7 nights | 31 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 1115
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Bruges to Amsterdam
7 night guided bike and boat tour in Belgium and Holland on Sailing Home, Liza Marleen or Anna Antal
Two countries, Holland and Belgium, united in one route. Combining the highlights of the Netherlands' Golden Age and the heydays of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages on this bicycle tour.
Variety is the keyword in this tour. Cycling and sailing you will cross different landscapes such as the green Dutch polder landscape with water aplenty and quiet roads and villages, the picturesque countryside between the Flemish cities and of course the rich history of the old city-centers of Amsterdam, Antwerp (city of the painter Rubens), Ghent and Bruges. Also, the large rivers in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium are a prominent feature along the route.
The Amsterdam - Bruges (and reverse) itinerary is available on a number of boats on various dates. Please check Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Princesse Royal, 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, and Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse) for additional dates.
Highlights
- Bruges
- Ghent
- Antwerp
- Windmills Kinderdijk
- Fortified towns along the Maas
- Breukelen (Dutch Brooklyn)
Learn More
Learn more about guided tours.
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![Antwerp, Belgium.]()
![Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam Bike & Boat Tour]()
![Utrecht, the Netherlands. Jonne Makikyro, Unsplash]()
![Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam Bike & Boat Tour]()
![Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium. Azamat Esmurziyev, Unsplash]()
![Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam Bike & Boat Tour]()
![Utrecht, the Netherlands. Mixim Hopman, Unsplash]()
![Bruges - Antwerp - Amsterdam Bike & Boat Tour]()
![Antwerp, Belgium. CC:Maros]()
![Lys River, Ghent, Belgium. CC:Graham Richter]()
![Utrecht, the Netherlands. Maurice Smeets, Unsplash]()
![Bruges, East Flanders, Belgium. Simon Fevery, Unsplash]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Gauravjain, Unsplash]()
![Mussels & fries in Bruges, Belgium. CC:FLEandJS Film Crew Fries]()
![Cafe in Bruges, West Flanders, Belgium. Tamargogua, Unsplash]()
![Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium. CC:Gregd1957]()
![Bruges, Belgium. Emran Yousof, Unsplash]()
![Bruges, Belgium. Chris Curry, Unsplash]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. ContextTravel, Flickr]()
![Tulips galore in Holland! John-mark Smith, Unsplash]()
![Waalseilandgracht in Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Steven dosRemedios, Flickr]()
![Kinderdijk, South Holland, the Netherlands Roman Egautun , Unsplash]()
![Magna Plaza, Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Steven dosRemedios, Flickr]()
![Bruges, Belgium. Olivier Depaep, Unsplash]()
![Kinderdijk, South Holland. Giuseppe Bandiera, Unsplash]()
![Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium. CC:Michielverbeek]()
![Scheldt & Leie Rivers in Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium. DimHou, Unsplash]()
![Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands. Catalina Fedorova, Unsplash]()
![Ghent, East Flanders, Belgium. DimHou, Unsplash]()
![Frikandel with fries, a favorite Dutch delicacy. CC:Guusbosman]()
Traveler photos
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Daily program
Day 1: Bruges – Aalterbrug – Ghent (13 miles/21 km)
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. At 2:15 pm, you will start off the city walls of Bruges for a trip to Ghent. The barge will mostly be following the canal between Bruges and Ghent to Aalterbrug, which offers a beautiful, peaceful cycle route with an unexpected variety of experiences.After dinner, you will have some time to discover the old and characteristic city center. Ghent is a big city with some 250,000 inhabitants. The name is said to have originated from the Celtic Ganda, meaning "mouth, confluence." Indeed, the rivers Leie and Schelde flow together in the centre of the town. In 630 the Holy Amandus founded St Baaf's Abbey. In the Middle Ages, Ghent became one of the most influential cities of Europe (approximately 56,000 inhabitants in 1350), due to the cloth industry. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, there were many conflicts with the lords of Flanders as well as within the city itself.
Economic decline set in, in 1584 when the town was captured by the Spaniards during the rebellion of the Netherlands against King Philips II and lasted for several centuries. The revival only came in the 19th century, when Ghent developed into an industrial town -and became a socialist stronghold at the same time. The city has many well-preserved guild's and patricians' houses as well as old warehouses, Gravensteen (a mediaeval castle), St Nicholas Church (with 13th century foundations), St Baaf's Cathedral (14thcentury, with the famous painting "De Aanbidding van het Lam," "The Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eijck brothers) and the "Belfort" (Belfry; 14th century).
The city of Ghent is proud of its rich past but is much more than just a museum town. This lively city with its numerous squares and cozy pubs is an excellent mixture of medieval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century which now often house students and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours on a sultry summer night.
Overnight in GhentDay 2: Ghent – Dendermonde, cruising to St. Amands (29 miles/47 km)
Early Sunday morning you will cycle through the old center of Ghent. After coffee, you will leave for a nice day along the Scheldt, one of the most beautiful rivers of Europe.After approximately 20 km you'll reach Wetteren, a nice flemish city which is well known for its rose nurseries. But also a good place to learn what the Belgium word "staminee" means. Berlare is the last place before Dendermonde so it's a perfect place to taste some Belgian beer before you board the ship again. Your boarding place for today is Dendermonde, a city which is known for the legend of the Beiaart. From Dendermonde you'll cruise to the quiet village of St. Amand where you will spend the night.
Overnight in St. AmandsDay 3: St. Amands – Antwerp (25 miles/40 km)
From St. Amands the cycle route leads you along the river and past nature reserves like the mudflats of Durme and Schausselbroek. Especially the mudflats of Durme is worth mentioning because it's one of the last freshwater marshes along this tidal part of the river and therefore has a unique flora and fauna.You continue your tour through Bazel, one of the most beautiful villages of Belgium. For an escalator, the wooden moving stairs in the St. Anna tunnel under the Scheldt is a unique experience before entering the city center of Antwerp. The historical center of Antwerp is worth a visit, here you'll find: the Onze Lieve Vrouwenkerk and the Rubenshuis. In the Willemsdok, near the Museum of Modern Art (Museum Aan de Stroom) you will find the barge.
Overnight in AntwerpDay 4: Antwerp – Willemstad (35-40 miles/56-65 km)
This morning you'll cruise through the big harbor of Antwerp, a big difference with the nature reserves and quiet villages of yesterday. But due to the big sea-going vessels and large harbor cranes, it's a fascinating journey which brings you to Holland where you start your bike tour at the Kreekrak locks.By bike, you will make a beautiful tour over the "Brabantse wal" a sand wall dating back to the times when Mammoths roam the area. Today you won't find any big elephants but the area seemed to be perfect for strawberry and asparagus fields. So harvest time is a great time to visit (depending on the weather: around June).
From the woodlands around Bergen op Zoom, you continue through a polder landscape to the old fortified town of Willemstad, near the Volkeraksluizen (locks) at the Haringvliet, the busiest locks of Europe.
Overnight in WillemstadDay 5: Willemstad – Gorinchem (28 miles/45 km)
From Willemstad, you'll cruise to Werkendam where you go ashore to continue your tour by bike through the land of Heusden and Altena. Along the Bergse Maas, the south border of the land of Heusden and Altena, you continue your tour through the fortified town of Heusden. From here another river, the Afgedamde Maas leads you back to the river Waal where you started your tour this morning. Here you'll find another beautiful fortified town, Woudrichem. A ferry brings you to the other side of the river where you'll board the ship.From here, the Afgedamde Maas leads you back to the river Waal where you started your tour this morning. Here you'll find Woudrichem, another beautiful fortified town. A ferry brings you to the other side of the river where you'll board the ship.
Overnight in GorinchemDay 6: Gorinchem – Vianen – Utrecht (31 miles/50 km)
From Gorinchem, you will follow the meandering river Linge through the Betuwe. This area is known for a large number of orchards and will be covered with blossoms in the months of April and May. Along the city of Leerdam, famous for its glass, you continue your tour north towards Utrecht. On your way toward Utrecht, you'll pass the so-called "Wiel van Bassa" the biggest dike burst hole in the Netherlands and another relic of the everlasting battle against the water. From Vianen, you'll cruise to Utrecht. After dinner, you can take a public bus to the old center of Utrecht.
Overnight in UtrechtDay 7: Utrecht – Amsterdam (25 miles/40 km)
During breakfast, you will cruise to Breukelen and cycle to Amsterdam along the Vecht and the Amstel rivers, the two most beautiful rivers in Holland. Along the route, you will find the magnificent country houses and mansions from the 18th century with their splendid, well-kept gardens. After dinner, you have the option to take a canal cruise through the canals of Amsterdam.
Overnight in AmsterdamDay 8: Amsterdam
End of the tour and disembarkation after breakfast.This itinerary is subject to change with no notice.
Surface and terrain
The tour follows a flat terrain route.
Boats
Many of these barges are former working river vessels, converted specifically for this kind of passenger vacation. The barges comply with the strict safety regulations set forth by the Dutch Shipping Inspection Authorities. On board, you'll find a cozy dining room, a sun deck/a deck for the bicycles. As there is limited storage space in each cabin, we recommend only 1 suitcase per person which you can slide the suitcase under the bed.
Do not expect a luxury cruise ship. The experience of the tour is built around guests being active cycling, and the layout of the barge supports a social environment in common spaces.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Brussels (BRU)
Nearest train station: BrugesTour end
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schipol (AMS)
Nearest train station: Centraal stationTips on getting to and from your tour
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Dates
Sailing Home: May 20; Jun 03, 17; Jul 01, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Sep 09, 23; Oct 07, 21, 2023
Anna Antal: May 27; Jun 10, 24; Jul 22; Aug 05, 19; Sep 02, 16, 30, 2023
Liza Marleen: Jun 24, Sep 30, 2023Low season: Jul 01, 2023 - Aug 18, 2023, October 21, 2023 - Oct 28, 2023
Standard season: May 20, 2023 - Jun 30, 2023, Aug 19, 2023 - Sep 08, 2023, Sep 30, 2023 - Oct 14, 2023
High season: Sep 09, 2023 - Sep 29, 2023
Prices
Sailing Home (Comfort DeLuxe class)Per person, double occupancy Low season Standard season High season Standard twin cabin €1260 €1400 €1535 Single cabin use (1 person/1 cabin) €1815 €2020 €2205 Anna Antal (StandardPlus/Comfort class)
Per person, double occupancy Low season Standard season High season Standard twin cabin €1115 €1235 €1350 Bunk bed cabin €945 €1045 €1145 Bunk bed, single use cabin (1 person/1 cabin) €1195 €1330 €1460 Liza Marleen (Comfort class)
Per person, double occupancy Standard season Standard twin cabin €1340 Superior twin cabin €1580 Superior triple cabin €1230 Single cabin use (1 person/1 cabin) €1920 Bike Rentals
Hybrid touring bike €100 Electrically assisted bike €195
Additional Options
Gluten free or vegan meals €50 Discounts
Child, 0-2 sharing cabin with at least 1 full-paying adult (on base package price) 100% Child, 3-11 sharing cabin with at least 1 full-paying adult (on base package price) 30% Included services
- 7 nights accommodation on board (including bed linens, 2 towels)
- Breakfast and dinner on board
- Lunch packages when on the road
- Minimum 3 city walks with tour guide
- Coffee and tea on board
- Tour guide
- Road book (1 per cabin)*
- Ferry fares on the route
- Wifi available in lounge and on deck (available in the Netherlands; up to 100MB free)
- GPS tracks (upon request)
*The road book (1 per cabin) includes the detailed itinerary. Although the tour is guided, if you wish to cycle any of the days on your own, you may purchase a set of bike maps (must be ordered at time of booking). The bike maps are road maps which provide an overview of the entire area and not just the daily cycling route.
Please note that special dietary needs can be accommodated upon request. Extra fees may apply; gluten-free/Celiac/vegan/lactose-free meals are an additional €75 charge. Please inform us of dietary requirements when booking your tour.
Bike rentals
Bikes available to be rented (booked in advance at the time of booking) include:
- Hybrid touring bike, 24-speed
- Electrically assisted bike, 24-speed, unisex*
- Children's bike, child seats (rear of bike), trailer bike (one-wheeled bicycle attached to adult hybrid bike)
*More about electrically-assisted bikes >
All above bike rentals will be equipped with the following at no additional charge:
- Helmet
- Pannier bag
- Lock
- Water bottle
- Repair kit (when cycling self-guided)
Pedals:
The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.Helmets:
Helmets are available with your bike rental. A helmet is required for children in the Netherlands; however, we recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.More information about the electrically assisted bike
Your electrically assisted bike has 24 gears, a detachable lithium-ion battery, hand brakes, pannier bags, a good lock, water bottle and you can get a repair kit. We draw your attention to the fact that you will be held responsible for damage to or theft of the bike, as long as the bike is not on board. (the E-bike has a value of more than € 2000). Never leave it unattended. Always lock it and fasten it to a fixed object, and don’t forget to remove the information panel from your steering wheel. If you didn't arrange cycle insurance when booking you can do this on board (the first day). Payment in cash is required.
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Route Map
Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.
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Reviews
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★★★★★ Razz October 12, 2019
Bruge to Amsterdam by Bike & Boat
I loved seeing Belgium and Netherlands by the calm pace of the bike and barge. It was exciting to see and experience the cities, small towns and villages, countryside, canals, forests, and farms & communities where people lived. The barge was comfortable, staff was great and the food on the barge was fabulous. I would definitely consider another trip by bike and barge.
- What was the date of your tour?
- September 21-28, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ J1951 September 23, 2019
Bike & Barge Tour
My husband and I both had a great time on our tour. We biked from Brugge to Amsterdam. Our guide was knowledgeable, the food was fabulous and we enjoyed getting to know the other bikers as we traveled through beautiful country. We highly recommend.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/7/19 - 9/14/19
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ SandyPatti August 30, 2019
Great bike and boating trip!
Our guide Seitse was terrific - very knowledgeable about the areas and routes. The crew on board Sailing Home made us feel very welcome and the food was excellent. The riding was quite pleasant (very flat almost everywhere) such that we rarely turned on our ebikes. Overall, it was a great way to see parts of Belgium and the Netherlands.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Aug 17 - 24, 2019
- How many tours have you completed?
- This was the first one.
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Sweeper July 2, 2018
Terrific introduction to bike touring
From the first moment to the last we had a great time. Thirteen riders and a great guide made for a splendid week touring the countryside between Brugge and Amsterdam. The pace was perfect with plenty of stops for food and drink. Our boat was nicely appointed and the on board chef made a different gourmet meal every night. We recommend a guided tour though we haven't tried a self guided tour yet.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 6/9 - 6/16 2018
- How many tours have you completed?
- one
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Catherine October 17, 2017
excellent bike adventure
Our barge crew was excellent, the group was wonderful and special, the food was very good and the trip a wonderful entry into bike and barging. Looking forward to more cycling and barging trips in the future.
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept. 30 to Oct. 7
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ SheRah October 9, 2017
Amazing teip
- What was the date of your tour?
- 9/30-10/7
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany October 10, 2017
We're glad you had a great time on tour. Thank you very much for your picture and your review!
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★★★★★ Peterm October 2, 2017
Excellent format - Barge Bike tour
Very enjoyable tour. Excellent crew. Excellent food. Excellent company. It is a good mixture of bike & barge travel. The cycling is gentle and Holland is flat. It is good to have a guide as it is impossible to get lost. Cycle routes in Belgium & Holland are very well organised, safe with minimum traffic and great scenery. Would recommend it. Note cabins are small.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 23September
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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BikeTours.com staff reply from Brittany October 3, 2017
We're delighted to hear you had a great time! I agree that the bike and boat tours are a wonderful way to explore Holland and Belgium. Thank you for taking the time to review!
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★★★★★ cwr01 August 23, 2017
Great Bike and Barge
The guide and barge crew were wonderful and very helpful and understanding. It was a great way to see the Low Countries. I would suggest they upgrade the quality of the bicycles.
- What was the date of your tour?
- July 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ CamL June 29, 2017
Excellent cycle tour
Such a great way to experience a country! Easy cycling with great sights and experiences. The group wasn't too big, the boat was comfortable and the food was healthy and delicious. The guide kept us moving along excellent trails and he found good places for us to lunch. All the sights he stopped at were very interesting.
(Would like to add a photo but can't)
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 10-17 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Much easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Le Buts June 21, 2017
Discovering the Natherlands
Excellent value, great tour, excellent food! We will gladly do another one of these small group tours one day. The group was a great size to give the opportunity to get to know each member of the group. Wonderful places and scenery.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 10 - 17 June 2017
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Shawn June 8, 2017
Great scenery, great boat and easy biking
The food on the boat was terrific, our guide provided wonderful walking tours of the towns and cities and at the end of the day, we can rest, sitting on the top deck of the boat, and look at the views.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 5/27 to 6/3
- How many tours have you completed?
- 2
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Tahoe Gal June 7, 2017
Excellent--Exceeded My Expectations
Everything was perfect on the Liza Marleen. Captain Els set the tone that was professional and relaxing. Chef Mariah's culinary creations were inventive and delicious. Guide Bert's attention ensured a carefree day of riding. And then there was the scenery! Riding was easy and the distance perfect (30-is miles a day) made for days I will remember for a long time. Room was more comfortable than many boats similar size with AC and fabulous showers.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 10 May
- How many tours have you completed?
- 0
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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★★★★★ Beana June 7, 2017
Bikes and Boats! And Lots More!
Comfortable bikes and idyllic rides. The Liza Marleen was a comfortable barge with great staff. Food terrific. A wonderful combination of touring and history, city walks and countryside explorations.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 26
- How many tours have you completed?
- 1
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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