Holland and Belgium by Bike, Barge and Cruise

Day 1: Amsterdam - overnight dock

Embarkation begins in the afternoon and by late afternoon the Merlijn will gracefully set sail towards the day's destination. Once onboard, you can savor a complimentary beverage, enjoy meeting the crew, and receive a tour presentation. Delight in a sumptuous dinner on board, and as the evening descends, you can enjoy a leisurely walkthrough a quaint Dutch village.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Vreeswijk/Nieuwegein
13-15 miles/20-25 km; option up to 28 miles/45 km

Your biking journey kicks off after a delightful breakfast, this is the perfect opportunity for your guide to outfit your bikes and address any cycling-related queries. Pedal along well-maintained bike paths through picturesque landscapes, immersing yourself in the Dutch cycling paradise. After your picnic lunch, you will have the choice to board the Merlijn and enjoy some relaxation time, or continue biking to extend your ride for today. In the afternoon, everyone will rejoin the ship to cruise to Vreeswijk/Nieuwegein.

Day 3: Vreeswijk/Nieuwegein - Rotterdam
25-28 miles/40-45 km

The ship departs Vreeswijk/Nieuwegein as you enjoy a hearty breakfast. Soon youo will start cycling, leave the ship behind and relish the lush surroundings. One of these days we will stop at a dairy farm to see how cheese is made. Today you will also visit Gouda, known for its magnificent cheeses.

After your visit, you will cycle alongside the polder landscapes that the Netherlands are known for. You soon reach Rotterdam, your destination for today.

Day 4: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht
19-22 miles/30-35 km; option up to 28 miles/45 km

Today's cycling path starts early for those who want the extra mileage. Either way the skyline of Rotterdam unfolds before you. The paved cycle paths reveal all the highlights. You will cross the Lecht River by ferry to reach Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19 windmills played a crucial role in draining the surrounding polders, preventing flooding, and rendering the land suitable for agriculture and habitation—a testament to the Netherlands' rich cultural and engineering history. From here you will take the ferry to reach Dordrecht directly, where the Merlijn is berthed

Dordrecht's storied history dates back to the 11th century. The city played a vital role in the Dutch Republic during the 16th and 17th centuries. In the evening, indulge in Dutch cuisine at one of the charming local restaurants.

Day 5: Dordrecht
22-25 miles/22-25 km

The Merlijn remains in port today, giving you a full day to explore Dordrecht and the stunning natural landscapes just beyond the city. This free day has been built into the tour so you can mix and match activities to suit your mood. Here are your options:

Option 1 – A day at your own pace. Give your bike a rest and discover everything Dordrecht's historic old town has to offer. Explore its rich cultural heritage and museums — this is where the first Dutch constitution was signed in 1814. Browse the shops along the longest uninterrupted shopping street in the Netherlands. Or simply relax on board and finally crack open that book you brought along.

Option 2 – Canoeing in the Biesbosch. Join the guide for a short bike ride to the Biesbosch, one of the Netherlands' most celebrated national parks. Park your bike, climb into a canoe, and spend a few hours paddling through the park's winding creeks. Keep an eye out for wildlife and soak in the tranquility. Don't worry about losing your way — the guide will be with you throughout.

Option 3 – Hiking in the Biesbosch. Prefer to stay on foot? Cycle with the group to the national park and set off on a guided hike of 10 to 15 km, depending on the group's pace. It's a wonderful way to experience this unique nature reserve, and one that draws walkers from across the country. Afterward, you'll cycle back to the ship together as a group.

This evening, dinner is on your own in the city. Dordrecht offers a wide selection of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. Since this is Merlijn's home port, the crew knows the area well and will be happy to recommend their favourites. It's your night to enjoy however you like.

Day 6: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen
22-25 miles/35-40 km

The morning will find you cruising to Willemstad. Willemstad is renowned for its well-preserved 16th-century fortifications built to safeguard the town from invasion. Your cycling route then leads directly from Willemstad to Tholen, across flat terrain and through a picturesque 'polder landscape.' Tholen, once an island amidst the vast Zeeland streams, was historically centered around fishing. Today, it retains its charm and holds many relics from its eventful past.

Day 7: Tholen - Antwerp
19-25 miles/30-35 km; option up to 37 miles/60 km

Today's bike ride is all about the cultural and landscape changes as you cross the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. After breakfast, set out on your journey, and just before you reach Antwerp, choose from two options. Either board the Merlijn and sail through Antwerp's magnificent harbor to the historic center or continue biking through the harbor landscape until you reach the Merlijn's berth in Antwerp.

Day 8: Antwerp

Antwerp is renowned as the 'Diamond City' and the painter Rubens's birthplace. Within the city, you will encounter the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady and opulent merchant homes - remnants of Antwerp's illustrious past around the Market Square. The guide will direct you towards the best sites, markets, and museums. The afternoon is free for shopping in the bustling city center. In the evening, you can choose where to dine in one of Antwerp's numerous local restaurants.

Day 9: Antwerp - St. Amands - Dendermonde - Ghent
19-31 miles/30-50 km

Your morning the ship will leave Antwerp and cruise along the Scheldt River. Today's cycling route is dependent on the tides of the river, which adds an element of surprise as to what today's route will hold. There is a beautiful cycle path that passes through scenic landscapes surrounding the river. As the cycling leg of your journey commences, following the captivating yet unpredictable course of the Schelde. Soon, the city of Ghent comes into view.

Day 10: Ghent - Bruges
25-28 miles/40-45 km

Today you will start by exploring Ghent, a lively university city with a rich history dating back to Roman times, sits at the confluence of the Leie and Schelde rivers. Its strategic location brought prosperity over the years. The St. Baafs Cathedral, a significant church built in various ages and styles, graces the city. The Merlijn's berth is a bit distant from the town, so a boat ride through the city's canals will be organized before continuing on the bike ride.

Pedal through the serene countryside of Western Flanders to reach the enchanting city of Bruges, often referred to as 'Venice of the North.' Bruges boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site city center, celebrated for its well-preserved and restored medieval architecture, charming canals, and picturesque squares. The notable Belfry of Bruges - a medieval bell tower dating back to the 13th century - is a prominent landmark in the city center. Visitors can ascend the tower for sweeping panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Conclude your day with dinner on board and an evening stroll through the city.

Day 11: Departure from Bruges

After a hearty breakfast, it is time to say goodbye.

Day 1: Bruges – Overnight dock
no cycling

Day 2: Overnight dock – Ghent
22-25 miles/35-40 km

Day 3: Ghent – Antwerp
19-31 miles/30-50 km

Day 4: Antwerp
Culture day

Day 5: Antwerp – Tholen
19-25 miles/30-35 km; option up to 37 miles/60 km

Day 6: Tholen – Dordrecht
22-25 miles/35-40 km

Day 7: Dordrecht
12-16 miles/20-25 km + Canoe tour or Hike

Day 8: Dordrecht – Kinderdijk – Rotterdam
19-22 miles/30-35 km; option up to 28 miles/45 km

Day 9: Rotterdam – Gouda – Vreeswijk
25-28 miles/40-45 km

Day 10: Vreeswijk – Utrecht - Amsterdam
22-25 miles/35-40 km; option up to 37 miles/60 km

Day 11: Departure from Amsterdam