Holland & Belgium by Bike + Boat

Amsterdam - Bruges or vice versa

map Holland and Belgium by bike and boat

Route

Tour profile / Level 1

Flat, asphalted bike paths and side roads.

Itinerary Amsterdam – Bruges

Day 1: Amsterdam – Oude Wetering, Roundtrip approx. 10 km
Individual arrival. Embarkation between 12:30 pm. and 1:30 pm. The barge leaves dock at 2 pm. Sailing to Oude Wetering and short biketrip with approx. 15 km.

Day 2: Oude Wetering – Gouda, approx. 45 km
From Oude Wetering you will continue your tour over country roads, banks and channels through the Green Heart and polders to the city known for its cheese: Gouda. After dinner you will take a walk through the city.

Day 3: Gouda – Alblasserdam – Gouda, approx. 40 km
Today you will cycle along the Dutch Ijssel, through the deepest lying polder of the Netherlands: Krimpenerwaard and over narrow cycling paths to the river ‘Lek’. Here you will cross the river by ferry to Kinderdijk, a unique and renowned monument where Holland’s largest number of historical windmills is found. After a beautiful tour through the Alblasserwaardpolder you will arrive at the banks of the river ‘Beneden-Merwede’.
A modern, fast ferry will take you over to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities of the Netherlands, situated at a busy crossing of fairways.

Day 4: Dordrecht – Zierikzee, approx. 54 km
From Dordrecht we will sail to the Delta area of the Dutch greater rivers during breakfast. In Willemstad, an old fortified town, you start your cycle tour and ride over the Volkerakbrug (with beneath it, one of the busiest locks in the world) to the former island of Goeree-Overvlakkee. Just before reaching your destination of today (Zierikzee, on the island of Schouwen-Duivenland) you will visit the ‘Watersnoodmuseum’. A shorter version of today’s route is offered by sailing to Bruinisse, from where the group of remaining cyclists can be joined to Zierikzee, after which the  Watersnoodmuseum is visited.

Day 5: Zierikzee – Middelburg, approx. 51 km
On this day you will cycle towards the North Sea, along the Oosterschelde to the Oosterscheldedam. After this dam we will paddle to Middelburg, but not without visiting the picturesque port town of Veere. Middelburg is the lively principal town of Zeeland with many old houses, churches, the beautiful town hall and a pleasant shopping.

Day 6: Middelburg – Vlissingen – Ghent, approx. 45 km
With the unique cycle ferry to Breskens in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders). You are getting close to Belgium. You will arrive at the Dutch-Belgian border in Sas van Gent, the former gateway to the harbor of Ghent, through an area with small villages, along creeks, bending embankments and beautiful panoramas. After a short journey of 1.5 hours, you will arrive in Ghent. From the pier, we can simply take the tram to the medieval centre of this beautiful city.

Day 7: Ghent – Bruges, approx. 45 km
This morning you will cycle through Ghent to the scenic countryside of Oost-Vlaanderen (East-Flanders). Characteristic for this are the woods, fields, small villages and castles. From the Aalterbrug the last part of this route takes you over the former tow path along the canal of Oostende-Gent, the oldest canal of Belgium, to Bruges. The impressive city of Bruges is the end destination of this bike and barge trip. You will pay a visit to the medieval city of Bruges at the end of this day.

Day 8: Bruges
Disembarkation after breakfast and departure before 10 am.

Itinerary Bruges – Amsterdam

Day 1: Bruges – Ghent, approx. 21 km
Individual arrival. Embarkation between 12:30 and 13:30. The barge leaves dock at 2 pm. After a short bike ride of about 21 km to Aalterbrug, you will take the ship to Ghent.

Day 2: Ghent
Today you have the day at leisure to discover the fascinating history of the city of gent. The lively city with its numerous squares and cozy pubs is a successful mix of medieval buildings, stylish shopping streets, magnificent mansions, working-class neighborhoods from the beginning of the 20th century, where students often live today, and lively little squares where you can dine until the wee hours of the morning on warm summer nights. You can also take a bike tour with your guide. The castles and luxurious villas in and around Destelbergen, just a stone’s throw from Ghent, are silent witnesses to the rich history of this municipality on the Scheldt.

Day 3: Ghent – Middelbrug, approx. 45 km
Today you leave Belgium and enter the Netherlands. During breakfast you will drive to Sas van Gent and cycle through Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch Flanders). With a short ferry ride from Breskens to Vlissingen (Flushing) you cross the Westerschelde. From Vlissingen it is only 30 minutes by bike to Middelbrug, the capital of Zeeland.

Day 4: Middelbrug – Zierikzee, approx. 50 km
First you cycle to the town of Veere, which used to be an important trading center. From Veere you cycle along the Veersgatdamm to North-Beveland. Soon you will reach the Oosterschelde Dam. The huge locks are built into this dam and can be closed during storms and high tide to protect the southwest of the Netherlands from the sea. Your destination for the day is Zierikzee.

Day 5: Zierkzee – Willemstad – Dordrecht, approx. 55 km
A beautiful ride on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland is on the program. You will drive to Bruinisse. The village is known as a very isolated community whose main source of income is mussel fishing. You will continue to Willemstad (an old fortified town) and finally disembark there to sail to Dordrecht.

Day 6: Dordrecht – Gorinchem – Vianen, approx. 50 km
By boat today you first go to Gorinchem, from where you visit Woudrichem (an old fortified town) and Loevestein Castle. You will then follow the meandering river Linge through the Betuwe. This area is known for its many orchards and is therefore in full bloom in May. Along the town of Leerdam, famous for its glass, you continue your tour north to Vianen.

Day 7: Vianen – Breukelen – Amsterdam, approx. 40 km
During breakfast the ship sails to Breukelen and from there you cycle along the two most beautiful rivers of the Netherlands, the Vecht and the Amstel, to Amsterdam. After the farewell dinner there is the possibility of a canal tour. (optional)

Day 8: Amsterdam
Disembarkation after breakfast until 10 am.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

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

Services

  • 7 nights in cabin with private facilities

  • Fullboard (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)

  • Coffee & cake in the afternoon on board

  • Cycling tour guide

  • Min. 3 city walks with tour guide

  • Free WiFi (Limited available in lounge and on deck)

  • All ferry fares

  • Maps and information material per cabin

  • GPS-tracks (on request) 

Dates & Prices

Dates

Merkmale

    Season / Period
    Type
    S2   29.05. - 05.06.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S1   26.06. - 03.07.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S1   10.07. - 17.07.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S1   24.07. - 31.07.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S1   07.08. - 14.08.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S2   21.08. - 28.08.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S2   04.09. - 11.09.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S2   18.09. - 25.09.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)
    S2   02.10. - 09.10.25
    Bruges - Amsterdam (MV SAILING HOME)

    Extras

    Discount for childen with min. 1 full paying adult
    0-2,99 yrs -100%
    3-11,99 yrs -30%
       
    Bicycles & equipment
    24-speed-bike incl. helmet 115
    E-bike incl. helmet 225
    Children bike 60
    Children seat  15
    Tagalong 55
    Children trailer 199
       
    Additional nights*
    Amsterdam (dbl/sgl) 122/213
    Amsterdam Arrival Saturday (dbl/sgl) 153/244
    Bruges (dbl/sgl) 94/138
    *no addidtional nights possible in Amsterdam on following dates: April 18-20, April 25-26, May 07-10, May 19-21, June 06-08, June 21-22, June 24-25, August 29-31 and September 27-30
       
    Extras
    special diet (gluten free, lactose free, vegan) 100
    must be mentioned when booking (vegetarian meals are free of charge). When ordered upon arrival € 150 per diet per week, to be paid on spot.

    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!

    Our barges are cozy, swimming hotels for approx. 14-26 persons with a very personal atmosphere.


    Ship LIZA MARLEEN (Comfort)

    The barge Liza Marleen was converted to a more luxurious barge in winter of 2015 on 2016. It provides place for 20-22 persons. The tastefully decorated lounge is equipped with an audio installation, television and video. In the evenings it is possible to come together in the spacious sitting area. >>more


    Ship SAILING HOME (Comfort DeLuxe)

    The barge Sailing Home provides place for 26 persons. The interior of the salon and bar is decorated in a modern Victorian style and offers a lot of comfort. On the top floor you will find the salon, a roomy lounge, a cosy bar and a sun deck. >>more


    Ship ANNA ANTAL (Standard Plus/Comfort)

    The barge Anna Antal was renovated in 2013 and provides place fo 18 persons. It has a cozy salon. In the evenings, a drink can be consumed in the cozy and elegant bar. Outside there is a sun deck/ a deck for the bicycles. >>more

    Bicycle

    Important info: On this trip it is NOT allowed to bring own e-bikes!


     

    Bicycles inclusive panniers

    Te available bikes for this tour are either 24-speed bikes or our E-bikes. Bikes are equipped with a helmet, panniers, a lock and a water bottle. You can also rent:

    • childrens bikes (from 9 years and older, 21-speed)
    • tagalongs (5-9 years)
    • trailers (babys)
    • child seats (11 months to 5 years)

    E-Bikes | Electric bikes | Pedelecs

    The shiftable, low noise electric drive of our modern e-bike relieves you of some of the work and increases the pedal force up to 3 times. So you can now book a bike tour together with cyclists who have different fitness level. Acclivity can be handled easily.

    Useful

    Arrival - Parking - Departure

    Arrival by plane

    Arrival in Amsterdam through Airport Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
    per train to Amsterdam Centraal - duration approx. 17 min. - costs approx. € 6,- Per taxi approx. 30 min. - costs approx. € 60,-

    Arrival in Bruges through Airport Brussels (BRU)


    Arrival by train

    AMSTERDAM
    Train station Amsterdam Centraal
    The docking place is in walking distance (about 10 to 15 minutes) from Amsterdam Centraal.

    BRUGES
    Train station Bruges Stationsplein
    approx. 3 km to the docking station, by bus line 12 or taxi (approx € 15,-)


    Arrival by car

    AMSTERDAM
    Almost everywhere in Amsterdam - within the Ringweg ring road - parking is only allowed in official car parks and multi-storey car parks. Parking in the city centre of Amsterdam is now charged at around €5,-/hour. There are several car parks in the city centre. Some are connected to the parking guidance system. The blue and white signs of this system point to the next car park where there are still free spaces. Parking on yellow kerbs is prohibited. Caution: Wheel clamps (Wielklemm) may be used. Fines for parking violations are high.

    Oosterdock car park
    A monitored multi-storey car park right next to the Central Station (exclusively for cars up to 2.10 m high). The economy rate is about € 275,- per week. No advance reservation possible. You can find more information >>here.

    For more information and other P+R parking spaces, please visit the Iamsterdam page under "Plan your trip" / "Transport" / "Parking in Amsterdam".

    BRUGES
    Parking garage at the train staion Bruges Stationsplein (unbewacht), approx. € 5,-/day, no reservation possible.


    Participants

    Minimum: 12 persons


    Additional information

    Diet: (i.e.: glutenfree, vegan) possible on request, supplement € 100,-. Must be booked at least 14 days prior to departure. When ordered upon arrival € 150,- per diet per week, to be paid on spot.

    Videos

    Travel stories

    5,6 of 6 Stars | 5
    The tour itinerary, fellow travelers, crew and guide all provided for an excellent experience ... P.L. 07/24
    5,5 20.07.2024 | Paul L. Holland & Belgium by Bike + Boat

    Very enjoyable cruise

    The tour itinerary, fellow travelers, crew and guide all provided for an excellent experience
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 5
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5,6 28.08.2023 | Garry P. Holland & Belgium by Bike + Boat

    Holland + Belgium 2023

    by bike and boat
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 5
    • Board 5
    • Route description 6
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 5
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    5,8 09.07.2023 | Jane K. Holland & Belgium by Bike + Boat

    Excellent trip on all aspects!

    would recommend this vacation (and have) to anyone that is looking for a different kind of vacation
    • Overall satisfaction 6
    • Booking handling 5
    • Travel documents 5
    • 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
    5,6 01.06.2023 | Garth O. Holland & Belgium by Bike + Boat

    Holland and Belgium by bike & boat 2023

    We thought the only problem with the tour was riding through Amsterdam on a Friday Afternoon. Too busy for the experience level of the group. Also, with the size of the group a professional sweep should be provided.. otherwise we had a great time.
    • Booking handling 6
    • Travel documents 6
    • Per-Tour information 6
    • Accomodation 6
    • Board 6
    • Route description 5
    • On-site assistance 6
    • Route-character 4
    • Bicycle + equipment 6
    • Price-performance ratio 5
    more
    load more travel stories

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