Day 1: Paris

The embarkation is at 14.00 in the center of Paris. After the welcome by the captain, the crew and the tour guide will have some time left for a walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ile de la Cité.

Day 2: Paris - Bougival, approx. 35 km

During breakfast, the ship travels across the Seine through the center of Paris. At 10.30 you can go on board for a nice bike ride. Of course you can also stay on board and enjoy the view while the ship leaves the city of Paris. The ship Zwaantje is located outside the city.

Day 3: Paris (Bougival) - Auvers-sur-Oise, approx. 38 km

After breakfast you will cycle along quiet country roads along the Seine to the higher altitude St. Germain, where you have a magnificent view of the gardens of Le Nôtre. After that Forest area to Conflans with picnic in beautiful place. It continues after a short Stop at the bridge of Pontoise, over the picturesque Chemin des Monts to the small church from Auvers, which is known by Van Gogh’s paintings. During an evening walk we visit his grave.

Day 4: Auvers-sur-Oise - Beaumont - Creil, approx. 42 km

During breakfast, the ship travels to Beaumont. In Beaumont we get on the bike, where we follow the Oise upstream. By bike you will pass the abbey of Royaumont as one of the best preserved from the 13th century applies. At noon we reach the magical Chantilly, a magnificent castle with an impressive art collection and a big name in the equestrian world.

Day 5: Creil - Pont-Ste-Maxence - Compiègne, approx. 33 or 48 km

During breakfast the Zwaantje takes us to Pont Sainte Maxence. This city owes its name to the long-built bridge over the Oise, Pont-Ste-Maxence. This made the place a favorite lodging spot for kings and merchants along the way were to Flanders. From here begins your bike ride. Not far from here you pass the
Abbey of Moncel, founded in 1309 by King Philips le Bel. Before you reach today’s destination Compiègne, you cross the forest of the same name "Forêt de Compiègne ". This was a popular hunting ground of the French kings. At the longer Tour is even longer in the woods on the way and also visits the city of Pierrefond, which offers a fantastic view of the imposing castle. Compiègne owes its architectural wealth close to Paris. The green areas of the castle Compiègne are certainly worth a visit.

Day 6: Compiègne – Pont l’Évêque, approx. 41 km

Today you leave the Oise to continue your journey on the canal system, which connects France and Belgium. In the morning you cycle through the northernmost part of the forest of Compiègne. The first stop is l’Armistice de la Clairière, an important city in the first World War, in which the end of the war was signed. After the river Aisne Crossing, you drive directly through the forest of Ourscamp. In the afternoon you spend some time in Noyon, where you can visit one of the oldest cathedrals in the country. After this tour you will cycle back to the canal at Pont l’Évêque, where the boat is already waiting for you.

Day 7: Pont l’Évêque – Haudival Haudival – Péronne, approx. 44 or 54 km

Today you continue your journey on and along the Canals du Nord. The construction of this canal was already planned in 1903, but only in 1966 the work could be completed. He should be the old one Replace Canal de St. Quentin to better transport coal from the mines to the north. The old canal was built in 1801 on behalf of Napoleon. During breakfast the boat drives to Haudival where the next bike ride starts. It leads through a gentle sweeping open terrain over the Art Deco town Ham and further along the Somme with its picturesque villages to Péronne. The Zwaantje is outside of this charming little town with its secluded market square, the church, a fort and the captivating Musée de Grande Guerre.

Day 8: Péronne

Today the Zwaantje remains in Péronne. You have time to visit the museum strolling through the village or doing some shopping. Dinner in a restaurant of your choice (not incl., restaurant recommendations available on board).

Day 9: Péronne – Ytres Ytres – Moeuvres, approx. 19 or 45 km

The first part of your tour takes you through the Somme river valley. We continue cycling on the Somme along through a sparsely populated, open hills to reach Ruyaulcourt. The Canal du Nord has two tunnels through which the ship has to pass. Of the Tunnel of Ruyalcourt is the larger tunnel with 4350 m length. Once everyone is on board, the Zwaantje drives through this tunnel. Above this tunnel is the watershed between the rivers Escaut (Scheldt) and Somme. From there, the ship will sail again downhill towards Arleux. Mooring in the outskirts of Moeuvres.

Day 10: Moeuvres – Cambrai – Arleux, approx. 35 or 51 km
Today we will visit Cambrai, a lively provincial town with historic monuments and a beautiful park to picnic in and then past the marshlands of Chantraine on to rural Arleux.

Day 11: Arleux – Doornik (Tournai), approx. 57 km

Today, the Zwaantje follows the Canal du Grand Gabarit for a few hours, passing the former industrial region of Northern France. Old coal mines and steelworks line the canal. Today’s bike tour starts in Arleux. It leads you through over wide agricultural areas through small mining towns to Lewarde, where you can visit a mining museum.
Arriving in Belgium, you drive through the so-called "white land". The charming little one Fortress town Antoing is located in the heart of this region, in limestone since Roman times was dismantled. Today’s destination is Doornik (French: Tournai), one of the oldest Cities of Belgium. You are now in Wallonia, the French-speaking part of Belgium, in which all places have both a Flemish and a French name. Until the beginning of the 17th century, Doornik was ruled by France. Here reached the Carpet weaving has become increasingly important, while the textile industry has lost its influence. In the City there are several museums that show beautiful examples from this period. 1940 became the city center was completely destroyed by a German air raid and became afterwards again constructed with great care. Here is especially the Notre Dame Cathedral (12th -13th century) worth a visit, as well as the Belfort, which was built around 1200.

Day 12: Doornik (Tournai) - Oudenaarde, approx. 41 or 47 km

The ship travels downstream over the Scheldt, where you cross the language border to reach Flanders region. From here on Flemish is spoken. Your today’s destination is called Oudenaarde. In earlier times, this small town was on the border between the French and German Empire and was thereby repeatedly drawn into wars. Since it was exactly in the line of fire, there was a permanent lookout. The figure of most famous watch post, "Hanske de Krijger", stands on the dome of the magnificent town hall. In the first half of the 16th century this counts with sandstone in later Brabant gothic Built building among the most beautiful town halls in Flanders. Oudenaarde was also called a city the carpet weaving known. The carpets were world famous.

Day 13: Oudenaare - Gent, approx. 41 km

Shortly after you leave for your next tour in Oudenaarde, you can take one short stop at the ruins of the old abbey Ename, which lay on the Scheldt. You continue towards Ghent, your destination today. Ghent is a living one University city with a rich history. Originally Roman, and at the confluence Ghent and Leie, Ghent was rich in the late 13th and early 14th centuries Commercial and textile town; of which the Lakenhal, the cathedral and the town hall bear witness. In the Lakenhalle (1425) substances were traded. The most significant church is the St. Baafs Cathedral, which was built in several centuries and different architectural styles. In the Cathedral are some masterpieces of medieval artists to visit. The most famous Painting is probably "The Adoration of the Lamb of God" by Jan van Eyck. Possibility to take a tour to the city center or visit the old castle Gravensteen.

Day 14: Gent - Alterbrug - Bruges, approx. 30 or 40 km
During breakfast the MS Zwaantje will take us to Aalterbrug where we will get on our bikes and cycle through wooded areas and fields, past quiet villages and castles to the Hertsberge estate, where there is an interesting agricultural museum to visit. Timely arrival in Bruges, the most picturesque city in Flanders and from the 14th to the 16th Century renowned as one of Europe’s most important centers of banking and art, and during the romantic period rediscovered for time travel in the Middle Ages.

Day 15: Bruges
After breakfast you will leave the ship. Disembarkation till 09.30.

Day 1: Bruges

Arrival and embarkation in Bruges between 1 pm and 2 pm. After the welcome with the Crew is the bike distribution with a subsequent short test drive. After the dinner the tour guide offers a city tour through the old town.
In order to do justice to Bruges, we recommend that you arrive a day or two before so that you have enough time to explore this interesting city. This city will also be called " the pearl flanders" and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Flanders. Your medieval Downtown has remained virtually untouched. Bruges was once a cosmopolitan city and also a trading city Art Center, which can still be seen in many monuments.

Day 2: Bruges – Aalterburg - Ghent, approx. 37 or 45 km

During breakfast departure from Bruges. We cross magical forest areas and Pastures. Halfway up the canal, between Bruges and Ghent, the ship already awaits you. When all are on board, the anchor is caught and the journey continues to Ghent. In the evening, you can explore historic downtown Ghent with a wonderful canal tour...Ghent is a lively university city, again one with a rich past. The city has its origins in Roman Times, at the place where the rivers Leie and Scheldt converge. This favorable situation brought a great deal of prosperity over the years, which had its peak late 13th, early 14th century. Textile industry brought great wealth. In the city center many old patrician houses have been preserved. In the Cloth makers’ Hall (1425) textile merchants used to meet. Major church is St. Baafs’ Cathedral, raised in various ages and in various styles. In the cathedral you can admire a number of masterpieces of mediaeval painting, of which the ‘Adoration of the Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck is the most famous.

Day 3: Gent – Oudenaarde, approx. 41 km

This morning you can once again visit the city of Ghent by bike to experience this vibrant and beautiful city. Later in the morning, continue your bike ride towards Oudenaarde. This small town was formerly on the border of the French and German Empire, and was often hit by wars. The most famous guard stands still today on top of the magnificent city hall: "Hanske the warrior". The town hall was built in the first half of the 16th century, it is one of the most beautiful in Flanders.
The style is Brabant late gothic, the material used is sandstone. Furthermore is Oudenaarde known as Carpet-Webercity. The tapestries are known throughout the world. Before we arrive in Oudenaarde, we visit an interesting archaeological site, the old abbey Ename, on the east side of the river Scheldt.

Day 4: Oudenaarde – Doornik (Tournai), approx. 41 or 47 km
Before we leave Oudenaarde, we have a guided visit to the beautiful own hall. After that we follow the river Scheldt upstream and cross the linguistic frontier, thus arriving in the Walloon region. From now on people speak French and villages, towns and cities have a French name. Final destination of today is Doornik or Tournai, one of the oldest towns of Belgium. Doornik fell under French government until early in the 17th century. Just as in Oudenaarde, after the decline of textile industry, tapestry became important here. In 1940 the entire town center was destroyed in a German air raid but renovation of the town has been very successful. Especially the Notre Dame cathedral (12th and 13th century) is worth seeing. But also the Belfort, built around 1200, is definitely worth a visit.

Day 5: Doornik (Tournai) –  Bleharies - Pont Malin, approx. 38 or 53 km

During breakfast, the ship travels towards the Belgian-French border the so-called "white land", where limestone was mined since Roman times. Near the village of Bleharies, at the Belgian-French border, our Bike Tour begins. Just behind the border, the routes divide. The shorter route leads through
Forest area and includes the visit of the town of St.Amand-Les-Eaux. The longer tour runs more over wide country and through small mining towns towards Lewarde, where you can visit a Mining Museum. The ship no longer travels the Scheldt in France, but a big channel leading to Duinkerken. This region is known for his Metal industry. We spend the night at the large lock of Pont Malin.

Day 6: Pont Malin – Thun l’Évêque Thun l’Évêque – Honnecourt, approx. 31 or 59 km

During breakfast we leave the big canal and turn left into the canal of St. Quentin. Here the fleur feels at home, as the dimensions of her hull on the Centimeter exactly on the local locks are tuned, so here only smaller ships can drive. The quiet canal reminds of the rich past of the shipping industry. To bring the coal from the mines to the south, Napoleon decided in 1801 to build this Channel. From Thun l’Évêque we cycle to Cambrai, a former one Roman provincial capital and an important place of pilgrimage. Worth seeing here are the impressively restored buildings of the city fortress, which were created under Charles V. From Cambrai we go by bike to Marcoing and from there through the Scheldal (l’Escaut in French). We pass the old abbey of Vaucelles and reach our current destination Honnecourt.

Day 7: Honnecourt - Tunel of Riqueval - St. Quentin, approx. 30 or 66 km

The St. Quentin Canal was built under the reign of Napoleon. Because there are some big ones Height differences, it was necessary to dig some tunnels. The longest tunnel is called Riqueval and is 5,670 meters long. Today we will pass the tunnel with the Fleur. Then as now the ships are still here with a (today electrically driven) Tug boat pulled through the tunnel in two hours. Above the tunnel is the watershed between the rivers of the Escaut (Scheldt) and the Somme. From here we drive downhill again towards St. Quentin. If you are have opted for the longer tour, leave the ship before the tunnel to the bike tour where you can visit halfway in Péronne the impressive museum. Shortly after the tunnel begins the short bike ride. The final destination is St. Quentin, where you also spend Saturday. A city in the 2nd century originated at a crossroads of Roman roads. The lively provincial capital on the Aisne reached its fame as a place of pilgrimage around the tomb of St. Quentin. The Gothic basilica was built between 1230 and the 15th century with a unique double transept. The town hall is a 16th century jewel, with a magnificent facade in the late Gothic style.

Day 8: St. Quentin
Today the barge will stay in St. Quentin. You can take a stroll and shopping tour of St. Quentin. There is no dinner today on board. You can visit one of the French restaurants of St. Quentin.

Day 9: St. Quentin - Castres -Chauny, approx. 34 km

During breakfast, the Fleur drives southwest to the Somme Valley. Today we cycle through the quiet Somme region to Ham. The Fleur is setting off today continue on the old canal St. Quentin to Chauny. Cyclist and ship meet again in Chauny.

Day 10: Chauny - Bretigny - Compiègne, approx. 48 or 52 km

From Chauny we set course to Compiègne. In the morning, spend some time in Noyon, where you can visit one of the oldest cathedrals in the country. The bike tour leads through
the forest of Ourscamp and crosses the river Aisne to "Clairière de l’Armistice", a place where the French and German generals signed the contract that marked the end of the First World War sealed. We can visit a small but interesting museum there. Soon we reach Compiègne. The city owes its architectural Wealth close to Paris and the vast forests where the French kings like to linger. Worth seeing is the Château de Compiègne with its beautiful gardens.

Day 11: Compiègne – Creil, approx. 45 - 60 km
Today we cycle first through the forest south of Compiègne after which we follow the valley of the Oise further downstream into the direction of Creil. Right before Pont-ste-Maxence we pass by the abbey of Moncel, founded in 1309 by King Philip the Fair. Pont-Ste-Maxence owes its name to the fact that very early on there was a bridge across the Oise. Pont-Ste-Maxence became a place to spend the night for merchants and kings, who were on their way to Flanders. Our final destination of today, Creil, was in the 19th century known for its fine pottery.

Day 12: Creil –  Beaumont - Auvers-sur-l’Oise, approx. 42 or 57 km

You leave the bustling city of Creil by bike and drive to the enchanting Chantilly its famous for the castle, which is also famous for its racecourse and royal stables. After this visit, you continue the tour through a beautiful forest area to reach a little further the abbey of Royaumont. For the shorter tour, go to Beaumont back on the ship. On the longer tour we cross the river Oise in the direction of Auvers-sur- Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. Here is also his grave, which you can visit in the evening. This area was very popular with many Impressionist artists.
popular.

Day 13: Auvers-sur-l’Oise – Paris (Bougival), approx. 39 km

After arriving late at Auvers yesterday, now you have some time to get in Auvers to follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. Then we approach by bike and with many impressionistic impressions in their luggage, the capital of light. Lunch in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise and the Seine converge. Since the 19th Century Conflans is an important shipping center in northern France. At noon we continue to St.Germain-en-Laye to the palace, where we have a nice view over Paris. We continue by bike along the river to Bougival where we stay.

Day 14: Paris (Bougival) – Paris
Today the barge finally cruises the Seine, upstream to Paris. It is not far in a straight line, but the Seine makes a number of large curves here. Mooring place of the Zwaantje is in the center of the city. You can spend the rest of the day as you like. You can explore the city by subway, or by a bus that takes you along all the sights.

Day 15: Paris
After breakfast you will leave the ship. Disembarkation till 09.30.

Day 1: Paris – Paris (Bougival)

Arrival and embarkation at 14:00. You will find the Fleur in the middle of Paris, near the Place de la Bastille. Afterwards information meeting and presentation of the crew. At 15:00 Departure with the ship, passes through the city center and comes to sights like the Louvre, the Museum d’Orsay and the Eiffel Tower. In the late afternoon there is a Meeting with safety instructions and a welcome drink. The ship is going during the dinner continues to Bougival, a suburb of Paris. After dinner a short walk is offered. If you want to explore Paris in more detail, you may want to do so a day or two before arrive the departure.

Day 2: Paris (Bougival) – Auvers-sur-Oise, approx. 38 km
The biking starts shortly after breakfast to St.Germain-en-Laye. There you climb to the palace and from the palace-garden you have a splendid view over Paris. Later we pass Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise and the Seine merge. From the 19th century Conflans has been an important center of navigation in Northern France. Our final destination is Auvers-sur-Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent the last days of his life and where he and his brother are buried in the local cemetery. This region was loved by many Impressionist painters.
After dinner an evening walk to the grave of van Gogh.

Day 3: Auvers-sur-Oise – Beaumont | Beaumont – Creil, approx. 42 km
Sailing breakfast to Beaumont. Starting in Beaumont, we follow the Oise upstream. On our bikes we pass the abbey of Royaumont and soon thereafter we arrive in Chantilly, with its famous castle. The castle is also well known for the horse-racing circuit and royal stables. Today’s destination is Creil, a country town, which in the 19th century was famous for its fine pottery.

Day 4: Creil – Pont-st-Maxence | Pont-st-Maxence – Compiegne, approx. 33 or 48 km
During breakfast we sail to Pont-st-Maxence. Here our bike ride starts. This town owes its name to the fact that in very olden times there already was a bridge over the Oise and so Pont-St-Maxence became the place to stay the night for kings and merchants who were on their way to Flanders. From here our biking tour starts. Not far from here we pass the abbey of Moncel, which in 1309 was founded by king Philips de Schone. Before we reach Compiegne, where we will spend the night, we cycle through the forest south of the city. This beautiful town owes its architectural wealth to the proximity of Paris and the enormous woods in which the French kings loved to wander. The gardens of the Chateau de Compiègne are most worthy of your visit.

Day 5: Compiègne – Pont l’Évêque Pont l’Évêque – Chauny, approx. 41 km

Today you leave the Oise and continue your journey across the Channel System, which France connects with Belgium. The bike tour first leads through the forests of Compiègne "Clairière de l’Armistice", where French and German generals signed the contract, which sealed the end of the First World War. You can find a small but interesting museum there to visit. Later you cross the river Aisne and drive through the forest of Ourscamp. In the afternoon you have some time in Noyon, where you also have one of the oldest cathedrals in the country to visit. Then you cycle back to the canal in Pont l’Évêque, where the ship is waiting for you. Now for the first time on the ride stretch out the legs on the sun deck.

Day 6: Chauny – St Quentin, approx. 41 km

The Fleur continues the journey today across the old channel of St. Quentin. This is where the Fleur feels at home, since the dimensions of the ship down to the centimeter in the local Locks fits. The small canal radiates tranquility and reminds of the rich past of the Shipping. To bring the coal from the mines to the south, Napoleon decided in 1801 the Construction of this canal. The bike tour goes through small villages through the quiet valley of the Somme. Ultimate goal is St. Quentin, a city already in the 2nd century at a crossroads of Roman roads originated. The lively provincial capital on the Aisne reached its fame as a place of pilgrimage around the tomb of St. Quentin. The Gothic basilica was built between 1230 and the 15th century built with a unique double transept and has windows from the 13th and 14th. Century. The town hall with its magnificent façade in late Gothic style is a gem the 16th century.

Day 7: St. Quentin
Today the Fleur stays in St.-Quentin. If there is enough interest you can participate in a day excursion by bus to the battlefields of World War I in the Somme valley. But it is also possible to use the day for exploring the city of St.Quentin further and for shopping. Today there is no dinner on board. You can select one of the French restaurants of St. Quentin.

Day 8: St. Quentin – tunel of Riqueval – Honnecourt, approx. 36 or 66 km
The Canal de St.-Quentin was dug under the government of Napoleon. Because the differences in height were sometimes big, it was necessary to dig some tunnels. The longest one is the tunnel of Riqueval, which is 5670 meters long. Today we go through this tunnel with the Fleur. Like in former years, ships are still pulled through the tunnel in two hours by an electrically driven towboat. Above the tunnel there is the watershed between rivers Escaut (Schelde) and Somme. At the tunnel is a little museum. We spend the night in a little village called Honnecourt.

Day 9: Honnecourt – Cambrai – Pont Malin, approx. 39 km
Today we continue our trip over the old canal de St. Quentin. We start cycling to the ancient abbey of Vaucelles and later we continue to the city of Cambrai , once a roman provincial capital and an important destination for pilgrims. First in 1677 Cambrai became French. Worth seeing are the impressive restored buildings of the city fortress, built under Charles V. The old city gate dates from 1300, the so called Spanish house and the cathedral next to it. In the afternoon we leave the old canal de St. Quentin and we continue on the Canal du Grand Gabarit to Pont Malin, where we spend the night.

Day 10: Pont Malin – Doornik (Tournai), approx. 43 or 57 km
Today we follow the canal du Grand Gabarit for a few hours passing through a former industrial area of France. Old mines and steel sites boarder the canal. We start our todays-bike-ride which follows the old pilger route to Santiago de Compostela.
The Fleur crosses the French frontier in Mortagne and a little later, in Bleharies, we cross the Belgium frontier. We sail through the so-called ‘white land’. The charming little fortress town Antoing lies at the heart of this region and since the Roman days limestone has been mined here. Our today’s destination is Doornik (in French: Tournai), one of the oldest cities of Belgium. Here we are in Wallonia, where all towns and villages have both a French and a Flemish name. Up till the beginning of the 17th century Doornik was ruled by the French. Here, tapestry weaving gained in importance, while the cloth industry became less important. In the various museums of the town, excellent examples can be seen. In 1940 the entire city center was destroyed after a German air-raid. However, the town has been renovated splendidly. Especially the cathedral the Notre Dame (12th and 13th century) is worth seeing, as well as the Belfort, which was built at about 1200.

Day 11: Doornik (Tournai) – Oudenaarde, approx. 41 or 47 km
Now we sail downstream the river Schelde and crossing the language barrier we enter the Flemish region. From here onwards Flemish is the spoken language. Our target is Oudenaarde. In former days this little town was situated on the border of the French and German Empires and as a result it was involved in wars frequently. Since Oudenaarde was right in the firing-line, there was always someone on the look-out. The statue of the most famous watchman, Hanske de Krijger, is on the splendid city hall. In the first half of the 16th century this city hall was built of sandstone in Brabantine late Gothic style and it is one of the most beautiful city halls of Flanders. Oudenaarde is also known as the town of the tapestry weavers. Their tapestry is famous all over the world. Return to a famous Belgian brewery and quench your thirst in Liefmans Brewery.

Day 12: Oudenaarde – Ghent, approx. 41 km
We continue sailing on the Schelde in the direction of Ghent, but before we arrive there we may visit an interesting archeological site (of an old Abbey) Ename which is located at the east-side of the river Scheldt.
Ghent is a lively university town with a rich history. The town arose on the spot where in Roman days the rivers Leie and Schelde merged. This favourable location brought on quite some wealth with a peak in the late 13th and early 14th century. The cloth industry was a source of great riches. In the city many patrician residences have been preserved. In the Lakenhalle (1425) the cloth traders gathered. The most important church is St. Baafs cathedral, which was constructed in different centuries and in different styles. In the cathedral several masterpieces of mediaeval painting are to be found. “The worship of the Lamb of God” by Jan van Eyck is the most famous of all. You might want to take a city tour by boat or visit the old castle Gravensteen.

Day 13: Ghent – Aalterbrug - Bruges, approx. 30 or 40 km

While you are having breakfast, the Fleur travels across the Gent-Bruges canal to Aalterbrug. Your Bike ride starts outside the city through the flat countryside from West Flanders to Bruges. Bruges, which is also called the "Venice of the North", is probably the most beautiful of the Flemish Cities. Its medieval old town has remained virtually untouched. Bruges was once one World city and also a trade and art center, which can still be seen in many places can. But it is also a very lively city, where you can go shopping and go out. After dinner there is a city tour.

Day 14: Bruges, approx. 22 or 40 km
Today the Fleur stays in Bruges.The tour guide offers today a shorter or longer bike ride through the beautiful surroundings of the City. You can also spend the day in Bruges to see the city, visit the museum, go shopping or enjoy a beer in one of the sidewalk cafés.

Day 15: Bruges
After breakfast you will leave the ship. Disembarkation till 9.30 am.

Day 1: Bruges

Embarkation between 13.00 & 14.00 in the center of Bruges. After the welcome with the Crew is the bike distribution with a subsequent short test drive. After the dinner the tour guide offers a city tour through the old town.
In order to do justice to Bruges, we recommend that you arrive a day or two before so that you have enough time to explore this interesting city. Bruges also becomes "the pearl Flanders "and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Flanders. Your medieval Downtown has remained virtually untouched. It was once a cosmopolitan city and a great trading center Art Center, which can still be seen in many monuments.

Day 2: Bruges - Aalterbrug - Ghent, approx. 37 or 45 km

After breakfast we go to on the bike. We cross magical forest areas and Pastures. Halfway up the canal, between Bruges and Ghent, the ship is already awaiting you. When all are on board, the anchor is caught and the journey continues to Ghent. In the evening, you can explore historic downtown Ghent with a wonderful canal tour. Ghent is a vibrant university city that also has a rich past. The city originated where, in Roman times, the rivers Leie and Scheldt flowed together. The favorable location brought over many years great wealth, the reached its peak between the end of the 13th and the beginning of the 14th century. The cloth industry helped to great wealth. In the city center many old patrician houses are still preserved remained. In the "Lakenhal" (1425) the cloth merchants met and handled their business. The most famous church is the St. Baafs Cathedral, which has been in use for several centuries corresponding architectural styles was built. In the cathedral there are a number of Masterpieces of medieval painting, of which "The Adoration of the Lamb of God" by Jan van Eyck is probably the best known.

Day 3: Ghent - Oudenaarde, approx. 41 km

This morning you can once again visit the city of Ghent by bike to experience this vibrant and beautiful city. Later in the morning, continue your bike ride towards Oudenaarde. This small town was formerly on the border of the French and German Empire, and was often hit by wars. The most famous guardian is also available today still on top of the magnificent town hall: "Hanske the warrior". The town hall was built in the first half of the 16th century and is one of the most beautiful in Flanders. The style is Brabant late gothic, the material used is sandstone. Furthermore, Oudenaarde is known as Carpet-Weber-City. The carpets were world famous. Before you reach Oudenaarde, make a detour to the interesting archaeological site of the old one abbey Ename, which was located on the eastern side of the Scheldt.

Day 4: Oudenaarde - ­ Doornik (Tournai), approx. 41 or 47 km

Before leaving Oudenaarde, visit to the beautiful town hall. After that we follow the river Scheldt upstream and cross the linguistic frontier, thus arriving in the Walloon region. From now on people speak French and villages, towns, and cities have a French name. Final destination of today is Doornik or Tournai, one of the oldest towns of Belgium. Doornik fell under French government until early in the 17th century. Just as in Oudenaarde, after the decline of textile industry, tapestry became important here. In 1940, the entire town center was destroyed in a German air raid but renovation of the town has been very successful. Especially the Notre Dame cathedral (12th and 13th century) is worth seeing. But also the Belfort, built around 1200, is definitely worth a visit.

Day 5: Doornik (Tournai) ­- Bleharies - Arleux, approx. 47 km

During breakfast, the ship travels towards the Belgian-French border the so-called "white land", where limestone has been mined since Roman times. In the vicinity the village of Bleharies on the border begins our bike tour. The route leads over sprawling Agricultural land and small mining towns to Lewarde, where you can visit a mining museum. Your current place of stay is Arleux.

Day 6: Arleux - Ruyaulcourt, approx. 35 or 51 km

The ship leaves the great canal to continue on the Canal du Nord. The construction of this Canal was already planned in 1903, but only in 1966 the work could be completed. He should replace the old Canal de St. Quentin to get better coal from the mines to the north to be able to transport. The old canal was built in 1801 on behalf of Napoleon. The bike ride takes you to the city of Cambrai, a former Roman provincial capital and also important place of pilgrimage. Worth seeing here are the impressively restored buildings of the City fortress built under Charles V. Later we ride the bike through the Marshland from Chantraine to the rural Ruyaulcourt.

Day 7: Ruyalcourt – Péronne, approx. 19 or 45 km

The Canal du Nord has two tunnels through which the ship has to pass. The tunnel from Ruyalcourt is 4350 m in length the larger tunnel. Today the Zwaantje drives through this Tunnel. Above this tunnel is the watershed between the rivers Escaut (Scheldt) and Somme. From there, the ship descends again towards Péronne. With the Bike we continue our tour through the Sommetal and drive through the sparsely populated, sprawling and hilly landscape. Then continue to Péronne. The road between Bapaume and Péronne were the battle front in the Somme area at the end of the First World War. The Bike ride ends in Péronne.

Day 8: Péronne

Today the ship stays in Péronne. The Zwaantje is just a little bit outside this charming town with its enchanting market square, the church, the ruined castle and the fascinating Grand Guerre Museum. There is no dinner on board today. You can eat out in town in one of the many restaurants.

Day 9: Péronne – Épénancourt Épénancourt – Noyon – Pont l’Évêque, approx. 40 or 50 km

During breakfast, the Zwaantje will take you to the small village of Épénancourt we get on the bike to a long stretch through the hilly, expansive landscape to Art Deco town of Ham and break up along the Somme and picturesque villages. The Today’s final destination is Noyon with its imposing cathedral.

Day 10: Pont l’Évêque – Compiègne, approx. 33 or 57 km

From Pont l’Évêque we continue to Compiègne. This city is located on the Oise. Compiègne owes its architectural wealth of proximity to Paris and the extensive forests in which the French kings liked to linger. Worth seeing is that Château de Compiègne with its beautiful gardens. The bike tour leads through the forest of Ourscamp and crosses the river Aisne to "Clairière de l’Armistice, a place where the French and German generals signed the contract that marks the end of the first World War II sealed. We can visit a small but interesting museum there.

Day 11: Compiègne – Creil, approx. 45 or 60 km

Today you will first cycle through the forest south of Compiègne, then continue on the Oise follow downstream towards Creil. The longer route still includes a detour to City Pierrefonds, where you have a magnificent view of the eponymous, fairy-tale castle Has. Just before Pont Ste. Maxence we pass the abbey of Moncel, the 1309 of King Philips was donated to the beautiful. Pont Ste. Maxence owes his name to the fact that there was a bridge over the Oise very early on and an overnight stop for Merchants and kings who were on the way between Paris and Flanders.

Day 12: Creil – Beaumont - Auvers-sur-Oise, approx. 42 or 57 km

You leave the bustling city of Creil by bike and drive to the enchanting Chantilly for its famous castle, which is also famous for its racecourse and royal stables known. After this visit, continue the tour through a beautiful forest area pass the abbey of Royaumont. For the shorter tour, go to Beaumont back on the ship. On the longer route we cross the river Oise in the direction of Auvers-sur Oise, where Vincent van Gogh spent his last days. Here is also his grave, which you can visit in the evening. This area was very popular with many Impressionist artists.

Day 13: Auvers-sur-Oise - Paris (Bougival), approx. 39 km

After arriving late at Auvers yesterday, you now have some time to get in Auvers to follow in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh. Then we approach by bike and with many impressionistic impressions in their luggage, the capital of light. In Conflans- Sainte-Honorine, where the Oise and the Seine merge, there is some time for a little one Lunch break. Conflans has been an important shipping center since the 19th centuryn North of France. At noon we continue to St.Germain-en-Laye, where we have a nice view over Paris. We continue by bike along the river to Bougival, where we stay.

Day 14: Paris (Bougival) - Paris

Today we finally drive the Seine upstream to Paris. Now it does not take longer long, but there are still some big loops in the Seine. The mooring of the Zwaantje is located in the middle of the city. You can do the rest of the day according to your own wishes shape. Explore the city by metro or by bus, taking you to all Attractions leads.

Day 15: Paris
After breakfast you will leave the ship. Disembarkation till 9.30 am.

Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements we reserve the right to make changes of routing and program.