Bruges to Amsterdam - 9 day

Bruges to Amsterdam

Day 1: Bruges - Ghent, 12 mi. (19 km)
Day 2: Ghent  - Dendermonde, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Dendermonde - Antwerp, 20 or 32 mi. (32 or 51 km)
Day 4: Antwerp - Tholen, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 5: Tholen - Dordrecht, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Dordrecht - Gouda, 20 mi. (32 km)
Day 7: Gouda - Uithoorn, 18 mi. (29 km)
Day 8: Uithoorn - Amsterdam, 25 mi. (56 km)
Day 9: Amsterdam

All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including, but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Bruges - Ghent, 12 mi. (19 km)
After a hearty welcome on the ship in Bruges, the Iris navigates to Ghent and for those who want to cycle, there is a short itinerary planned. The goal of the day is to get comfortable on your bikes but also to experience the city of Ghent in a unique way. Some consider Ghent to be a rival to Bruges, but is often overlooked as a must see. It is one of Belgium's oldest cities, small but vibrant, full of medieval and classical architecture and urban renewal. In the evening, you will experience the city in a different way, by touring the canals and waterways by small boat.

Day 2: Ghent  - Dendermonde, 25 mi. (40 km)
In the morning, you can have stroll about the city, explore and shop, or if you prefer you can participate in a guided town walk for those interested in the cultural highlights. At the top of that list,  the cherished "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers. The history of this painting reads like a great novel of intrigue. Be sure to look it up!
In the afternoon, your cycling itinerary will follow the Schelde River to Dendermonde. You cannot be in Belgium without tasting its world-famous beer so this evening, you have the opportunity to participate in an organized Belgian beer tasting.

Day 3: Dendermonde - Antwerp, 20 or 32 mi. (32 or 51 km)
Today you bike to Antwerp, the city of diamonds and Rubens. The distance today can be adjusted to your wishes. You can do the entire 32 miles, or a pickup or drop off is
possible, whittling the daily distance to about 20 mi.  At the end of the afternoon, the bike guide will walk you into town to show you the beautiful city center. For your dinner, you are free to explore the local cuisine. Of course, your crew will provide you suggestions if you wish.

Day 4: Antwerp - Tholen, 20 mi. (32 km)
Today our day will be very relaxed as once again,  you can take extra time to visit the city in the morning. Then you will go back on board for a cruise through the harbor of Antwerp towards the Netherlands. Just over the border, you will be dropped off for a 20 mile ride through the forests. Your final destination of the day is a tiny fortified town of Tholen, in the Dutch province of Zeeland.

Day 5: Tholen - Dordrecht, 25 mi. (40 km)
Departing the fortified town of Tholen,  you will ride through the flat fields and along the dikes of the Netherlands to Willemstad, another beautiful fortified town with a historic harbor. Willemstad is small but it is chock full of history. From Willemstad, you will sail to Dordrecht, Holland's oldest city and once an important merchant city with a lively trade in wood, cereals, and wine. That history, wealth and culture is still clearly visible.

Day 6: Dordrecht - Gouda, 20 mi. (32 km)
From Dordrecht you will be sailing again in the morning to arrive early to Kinderdijk, the Unesco World Heritage site of windmills that were used to reclaim land from the river delta. A visit to a mill and a museum is on the agenda.  Then through the countryside dotted with windmills, you will make your way to the famous cheese city of Gouda.

Day 7: Gouda - Uithoorn, 18 mi. (29 km)
In the morning, you will visit the famous stained-glass windows of Saint John's church in Gouda. No other church in the world has so much 16th century stained glass.
Known collectively as The Gouda Glass, the scenes depict the history of the Netherlands. We hope the sun is shining this day as there is nothing more spectacular to witness as the light filters through in an array of colors. Afterward, back on board the Iris, you will sail to Alphen aan de Rijn and have lunch on board. In the afternoon you can enjoy a relatively short afternoon ride to Uithoorn.

Day 8: Uithoorn - Amsterdam, 35 mi. (56 km)
This day can again be adjusted to your wishes but the plan is to offer a long ride of about 35 miles to see the castle Muiderslot. Although a bit over the normal distance it is a site well worth a visit. From there the ride into Amsterdam can also be done with almost no encounters with traffic. You should be arriving in Amsterdam around 4 so those that want to walk around a bit before can do so before the final farewell dinner. It is always a celebration!

Day 9: Amsterdam
You will not want to say goodbye but depart with life-long memories and newfound friendships.

Be sure to check out all of our featured bike and boat tours, or our full list of bicycle tours.

On board the premium vessel, the Iris.

• Iris

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  Touring Bicycle

  Giant (LIV series) Lightweight, low-maintenance, and equipped with a belt drive, this touring bike is ideal for both daily and recreational use. Combining a synthetic belt and internal gearing with a… Read More

  Touring Bicycle

  Sensa … A sporty, performance-oriented touring bike designed for more experienced cyclists. With a derailleur system and a wide gear range, it’s perfect for riders looking for more control and speed… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  Gazelle Ultimate C8 … • Stable and rigid step-through frame … • Integrated 500 Wh battery … • Bosch Active Line Plus motor … • Nexus hub and Gates belt drive … • Hydraulic disc brakes … • Front fork… Read More

  In 2005, the Iris was transformed from a cargo ship to a passenger ship. Her owner, Lenny Versteeg, has lovingly updated and maintained her throughout the years. The interior is fresh, tasteful, and comfortable. Read More