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Bruges-Amsterdam 8-day Bike and Barge Tour (FLR)
Charming villages, a real Dutch cheese farm and the 19 famous windmills in Kinderdijk. During the day you will cycle to world-famous destinations such as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Utrecht and Amsterdam while at night you will relax in the comfort of your floating hotel. The cycling on this tour is through the beautiful and flat Dutch countryside of Zeeland and the western Flanders region of Belgium. You will cycle through and discover the Dutch province of Zeeland, which is essentially one big river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt Rivers famous for its fantastic beaches, water sport activities and Delta works. The Flanders region of Belgium is famous for medieval towns and superb food and drink. As well as being able to discover many picturesque villages each day, both on your bicycle and on foot - you will:
This barge started cruising in 2002. This tasteful passenger barge with her sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks, sluices and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. But don’t let her size fool you! The barge can accommodate a maximum of 20 guests in 10 comfortable cabins on the lower deck, each with private sanitary facilities, central heating and air-conditioning. On the upper deck there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area and a bar. Outside a half-covered sun deck is wonderful for a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine.
There are daily guided bike tours and it is also possible to ride the bike tours individually, tour description and bike maps are available onboard. During the day the tour leader is cycling the daily bike tour as well and in case of emergency or breakdown, he/she can be contacted on his/her cell/mobile phone.
If you would like to rent a bike (95 EUR) or e-bike (210 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow Tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
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).
If you would like to drive yourself before or after your tour, ask us for a quote on any brand new Renault, Peugeot or Citroen vehicle for driving in Europe.
Pick up your vehicle from most capital cities in Europe and return it to your drop off destination. Top insurance cover. Email [email protected] for a competitive quote
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