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Amsterdam to Bruges 8 Day Guided Bike and Barge Tour (LM)
Two countries, Holland and Belgium, united in one Bike & Barge holiday. Combining the highlights of Holland’s Golden Age and the heydays of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages. And last but not least, Holland’s own world wonder: the Delta Works.
The Dutch 17th century Golden Age and the heyday of the Flemish trading cities of the Middle Ages are united in this route. Notice the big difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages and the old world of islands in Zeeland with its pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams. On top of that the often so picturesque Flemish countryside between the Belgian monumental cities of Ghent and Bruges. The great rivers are a prominent feature in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium. Of course you will get to know our own, Dutch Wonder of the World: the Delta Works, evidence of the eternal battle against the waters of the sea.
Suitable for people of all ages. On some days you will be cycling through a windy area or (depending on the tour) may encounter short slopes with differences in heights up to 75 m. or (gently rolling terrain); with distances to 60 kilometers per day. You spend about 5 hours on your bicycle. This is a guided group tour.
Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
In addition to the wider waterways it can also be found cruising on the smaller inland waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. In the evenings it is possible to come together in the spacious sitting area. Winter of 2015 on 2016 the barge was converted to a more luxurious barge. There is limited WiFi on board. Cabin plan: 8 Twin cabins, in some cabins beds can be placed together. 2 Superior cabins for 2 or 3 pax (15 m²) All cabins are provided with: air conditioning, private bathroom, central heating, 220 voltage, soap, hair dryer, windows/portholes (cannot be opened).
If you would like to rent a Touring bike (120 EUR) or E-Bike (235 EUR), please contact [email protected] when booking
Slow Tours offers a range of Bike and Barge Tours Europe
Amsterdam - Oude Wetering 10km
You are expected to arrive on our barge at the latest at 2 PM. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam at 2.15 PM. It is very important you are on time. The barge can’t wait due the opening hours of bridges and/or locks. When you arrive on board the ship, you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers. We sail to Oude Wetering where the guide will take you on a short ride to get used to your bikes.
Oude Wetering - Gouda 45km
From Oude Wetering you will continue your tour over country roads along river banks and channels through the Green Heart to the city known for its cheese: Gouda. Who thinks of Gouda, not only thinks of cheese, pipes, ‘stroopwafels’ (treacle-waffle) and pottery, but also of stained-glass windows, a fairy-like town hall and atmospheric canals. Gouda is a beautiful Old-Dutch city with a mostly intact city centre. As on most days, after dinner you can take a walk through the city.
Gouda - Dordrecht 39km
Today you will cycle along the Dutch IJssel, through the deepest lying polder of the Netherlands Krimpenerwaard and over narrow cycling paths to the river ‘Lek’. Here you will cross the river by ferry to Kinderdijk. From the embankments of the river Lek, you will witness an amazing view of the 19 windmills, which are now listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This is where you will take a break and visit the interior of a windmill. After a beautiful tour through the Alblasserwaardpolder you will take a fast ferry to the old town of Dordrecht, birthplace of independence of the Netherlands.
Dordrecht sailing to Willemstad, cycling to Kreekrak, sailing to Antwerp, 56/65 km
From Dordrecht you sail to the 17th century fortified town of Willemstad. After a short stop to explore this nice litte town you continue past the Volkeraksluizen (locks), one of the busiest locks in Europe. You continue through a flat polder landscape to the woodlands surrounding Bergen op Zoom. After this lively town you will bike over the “Brabantse Wal”, a wooded sand wall, a deposit dating back tot the Ice Ages. This area is famous for its delicious strawberries and asparagus.
You board the barge again at the huge Kreekrak lock for a cruise to Antwerp. This is a fascinating journey along the river with its big sea going vessels. The entrance to the harbour of Antewerp is spectacular as you sail past the impressive new Havenhuis (Harbour House).The historical centre of Antwerp is worth a visit, here you'll find: the Onze-Lievevrouwenkerk and the Rubenshuis. In the Willemsdok, near the Museum for Modern Art (Museum Aan de Stroom) you will find the barge.
Antwerp cycling to Sint Amands, 40 km
This morning you first cross the Scheldt river via the old St. Anna tunnel using the escalator with moving wooden stairs, a special experience. Cycling along the Scheldt river you pass Basel, one of the most beautiful villages of Belgium, and Rupelmonde the birthplace of famous 16th century cartographer Gerardus Mercator. On the way to Sint Amands the cycle route leads you along nature reserves and wetlands like Durme and Schausselbroek. Especially the mudflat of Durme is worth mentioning because it's one of the last fresh water marshes along this tidal part of the river and therefore has a unique flora and fauna. Sint Amands is a sleepy village in a bend of the Scheldt river.
Sint Amands, sailing to Dendermonde, cycling to Ghent, 47 km
This days starts with a leisurely sail to Dendermonde. After disembarking you will visit the beautiful market square with its impressive 14th century town hall and belfry. From here you cycle again along the Scheldt river to Berlare and later on Wetteren, with its rose nurseries. This is the last place before Ghent, so it's a perfect place to taste some Belgian beer before you reach the city and board the ship again.
Ghent is proud of its rich past but the role of the city is not restricted to a museum-city. The city is a stunning mixture of medieval buildings, chic shopping areas with beautiful mansions, old workers districts from the early twentieth century which now house hundreds of students and busy squares where one can sit and enjoy warm summer nights until the early hours.
Ghent - Bruges 45km
This morning you will cycle through Ghent to the scenic countryside of Oost-Vlaanderen (East-Flanders). Characteristic for this area are the woods, fields, small villages and castles. From the Aalterbrug (also for the shorter route) the last part of this route takes us over the former tow path along the canal of Oostende-Gent, the oldest canal of Belgium, to Bruges. The impressive city of Bruges is the end destination of this bike and barge trip. This evening you can enjoy the medieval city of Bruges and many of you are likely to stay another day in this beautiful city.
Bruges
End of the tour after breakfast, before 10 AM. If you have an early flight, ask the the tour leader to arrange a taxi to the Airport.
Tours marked with are special prices.
| Start | End | Max. No. Guests | Accommodation | Price p.p. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 15 2025 | May 22 2025 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,270€ | ||
| Double rooms | 0€ | |||||
| Jun 12 2025 | Jun 19 2025 | 22 | Single rooms | 0€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,530€ | |||||
| Jun 26 2025 | Jul 03 2025 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,030€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,370€ | |||||
| Jun 25 2026 | Jul 02 2026 | 22 | Single rooms | 2,125€ | ||
| Double rooms | 1,435€ |
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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