The Best of Holland & Flanders by Bike + Boat

BRUGES - AMSTERDAM

Map Bruges to Amsterdam

Route

Tour profile / level 1

You follow flat, asphalted bike paths and side roads in traditional landscapes of small winding rivers and canals, polders, dykes and windmills. This tour is well-suited to those who have never taken a cycling holiday before as it is flat and predominantly traffic-free - you also have the option to skip the cycling and relax on board.

Route description PREMIUM ships MAGNIFIQUE I - IV

Day 1: Bruges
Individual arrival in Bruges. Embarkation from 2 pm. After a short test ride with your rental bike, you will discover the charming old town of Bruges, also called the "Pearl of Flanders", during a city walk in the evening. We recommend arriving 1-2 days before the start of the tour to explore the city in more detail. 

Day 2: Bruges - Ghent, approx. 35 - 57 km
You will cycle along the green meadows of the Bruges-Ghent Canal through the beautiful Flemish landscape. The very special charm of the old university town of Ghent will also enchant you! In the center of the city, the defiant castle, countless pubs and dreamy alleys, which are fabulously illuminated in the evening. During a canal tour you will discover the very special charm of this city. Mooring at Merelbeke (about 30 minutes by bike from the city center).

Day 3: Ghent - Dendermonde / St. Amands, approx. 40 - 53 km
The overwhelming landscape along the tidal river Scheldt is undoubtedly a natural highlight. The speed of the ship depends on the tides. You will travel by bike or boat to St. Amands depending on the tide.

Day 4: St. Amands - Temse - Antwerp, approx. 33 - 49 km
This section of the Scheldt has been a strategic point for Romans, Vikings, Spaniards and also Napoleon for centuries and is today a beautiful waterway to the diamond city of Antwerp. The birthplace of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens awaits you with countless sights. In the evening, take the opportunity to try the famous cuisine of Belgium in one of the great restaurants.

Day 5: Antwerp - Tholen - Dordrecht, approx. 20 - 36 km
By boat you first cycle on the Scheldt-Rhine canal to the gigantic Kreekrak locks. You cycle through the wooded nature reserve "Wouwse Plantage" to the former fishing village Tholen, before you reach Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, after a boat trip.

Day 6: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Vianen, approx. 32 - 57 km
To Ablasserdam you take the "Waterbus"; from here it is only a few minutes to the historic 19 windmills of Kinderdijk. The bike tour continues via the silver town of Schoonhoven to the small fortified town of Vianen on the river Lek, where you will also spend the night.

Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen - Amsterdam, approx. 36 - 46 km
The landscape along the river Vecht is fantastic: passing manor houses, small castles, magnificent country houses and gardens reaching to the banks you cycle to Nigtevecht (visit of a traditional cheese farm) and further to the metropolis Amsterdam.

Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 and individual journey home.

Route description COMFORT ship FLUVIUS and DE HOLLAND

Day 1: Bruges (11 km)
Individual arrival to Bruges. Embarkation from 2 pm. After embarkation you can test your bike, during a city walk you will discover Bruges charming old town , also called "Pearl of Flanders". We recommend arriving 1-2 days before the start of the trip to explore the city in more detail. 

Day 2: Bruges - Ghent, approx. 57 km
After a short boat trip, you cycle along the Ghent-Bruges Canal through the beautiful Flemish countryside to the old university town of Ghent. Visit the defiant Gravensteen Castle and stroll through the fabulously illuminated alleys. Mooring at Merelbeke (about 30 minutes by bike from the city center).

Day 3: Ghent - Dendermonde, approx. 40 km
Undoubtedly a natural highlight is the overwhelming landscape of the tidal river Scheldt. The speed of the ship today depends on the tides.... You will travel by bike or boat to Dendermonde, depending on the tide.

Day 4: Dendermonde - Temse - Antwerp, approx. 48 - 61 km
A beautiful waterway leads to the diamond city of Amsterdam. This section of the Scheldt was a strategic point for Romans, Vikings, Spaniards and Napoleons. Antwerp, the birthplace of the famous painter Peter Paul Rubens awaits you with countless sights. In the evening you will have the opportunity to taste the famous Belgian cuisine in one of the great restaurants.

Day 5: Antwerp - Tholen - Dordrecht, approx. 20 - 36 km
By boat you reach the gigantic Kreekrak locks. The beautiful nature reserve "Wouwse Plantage" with its forests and birds is a very special experience. By boat from the former fishing village Tholen you reach Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands ...

Day 6: Dordrecht - Kinderdijk - Vianen, approx. 57 km
First a short ride with the "Waterbus" to Ablasserdam; from here it is only a few minutes to the historic 19 windmills of Kinderdijk. Via the silver town of Schoonhoven you cycle to the small fortified town of Vianen on the river Lek, where you also spend the night.

Day 7: Vianen - Breukelen - Amsterdam, approx. 36 - 46 km
The landscape along the small river Vecht enchants with manor houses, small castles, magnificent country houses and gardens reaching to the banks. After visiting a traditional cheese farm you cycle via the fortified town of Muiden to the metropolis of Amsterdam, where your ship is waiting for you.

Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 and individual journey home.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The itinerary and program are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons or other unforeseen events.

Please keep in mind that the ship is both - your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night: operational noise is therefore unavoidable.

Services

  • 7 nights in outside cabins with private facilities, air conditioning

  • Full board (7x breakfast, packed lunch, 6x 3-course dinner)

  • Welcome drink, coffee and tea on board

  • Daily bike tour briefing

  • Maps and information material / 1x per cabin + GPS tracks

  • Rental bike panniers

  • WIFI

  • All charges for harbours, bridges and locks

  • For the environment’s benefit:
    1 biodegradable water bottle
    The CO² emitted during this trip is compensated by the NGO Justdiggit.


    Extra Services included on PREMIUM ships MAGNIFIQUE I - IV 

  • Fully guided cycling tours (from 22 guests: in 2 groups)

  • Rental helmet, water bottle

  • Some short walking tours

  • Canal cruise through Gent

  • Admission Red Star Line Museum Antwerp

  • Tasting of Belgian specialities

  • Fees for ferries


    Services at COMFORT ship FLUVIUS + DE HOLLAND (surcharge applies) 

  • Fully guided cycling tours (from 22 guests: in 2 groups)

  • Some short walking tours

  • Fees for ferries

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type

    Extras

     

    Bicycles & equipment Fluvius / De Holland Magnifiques
    7-speed UNISEX 90 100
    E-bike  225 250
    Rental helmet 10 incl.
    bringing own bike 10 10
    bringing own E-bike 25 25
    Rental bike disclaimer 7-speed 10  
    Rental bike disclaimer E-Bike 25  
         
    Upgrades and Discounts    
    Gluten free or lactose free diet 65 65
    Guided Tour package MV Fluvius 90  
         
    Additional night in Amsterdam
    S1* (dbl/sgl) 119/206
    S1* arrival Saturday (dbl/sgl) 150/238
    S2** (dbl/sgl) 169/256
    S2** arrival Saturday (dbl/sgl) 200/288
       
    Additional night in Bruges
    Bruges (dbl/sgl) 81/125

     

    *S1: March to October except dates from S2
    **S2: Fair dates March 29-31, April 20, April 26-28, May 09-11, May 17-19
    A minimum stay of 2 nights is required on these dates!

    Locked dates: May 13-16, June 05, June 13-19, July 05-11, September 13-17, September 25-28


    Best - Price - Guarantee

    If you would verifiably receive better conditions and/or prices from another tour operator at the time of booking we guarantee at least the same conditions PLUS 1 handlebar bag for FREE!
    All prices per person in EUR

    Ship

    Welcome on board!

    Your ship during this tour will be one of our Premium ships MV Magnifique I, II, III, IV or one of the Comfort ships MV Fluvius and MS De Holland.


    MV MAGNIFIQUE IV (Premium)

    The MV Magnifique IV with its stylish and elegant interior was completed in spring 2020 and offers comfortable space for 36 passengers. On the sun deck, there is a whirlpool and pleasant sun loungers for relaxation. >>more


    MV MAGNIFIQUE III (Premium)

    The MV Magnifique III is a very elegant ship with stylish interior. The restaurant and lounge area are arranged around the prominent bar. Comfortable sun loungers and a whirlpool/Jacuzzi invite you to relax on the sun deck. >>more


    MV MAGNIFIQUE II (Premium)

    The MV Magnifique II is a very elegant ship with stylish interior, built in spring 2016. The tastefully decorated salon on the upper deck with bar and restaurant is a real eye-catcher. Comfortable sun loungers and a whirlpool/Jacuzzi invite you to relax on the sun deck. >>more


    MV MAGNIFIQUE I (Premium)

    The MS Magnifique I is a lovingly upgraded and remodeled former passenger ship that will join the fleet in 2024. On the upper deck is a tastefully decorated salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with seating areas, air conditioning, TV and large panoramic windows.  >>more


    MV FLUVIUS (Comfort)

    The MV Fluvius is a very popular, cosy river boat with a friendly atmosphere. In addition to a spacious, air-conditioned saloon with bar and separate restaurant area, the ship has a sun deck equipped with comfortable patio chairs and tables, which also offers sufficient space for bicycles. >>more


    MV DE HOLLAND (Comfort)

    DE HOLLAND is a cozy, small river cruise ship. In the winter of 2017/2018 the ship has been completely refitted: new marshalling, spacious and more luxurious cabins and a full restyle of the interior. The vessel has 34 cabins for max. 71 passengers. All 34 cabins aboard De Holland have an individual climate control system, digital TV, mini-safe, small wardrobe, hair dryer, 230V sockets and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. >>more

    Bicycle

    Rental-Bicycles & equipment

    The following bikes are available for rental:

    • UNISEX-touring/trekking bicycles with a comfortable, deep entrance and 7-or 8-speed-hub circuit with hand pedal brake, as well as paniers.
    • E-Bikes
    • Other bikes: children’s bike, tandem, children’s seat, bikes with back pedal... on request

    Electric bikes | E-Bikes | Pedelecs

    We provide you with modern quality e-bikes with 7- or 8-speed hub gears and step-by-step selectable assistance for pedalling power. The range of the battery depends on the support level, riding style, body weight and terrain.

    IMPORTANT: book early, because of limited capacity!


    Bicycle breakdowns

    Breakdowns can happen, also when bikes are well serviced and maintained. Flats can be fixed by yourself. If there’s a difficult repair you may call the local representative. Please don’t get any repairs done on the bike without informing the tour operator/local representative and their approval.


    Bringing of own bikes

    Bringing your own bicycles is ony available in a limited number and a fee needs to be paid as there is not much space. Due to safety reasons you must not charge your E-Bike batteries in your cabin!

    If you bring your own bicycle, please pay attention to the following aspects: You are personally responsible for your own bike on board and ashore. Protect your bike against theft on board, as well as on land with a lock. The bikes will be brought on board and from board by the crew. Due to the local conditions we cannot prevent scratches and damages on the bikes.

    Please understand that we cannot accept any liability. The bikes on board are exposed to weather conditions because the parking is not covered. Please bring along your own spare material and repair kit for your bike. The fees for parking of own bikes on board you can find under prices.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Airport: Brussels (BRU)
    From Brussels airport to the ship in Bruges you best take a train to Bruges Station. The train (with 1 change in Brussels) departs every hour, duration of the tour about 1 hr. and 45 min. You can buy a ticket at the airport or online >>here. Ticket price: approx. € 21.50 (Feb. 2022).


    Arrival by train

    Train station: Bruges
    approx. 400 m from Bruges Station to the docking station, 10 min. walk or by bus line Nr. 12 to Bargeplein or taxi (approx € 15,-)

    Train transfer Amsterdam - Bruges
    Duration: approx. 3 1/2 hours/costs approx. € 40,-  find tickets on >>belgiantrain.be or >>omio.com


    Arrival by car

    Car park ‘Station or Buiten Begijnenvest’, next to the train station of Bruges.
    Address main entrance: Chantrellstraat 42-62, 8000 Bruges
    Total places: 1690, Maximal height: 2.15 meters
    Price day ticket: € 5,50 (Feb. 2022) More information >>here.
    From there it is an 8 to 10-minute walk to the docking place Bargeweg.


    Participants

    Minimum: 24 persons
    Maximum: 35 persons


    Additional information

    On the day of arrival you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11:00 a.m.

    On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter bike tour. Please note that it may not be possible to visit all of the highlights mentioned on the shorter bike tour.

    3-bed cabins on the Magnifique ships can only be booked for 2 adults and children up to 15.99 years

    Diet: (i.e.: lactosefree, glutenfree..) on request, supplement € 65,- payable on site; announcement at least 14 days prior to departure; vegan not available.

     

    Videos

    Travel stories

    5,2 of 6 Stars | 28
    A good tour for those who are relative beginners at long distance cycling, but plenty of options for the more experienced to enjoy. Generally a very relaxing experience for all ... H.B. 06/24
    5,6 14.09.2024 | Shelley I. The Best of Holland & Flanders by Bike + Boat

    Amsterdam to Brugge

    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 4
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
    4,9 13.09.2024 | SHEILA H. The Best of Holland & Flanders by Bike + Boat

    Sheila and Glenn on De Holland Bruges to Amsterdam Sept. 1 - 8

    Overall we enjoyed the trip. The food was very good and the staff were efficient. The Captain was wonderful. Issues were: We felt that an orientation on the use of the bikes should have been given - most had never ridden an E-Bike and we were given ...
    • Overall satisfaction 5
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 3
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 4
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    4,9 02.07.2024 | Helen B. The Best of Holland & Flanders by Bike + Boat

    Cycling Bruges to Amsterdam was very pleasant

    This was a pleasant way to see the back roads and waterways of Belgium and the Netherlands with some city excursions as well. There was a choice of routes as well as the ability to go independently using the excellent app and the remarkable bike trail ...
    • Overall satisfaction 4
    • Booking handling 3
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 5
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 5
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    6,0 14.06.2024 | Kenneth S. The Best of Holland & Flanders by Bike + Boat

    Boat Bike Tour Amsterdam - Brugge June 4 2024

    A very well run tour with excellent boat and facilities. All staff on board catered to our requirements professionally. It was very sociable with all passengers contributing to a very happy time. The boat (Magnifique 1} has recently been refurbished ...
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 6
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 6
    more
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