Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days
Netherlands, Belgium Bike + Boat Tours
Delta Works in Holland, Flanders Fields in Belgium, & so much more
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length11 days
- Prices from€1856 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike and boat tour in Holland and Belgium is a unique 11-day experience. It provides more time to enjoy this classic route.
Think of Holland, and what inevitably comes to mind is windmills and water. Belgium? Chocolate and beer! But there is so much more.
This tour will showcase both countries, featuring World War sites, Holland's Delta Works, Belgium's Flanders Fields, and two cities on either end that are as different as they can be. If you are interested in history, art, architecture, or engineering feats, or you simply love to bike, this tour is for you!
Highlights
- Amsterdam and Bruges
- Charming villages
- The windmills of the Kinderdijk
- Ghent
- Province of Zeeland
- Vist to cheese farm (Gandalf)
- Antwerp, the hometown of Rubens (Gandalf)
Be sure to check out all of our bike & barge tours in the Netherlands.
Itinerary
This tour is offered on three different boats, the Deluxe vessel the Merlijn, the Comfort boat, the Fleur, and the Standard vessel, the Gandalf. Be sure to read the itineraries for each boat, what is included, not included, etc. 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.
Merlijn
Amsterdam to Bruges
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 amDay 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:- Board a deluxe fast ferry, which will take you directly where the Merlijn is berthed in Dordrecht or
- 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:- 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.
- 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:- 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.
- 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!Bruges to Amsterdam
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: AmsterdamDay 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.- 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.
- 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:- 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.
- 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:- Board a deluxe fast ferry, which will take you directly to Rotterdam, from where you’ll continue the tour towards Delft.
- 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.Fleur and Gandalf
Amsterdam to Bruges
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: BrugesDistances 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.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 |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: AmsterdamParts in Italics are by boat.
Merlijn
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: BrugesIf you're looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike & bike & boat tours or view all our featured trips, including hiking, adventure cruising, & more.
Map
Boats & Bikes
- Merlijn
Deluxe Class Barge
"The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More
- Fleur
Comfort Class Barge
This vessel was originally built to fit the smaller locks and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. Though not a large boat, the atmosphere onboard is homey and comfortable. You will love the upper deck lounge with large windows and the partially covered sun deck, the ideal place to sip a beverage, enjoy an appetizer, and passing scenery while cruising. Read More
- Gandalf
Standard Class Barge
The Gandalf is a small passenger "green" barge with a delightful home-like atmosphere that is largely powered by the sun. Accommodating up to 20 passengers, it sails under the Dutch flag and has been drifting through the canals and waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands for many years. Read More
Inclusions
What’s Included
Merlijn
- Accommodation for 10 nights
- Standard rental bike with waterproof pannier, water bottle, towel, & universal helmet
- Fully guided cycling tours
- Daily tour briefings
- Meals: 10 breakfast buffets, 9 packed lunches and 8 dinners (three-course)
- Welcome drink
- Coffee, tea and iced water
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Supply of bedding, towels, facial tissues, hand soap, shampoo, body wash, sewing kit, vanity kit, bathrobe & slippers.
- Canal, bridge & harbor fees
- All ferry fares en route
- Entrance to Royal Delft
- Entrance to the Cathedral of “Our Lady” in Antwerp
- Boat ride through the canals of Ghent
- WiFi (signal speed & strength varies)
- Tourist taxes
- Accommodation for 10 nights on the selected boat
- 10 breakfasts, packed lunches, & 9 three-course dinners
- Coffee & tea on board d
- Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Daily tour briefings
- 7-speed unisex city touring bike (Velo de Ville C100 or Gazelle - Chamonix) with frame lock, handbrakes, gel saddle, pannier, & repair kit with pump
- Helmet & Bike Protection (Fleur)
- Fully guided cycling tours (one tour guide)
- Some short walking tours
- Maps for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Fees for ferries/waterbus
- WiFi (signal speed & strength varies)
- Tourist taxes
- Carbon offset contribution
Fleur & Gandalf
What’s Not Included
Merlijn
- 2 Dinners
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Bike maps
- GPS tracks
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- One dinner in Antwerp
- Alcoholic & other drinks
- Helmet rental on the Gandalf, available with supplement. See pricing.
- Entrance fees & excursions
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- Gratuities
- Bike Protection (Gandalf)
- Travel Insurance
Fleur & Gandalf
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Deluxe Class
Merlijn
Amsterdam to Bruges
Sunday departure
June 2*, 2024*Discounted departure of 300 Euros per person. Valid for all new bookings after February 7, 2024.
Bruges to Amsterdam
Wednesday departure
June 12, 2024Twin/Double Cabin $ 5064 £ 2618 $ 4,488 € 2995 kr 459185 ₪ 12146 ¥ 499818 Mex$ 54728 NZ$ 5513 NOK 35688 kr 35160 $ 3,303 Twin for single-use On request Comfort Class
Fleur
Bruges to Amsterdam
Saturday departure
October 5, 2024Twin/lower deck $ 3495 £ 1807 $ 3,097 € 2067 kr 316906 ₪ 8383 ¥ 344949 Mex$ 37771 NZ$ 3805 NOK 24630 kr 24265 $ 2,280 Twin/single-use $ 5101 £ 2638 $ 4,521 € 3017 kr 462558 ₪ 12235 ¥ 503489 Mex$ 55130 NZ$ 5553 NOK 35950 kr 35418 $ 3,328 Standard Class
Gandalf
Amsterdam to Bruges
Saturday departure
May 11, 2024
Bruges to Amsterdam
Tuesday departure
May 21, 2024
Twin/lower deck $ 3138 £ 1623 $ 2,781 € 1856 kr 284557 ₪ 7527 ¥ 309737 Mex$ 33915 NZ$ 3416 NOK 22116 kr 21788 $ 2,047 Twin for single-use/lower deck $ 4575 £ 2366 $ 4,055 € 2706 kr 414876 ₪ 10974 ¥ 451588 Mex$ 49447 NZ$ 4981 NOK 32244 kr 31767 $ 2,985 Triple/lower deck $ 3037 £ 1570 $ 2,691 € 1796 kr 275358 ₪ 7284 ¥ 299724 Mex$ 32819 NZ$ 3306 NOK 21401 kr 21084 $ 1,981 Deluxe Class
Merlijn
Amsterdam to Bruges
Saturday departure
May 31, 2025Twin/double $ 6104 £ 3156 $ 5,410 € 3610 kr 553475 ₪ 14640 ¥ 602451 Mex$ 65966 NZ$ 6645 NOK 43016 kr 42379 $ 3,982 Twin for single use on request Extra Options
Merlijn
Electric bike rental: $ 457 £ 236 $ 405 € 270 kr 41396 ₪ 1095 ¥ 45059 Mex$ 4934 NZ$ 497 NOK 3217 kr 3170 $ 298
Fleur
Electric bike rental: $ 353 £ 183 $ 313 € 209 kr 32043 ₪ 848 ¥ 34879 Mex$ 3819 NZ$ 385 NOK 2490 kr 2454 $ 231
Gandalf
Electric bike rental: $ 316 £ 163 $ 280 € 187 kr 28670 ₪ 758 ¥ 31207 Mex$ 3417 NZ$ 344 NOK 2228 kr 2195 $ 206 Helmet rental: $ 17 £ 9 $ 15 € 10 kr 1533 ₪ 41 ¥ 1669 Mex$ 183 NZ$ 18 NOK 119 kr 117 $ 11 * *Only with advanced reservation
Merlijn
Electric bike rental $ 457 £ 236 $ 405 € 270 kr 41396 ₪ 1095 ¥ 45059 Mex$ 4934 NZ$ 497 NOK 3217 kr 3170 $ 298 Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy guided or self-guided bike tour in which you will traverse mainly flat terrain. The majority of the cycling is on designated bike paths or well-marked lanes. When entering or exiting towns, traffic will be encountered but always following the well-developed infrastructure for bicycles. There are many paths, signs, signals, and traffic lights designated solely for cyclists.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Most people do fly into and out of the same airport. If you prefer, you can also fly out of Brussels at tour end.
Local Travel
From the airport in Amsterdam, you can access the train station on the lower floor and take a 20-minute shuttle to Amsterdam Central. At the end of your tour, if flying out of Amsterdam, you will take a train from Bruges back to Amsterdam. Depending on the time of departure, and type of train, your train travel time ranges from 2 3/4 hours to 3 1/2 hours with one to three transfers. If flying out of Brussels, from Bruges, train travel time is about 1 1/2 hours to the Zaventem Airport. The train departs every hour and costs about €20 per person. You can check departure times by visiting the website: http://www.belgianrail.be/.
Climate
Please check local conditions before travel. The climate in Holland is considered maritime, greatly affected by the sea. Belgium as well is influenced by the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. See below for Monthly Weather Averages.
Recommended
Due to variations in wifi signal strength and speed, If you are dependent on a constant, strong, fast, and reliable signal at all times, please consider a Personal Hot Spot.
Remarks
It may be possible to cycle self-guided if you choose. Please check what is included on your chosen vessel. Some boats do provide GPS tracks and/or route descriptions. Others do not. On the Merlijn, GPS tracks or detailed route descriptions are not available, however, your guide will be ready and willing to assist you with information.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. Please be informed that it is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
Want to spend more time before or after your tour, in Amsterdam or Bruges, or anywhere your travels may take you? We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings
Tour Operator
This tour is run by BoatBike tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
Reviews
Brenda S.
9 months agoVerified Reviewer
Gay K.
9 months agoVerified Reviewer
Betty S.
10 months agoVerified Reviewer
Lynn L.
10 months agoVerified Reviewer
Bobby H.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Carl M.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Gary H.
1 year agoVerified Reviewer
Gary H.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Paul A.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Kenneth B.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Mary Jane O.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
John J.
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Jack Johnson
2 years agoVerified Reviewer
Jane S.
4 years agoVerified Reviewer
Howard J.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Nick and Sharon G.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Linda H.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Alan L.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Stephen R.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
James G.
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Lyn
5 years agoVerified Reviewer
Tripsite Customer Reviews
Tripsite Staff
9 months ago
Tripsite Staff
Brenda S.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer