Holland, Flanders, and Paris by Bike and Boat

Day 1: Arrival in Paris

Your tour begins in Paris, the City of Light. Upon arrival, an airport shuttle brings you to your centrally located hotel. As evening falls, enjoy an elegant dinner cruise on the River Seine, passing many of the city’s most famous landmarks as they glow after dark, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. This memorable evening offers a relaxed introduction to Parisian life through fine food, music, and views of the city from the water. Guests wishing to explore Paris more fully may arrange additional hotel nights and transfers in advance.

Day 2: Paris – Bruges
by bus transfer

After breakfast, travel by coach from Paris to Bruges, one of Europe’s most beautifully preserved medieval cities. On arrival, your luggage is transferred directly to the Iris while your guide leads a walking tour through the historic center. Highlights include the Market Square and Belfry Tower, whose bells have marked the city’s rhythm for centuries, as well as inviting cafés and artisan chocolate shops. You may also visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child or enjoy a canal cruise through the city’s waterways. Dinner is served on board, followed by a stroll through Bruges’ softly illuminated streets.

Day 3: Bruges – North Sea Coast – Aalter – Ghent
35 miles / 58 km

Spend the morning exploring Bruges or take part in an optional ride to the North Sea coast. The route to Blankenberge follows quiet lanes through meadows, windmills, and small Flemish villages. At the coast, enjoy sandy beaches, seaside cafés, and a maritime museum reflecting Belgium’s coastal heritage. Afterward, cycle inland toward Aalter to rejoin the Iris for an afternoon cruise to Ghent. Shorter cycling options are available, or you may remain on board and relax as the barge travels through tranquil canals. Approaching Ghent, the skyline of medieval towers signals the city’s former importance as a major trading center.

Day 4: Ghent – Dendermonde – St. Amands
25 miles / 40 km

Begin the day in Ghent, a lively university city where historic architecture blends seamlessly with daily life. Explore the old town’s guild houses, canals, and cobbled streets, and visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral to admire The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers. Later, cycle along the River Scheldt through peaceful countryside toward Dendermonde, located at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers. Continue on to St. Amands, where the Iris is docked for the night. In the evening, enjoy a Belgian beer tasting on board while learning about the country’s long brewing tradition.

Day 5: Dendermonde – Antwerp
20 or 32 miles / 32 or 51 km

Today’s ride leads from rural Flanders into Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city and a world-renowned diamond center. Choose between a shorter or longer cycling route, depending on your preference. Antwerp flourished in the 16th century as a major port and trading hub, and its wealth is reflected in the impressive architecture around the Grote Markt. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady to see masterpieces by Peter Paul Rubens, whose work is deeply connected to the city. Dinner is not provided this evening, giving you the opportunity to explore Antwerp’s diverse restaurant scene at your leisure.

Day 6: Antwerp – Tholen – Willemstad – Dordrecht
25 miles / 40 km

Depart Antwerp early by ship, sailing to Tholen, once an island community with a strong fishing tradition. From here, begin cycling across bridges and dikes that highlight the Netherlands’ remarkable water-management systems. The route follows the Volkerak Lock, part of the extensive Delta Works designed to protect the country from flooding. Continue to Willemstad, a 17th-century star-shaped fortress town whose streets still reflect its original defensive design. After time to explore, rejoin the Iris and sail to Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands, known for its canals, historic warehouses, and distinctive leaning church tower.

Day 7: Dordrecht – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen
30 miles / 48 km

Today showcases the classic Dutch landscape of water, wind, and wide-open spaces. Begin with a visit to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where nineteen historic windmills line the waterways, built in the 18th century to manage water levels. Continue cycling toward Schoonhoven, known as the Silver Town for its long-standing silversmithing tradition. After exploring the town and its museum, ride through peaceful countryside to Vianen, a small walled town along the River Lek, where preserved gates and quiet streets offer a restful end to the day.

Day 8: Vianen – Amsterdam
9 miles / 15 km

The final ride leads through the Dutch heartland toward Amsterdam. Cycle along rivers bordered by historic estates, willow trees, farms, and small villages that illustrate the close relationship between land and water. There may be time for a stop at a local cheese farm before continuing toward the city. Near Amsterdam, cross by ferry and follow well-marked cycling paths back to the harbor, where the Iris awaits for the final evening on board.

Day 9: Departure from Amsterdam

After breakfast, say farewell to the crew and your fellow travelers. Disembarkation takes place around 9:00 am. Assistance is available for arranging taxis or directions to the train station. Schiphol Airport is easily reached by train from Amsterdam Central Station, with platforms located directly beneath the airport terminal.