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Brussels-Bruges 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 pictur-esque 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 [email protected] when booking
Slow tours offers other Bike & Barge tours in Europe
Individual arrival at Vilvoorde (Brussels)
Individual arrival in Vilvoorde, a suburb located about 10 km north of Brussels. The crew warmly welcomes you on board from 4:00 p.m. onwards.
Vilvoorde – Willebroek, cycle tour approx. 40 km
While you are having your breakfast, your ship takes you to Vilvoorde. From Vilvoorde you start your first cycle tour that leads you to Mechelen – here 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. While your ship is going through the Willebroek-canal, you are cycling through green, soft and hilly landscapes, passing sleepy villages and magnificent country estates until you finally reach Willebroek.
Willebroek – Antwerp, cycle tour approx. 50 km
From Willebroek you are cycling over Lier 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 – Sint Amands, cycle tour approx. 42 km
Today, your tour leads you up the river Schelde to Hemiksen, and after having cycled a bit upward you are comfortably going to Rupelmonde. At this point, where the river Rupel flows into the river Schelde, you follow the river until you will reach the historic area of brick burning, where bricks have been produced since the Middle Ages until today. You will then cross the Brussels-Rupel-canal and arrive at Sint Amands.
St. Amands – Dendermonde – Ghent (Merelbeke), cycle tour approx. 60 km
In the morning, the journey continues by ship along one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Scheldt to Dendermonde. From there, the cycling tour follows the scenic Scheldt embankment toward your destination for the day. Dendermonde is well worth a visit, especially the Beguinage with its charming local history museum. A coffee break on the picturesque Flemish Grote Markt is an absolute must. Today’s destination is Ghent. Explore the beautiful historic center partly by bike, partly on foot. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was the second-largest city after Paris and still retains much of its architectural richness in the city center. Your ship moors overnight just outside Ghent at the Merelbeke lock, a suburb located about 30 minutes by bike from the city center
Ghent (Merelbeke) – Lovendegem – Bruges, cycle tour approx. 40 km
In the morning you are leaving for Lovendegem. The whole cycle route follows the Gent-Oostende-canal through the wide Flemish plain until you arrive at 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 to the North Sea, cycle tour approx. 55 km
Your last cycle tour will take you at the beginning over Damme, Till Eulenspiegel’s place of birth to the seaside. Sandy beaches and a lot of cafés (you have the opportunity to swim in the sea there) will give you the opportunity for a nice rest. After approx. 2 hours you are cycling back to Bruges.
Departure from Bruges
After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 am and individual journey home.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 09 2026 | Jul 16 2026 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Jul 23 2026 | Jul 30 2026 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Aug 06 2026 | Aug 13 2026 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Aug 20 2026 | Aug 27 2026 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,025€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,349€ | |||||
| Sep 03 2026 | Sep 10 2026 | 22 | 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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