Amsterdam – Bruges by Bike and Boat – Fluvius (and reverse)
7 nights from €1360
4.29
A bike and boat tour between two iconic European canal cities
Some of the most beautiful cities of Flanders and Holland are highlighted during this tour: Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Amsterdam - where you can still sense the charm of days long gone.
After embarkation, you will have plenty of time to discover Bruges, the 'Pearl of Flanders'. The Fluvius will leave Bruges early the next day, and you can start your first bike tour to Ghent. On the following day, you will cycle along the beautiful River Schelde and reach St. Amands. Further downstream along the Schelde, the harbor city of Antwerp awaits you.
Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities of the Netherlands, marks the end of your first day on Dutch ground. On the following day, the barge will bring you to Kinderdijk, where the most famous windmills of the Netherlands are located, providing an iconic Dutch scene for a photograph. In the evening, you can explore Vianen. You'll spend the last evening of your bike and barge trip in one of Europe's most exciting cities, Amsterdam, before you disembark in the morning.
Combining a cycling holiday with a journey on a comfortable ship is a typically 'Dutch' concept. Cycling cruises are ideal for those who like to cycle during the day and explore beautiful areas, without giving up a comfortable way of traveling. During our tours, you don't have to pack and unpack your suitcases every day to travel from one beautiful place to the next!
There are daily guided bike tours with two guides and the option of longer/shorter or faster/slower tours. It is also possible to ride the bike tours individually - tour descriptions and maps are available on board.
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.
Great biking paths through scenic countryside
“Well mapped routes available on phone app that wound through picturesque countryside and villages. Boat was comfortable and staff was great!”
—Jodi Welch
Great biking paths through scenic countryside
“Well mapped routes available on phone app that wound through picturesque countryside and villages. Boat was comfortable and staff was great!”
—Jodi Welch
Nice way to experience Belgium and the Netherlands.
“Very good ride. So much to see along the way and relatively easy. Planning with biketours.com worked well and our back and forth communication during the planning process was as…” Full Review
“Very good ride. So much to see along the way and relatively easy. Planning with biketours.com worked well and our back and forth communication during the planning process was as expected. Pre-travel materials were accurate, and we were well prepared upon arrival in Europe. In country, Boat Bike Tours did a nice job. The boat was clean and well-staffed with friendly people. The bikes worked well, however we were not able to bring our own pedals and saddles as we have been able to swap them out on previous rides with biketours.com. Apart from blowing out the bearings on a pedal, we had no issues with the bikes. We went self guided and the directions via the Ride with GPS app were spot on and accurate. Highlights, bathrooms, restaurants along the route were highlighted and worth the visit. We liked having options on some days as well with a couple choices on rides. Though I enjoy staying in the different small European cities along the way and having our luggage transported on previous rides, the boat worked well, especially for those that wanted to take a day off due to rain or winds. For the most part, the boat parked in excellent locations making it easy to explore on your own. There was no curfew on the boat, so you could come and go as you please for the most part. Part of the trip is not riding, but on the boat. This is primarily through industrial areas, which was interesting because we traveled through multiple locks. We traveled with two vegans, and were told during planning process that they could not accommodate these diets, but the staff were eventually able to make vegan meals for the two which was not expected, but welcome none the less (thank you Firas on board the Fluvius!). Note that helmets were included on the boat free of charge, so don't pay the 10 Euro to rent one.” Less
—Gib E
Daily Program
This tour goes from Amsterdam-Bruges and in the reverse, from Bruges-Amsterdam. Both itineraries are outlined below.
Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam | Cruise Amsterdam – Vianen
3-9 miles/5-15 km
Embarkation and check-in is at 1:00 pm. Around 2:00 pm, the ship will cruise to Vianen, where you will stay the night. Here, you can enjoy a short test bike ride through the surrounding area. Vianen is a beautiful medieval city with remnants of the old defensive walls and a historic town center.
Overnight in Vianen.
Day 2: Cycle Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk | Cruise Kinderdijk – Dordecht
34 miles/56 km
After breakfast, you'll cycle a beautiful route to Schoonhoven, nicknamed 'Zilverstad' ('Silver City') owing to its reputation for talented silversmiths stretching back to the 17th century. As you continue cycling along the Lek River, you'll pass through the Alblasserwaard region to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have the opportunity to visit on of these iconic Dutch landmarks. From nearby Alblasserdam, you'll take the 'Waterbus', a fast ferry that'll take you and your bike to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland, in approximately 10 minutes.
Overnight in Dordrecht.
Day 3: Cruise Dordrecht – Tholen | Cycle Tholen – Kreekrak lock | Cruise Kreekrak lock – Antwerp
13 miles/20 km or 23 miles/36 km
During breakfast, the ship will cruise to Tholen. You'll start today's bike tour by riding through a forested area, the 'Wouwse Plantage', towards the impressive Kreekraksluis (locks). Here, you'll meet your ship and cruise to Antwerp. Antwerp, birthplace of the world-famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens, is famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and boasts a number of beautiful attractions including: the City Hall (one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period), the historic City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner, you'll visit Steen Castle and the beautiful city center.
Overnight in Antwerp.
Day 4: Antwerp – Temse – Dendermonde
29 miles/48 km or 39 miles/64 km
Today’s tour will see you follow a beautiful cycle path out of Antwerp along the tidal Schelde River towards Dendermonde, your home for the night. The landscape around the Schelde is magnificent and undoubtedly one of the natural highlights of the tour.
Overnight in Dendermonde.
Day 5: Dendermonde – Ghent
32 miles/52 km
Today you'll continue to follow the River Schelde towards Ghent, where the ship will moor at a lock in a suburb. Ghent, a lively university city with a rich history, is at the junction of the Leie and Schelde Rivers, a position that has granted it the status of being a major trading port since the Roman era. The city features an Opera House, 18 museums, over 100 churches, and more than 400 historical buildings. A major attraction is the St. Bavo Cathedral, where a number of medieval artistic masterpieces are housed, including the world-famous The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the van Eyck brothers.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 6: Ghent – Bruges
28 miles/45 km
Today your bicycle tour will lead through the beautiful Flemish countryside of West Flanders to Bruges, an iconic Belgian city. Every year, more than 2 million visitors are attracted to the ambiance of Bruges' UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed historic center. An outstanding example of a medieval settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric even as it has evolved over the centuries, meaning that today, the city's original Gothic constructions still form an integral part of Bruges' identity.
Whilst you're in this splendid city yourself, we recommend visiting one of the many museums, or simply soaking up the stunning beauty and culture of Bruges on a stroll or from the comfort of a streetside cafe.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 7: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea
23 miles/38 km or 31 miles/51 km
The last bike tour of your trip takes you along a quiet canal dotted with poplars and into an attractive polder landscape typical of Belgium. You'll pedal past a number of quaint farmhouses as you travel towards the North Sea coast, where a long sandy beach and numerous cafes provide an inviting spot for your lunch break. Refreshed and revitalized by this awesome landscape, you'll ride back to Bruges.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 8: Bruges
Disembarkation is by 9:30 am, following breakfast.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider a cycling day tour in Bruges or Amsterdam.
Day 1: Arrival and embarkation in Bruges
6 miles/11 km
Arrival and embarkation takes place between 1:00-2:00 pm in the beautiful city of Bruges, the 'Pearl of the Flanders'. The crew will welcome you aboard, and you'll have the opportunity to take a short bike ride in the afternoon. After dinner, your guide will lead you on a short walk around the magnificent historical center of Bruges.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 2: Bruges – Ghent
36 miles/57 km
Your first bike tour will begin early this morning, with a ride to Ghent through the iconic landscape of West Flanders. Today's destination is the historic center of Ghent, a lively university city with a rich history. Ghent is at the junction of the Leie and Schelde Rivers, a position that has granted it the status of being a major trading port since the Roman era. The city features an Opera House, 18 museums, over 100 churches, and more than 400 historical buildings. A major attraction is the St. Bavo Cathedral, where a number of medieval artistic masterpieces are housed, including the world-famous The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by van Eyck brothers. Soak up the atmosphere of the city during an afternoon stroll. The barge will be docked in a small suburb, approximately 30 minutes by bike from the city center.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 3: Ghent – Dendermonde
24 miles/40 km
After breakfast in Ghent, you'll cycle through a diverse landscape as you follow the tidal Schelde River towards Dendermonde, located at the junction of the Dender and Schelde Rivers. Dendermonde boasts a beautiful town hall located in a cozy, atmospheric square - this is the perfect location for a refreshing Belgian pint after your bicycle ride! The St. Alexius Beguinage is also worth a visit - here you can learn about historical housekeeping, work, and recreational traditions in Dendermonde.
Overnight in Dendermonde.
Day 4: Dendermonde – Antwerp
21 miles/48 km or 39 miles/63 km
Today you'll follow the Schelde further downstream through the Temse region towards Antwerp. This part of the route follows a beautiful, twisting section of the Schelde which, over the centuries, has held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish, and even Napoleon.
Antwerp - your destination for the day - is a harbor city situated on the Schelde and famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds. The city, birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens, boasts many highlights 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 | Cycling Kreekrak locks – Tholen | Cruise Tholen – Dordrecht
23 miles/36 km or 13 miles/20 km
This morning, the ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here, your bicycle tour begins with a ride through the beautiful 'Wouwse Plantage' forest to Tholen. Tholen used to be an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams where many people fished for a living. Nowadays, it's connected to the mainland in a number of ways, but Tholen is still a picturesque village with many relics of its eventful past.
From Tholen, you'll join the ship again for a relaxing afternoon sail into Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland. Halfway through the route, the ship will pass the impressive Volkerak lock system. Your tour leader will take you for an interesting walk this evening, providing intriguing insight into the history of the Netherlands.
Overnight in Dordrecht.
Day 6: Cruise Dordrecht – Alblasserdam | Cycle Alblasserdam – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Vianen
36 miles/57 km
A fast ferry will bring you into Alblasserdam today. From here, you'll cycle to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed windmills. You'll visit one of these iconic Dutch landmarks, constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder.
Cycle onwards to Vianen via Schoonhoven, nicknamed 'Zilverstad' ('Silver City') since the 17th century owing to its reputation for talented silversmiths. Vianen, sitting on the River Lek, is a beautiful medieval city with remnants of the old defensive walls and a historic town center.
Overnight in Vianen.
Day 7: Cruise Vianen – Breukelen | Cycle Breukelen – Amsterdam
24 miles/38 km or 29 miles/48 km
The ship will cruise to Breukelen this morning, where you'll disembark and begin the last day of your cycling tour. Ride along the little River Vecht in an area well known for its beautiful mansions, small castles, and grand houses boasting large gardens. You'll cycle through the small villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen, and Vreeland to Nigtevecht, where you'll visit a traditional cheese farm. Next, cycle onwards to the historical town of Muiden and finally to iconic Amsterdam, where you'll meet the barge for the final time in Amsterdam's harbor.
Overnight in Amsterdam.
Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation by 9:30 am, following breakfast.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Amsterdam or Bruges.
Note: Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the shorter bicycle ride options.
Boats
Fluvius
22 cabins, 2 decks, 1 tour Enjoy your stay on the comfortable river cruiser the Fluvius. The Fluvius has been a standard vessel in Holland and Belgium for many years and was remodeled in 2018 to increase the number…
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
Azor
The e-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
More about electrically-assisted bikes >
Equipment available:
- Water repellant saddle bag
- Repair kit with spare tube
- Pump
- Combination lock
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:
A limited number of helmets are available to rent (see 'dates and prices" tab) We recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes or plan to purchase one upon arrival. Helmets are compulsory for children under 15.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Surface and terrain
The quality of the cycle paths along this route is excellent. The paths are mostly paved or asphalted, and there are no gradients of note.
How to get there
Tour start (Amsterdam - Bruges) or tour end (Bruges - Amsterdam)
Nearest airport: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
Nearest train station: Amsterdam Centraal
Tour end (Amsterdam - Bruges) or tour start (Bruges to Amsterdam)
Nearest airport: Ostend-Bruges (OST)
Nearest train station: Bruges
Tips on getting to and from your tour.
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