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Bruges-Brussels Guided 8-day Bike & Barge Tour (FVA)
This tour takes you through some of the country's most impressive cities, each with its own unique charm and historical richness. Your journey begins in the medieval city of Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North." Stroll through the picturesque streets, admire the well-preserved historic buildings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the many canals. Following well-maintained cycling paths, you'll reach Antwerp, the city of diamonds and fashion. Here, you'll find a fascinating blend of historical heritage and modern life. Visit the magnificent cathedral, explore the trendy fashion district and experience the vibrant art scene.
The crowning finale of your trip is the capital, Brussels. This metropolis captivates with its diversity and cosmopolitan flair. From the majestic Grand Place to the impressive art museums and the political institutions of the European Union, Brussels offers something for everyone. Indulge in the culinary delights and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this fascinating city. This journey from Bruges to Antwerp to Brussels is a perfect combination of history, culture, and enjoyment – a true highlight for every traveller.
Easy cycling with a guide. Up to 65km per day with little to no inclines.
Between 1997/1998, the FVA was newly constructed from a dismantled casco of a freight lugger, a common type of ship in the beginning of the 20th century. The refurbishing and conversion to a passenger ship was made in 2015/2016. The ship features a tastefully decorated saloon/restaurant with a huge, cosy sitting area, TV and stereo equipment and a small bar. The lower sun deck offers storage space for the bicycles, on the upper sun deck (steep stairs) there are sitting areas for the passengers. Eight 2-bed-cabins (about 10 m²) and two bigger 3-bed-cabins (15 m²), which can be booked also as twin cabins. All cabins are outside cabins with en-suite facilities. All are equipped with hair dryer and air-conditioning. The windows cannot be opened.
If you would like to rent a Bike (99 EUR) or E-bike (219 EUR), please contact our office when booking: [email protected]
Slow tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Arrival in Bruges
Individual arrival in Bruges. Embarkation at 4:00 pm. Take some time to discover the interesting city of Bruges – The Venice of the North – is widely known in Europe for its art and museums. Bruges’ old town with its number of Grachten (small channels) belongs to the UNESCO world’s cultural heritage. Enjoy the bustle activity around the Grote Markt (the big market place) while having a nice tea or coffee.
Trip around Bruges, cycle tour approx. 55 km
The cycling tour leads through the small town of Damme (known as the “birthplace” of Till Eulenspiegel) and Groot Ter Doest, with its impressive Ter Doest Abbey, to Lissewege – often called “the most beautiful village in Flanders.” Whitewashed houses line both sides of a small canal and cluster around the imposing village church. Afterwards, the route continues directly to the coast. A long sandy beach and numerous cafés invite you to linger. After a stay of around 2 hours, return to Bruges.
Bruges – Moerbrugge – Ghent (Merelbeke), cycle tour approx. 60 km
During breakfast your boat is shipping to Moerbrugge. 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. Your ship 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) – Sint Amands, cycle tour approx. 65 km
After breakfast you are going by bike to Dendermonde today. A coffee break on the wonderful Flemish Grote Markt is a must. In the evening shipping to Sint Amands one of the most beautiful and winding parts of the route on the river Schelde.
Sint Amands – Temse – Antwerp, cycle tour approx. 42 km
In Sint Amands you start today’s cycle tour. You are passing the water tower and cross the Brussels-Rupel-canal. After that you are cycling through a historic area of brick burning, where bricks have been produced since the Middle Ages until today. Then you follow the river Rupel until you come to the river Schelde. From Rupelmonde you are comfortably cycling towards Hemiksem, then down the river Schelde to Antwerp, the world’s centre of diamond-processing and your today’s destination. Antwerp offers a number of interesting sights such as the richly decorated town hall in renaissance style, the historic Grote Markt, the huge Liebfrauen Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle.
Antwerp – Willebroek, cycle tour approx. 45 km
After breakfast you are starting your bike tour, passing the suburban of Antwerp with their beautiful exclusive residential area via Lier along the river Nete to Willebroek where your ship is already waiting for you.
Willebroek – Mechelen – Vilvoorde, cycle tour approx. 40 km
While your ship is going through the Willebroek canal today, your last cycle tour is leading you through green, soft and hilly landscapes over Mechelen to Vilvoorde. In Mechelen, you will find the remarkable density of more than 300 listed buildings (classified as historical monuments), among them eight churches, all built within an area of only three square kilometres. From there, the journey continues to Vilvoorde, a charming suburb located about 10 km north of Brussels. Tip: You can reach Brussels by public transport in around 30 minutes. Use the afternoon to explore this fascinating city on your own – known for its diversity and cosmopolitan flair. (Distance from the mooring location to Vilvoorde train station: approx. 2 km. Train ticket to Brussels: approx. €4 per person.)
Departure from Vilvoorde
After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 a.m. and individual journey home.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 02 2026 | Jul 09 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Jul 16 2026 | Jul 23 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Jul 30 2026 | Aug 06 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Aug 13 2026 | Aug 20 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Aug 27 2026 | Sep 03 2026 | 20 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ |
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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