Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and Flanders
- NL264 / Netherlands, Belgium
- Bike and Barge For families Travel with children and teenagers: boats with family cabins, discounts, easy stages and the possibility of hiring bikes and accessories for the little ones.
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
- Bronze Silver Platinum
- Jul, Aug, Oct
- 8 days
- linear from Amsterdam to Bruges
- Some meals included
Highlights
If you are undecided between Holland and Belgium, here is a bike and boat trip that allows you to experience the best of both countries. Start in Amsterdam and pedal to historic Bruges, stopping in Ghent and Antwerp. The Scheldt River is ever-present, lulling you on overnight boat trips and guiding you through a countryside dotted with windmills. Ancient and majestic windmills such as those in Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Amsterdam and its beautiful floating flower market
- Rubens' Antwerp, between history and modernity
- Kinderdijk, its water-rich territory and its 19 iconic windmills
What awaits you
A week-long bike and barge tour in Holland and Belgium: the land of bicycles! The terrain is completely flat, and the bike paths, almost all of which are paved, are always well marked. Some stages include a choice between a short and a longer ride, and if one day you don't feel like cycling, you have the option of staying on board the boat. The only variable to keep an eye on is the weather: a little wind or rain could make your ride more adventurous.
Accommodation
There are seven overnight stays on board a riverboat, a real floating hotel ready to follow you during the biking stages and welcome you on board in the evening. The atmosphere is comfortable and is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure that you have an unforgettable stay. At dinner and in moments of relaxation, our chefs and crew treat you to a feast of flavors and aromas. The cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
1. Boarding in Amsterdam and off we go: direction Vianen!
Arrival in Amsterdam and boarding by 1:00 p.m.: let the journey begin! At 2 p.m., the boat leaves for Vianen, a fortified town on the banks of the Lek River. Here you can try out your bikes with a short evening ride in the surrounding area.
2. Cycling through the mills of Kinderdijk to Dordrecht
After breakfast it’s time to start cycling. The day begins with a ride to Schoonhoven, also known as “the city of silver,” and then on to the magnificent windmills of Kinderdijk. You will find them all in a row: 19 historic mills, side by side and built on this spot to drain water from the polder. When you arrive in Alblasserdam, a boat (ticket not included) awaits you that takes you in less than ten minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland.
*Possibility to extend the bike stage by 25 kilometers.
3. Cycling among the walled cities: from Willemstad to Bergen op Zoom
A hearty breakfast awaits you as the ship sails to Willemstad, an ancient fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway. Here you start cycling to Tholen, once an island in the middle of Zeeland’s great waterways, where fishing was the main means of livelihood. Then you arrive in Bergen op Zoom.
*Possibility to extend the stage by 10 km.
4. Pedaling to the city of diamonds: Antwerp!
In the morning you’ll take a short bike ride through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” surrounding Bergen op Zoom. In the early afternoon, you will re-board the ship to reach the port city of Antwerp, located on the Scheldt River. Antwerp is famous for processing up to 80 percent of the world’s rough diamonds and it is a city with a long list of attractions: the City Hall, the historic Grote Market square, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle. Tonight you are free choose your perfect spot for dinner (not included). Ask for restaurant suggestions on board, the crew is happy to give suggestions.
*Possibility to extend the bike stage by 15 kilometers.
5. From Antwerp to St.Amands, cycling along the course of the Scheldt River
You leave Antwerp on your bike, pedaling to the cozy town of St.Amands, where the barge stops for the night. The route is very naturalistic, immersed in the magnificent Belgian countryside along a picturesque stretch of the Scheldt River.
* Possibility of extending the bike stage by 15 kilometers.
6. Cycling along the Scheldt: from St.Amands to Ghent
Also today the River Scheldt will guide you to Ghent, a historic and lively university town. Your boat is moored for the night at a lock in the suburb of Merelbeke. In the afternoon, take the time to discover Ghent’s rich past, which began with its founding in the time of the Roman Empire, to its development into an important center of textile production. We recommend that you start with a visit to the Castle of the Counts, dating back to 1180, from which there is a splendid view of the city. Don’t miss the cloth market and St. Bavon’s Cathedral, which contains masterpieces of medieval art, including Jan Van Eyck’s famous Polyptych of the Mystical Lamb, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. If you want to savor the city’s atmosphere, take a nice walk in Graslei and Korenlei, on the banks of the Leie River, where you can enjoy good local beer in one of the many bistros.
7. From Ghent to Bruges, cycling through the beautiful Flemish countryside
This day on the pedals starts on the outskirts of Ghent and continues through rows of trees and verdant meadows where cows and sheep graze undisturbed. Numerous canals and rivers make the route even more picturesque as you ride to today’s destination, Bruges, probably the most beautiful town in Flanders. Its ancient old town, built in the Middle Ages, is still intact: the houses, aristocratic palaces, and ancient churches along the canals seem to have been frozen in time five centuries ago, when the town was an important commercial and artistic center. You can choose from the city’s many attractions or simply sit in one of the numerous outdoor cafes and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of Bruges.
* Possibility of lengthening the stage by 25 kilometers.
1. Embarkation in Bruges, the "Pearl of Flanders"
At 1 p.m. the boat welcomes you aboard: after settling into your cabins, you’ll have time to visit the city, known as the “Pearl of Flanders.” Its ancient old town, built in the Middle Ages, is still intact: the houses, aristocratic palaces, and ancient churches along the canals seem to have been frozen in time five centuries ago, when the town was an important commercial and artistic center. You can choose from the city’s many attractions or just sit in one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy the extraordinary beauty of Bruges.
2. From Bruges to Ghent, cycling through the beautiful Flemish countryside
Start cycling from Bruges through the green territory of West Flanders. Today’s destination is Ghent, a bustling university town. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to discover Ghent’s rich past, which began with its founding in the time of the Roman Empire, to its development into an important center of textile production. We recommend visiting Cloth Hall, the cloth market since 1425, and St. Bavon’s Cathedral, built in different architectural styles. Inside you can admire some masterpieces of medieval art, among which the most famous is The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan Van Eyck, also known as the Ghent Altarpiece. The boat is moored for the night in a lock at Merelbeke on the outskirts of Ghent.
*Possibility to extend the bike stage by 25 kilometers.
3. Cycling along the Scheldt: from Ghent to St.Amands
In the morning you have time to explore the centre of Ghent. After the city tour, your cycling day begins. You’ll ride along a beautiful stretch of the Scheldt River towards Dendermonde, a charming center at the confluence with the Dender River. Enjoy the beautiful river vegetation that frames the waterway, whose flow rate is greatly influenced by the tides. At the end of the stage, you’ll reach St.Amands by bike or by boat, depending on the tides.
*Possibility of lengthening the bike stage by 15 kilometers.
4. Pedaling to the city of diamonds: Antwerp!
Today’s stage also runs along the course of the Scheldt, passing through Temse. The route is very naturalistic, immersed in the magnificent Belgian countryside along a picturesque stretch of the river. Today’s destination is the magnificent city of Antwerp, which you can begin to discover with a walk through its lively old town between the city hall, the medieval Steen Castle and the market square. Tonight you are free choose your perfect spot for dinner (not included). Ask for restaurant suggestions on board, the crew is happy to give suggestions.
*Possibility to extend the bike stage by about 15 kilometers.
5. From Belgium to Holland: by bike and boat from Antwerp to Dordrecht
The day begins with a boat trip to Holland, along the Schelde-Rhein canal, passing through the giant Tholen locks. Once a fishing village in the middle of the canals of Zeeland province, Tholen was a real island, now connected to the mainland. From here you begin your bike route, which, passing through the impressive Volkerak lock system, takes you to Willemstad, a fortified town. At the end of the stage you’ll reach Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland.
*Possibility to lengthen the stage by about 15 kilometers.
6. Cycling through the mills of Kinderdijk to Vianen
In the morning a “waterbus,” (not included in the package), takes you to Alblasserdam in just ten minutes. As you disembark, a short bike ride takes you to Kinderdijk and its famous windmills. You will find them all in a row: 19 historic mills, side by side and built on this spot to drain water from the polder. Continue cycling through Schoonhoven, “city of silver,” to Vianen, a quaint fortified town on the banks of the Lek River.
*Possibility to lengthen the stage by about 25 kilometers.
7. Among mansions, castles and villages toward Amsterdam
Today’s stage begins with a boat journey to Breukelen, from where you start pedaling along the Vecht River. This area is known for its mansions, small castles and stately homes, which serve as the backdrop for your cycling route through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland to Nigtevecht, where you can visit a typical cheese factory. From here you follow the course of the Amstel River to reach your final destination, Amsterdam.
*Possibility to lengthen the stage by about 10 kilometers.
8. End of tour in Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembarkation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. If you have some free time left, we recommend visiting the city, with its museums and shops, or taking a canal tour aboard one of the many tourist boats.
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
read more
La Mar
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Converted into a modern and spacious passenger boat back in 2000, La Mar was completely restored in 2013. Today it is a comfortable floating hotel with a restaurant, lounge area, cozy bar and a spacious sundeck.
Cabins
- 10 twin cabins with low beds
- 2 twin cabins with split level beds
All cabins have private bathroom, windows that can be opened, small safe and hairdryer.
Common areas
- lounge area with cozy atmosphere
- bar and dining room
- sundeck
Jul, Aug, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
Zwaantje
- comfort Silver
- en-suite bathroom and shower
- A/C in the whole barge
- 1 sundeck
- WiFi available
- 24 guests, 12 cabins
The Zwaantje, Dutch for “little swan,” is a comfortable, elegant, and fully equipped boat.
There is a cozy lounge, restaurant, relaxation area and bar on the deck.
Outside is a sun deck with tables and chairs where you can enjoy the view while sailing.
Cabins
- 10 twins with separate beds and windows that cannot be opened
- 2 doubles with opening windows
All cabins measure about 6.9 m², have private bathrooms, air conditioning, safe, and hair dryer.
Common areas
- cozy bar, restaurant and lounge area
- spacious bright living room with large panoramic windows
- large sun deck of 90 m²
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- WiFi available
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
Magnifique II
- comfort Platinum
- bathroom and shower en suite
- A/C in the whole barge
- 2 sun decks
- 34 guests, 17 cabins
The boat Magnifique II combines the classic style of a Dutch barge with the comfort of a star hotel.
Common areas are located on the upper deck: dining room, bar, lounge with TV and relaxation area. Sun decks, with chairs and tables outside, allow people to enjoy the sailing and have a drink while admiring the scenery.
Cabins
- 12 twin cabins on the lower deck of 11 sq. meters with fixed portholes
- 1 premium cabin of approx. 13 sq. meters with fixed portholes and a sitting area
- 4 suites on the upper deck of 14 sq. meters, with a sitting area and large panoramic windows, which can be partially opened
All cabins have two single beds (can be joined to form a double on request), private bathroom, air conditioning, mini safe, TV, closet and hair dryer.
Common areas
- Spacious and refined lounge with dining area
- Bright bar and lounge with large panoramic windows
- whirlpool/jacuzzi
Jul, Aug, Oct
enter no. of people and see all departures
Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets and towels
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 packed lunches
- 6 dinners, excluding drinks
- Coffee and tea until 4 PM
If you are vegetarian, gluten-intolerant or allergic to some specific ingredients/substances please indicate it at the moment of booking. A supplement applies for gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan diets.
Once on board, make sure that the kitchen staff is aware of your allergies, in order to avoid unpleasant situations.
Tour leader
- English speaking tour leader within an international group
Participants come from all over the world, and the common language is English.
Tour information
Before departure you will receive by email:
- the link to download the tour information material in Pdf (Tour notes and Final tour details)
On board you will find:
- maps and route description
- GPS tracks
Assistance
Organizziamo il tuo viaggio con cura, ma in caso di imprevisto puoi fare affidamento sul tuo accompagnatore. Prima di partire riceverai il numero di telefono da contattare in caso di emergenza durante la vacanza.
Additional services included
- Entrance Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp
- Tasting Belgium products
- Canal trip through Ghent
Cancellation policy
In the event of unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances occurring at the place of destination or in its immediate surrounding area and having a substantial impact on the execution of the package or on the transport of travellers towards the destination, the traveller has the right to withdraw from the agreement before using the package, without paying withdrawal costs.
In all the other cases of withdrawal from the travel agreement, the traveller is always required to pay a withdrawal penalty. Read more
Withdrawal penalties
- 20% up to 84 days prior to departure date
- 40% from 83 to 42 days prior to departure date
- 60% from 41 to 28 days prior to departure date
- 90% from 27 to 1 day prior to departure date
- 100% no-show
Round trip
Round trip not included.
To pay on the spot
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- Dinner in Antwerpt or Bruges
- Drinks on board
- Tips
The amount is up to your discretion, we suggest 5-7 % of the cost of the trip.
Rental bikes and accessories
You can rent bikes and accessories from our local partner.
The helmet is not mandatory, but we recommend wearing it and bringing your own.
Additional excluded services
- Accommodation in single cabin
- Limitation of liability of the bike (negligence damage excluded): 10 €/week for the standard bike, 25 €/week for the e-bike
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
The bike you rented will be waiting for you on board: serviced, adjusted to your height and ready for your tour.
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex touring bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Unisex E-bike
- 7 speed
- anti-puncture tires
- comfort gel saddle
Standard components
- bike bell
- side kickstand
- front/rear lights
- front/rear mudguards
- bottle holder
- rear rack
Accessories included
- rear side pannier
- water bottle
- repair kit
- lock
- battery charger
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Side bag
- waterproof
- to be attached to the roof rack
- Ideal for carrying useful items for the daily stage
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 310 km
- Terrain: paved bike paths and secondary roads
The kilometers indicated in the travel program are approximate.
On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter route. If you choose the shorter route, you may not be able to visit all the attractions mentioned.
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 1:30 PM in Amsterdam and at 1 PM in Bruges. Here you will meet the tour leader and other participants.
How to get there
A) Direction Amsterdam - Bruges
Amsterdam is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
Before departure we will send you the exact boarding point.
By plane
Amsterdam is connected with Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) airport.
From Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
B) Direction Bruges - Amsterdam
Bruges is the starting point of the tour to be reached independently.
By plane
Bruges is connected with the following airports: Bruxelles Charleroi (CRL) and Bruxelles Internazionale Zaventem (BRU).
From Bruxelles Charleroi (CRL):
- shuttle bus Flibco (approx. 2,5 hours)
From Bruxelles Internazionale Zaventem (BRU):
- train Belgian Railways (approx 1,5 hours)
For an overview of prices, airlines and flight schedules we suggest rome2rio.com or Google Maps, which also show options via train or bus, even for the last mile. For reliability and security, we recommend purchasing your flight on the official website of your chosen airline.
By train
Amsterdam Centraal / Bruges are the closest stations. For information on timetables and prices you can consult the Dutch Railways NS official website.
How to go back
How to return home
A) Direction Amsterdam – Bruges
Bruges is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Bruges is connected with the following airports: Bruxelles Charleroi (CRL) and Bruxelles Internazionale Zaventem (BRU).
To get to Bruxelles Charleroi (CRL):
- shuttle bus Flibco (approx. 2,5 hours)
To get to Bruxelles Internazionale Zaventem (BRU):
- train Belgian Railways (approx 1,5 hours)
B) Direction Bruges – Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the city at the end of the tour. From here you can return home.
By plane
Amsterdam is connected with Amsterdam Schipol (AMS) airport.
To get to Amsterdam Schipol (AMS):
- direct train Dutsch Railways (NS) to Amsterdam Centraal (about 20 min).
Documents
If you are a citizen of the EU or of a Schengen country – i.e. most EU countries and four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – you are free to travel to other Schengen countries without having to go through border controls.
Even if you don’t need a passport for border checks within the Schengen area, it is still always highly recommended to take a passport or ID card with you.
If you are a non-EU national wishing to visit or travel within the EU, you will need a passport:
- valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU country you are visiting,
- which was issued within the previous 10 years
- and possibly a visa
You should apply for a visa from the consulate or embassy of the country you are visiting. If your visa is from a Schengen area country, it automatically allows you to travel to the other Schengen countries as well.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
For further information visit Your Europe official website.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Language and time zone
The official language is Dutch.
Internet, telephone, electricity
Internet and telephone
With a European SIM card, roaming services are free throughout Europe. Please check your rates with your mobile/internet provider before departure.
The international phone prefix for the Netherlands is +31.
Electricity
The voltage is 230 volts – 50 Hz. Type C and F power sockets.
We suggest to always carry a universal adapter for electronic devices.
Currency
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (€).
Equipment and clothing
Luggage
- Bags instead of suitcases (space on board is limited)
Personal equipment
- a reusable water bottle
- a holder to fix for your mobile phone on the handlebar
- a power bank
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze and low grade disinfectant
- sun glasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- padded cycling shorts
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- light weight waterproof/windproof tops
- leggings and long sleeved tops for cooler mornings or evenings
- small close-fitting rucksack to carry small items during the day while cycling
- swimsuit
- clothes to cover your shoulders when you visit churches
Read carefully
Tour programme variations
- Due to organisational reasons, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during the holiday.
- Issues with high and low water, as well as logistic obstacles such as officially ordered – previously not announced – repair work on locks or bridges can modify some of the daily stretches or overnight stays and may even request a transfer by bus. These decisions are only taken by the boat’s captain.
Travel insurance
- It is advisable to take out an insurance policy against expenses arising from cancellation of the tour package, accidents, luggage (loss and damage), as well as a contract covering expenses in case of repatriation. Insurance policies are not included in the tour package offered by the operator.
Claudia
Published: 30 Aug 2023
Chiara
Published: 14 Aug 2023
Monica
Published: 01 Aug 2023
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