Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique IV (and reverse)
7 nights from €1849
4.88
Cycle and cruise between two iconic canal cities
This brilliant bicycle tour takes you to some of the most beautiful cities in Holland and Flanders (Western Belgium), including: Amsterdam, Utrecht, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, cities where you can still feel the charm of days long gone.
After embarking from Amsterdam, you will cross through a beautiful part of the Netherlands before biking along the winding Vecht River, known for the impressive mansions and country houses sitting commandingly on its banks. You'll reach Kinderdijk, with its UNESCO World Heritage windmills and real Dutch cheese farms for a dose of iconic Dutch culture.
Discover the Dutch province of Zeeland, essentially one large river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt Rivers, known for its fantastic beaches, water activities and Delta works. Cycle through the Flanders region of Belgium where superb food and drink are the order of the day! The destination of your tour is Bruges, the 'Pearl of Flanders', with its magnificent medieval town center.
You will stay onboard a premium barge - your floating hotel. You will experience daily guided bike tours, but it is also possible to ride the bike tours individually as tour descriptions and maps are available on board.
In 2022 the boats will have two tour guides for guided cycling in smaller groups; guests can opt for longer/shorter of quicker/slower cycling tours (depending on the route) with a minimum of 22 guests on board.
The Amsterdam - Bruges (and reverse) itinerary is available on a number of boats on various dates. Please check the following tours for different boats and dates:
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique II (and reverse)
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique III (and reverse)
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Magnifique IV (and reverse)
Amsterdam – Gouda – Bruges by Bike and Boat
Bruges – Antwerp – Amsterdam by Bike and Boat
Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
Bucket list trip
“Springtime in Belgium and the Netherlands is a perfect time to ride through the countryside. Flowers and trees are a blooming! Our tour guides were very knowledgeable, friendly…” Full Review
“Springtime in Belgium and the Netherlands is a perfect time to ride through the countryside. Flowers and trees are a blooming! Our tour guides were very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Customer service all around from tour guides to boat staff were top notch. We did not lack for anything. The bikes were comfortable. We rented an ebike and it was super easy to use. There were a few times I forgot to turn it on. They’re not a heavy bike, so easy to forget with such flat terrain.” Less
—Nancy MG
Amazing Adventure!
“What a great biking experience, from the moment we were welcomed onboard. We were always greeted with a smile, and were well informed about next steps: the staff team were…” Full Review
“What a great biking experience, from the moment we were welcomed onboard. We were always greeted with a smile, and were well informed about next steps: the staff team were awesome! Because the tourist group is small, there was time to find friendship with like minded people from around the world.
The barge is beautiful, and the cabins very efficient. We enjoyed gourmet meals daily, and my food allergies were never a problem thanks to the very creative and talented Chef Jules.
I had never experienced ‘rush hour’ on bicycles, and was in awe that bicycles often get the right of way: so different in Canada! The busy cities gave way to daily rides through true countryside farms and water systems, with interesting stops. A great combination of riding.” Less
—Barbara Kirkham
Fantastic Bike/Barge Trip
“This Brugge to Amsterdam bike and barge trip exceeded our expectations in many ways. The barge was deluxe, clean and comfortable and the food was good. We had an upper level…” Full Review
“This Brugge to Amsterdam bike and barge trip exceeded our expectations in many ways. The barge was deluxe, clean and comfortable and the food was good. We had an upper level stateroom and think it was worth the cost.
The biking was easy although there were very strong winds a few times. We tried e bikes. About half the riders used them. This was our first experience with e bikes but at age 66 I will rent one again although we are long time , long distance cyclists.
We did expect more independent cycling and some cycling instruction for new riders riding in a large group. However, the route was tricky with so many paths to take so we stayed in the group. The small towns and scenery were a wonderful experience. The guides and boat crew were very knowledgeable and personable.
We will look for a similar experience in the future.” Less
—Brian Hallgarth
Daily Program
This tour departs from both Amsterdam and Bruges. Please see itineraries for each departure below.
Disclaimer: The 2026 itinerary is subject to change and may be updated without prior notice.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise to Vianen
Embarkation and check-in is at 2:00 pm, around which time the ship will depart for the small fortified village of Vianen, beautifully situated on the Lek River. After dinner, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a short test ride around town.
The city of Amsterdam is an icon of Europe, and if you're arriving the day before the tour, we strongly recommend taking one of our exciting day tour adventures!
Overnight in Vianen.
Day 2: Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk | Cruise to Dordrecht
19 miles/32 km or 34 miles/56 km
Today you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven, nicknamed Zilverstad ('Silver City') – a city renowned for its talented silversmiths since the 17th Century. Later in the day, as you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region, you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight – you will have the opportunity to visit one so don’t forget to bring your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the 'Waterbus' - a fast ferry - that will take you and your bicycle in approximately 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.
Overnight in Dordrecht.
Day 3: Cruise Dordrecht – Willemstad | Cycle Willemstad – Bergen op Zoom
26 miles/42km or 31 miles/50km
As you enjoy your breakfast aboard the ship, you'll sail to Willemstad where you'll start your day’s cycling. Willemstad is a beautiful old fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway. Your bicycle ride continues on to Tholen, once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays, Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways, but remains a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past.
In the afternoon you'll cycle to the destination of this evening - Bergen op Zoom. Bergen op Zoom is a historic fortified town that once lay on the open waters of Oosterschelde. After dinner, you can take a walk through the old town. Enjoy narrow streets, the old town market, church squares, and the idiocyncratic monumental buildings that show the history of a rich and eventful dating back over eight hundred years.
Overnight in Bergen op Zoom.
Day 4: Cycle Bergen op Zoom – Kreekrak lock | Cruise Kreekrak lock – Antwerp
13 miles/21km or 21 miles/35km
In the morning, you will enjoy a short bike ride through the beautiful 'Wouwse Plantage' surrounding Bergen op Zoom. In the early afternoon, you will once again board the ship which will sail to the port city of Antwerp, located on the Schelde river.
Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Marker, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner tonight will be in Antwerp at restaurant of your choosing (not included; recommendations available on board).
Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 5: Antwerp – Temse – St. Amands
21 miles/34 km or 31 miles/49 km
This morning you will cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to St. Amands, your home for the night. 'Magnificent' is the only way to describe the landscape around the Schelde - it is without a doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.
Overnight in St. Amands.
Day 6: Cruise St. Amands – Dendermonde | Cycling Dendermonde – Ghent
32 miles/53 km
Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the barge will moor at a lock in a town suburb. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times, Ghent's position at the junction of the Leie and Schelde Rivers has ensured its success as a trading port.
In total, the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches, and over 400 historical buildings. A key attraction is the St. Bavo Cathedral, where a number of masterpieces of medieval art, including the world famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck are kept, and the 91-meter-tall belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city center.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 7: Ghent – Bruges
13 miles/22km or 28 miles/45 km
Today you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as the 'Venice of the North' and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors every year who come to see the picturesque medieval center, which has received UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric even as it has evolved over the centuries, with the city's original Gothic buildings still forming an integral part of the town's identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges' many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 8: Bruges
After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation by 9:30 am. If you feel like getting more out of the city, try one of our exciting Bruges day tours!
All distances are "approximate distances" of recommended bike tours.
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Bruges
9 miles/15 km
Arrival and embarkation is between 1-2:00 pm in the beautiful city of Bruges, nicknamed the 'Pearl of Flanders'. The crew will welcome you to the ship, which departs at 2:00 pm from Bruges to a suburb where there is time for bicycle a fitting and test ride through the surrounding countryside. After dinner, the guide will take you for a short walk through the center of town.
We advise you to come to Bruges one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. If you want to get into the rhythm of riding early, we recommend taking one of our wonderful biking day tours in Bruges! While you're in town, make sure to visit one of Bruges' many museums, or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 2: Bruges – Ghent
21 miles/35 km or 36 miles/57 km
You will start your first day of cycling by pedaling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. Upon arrival in Ghent, consider an afternoon stroll - Ghent’s medieval center features lovely illuminated streets that are a 'must' to explore, while the architectural richness in the center has to be seen to be believed. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was the second-largest European city after Paris!
The ship will dock for the night at a lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 30 cycling minutes from the city center. Before dinner, a small canal boat will take you for a guided tour through the historic city.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 3: Ghent – Dendermonde / St. Amands
24 miles/40 km or 32 miles/53 km
After breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, located at the confluence of the Dender and Schelde rivers. There is only one way to describe the landscape along the Schelde and that is 'magnificent'. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour. During this section of the Schelde, the speed of the ship will be determined by the height of the tide. You will travel from Dendermonde to St. Amands by either bicycle or barge depending on the tides.
Overnight in St. Amands.
Day 4: St. Amands – Temse – Antwerp
19 miles/32km or 31 miles/49km
Today you will follow the Schelde river further downstream through the Temse region to Antwerp. Over the centuries, the Schelde River has held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon. Today, it is a beautiful waterway just perfect for bike and barge holidays! Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbor city famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. 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.
Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 5: Cruise Antwerp – Kreekrak locks | Cycle Kreekrak locks – Tholen | Cruise Tholen – Willemstad – Dordrecht
23 miles/36km or 13 miles/20 km
The barge will cruise this morning along the Schelde-Rhine Canal, over the huge Kreekrak locks to Tholen, a former fishing village amidst the large streams of the province of Zeeland. From Tholen you will cycle along the impressively large Volkerak locks to the fortified town of Willemstad, then cycle further to end in Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Today, the skipper will discuss with you which part of the tour will be covered by bicycle. You will enjoy an evening walk in Dordrecht with the guide to learn a little more about the history of the Netherlands. Dinner tonight will be in Dordrecht at restaurant of your choosing (not included; recommendations available on board).
Overnight in Dordrecht.
Day 6: Cruise Dordrecht – Kinderdijk | Cycle Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen
19 miles/32 km or 36 miles/57 km
Today you will start your tour with the 'Waterbus', a fast ferry that will take you and your bike to Alblasserdam in just 10 minutes. After just a few minutes of cycling you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th Century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments).
You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek (where you will be moored for the evening and can explore after dinner).
Overnight in Vianen.
Day 7: Cruise Vianen – Breukelen | Cycle Breukelen – Amsterdam
23 miles/36km or 28 miles/46 km
During breakfast, the ship cruises to Breukelen, where you disembark and your cycling tour starts. Ride along the small Vecht river, an area known for its beautiful mansions, small castles, and beautiful houses with large gardens. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen, and Vreeland, you'll arrive in Nigtevecht, where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through Abcoude and Ouderkerk beside the Amstel River to reach Amsterdam, where your barge will be waiting for you in the harbor.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam
After breakfast: end of the tour and disembarkation by 9:30 am. If you wish, you can explore Amsterdam and one of its numerous museums, do some shopping, or make a canal tour (not included). As an icon of Europe, Amsterdam is a worthy destination for some serious exploration! If you'd like to stay in the city for a few more hours or days, we strongly recommend taking one our insightful and enjoyable day tours!
All distances are "approximate distances" of recommended bike tours.
Boats
4.86Magnifique IV
18 cabins, 3 decks, 2 tours The Magnifique IV, built in 2020, is the newest addition and a fan favorite for a luxury experience aboard a deluxe-class barge. On the upper deck is a spacious and tastefully decorated…
Bikes
Standard touring bike
Azor
Unisex city bike with a low entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, and specially designed for this tour.
The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7-speed nexus drive, a Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy-to-use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tire. This all results in a lightweight, stable, and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
Electrically assisted bike
Granville E-Bike
The e-bike is a Granville E-Urban with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Bosch motor (500WH) offers 4 support levels. The e-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame. If there is no Granville e-bike available a comparable brand/model will be provided
Accessories
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment included with bike rental:
- Pannier bag
- Helmet
- Water bottle
You can bring your own bicycles for an additional charge(please inquire). The crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. At this time, it is not possible to change the pedals.
Saddle:
At this time, it is not possible to change the saddle. We recommend a universal padded saddle cover which can be pulled taught around the provided saddle.
Helmets:
Please note that helmets are available on this tour (for free, included with bike rental). We recommend that you bring your own, or purchase one when you arrive at your destination. In the Netherlands and Belgium, cyclists are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet, but we strongly recommend everyone to wear a helmet.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Children's equipment and tandems, in limited quantities (please inquire for pricing)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment included with bike rental:
- Pannier bag
- Helmet
- Water bottle
- Bike locks
- Gel saddle
You can bring your own bicycles for an additional charge (please inquire). The crew or tour operator are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. At this time, it is not possible to change the pedals.
Saddle:
At this time, it is not possible to change the saddle. We recommend a universal padded saddle cover which can be pulled taught around the provided saddle.
Helmets:
Please note that helmets are available on this tour (for free, included with bike rental). We recommend that you bring your own, or purchase one when you arrive at your destination. In the Netherlands and Belgium, cyclists are not obligated by law to wear a bike helmet, but we strongly recommend everyone to wear a helmet.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The tour follows flat terrain routes with occasional hills. The route is on dedicated bicycle paths around 50% of the time and follows roads shared with traffic around 30% of the time. The remaining 20% of the route follows quiet roads.
You will have an option to remain aboard if you wish not to cycle some days.
How to get there
Tour start
Amsterdam
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Centraal
Tour end
Bruges
Nearest airport: Ostend-Bruges International
Nearest train station: Bruges
Tips for getting to and from your tour.
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