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Bruges-Brussels 8-day Bike & Barge Tour
The Bruges to Brussels bike and barge tour is an absolute cycling classic that takes you through an enchanting river landscape bookended by these two iconic Belgian cities. During this eight day, seven night tour you will not only get the opportunity to discover the enchanting river/canal system of Belgium, but will also get to visit and explore the world famous cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen and Bruges. Along the way you will cycle through small traditional Belgian villages, will visit a number of famous local landmarks and, importantly, will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Belgium’s well-deserved reputation for superb food and drink. Major attractions of the tour include:
The city of Brussels, capitol of Europe
Antwerp, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife, as the city of diamonds and for its harbor
The opportunity to explore medieval Ghent
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center of Bruges
Mechelen, a small but very picturesque city
On a daily basis you will cycle along old tow paths next to small canals and rivers and via quiet country lanes to ancient villages steeped in history. Enjoy a coffee or one of the many village beers in an authentic Belgian pub where the locals approvingly raise their glass, especially when you arrive by bike.
Accommodation:
The barge is a comfortable river boat with personal and familiar atmosphere. It is constructed to navigate small canals and low bridges. You can sit on the partly covered sun-deck and enjoy the passing countryside. Maybe you prefer sitting in the salon with panorama windows to socialise, have something to eat and drink? The friendly staff has been on board for many years, cook does his best to spoil you. The boat offers twin-bed cabins (about 8-9 sqm) for maximum 22 people with air condition (windows cannot be opened) and shower/toilet
If you would like to rent a bike or e-bike, please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Return to Bruges: There is a good train connection between these two cities.
Slow tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Embarkation: Bruges
Individual arrival in Bruges.
Your barge awaits you in the Bruges harbor. Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is from 3 to 5 p.m. Before or after boarding take the opportunity to explore this lovely city of art, widely described as the “Venice of the North”. You can enjoy the ambience of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center during a leisurely walk, take in the hustle and bustle of the Grote Markt square (Great Market square), visit one of Bruges many museums or simply enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
Bruges | Round trip around Bruges to the North Sea coast (55 km/33 mi.)
Your first day of cycling will take you through Damme, the birthplace of the impudent Middle Ages trickster Till Eulenspiegel, to the seaside resort of Blankenberge. Visit any one of numerous cafés and, if you want to cool down, enjoy a swim in the North Sea. After approx. 2 hours you will cycle back to Bruges and the ship.
Bruges – Moerebrugge – Ghent (Merelbeke) (cycle tour approx. 40 km/24 mi)
During breakfast the barge is cruising to Moerebrugge. The whole cycle route follows the Ghent-Oostende-canal through the wide Flemish plain to Ghent. In the Middle Ages Ghent was the second largest city after Paris and has preserved its architectural wealth in the historic city centre until today. The barge will dock for the night in Merelbeke (at the lock), a suburb of Ghent and approx. 30 cycling minutes to the city centre.
Ghent (Merelbeke)– Dendermonde (48 km/29 mi.) | Dendermonde – St. Amands
After breakfast in Ghent you will cycle through a diverse landscape to Dendermonde which is located at the mouth of the Dender River where it flows into the Schelde River. Here you can enjoy some time off your bicycle with a coffee or a cup of tea at the beautiful Flemish Grote Market square. In the evening shipping to St. Amands one of the most beautiful and winding parts of the route on the river Schelde.
St. Amands – Temse – Antwerp (42 km/25 mi.)
Your cycle route for the day starts in St. Amands and takes you over the Brussels-Rupel canal and on to an historical brick factory situated between Boom and Niel where bricks have been manufactured since the Middle Ages. After cycling through the countryside to Rupelmonde and later Hemiksem you will finally reach Antwerp, your destination for the night. Antwerp is a harbor city situated on the river Schelde famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle.
Antwerp – Lier – Willebroek (45 km/27 mi.)
After breakfast you will cycle through the leafy suburbs of Antwerp and past typical Belgian villas that feature beautiful trees, manicured gardens and picturesque facades to Lier. From here you cycle along the small river Nete and on to Willebroek where the ship will be waiting for you. When there is enough interest, a beer tasting will be held on board (to be paid on board).
Willebroek – Mechelen – Vilvoorde (40 km/24 mi.) | Vilvoorde – Brussels
While the barge sets sail along the Willebroek canal, your final day’s cycling will see you pass through the picturesque countryside via Mechelen to Vilvoorde. Mechelen is a remarkable city that boasts more than 300 buildings that are historically listed. Of these, 8 are churches – all on less than 3 square kilometers! From Vilvoorde you will be onboard for the trip to Brussels, where you can walk through the historical city center, visit the Grote Markt square (Great Market square), arguably Europe’s most beautiful medieval square lined with guild houses or marvel at the Gothic town hall.
Disembarkation: Brussels
Disembarkation after breakfast till 09:30 a.m.
If there is low or high water or bad weather conditions 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).
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 24 2021 | Jul 31 2021 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,499€ | ||
| Double rooms | 999€ | |||||
| Aug 07 2021 | Aug 14 2021 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,499€ | ||
| Double rooms | 999€ | |||||
| Aug 21 2021 | Aug 28 2021 | 20 | Single rooms | 1,499€ | ||
| Double rooms | 999€ |
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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