Europe's Heartland over 10 Days Guided Tour

Arrival in Paris – The City of Lights

Bienvenue – Welcome! After your flight, a representative will greet you at Charles de Gaulle Airport and accompany you to your deluxe, centrally-located hotel in Paris. Upon arrival, your tour leader will warmly welcome you and assist with check-in. Throughout your stay, your tour leader will be your dedicated concierge — available for recommendations, questions, or personal arrangements. In the afternoon, meet your tour leaders and fellow guests during a relaxed welcome reception. Take time to settle in, explore your surroundings, and savor the anticipation of the journey ahead

Journey northwards – from Paris to Bruges

Today begins with a scenic coach transfer from Paris to the medieval heart of Flanders: Bruges! Here you’ll board the deluxe floating boutique hotel for the coming week. Settle into your suite, get acquainted with your bike, and take a short stroll or ride to absorb Bruges’ enchanting atmosphere. This is where your active yet relaxed adventure truly begins. Get to know your fellow passengers over a delicious dinner on board the ship, and wind down with an after-dinner drink or a soak in the hot tub on deck.

Meals included: breakfast, dinner

Coastal views and Flemish culture – Bruges to the North Sea (38 or 51 km / 23 or 31 mi)

Your first day of cycling takes you to the North Sea coast, along scenic farmland and dunes. Feel the sea air on your face, pause for a moment of reflection by the water, or enjoy a drink at a local beach café. The peaceful ride back to Bruges follows quiet canals, and later in the day, you’ll enjoy an engaging onboard lecture introducing the region’s cultural landscape. Your tour leader can recommend a good place to eat dinner tonight in Bruges.

Meals included: breakfast

Storybook scenery – Bruges to Ghent (34 or 62 km / 21 or 38 mi)

Pedal through rolling countryside and peaceful fields toward Ghent, a lively university town steeped in history. Pause along the way for a delightful “Taste of Belgium” lunch. In Ghent, explore the city’s cobbled alleys and Gothic spires before a serene canal cruise reveals the city from the water, including highlights like St. Bavo Cathedral and the 12th-century fortress, Gravesteen. Afterwards, a final short bike ride brings you back to meet your ship not far away.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

River serenity – Ghent to St. Amands (38 or 50 km / 24 or 31 mi)

Follow the graceful curves of the Schelde River, one of the tour’s most tranquil routes. This peaceful ride brings you through open countryside, dotted with historic villages. A countryside picnic adds to the charm, and you’ll end the day in the quiet town of St. Amands, where the ship awaits and the pace remains blissfully unhurried.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Countryside to city – St. Amands to Antwerp (30 or 41 km / 19 or 34 mi)

Continue along the Schelde toward the vibrant port city of Antwerp. The scenery slowly shifts from green landscapes to elegant urban architecture. Admire the soaring Cathedral of Our Lady, home to masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, and soak in the lively atmosphere of the Grote Markt, with its ornate guild houses and café-lined square. A special included visit takes you to the Red Star Line Museum — a moving tribute to the millions of emigrants who once departed Europe for a new life in America. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace — whether that means a relaxed dinner in one of the city’s many bistros, a quiet walk through illuminated streets, or sipping a local Belgian beer as the sun sets over the Schelde.

Meals included: Breakfast

Crossing borders – Antwerp to Dordrecht (22 or 34 km / 14 or 21 mi)

After a morning cruise out of Antwerp, disembark near the Kreekrak Locks and cross into the Netherlands by bike. Ride through the lush, forested paths of the Wouwse Plantage toward the charming town of Tholen, where you’ll rejoin the ship. While cruising toward Dordrecht, enjoy an onboard talk that brings Dutch culture and landscapes into focus.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Windmills and silversmiths – Dordrecht to Utrecht (32 or 58 km / 19 or 36 mi)

Begin your day with a scenic Waterbus ride to Kinderdijk, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landscapes in the Netherlands. Here, 19 majestic windmills — some dating back to the 18th century — stand proudly against the sky. Built to manage the region’s ever-challenging relationship with water, these historic windmills are a testament to Dutch ingenuity and resilience. Cycle through the Alblasserward region, where the lush fields – reclaimed from the sea – the picturesque canals, and the wide-open skies create a serene rural backdrop. Stop in Schoonhoven, the “Silver City,” where a traditional “Taste of Holland” lunch adds a local flavor to your journey, before continuing to Utrecht, where the ship awaits.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Easy morning ride – Breukelen to Amsterdam

In the morning, enjoy breakfast and prepare for disembarkation while the ship navigates to Breukelen. There, it’s time to say goodbye to the crew who’ve been watching over you for the last week. While your luggage is transferred to your hotel in Amsterdam, you’ll set off on a final relaxed bike ride along peaceful canal paths and through green parkways, with time to pause for lunch on your own in a charming village or local café.

Upon arrival in Amsterdam, check in to your centrally-located hotel, and then spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. To bring your journey to a memorable close, gather in the late afternoon for a private farewell reception aboard a classic canal boat — a final chance to toast new friendships, reflect on the week’s highlights, and soak in the beauty of Amsterdam from the water one more time.

Your tour leader will remain on hand throughout the day, ready to offer recommendations, help with dinner plans, or even join you for one last stroll through the city’s enchanting streets.

Meals included: breakfast

Farewell — or Amsterdam extension

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell, as your unforgettable journey comes to a close. Your tour leader will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, assisting with departures and offering a warm goodbye after a week of shared discoveries.

But for those not ready to part ways just yet, extend your stay with two additional nights in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most captivating and effortlessly stylish cities! With its elegant canals, world-class museums, and laid-back charm, Amsterdam invites you to slow down and savor every moment.

Whether you’re admiring masterpieces in the Van Gogh Museum, exploring hidden courtyards in the cozy Jordaan neighborhood, shopping along the famous “Nine Streets,” or enjoying a quiet moment in the Vondel Park, this extension offers the freedom to experience the city at your own pace. Throughout your extended stay, your tour leader remains on hand as your personal concierge — ready to assist with sightseeing tips, dinner reservations, or simply to share a final toast in one of the city’s cozy cafés. It’s the perfect way to wind down your European escape — with a touch more culture, comfort, and Dutch hospitality.

Meals included: breakfast