70 km)
Day 7: Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Day 8: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Rotterdam - Delft, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km) 
Day 9: Delft - Leidschendam/Leiden - Haarlem, 34 mi. (55 km) 
Day 10: Haarlem - Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km) 
Day 11: Amsterdam 

Day 1: Bruges | Boarding from 3:30 to 4pm
Boarding begins at 3:30 pm.  You will be welcomed on board with a complimentary beverage, crew introduction, and tour presentation. Dinner will be served on board and In the evening, there will be time for a city walk through Bruges.

Day 2: Bruges, 34 mi. (55 km) 
After your first breakfast on board, bike distribution and fitting will occur. Afterward,  you have two options. 

1. A guided bike tour to Oostende, a major city by the sea, and once home to soul singer Marvin Gaye. Have a swim in the North Sea, and feel the sand between your toes while you enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach or at a seaside restaurant.
2. Culture lovers can leave their bike on board, and go sightseeing in the city of Bruges. Visit the market square, go on a ride through the canals, and eat some Belgian fries for lunch!

Bruges, also called ‘the Venice of the North’, is perhaps the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming canals, and picturesque squares. One of the most notable landmarks in the city center is the Belfry of Bruges, which is a medieval bell tower that dates back to the 13th century. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside..

Day 3: Bruges - Moerbrugge - Ghent, 24 mi. (38 km)
Your morning sail leads to Moerbrugge. Here you disembark and begin to cycle through the pleasant countryside of western Flanders. Today’s destination, Ghent is a lively university city, and once again one with a rich and varied past. The city has its origins in Roman times, and it is where the  Leie and Schelde Rivers converge. This favorable location has generated a great deal of prosperity over the years. Its main church is the St. Baafs Cathedral, built in various ages and various styles. You will make a loop through the city before biking to the Merlijn. The mooring location in Ghent is a fair distance from the center, so after dinner, you are offered transport to the city - or, if you would like,  you can enjoy an organised boat ride through the city’s canals by night!

Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde - St. Amands, 22 or 31 mi. (35 or 50 km) 
After breakfast on board, your bike tour starts from Ghent and leads you along the river Schelde. There is a beautiful cycle path, and the landscape around the river is magnificent. Arriving at Dendermonde, a nice country town on the Dender estuary, you will find Merlijn awaiting you. From here, you can board and cruise, or bike on to Sint-Amands, which is a small town on the tidal Schelde river, surrounded by nature.

Day 5: St. Amands - Antwerp, 28 mi. (45 km) 
Today’s cycle tour will start from your overnight berth and leads further along the beautiful but capricious Schelde River to the St. Anna Tunnel, which will take you to the other side of the Schelde and the diamond city of Antwerp.
Antwerp is not only known as the ‘diamond city’, but also as the native city of the painter Rubens. In the heart of the city, you will see the Cathedral of ‘Our Lady’, as well as opulent merchant homes from Antwerp’s illustrious past around Market Square. In the evening, a guided tour will show you around this marvelous city, learning more about the cathedral or the very interesting Central Station. At night, you can enjoy some Belgian cuisine, while eating out in one of the numerous local restaurants in Antwerp.

Day 6: Antwerp - Kreekerak -Tholen, 12, 31, or 43 mi. (20, 50, or 70 km)
The Merlijn will be docked in the harbor of Antwerp until noon, leaving you with the difficult choice of these two options:

1. Spend another morning in the city to explore its cultural highlights, or shop in the lively city center.  At noon, you’ll join Merlijn for a cruise through Antwerp’s magnificent harbor and enjoy lunch on board. You then start biking from the little town of Kreekerak to Tholen, a short jaunt on Dutch soil.
2. You’ll start biking after breakfast, where a long route will lead you through the ‘harbor landscape’ until you reach Kreekerak where you can board Merlijn, or add another 20 km and bike on to Tholen!

All options will end in Tholen, which was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams. Fishing was once the main livelihood. Today, it is connected to the mainland in various ways but is still a charming village with many relics of an eventful past.

Day 7: Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 28 mi. (45 km) 
After another delicious breakfast on board, you’ll start your cycle tour heading to Willemstad, on flat terrain through a ‘Dutch polder landscape’. After arriving in Willemstad, you can spend some free time in this picturesque small town with its windmill and harbor, after which the afternoon cruise to Dordrecht will start. If you’re in need of some rest, then today is perfect - not just because you have just passed the halfway mark of your journey, but also because Merlijn will arrive in Willemstad before lunch, and will stay there until the afternoon before cruising on. This will afford you the opportunity to visit the town or rest on board.  After a nice cruise, you arrive in Dordrecht, one of Holland’s oldest cities. Dordrecht has a rich history that dates back to the 11th century, and i played an important role in the Dutch Republic during the 16th and 17th centuries. Tonight you can sample some Dutch cuisine in one of the local restaurants of this charming, well-arranged, mid-sized city.

Day 8: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Rotterdam - Delft, 22 or 34 mi. (35 or 55 km)
After breakfast on board, the cycle tour for today will start. The first stop is the Kinderdijk, a small village best known for its unique system of 19 windmills, which were built around 1740 and are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These windmills were used to drain the surrounding polders (low-lying land areas), preventing flooding and making the land suitable for agriculture and habitation. The windmills of Kinderdijk provide a glimpse into the Netherlands' rich cultural and engineering history. Now you have two options:

1. Board a deluxe fast ferry, which will take you directly to Rotterdam, from where you’ll continue the tour towards Delft.
2. Or extend the tour and cross the river by a small ferry, and cycle via Rotterdam to Delft.

By deluxe ferry or by bike, soon the skyline of ‘Manhattan on the Maas’ - as the city of Rotterdam is also known - will appear. You’ll cycle along the highlights of this metropole while following the paved cycle paths. After your visit, the bike tour will lead you to Delft, taking you through the Green Heart of Holland. Merlijn will await you in Delft, famous for its ‘Delft pottery’ also known as ‘Delft Blue’. The afternoon includes a visit to ‘the Royal Delft’: offering you a memorable insight into the world of Delft Blue. At night you can sample some Dutch cuisine in one of the local restaurants of this beautiful city.

Day 9: Delft - Leidschendam/Leiden - Haarlem, 34 mi. (55 km) 
During breakfast, you will cruise towards Leiden. Today’s bike tour will lead you further through the Green Heart of Holland along several interesting cities and towns to the city of Haarlem.
After your dinner aboard, you might want to stroll through the historical city of Haarlem, and perhaps round off the day by drinking the famous local Jopen beer in one of the many bars or visit the Jopen Church.

Day 10: Haarlem - Zaanse Schans - Amsterdam, 26 mi. (42 km) 
The last bike tour of your journey will be from Haarlem to Amsterdam, along ‘de Zaanse Schans’, famous for its open-air museum, windmills, and green wooden houses that are typical for this area. Your tour ends in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. A farewell dinner on board will follow.

Day 11: Amsterdam | Departure following breakfast, by 9am
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip or leave for the airport. Extend your stay in Holland, and set some time aside to explore the city. You might want to go on a ride along the canals, or visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or the Amsterdam Hermitage.

Day 1: Arrival to Amsterdam | Check-in begins at noon, barge departs at 2:30 pm. Amsterdam - Spaarndam - Haarlem, 10 - 15 mi. (6.2 - 9 km)
Day 2: Haarlem - Cruquius - Leiden, 24 mi. (39 km)
Day 3: Leiden - Katwijk - Delft, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 4: Delft - Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Alblasserdam - Willemstad, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 5: Willemstad - Zierikzee, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Zierikzee - Veere - Middelburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 7: Middelburg - Vlissingen (Flushing) - Sas van Gent - Ghent, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 8: Gent - Machelen - Kortrijk, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 9: Tour around Ypres, Flanders Fields, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 10: Kortrijk - Lichtervelde - Bruges, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 11: Departure in Bruges following breakfast, by 9:30 am

Day 1: Arrival to Amsterdam, barge departs at 2:30 pm. Amsterdam - Spaarndam - Haarlem, 10 - 15 mi. (6.2 - 9 km)
You are able to board the Quo Vadis and check-in from 12 noon onwards but please try to be on board by 2 pm. The boat will depart promptly at 2:30 pm for Spaarndam. Upon arrival, you will be fitted with your bike and begin a short ride to the oldest lock of Europe and the famous statue of Hans Brinker. You will then bike along a dune landscape to the historical city of Haarlem.

Day 2: Haarlem - Cruquius -  Leiden, 24 mi. (39 km)
Today is a day to enjoy the coast and the water. You will pedal through the dunes, along sandy beaches, and quaint harbor villages, like Zandvoort and Noordwijk. You will end in the historic city of Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt van Rijn. The origin of this university town is about 800 AD and became a marketplace at the confluence of the Old and New Rhine Rivers, the Vliet River, and the Mare. For many years, it was the second most important city in Holland with Amsterdam being the first. In medieval times, it was the center of the textile industry.  A well-known episode from the history of Leiden is the siege of 1574 by the Spanish, who were driven from the area when the dikes broke through. The history of this is fascinating if you have some time for pre-tour reading.

Day 3: Leiden -Delft, via  Katwijk, 37 mi. (57 km) or via the Hague, 29 mi. (45 km) or direct, 20 mi. (32 km)
From Leiden, the longer distance cyclists will follow the course of the Oude Rijn (Old Rhine) through the dunes, to Katwijk aan Zee, an old fishing village, and Scheveningen, along the remnants of the Atlantikwall, the 1900 miles long coastal fortification built by the Third Reich. The shorter route leads through the luxurious Wassenaaar villa quarters to the government center, The Hague. with the International Court of Justice, the Panorama, the Royal art collection, huge parks and fancy shopping streets. The Quo Vadis lays at the edge of charming Delft, the birthplace of Vermeer, known for its Delfts Blue ceramic, the Nieuwe Kerk with its historic link to the royal House of Orange.  Relive its glorious past as you wander along canals, churches, mansions, and courtyards.  An even shorter distance through former peat fields in suburban parks, gives more time for Delft instead of The Hague. 

Day 4: Delft - Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 20 or 30 mi. (32 or 48 km)
After a visit to the famous Delft Blue ceramics, the long trackers head to Rotterdam.  Leaving Delft via the University campus with fine modern architecture, and the 17th-century gunpowder house in the water, the route leads first to the historic lock of Overschie.  You enter Rotterdam along the orange prison building and the early modern Van Nelle factory, continuing to Delfshaven and further. The shorter route begins with a sail on the Quo Vadis to Rotterdam for a short impression of the main harbor, the Dutch Manhattan with a skyline defined by the Erasmus bridge. If there is time, you may visit the stunning market hall, the Rotterdam version of the Sistine Chapel, or despite the bombings of WWII, old Delfshaven (harbor of Delft) from where the Pilgrim fathers left, and the late 19th-century Veerhaven. A fast ferry will then transfer you to the Alblasserwaard, fenland between the big rivers. The many inundations and the slowly sinking surface made water management essential in this fenland. Canals and ditches were dug and windmills were constructed.  In Kinderdijk 19 mills remain, standing at attention in impressive rows. Via an inland bike road, you visit a  cheese farm and then you can choose, a shorter or longer ride through the fenland. You'll enjoy the lovely scenery of water and marsh, filled with the sound of birds. The Quo Vadis waits in the center of interesting Dordrecht, the oldest city of Holland, once an important market because of its strategic location. utch State was announced in a confiscated monastery.

Day 5: Dordrecht – Willemstad – Zierikzee, 29 or 35 mi. (56 or 46 km)
During breakfast, you sail to Willemstad, a tiny historical garrison town with fortifications, a good representation of the old Dutch Republic. Continuing on, you arrive in Sealand, islands in the shallow delta of Rhine, Maas and Scheldt rivers. Although these islands are now connected, thanks to land reclamation after the flood disaster of 1953 with huge dams of the Delta Works, they all have retained their own character. You enjoy a beautiful tour through open land between sky and sea to Oude Tonge, a small water-sports village that was badly impacted by the 1953 flood catastrophe. 305 People were buried in a mass grave near the dike just outside the village. On the island of Duiveland, the longer route leads to the Inundation museum, located in a secluded area housed in 4 huge boxes with which the dikes were restored after the bombing in World War II. The Quo Vadis can be found in Zierikzee, dominated by the ‘Fat tower’; once a rich trading-port with a beautiful harbor and lots of monuments.

Day 6: Zierikzee - Veere - Middelburg, 16 or 33 mi. (26 or 52 km)
Today's bike tour will start by taking you towards the western part of the island, Schouwen. At Westenschouwen you will begin crossing the Oosterscheldedam. Halfway along the dam, you can spot the former artificial island, Neeltje Jans. Be sure to take a closer look at the interior and exterior of the storm surge barrier. Although all the islands of the provinces Zuid-Holland and Zeeland are now connected, and should no longer be called islands, they have all retained their original character. With a strong headwind, this trip can be quite strenuous. In that case, you may prefer to do the first part of today's route on board the ship and start cycling at Zandkreek. Quiet country roads will take you into Veere and end in Middelburg. This town became, after Amsterdam, the most important center for the Dutch East India Company and also played an important role in the 17th-century slave trade.

Day 7: Middelburg - Vlissingen (Flushing) - Sas van Gent - Ghent, 28 mi. (45 km)
By ship or on the bike, you will head to Vlissingen (Flushing), an important port at the mouth of the Westerschelde. Here, you will take the ferry to Breskens in Zeeuws Vlaanderen (the Dutch part of Flanders), which takes about twenty minutes. Belgium is now getting close. While cycling through the spacious land and scattered villages, you may not even notice that you are crossing the Dutch-Belgian border. In Sas van Gent, the Quo Vadis waits for you and brings you to Ghent. The city of Ghent is proud of its rich past but is much more than just a museum town. This lively city has numerous squares and cozy pubs and is an excellent mixture of medieval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century which now often house students, and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours during the summer.

Day 8: Gent - Machelen - Kortrijk, 25 mi. (40 km)
This morning the ship will bring you to Machelen on the Leie River, the eastern border of the Western Front of WW1. The first stop will be at the Flanders Fields American Cemetery. This peaceful site includes an impressive Memorial. From here you will follow the Leie River to Kortrijk. This town originates from a Gallo-Roman town, at the crossroad of two Roman roads. In the Middle Ages Kortrijk grew to one of the biggest and richest cities in Flanders because of the flax and wool trade with France and England.

Day 9: Tour around Ypres, Flanders Fields, 27 mi. (43 km)
After breakfast, you’ll go by train to Ypres where your bike is already waiting for you and you will set off following the Peace Route. The Peace Route will highlight Ypres Salient, the old arch-shaped front line which enclosed Ypres on three sides during the First World War. It starts on the market square in the heart of Ypres. You will cycle by historical sites and Memorials of WW1.

In the late afternoon, you’ll be back in Ypres. Here you can enjoy the regional cuisine in one of the city's restaurants.  At 8:00 pm you should visit the Last Post Ceremony under the Menin Gate.  This ceremony has been a tradition since 1929 and takes place every night and in all types of weather.  After this event, you’ll be brought back to the Quo Vadis.

Day 10: Kortrijk - Lichtervelde - Bruges, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today a shorter trip is on the schedule so that you will have ample time to explore Bruges. You will cycle through the beautiful countryside of Western Flanders to Bruges, the Venice of the North. This town is one of the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. Its old center, which dates from the Middle Ages, is almost completely intact. Bruges was, in old times, a metropolis and center of commerce and art. Bruges historic center with its numerous canals is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 11: Departure in Bruges
Departure is after breakfast by 9:30 am.

Day 1: Arrival in Bruges. You are able to check in beginning at 3 pm.
Day 2: Bruges - Machelen - Kortrijk on the Leie River,  27 mi. (43 km) 
Day 3: Kortrijk – Menen – Wervik, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 4: Wervik, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Kortrijk – st.Baafsvijve – Ghent, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Ghent – Dendermonde - St Amands, 20 mi. (48 km)
Day 7: St Amands – Temse – Antwerp, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 8: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad – Dordrecht, 26 mi. (42 km) 
Day 9: Dordrecht - Gouda, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 10: Gouda – Alphen - Amsterdam, 21 mi. (34 km)
Day 11: Departure in Amsterdam

Day 1: Arrive Bruges
Individual arrival in Bruges. The MS Quo Vadis awaits you in the Bruges harbor close to the railway station. You are able to check-in from 3:00-05:00 pm. The ship will stay in Bruges. Before dinner, you will be assigned your bike. Enjoy pre-dinner drinks and dinner on board before taking a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bruges known as the “Venice of the North” because of its many canals. Medieval buildings dating back to the 14th century line its narrow cobbled streets.

Day 2: Bruges - Machelen - Kortrijk on the Leie River, 27 mi. (43 km)
Before breakfast, the barge will sail to Moerbrugge along the Ghent – Oostende canal. Here you start your first cycling experience through the beautiful Flemish countryside and stop to see some well-preserved WWII German pillboxes built to guard this strategic waterway. After several hours, you re-join the barge in Machelen on the Leie River. From here, you sail southbound to Kortrijk.

Day 3: Kortrijk – Menen – Wervik, 26 mi. (42 km) 
Today you bike southeast of Ypres, visiting the famous WW1 battle sites of the Ypres Salient South.  The Zandvoorde Cemetery, the Hill 62 Sanctuary Wood, Hill 60 (Australian Tunneling Company), the Caterpillar Crater, and the Command-bunker Zandvoorde. You will end the tour back in Wervik, where the Quo Vadis is moored.

Day 4: Wervik, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today a bus will bring you and your bike to Ypres. You will follow the Ypres Salient North and East. The Yorkshire Trench and dug-out, Langemark, and many places where the Anzac troops saw service, the New Zealand Forces Memorial, the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele,  Polygon Woods, and the Menin Road in Belgium. Late afternoon you are back in Ypres. Here you can enjoy the regional cuisine in one of the city’s restaurants, at your own cost. Tonight, at the Menin Gate in Ypres, you will experience the Last Post Ceremony. This has taken place every night since 1928 except during the German occupation of WWII. After this event, you are brought back to the Quo Vadis.

Day 5: Kortrijk – st.Baafsvijve – Ghent, 27 mi. (43 km)
During breakfast, the ship will bring you in the direction of Ghent. Near St-Baafs the biking starts, following the river Leie. This river was one of the frontlines in WW1 and WW2. By early afternoon you arrive in Ghent. This city is proud of his rich past but is much more than a museum town. This lively city has numerous squares and cozy pubs and is an excellent mixture of medieval edifices, stylist stopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century, and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours during the summer.

Day 6: Ghent – Dendermonde - St Amands, 20 mi. (48 km)
After breakfast, you ride through diverse landscapes to Dendermonde at the mouth of the Dender River where it flows into the River Schelde. Here you can enjoy some time off the bike with a coffee at the beautiful Flemish Grote Market Square. Back on the barge, you cruise along one of the most beautiful and winding parts of the route along the River Schelde to St Amands.

Day 7: St Amands – Temse – Antwerp, 26 mi. (42 km)
The cycle route leads along the Schelde to Temse Bridge. Then through the countryside, via Rupelmonde and Hemiksem, to the harbor city of Antwerp. This city is where 80% of the world’s rough cast diamonds are handled. After dinner, you may wish to catch a cab into the city to see the spectacular buildings lit by floodlights.

Day 8: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad – Dordrecht, 26 mi. (42 km)
The Quo Vadis will sail this morning along the Schelde-Rhine Canal to the huge Kreekrak lock system, just over the Dutch border. From here you bike to Tholen, a former fishing village in the province of Zeeland. From Tholen, it is onward to the fortified town of Willemstad passing along the impressive Volkerak lock system. Final destination today is  Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.

Day 9: Dordrecht - Gouda, 25 mi. (40 km) 
You start the day with your bikes on the fast ferry “waterbus” that will transfer to  Alblasserdam in just 10 minutes. From here it is just a short ride to Kinderdijk,  famous for its impressive row of 19 windmills classified as a world heritage site. They were constructed in the 18th century to pump water from the low lying tract of land or polder surrounded by embankments. You cycle on to Gouda, famous for cheese and its city hall built in the mid-1400s. You will see the market place and historic cheese weighing station and museum.

Day 10: Gouda – Alphen - Amsterdam, 21 mi. (34 km) 
During a sailing breakfast, the Quo Vadis brings you to Alphen aan de Rijn. From here you start biking along the Amstel River to Ouderkerk. Here, the Quo Vadis for an impressive sail-in through the old Amsterdam canals to Amsterdam Harbor. Tonight is free so you can enjoy the city, just a short walk from the harbor.

Day 11: Departure in Amsterdam
Departure is after breakfast, by 9:30 am.

Program and timetable may differ.

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp | Test ride in Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam - Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km)
Day 4: Dordrecht - Willemstad | Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Tholen - Kreekrak lock | Kreekrak lock - Antwerp, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
Day 6: Antwerp
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: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, 23 mi.(38 km)
Day 11: 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)
The crew will greet you onboard during the embarkation and check-in, which take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The ship departs for Weesp around 2 p.m. This picturesque town, situated on the banks of the river Vecht, boasts a historical center with numerous canals and buildings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as well as several stunning windmills. The river Vecht and its accompanying scenic roads are popular with cyclists and yachters alike. Upon arrival, the tour leader will arrange a test ride for you. After dinner, take the time to explore the charming city on foot.

Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
The bike tour commences in Weesp, and you will travel along the stunning and winding river Vecht, which is lined with grand mansions. During the tour, you will stop at an authentic Dutch cheese farm that produces cheese using traditional techniques. In Utrecht, you will reunite with the ship, which will then navigate the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town situated on the river Lek.

Day 3: Vianen - Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam - Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km)
Today's bike tour takes you along the stunning Lek River to the city of Schoonhoven, renowned for its skilled silversmiths since the 17th century, earning it the nickname "Silver City" or "Zilverstad." Later in the day, as you continue through the Alblasserwaard region, you will reach the village of Kinderdijk, famous for its row of 19 remarkable windmills. These windmills have also been designated UNESCO cultural heritage attractions and are a definite highlight of the Netherlands. You will even have the opportunity to explore the interior of one, so make sure to bring your camera! From Alblasserdam, you will take the "Waterbus," a speedy ferry that carries you and your bike in around 10 minutes to Dordrecht. Dordrecht, also known as "Dordt," is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and sits at the confluence of three major rivers. In the evening, after dinner, you can join our guide for a short city walk visiting some of Dordt's 1600 monuments and the picturesque point where the waterways meet.

Day 4: Dordrecht - Willemstad | Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
While enjoying a delicious breakfast onboard your ship, it will continue its journey to Willemstad, where you will commence your day's cycling. Willemstad is a stunning, ancient fortified town situated on the Haringvliet waterway. From there, your bike tour will take you to Tholen, which was once an island in the heart of the expansive Zeeland stream system and a prime location for fishing. Although Tholen is now connected to the mainland through various means, it remains a picturesque village with numerous remnants from a rich and storied past.

Day 5: Tholen - Kreekrak lock | Kreekrak locks - Antwerp, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
After enjoying your coffee and breakfast, you will disembark from the barge for a bike tour through the beautiful "Wouwse Plantage" forest, heading south towards the impressive Kreekraksluis, or Kreekrak lock.

Later in the afternoon, you will rejoin the ship for a cruise to the port city of Antwerp, which is situated on the Schelde River. Antwerp is renowned for processing up to 80% of the world's uncut diamonds and is a city with an extensive list of delightful attractions in store for you. These include the City Hall, one of many majestic buildings erected during the Renaissance period, the historical city square of Grote Markt, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle.

Day 6: Antwerp
Today, your barge will remain docked in Antwerp, giving you an entire day to explore this city of culture, cobblestones, and Flemish Baroque masterpieces. You can take a visit to the Rubens House, the palazzo where the brilliant and versatile artist lived with his family. Some of his paintings are just a ten-minute walk away in the "Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Dear Lady) Cathedral" for you to admire.

There are other ideas to spend a pleasant afternoon here, such as taking a tour and tasting at the famous beer brewery of 'de Koninck,' exploring the fascinating Museum on the Scheldt River (MAS - Museum aan de Stroom), or going shopping in Antwerp's welcoming shopping area. Dinner is not included tonight, as you have the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice. If needed, your crew can provide restaurant recommendations.

Day 7: Antwerp - Temse - St. Amands, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 49 km)
This morning, you will cycle out of Antwerp along a striking section of the Schelde River to St. Amands, where your home away from home will dock for the night. 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. In the evening, if you haven’t already taken the chance to taste one of Belgium’s incomparable “biers,” then make sure you give them a try. The famous Duvel brew is a specialty of the region.

Day 8: St. Amands - Dendermonde | Dendermonde - Ghent, 32 mi. (52 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship will transport you to Dendermonde. From there, you'll cycle along the picturesque Schelde River to Ghent, overnighting moored at a lock in one of the city's suburbs. Ghent is a bustling university town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Its location at the confluence of the Leie and Schelde rivers has made it a thriving trading port for centuries, at one point making it the second-largest city in Europe. The city's old town is home to numerous historic attractions, including an opera house, 18 museums, over 100 churches, and more than 400 historical buildings. Two of the major highlights are St. Bavo Cathedral, which houses a number of medieval art treasures, including the famous 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by Jan van Eyck, and the 91-meter-tall Belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that offer breathtaking views of the old city center. You will be anchored close to Ghent's city center, giving you plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 9: Ghent - Bruges, 13 or 28 mi. (22 or 45 km)
You will set off on your bicycle from Ghent, traversing the breathtaking Flemish countryside of Western Flanders, en route to Bruges, famously referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ and undoubtedly one of the most enchanting Flemish cities. Bruges is a popular tourist destination and attracts a multitude of European and international visitors with its picturesque, UNESCO-recognized medieval city center and a plethora of attractions for history enthusiasts. A remarkably well-preserved example of a medieval town, Bruges has successfully retained its historic fabric as it has evolved over time, which means that the city's original Gothic buildings remain a vital part of its identity. During your visit, you can choose to explore one of the many museums in Bruges or simply enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city while sipping coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes. In the evening, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk, highlighting some of the most beautiful parts of the city center, where you may even get a chance to sample a ‘Brugse Zot,’ a famous local beer.

Day 10: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today your barge will stay in Bruges, giving you the choice of how you would like to spend the day. The tour leader will offer a morning bike tour of about 38 km. Your final cycle will set 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. If you prefer, you can remain in Bruges for the day to explore on your own.

Day 11: Bruges
The end of your tour: Enjoy one final breakfast and disembark by 9.30 a.m.

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 |Willemstad -Dordrecht, 23 or 26 mi. (36 or 44 km)
Day 9: Dordrecht - Alblasserdam (waterbus ferry) | 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.