Bruges – Amsterdam by Bike and Boat

Day 1: Bruges – cycle to Aalterbrug – cruise to Ghent
13 miles/21 km

The barge is moored near Bargeweg, just outside Bruges city center and close to the Bruges train station. You are expected to arrive on Saturday between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. Upon arrival, you can settle in and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. This is also a great opportunity to meet the tour leader, skipper, crew, and your fellow passengers.

The barge departs at 2 PM. Your first bike ride takes you along the canal from Bruges to Ghent, with easy cycling on towpaths and quiet roads. At Aalterbrug, the barge will pick you up and continue sailing to the bustling city of Ghent. During dinner on board, the itinerary for the following day and the overall plan for the week will be discussed. You will also receive instructions on cycling and safety procedures.
Overnight in Ghent.

Day 2: Rest day in Ghent

Today is at your leisure. Ghent takes pride in its rich history, visible in the many well-preserved guild and patrician houses, old warehouses, Gravensteen (a medieval castle), St. Nicholas Church (with 13th-century foundations), St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the 14th-century Belfry (‘Belfort’).

Yet Ghent is far more than a museum city. Its lively squares and cozy pubs create a vibrant atmosphere, combining medieval architecture, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, and working-class neighborhoods from the early 20th century—now often home to students. The bustling squares are perfect for dining and socializing late into a warm summer evening.

If you wish, you can also join your guide for a cycling excursion. Just outside Ghent, in Destelbergen, the castles and luxurious villas along the banks of the Scheldt River bear silent witness to the rich history of this area.
Overnight in Ghent.

Day 3: Ghent – Middelburg
28 miles/45 km

Today you'll leave Belgium and arrive in the Netherlands. During breakfast, the ship will cruise to Sas van Gent from where you'll depart to cycle through the Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders). Enjoy a short ferry trip from Breskens to Vlissingen (Flushing), crossing the Westerschelde. From Vlissingen, it's just 30 more minutes of cycling to reach Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland.

Modern Middelburg has regained as well as preserved much of its historic and picturesque character. You'll discover lavish 17th- and 18th-century merchant houses and storehouses standing along the canals and a medieval abbey that's still in use today as a museum and seat of provincial government.
Overnight in Middelburg.

Day 4: Middelburg – Zierikzee
31 miles/50 km

Start today with a ride to the town of Veere, formerly an important center for trade. From Veere, you'll cycle over the Veersgatdam (with the possibility of a beach visit here) to North Beveland. Soon, you'll reach the Oosterscheldedam. The enormous locks are built in this embankment and can be closed during storms and high tides to protect the southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. This embankment was one of the last in a series of barriers built against the ocean. When cycling along the embankment, you'll see why protecting the country now and in the future, and letting seawater into the widespread Delta area, has been one of the most difficult and costly challenges for the Netherlands. This is precisely why the Deltaworks are referred to as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. After visiting the dam, you'll continue pedaling to Zierikzee.
Overnight in Zierikzee.

Day 5: Zierikzee – Willemstad – cruise to Dordrecht
34 miles/55 km

Enjoy cycling on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland towards Bruinisse. This village is known to be a very isolated community, where the main source of income is the mussel fishery - as you cycle along the dike to the Grevelingen, you'll find a statue of an opened mussel.

From here, you'll continue your ride towards Willemstad (an old fortified town). In Willemstad, you will board the ship and cruise to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland, located at the crossroads of busy waterways.
Overnight in Dordrecht.

Day 6: Dordrecht – cruise to Gorinchem – cycle to Vianen
31 miles/50 km

In the morning, you'll sail from Dordrecht to Gorinchem where you'll visit Woudrichem (an old fortified town) and the most famous castle in the Netherlands - Loevestein.

Afterward, you'll follow the meandering River Linge through the Betuwe. This area is known for its large number of verdant orchards and will be covered in blossom in the months of April and May. Along the city of Leerdam, famous for its glass, you'll continue your tour northwards towards Vianen.
Overnight in Vianen.

Day 7: Vianen – cruise to Breukelen – cycle to Amsterdam
25 miles/40 km

During breakfast, the barge sails to Breukelen (Brooklyn), where you will begin your cycling route to Amsterdam along two of Holland’s most scenic rivers: the Vecht and the Amstel. Along the way, you will pass magnificent 18th-century country houses and mansions, each with splendidly maintained gardens.

The name Amsterdam originates from “Amstelredamme,” reflecting the city’s beginnings as a dam on the Amstel River. Following the Amstel, you will gradually enter the city, with Amsterdam’s extensive network of bicycle paths providing an easy route into the centre and allowing you to take in some of its remarkable sights.

Upon arrival, it is time to say goodbye to your bike. Before the farewell dinner, you may wish to enjoy a stroll through the city. In the evening, a canal cruise or a city walk is the perfect way to conclude your trip and experience Amsterdam by night.
Overnight in Amsterdam.

Day 8: Amsterdam

End of the tour and disembarkation after breakfast (before 10:00 am). Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Amsterdam to maximize your experience in this iconic Dutch city.

This itinerary is subject to change with no notice.