Netherlands and Belgium from Bruges to Amsterdam

Bruges

Arrival and embarkation early afternoon in the beautiful city of Bruges, also called the “Pearl of Flanders”. The crew will welcome you. You will have plenty of time to discover the beautiful historical city of Bruges. City tour in Bruges in the afternoon and evening.

Bruges – Ghent Approx. 45km

Today, your day starts on the water and the barge will leave Bruges early. Just outside, your first bike tour to Ghent through the flat land of West-Flanders will start. Your destination today is the historical centre of Ghent. Enjoy the beautiful parts of Ghent during an afternoon stroll. The barge is docked in Merelbeke (a small suburb of Ghent).

Ghent – Dendermonde/St. Amands Approx. 40-53km

Today, the barge will sail over the river Schelde to Dendermonde, a nice town on the conjunction of the rivers Dender and Schelde. The bike tour leads along one of the most beautiful parts of the Schelde, a tidal river. You will follow this beautiful tidal river downstream. The departure time will be set by the skipper and is depending on high or low tide. The tide has an affect on the speed of the barge. Travel by bike or barge from Dendermonde to St. Amands spending the night in St. Amands.

St. Amands – Temse – Antwerp Approx. 42 km

Today we will follow the Schelde further downstream over Temse to Antwerp. There is a beautiful cycling track along the river and the scenery is magnificent. Harbour city Antwerp with its beautiful inner city is well known as the diamond city and the city where the famous painter Rubens was born. Dinner in town in a restaurant of your choice (not included). On request, you will receive some restaurant recommendations.

Antwerp – Kreekrak locks | Tholen - Willemstad Approx. 25-45km | Willemstad – Dordrecht

The barge will sail over the Schelde-Rhine Canal, over the huge Kreekrak locks to Tholen, a former fishing village. From Tholen you will cycle along the impressive large Volkerak locks to the fortified town of Willemstad, then further to end in Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities of the Netherlands. Today, the skipper will discuss with you which part of the tour will be covered by bicycle.

Dordrecht – Kinderdijk | Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen Approx. 50km

Today the barge will bring you to Kinderdijk, the most famous windmills in the Netherlands with 19 windmills in a line (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder. You can visit one of these magnificent windmills. Then by bike via the silver city of Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek. In the evening you can explore.

Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen – Amsterdam Approx. 35km

First, the ship cruises to Breukelen where you disembark and your cycling tour starts. Ride along the small Vecht river: this area is well known for its beautiful mansions, small castles and beautiful houses with large gardens and parks. Over the small villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland to Nigtevecht, where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue over Abcoude and Ouderkerk on the Amstel river to reach Amsterdam. You will meet your barge again in the harbour of Amsterdam.

Disembarkation: Amsterdam

After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation till 10am. If you wish, you can visit Amsterdam or one of its numerous museums, do some shopping or take a canal tour (not included).

The planned itinerary is subject to change due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons and other unforeseen circumstances. If there is low or high water and a route cannot be shipped, the captain reserves the right to change the route in view of your safety (this cannot be accepted as a reason for free withdrawal).