Bike and Barge
Amsterdam and Flanders, summer edition
from Amsterdam to Bruges
- NL060 / Netherlands, Belgium
- Bike and Barge Bike and barge In the daytime by bike, in the evening on board a hotel-boat that follows the cyclists along the route. Your luggage stays in the cabin and you can stay on the boat if you don't feel like cycling. Details
- Guided Guided Travel in a group with other participants and a tour leader who knows the route.
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Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Comfort and accommodation
Four levels of comfort to describe the different types of accommodation.
Find out more about comfort on this trip under comfort and departures.
- Jul, Aug
- Jul 25, Aug 15 2026
- 8 days
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- linear from Amsterdam to Bruges
- Some meals included
- Original tour Original tours These are the trips we organise from A to Z to provide you with the best service at the best price. Details
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To know
Travelling as a larger group?
Highlights
This summer, join a bike and barge adventure through the best of Belgium and the Netherlands. Cycle from Amsterdam to the historic city of Bruges, passing through Ghent, Antwerp, and Dordrecht along the way. Throughout the journey, the Scheldt River will accompany you, soothing you to sleep at night and guiding you through picturesque countryside filled with charming villages and windmills.
- The historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Antwerp, where centuries of history meet a thriving modern city
- Kinderdijk and its 19 iconic windmills rising from the waterlands
What awaits you
Spend a week cycling between Holland and Flanders. The terrain is completely flat, and the paved or well-paved cycle paths are always well marked. Ride with the group, or skip a day and stay on the boat if you feel like it. The one thing to keep an eye on? The weather. A little wind or rain only adds to the adventure!
moreSpend a week cycling between Holland and Flanders. The terrain is completely flat, and the paved or well-paved cycle paths are always well marked. Ride with the group, or skip a day and stay on the boat if you feel like it. The one thing to keep an eye on? The weather. A little wind or rain only adds to the adventure!
Accommodation
Seven nights aboard a riverboat — a real floating hotel that follows you from stage to stage and welcomes you back every evening. The atmosphere is warm and every detail has been thought through to make sure you have a trip to remember. At dinner and during downtime, the chefs and crew treat you to a spread of flavors and local specialties....
moreSeven nights aboard a riverboat — a real floating hotel that follows you from stage to stage and welcomes you back every evening. The atmosphere is warm and every detail has been thought through to make sure you have a trip to remember. At dinner and during downtime, the chefs and crew treat you to a spread of flavors and local specialties. All cabins have private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Find out who we are
If you’re here, you’re probably curious about Girolibero and why booking a trip with us could be a great choice, even if we haven’t met yet. You might be asking yourself: who are we? Why choose Girolibero? And what if you need a little help along the way? Don’t worry, we’re here to provide all the answers.
Since 1998, we’ve been organizing bike tours in Italy and Europe. Every step of your itinerary is planned out precisely; we rely on trusted professionals we’ve worked with for many years to make your trip a reality. We have people selecting your accommodation, while others make the schedule, handle unforeseen circumstances, make our website run smoothly, and maintain all the bikes.
Our headquarters is in Vicenza. We are dedicated to making your vacation a carefree experience, and we are here to address your questions and provide assistance. But there’s more.
Read more1. Individual arrival and boarding in Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam! The boat will be waiting at 1:30 PM at the dock, where the crew will welcome you on board. At 2:00 PM we set sail for Vianen, a small fortified village on the River Lek, where we spend our first night.
2. From Vianen to Kinderdijk, its 19 windmills, and Dordrecht
Today we cycle to Schoonhoven, nicknamed Zilverstad — “the Silver City” — known for its silversmiths, who have been passing down the craft since the seventeenth century. We then pedal through the Alblasserwaard region to reach Kinderdijk, famous for its striking row of 19 windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, we head to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland.
3. Dordrecht, Willemstad, and Tholen
While we’re at breakfast, the boat sets sail for Willemstad, a beautifully preserved fortified town on the Haringvliet canal — our starting point for today’s ride. From the saddle, we make our way to Tholen, another historic fortified town that was once an island surrounded by canals and waterways.
4. Antwerp, the city of diamonds
We set off from Tholen and kick off the day with a ride through the forests of Wouwse Plantage, near Bergen op Zoom. In the early afternoon we board again and cruise to Antwerp, a port city on the River Scheldt with a legendary diamond trade. Don’t miss the Town Hall and the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the medieval Steen Castle — some of the finest Renaissance architecture in Europe.
5. From Antwerp to Sint-Amands, surrounded by nature
This morning we leave Antwerp by bike and ride to the laid-back town of Sint-Amands, where the boat moors for the night. The route winds through open Belgian countryside along a scenic stretch of the River Scheldt — a great day to slow down and take it all in.
6. From Sint-Amands to medieval Ghent
The Scheldt keeps us company all the way to Ghent, where the boat moors for the night. Ghent is a lively university city with deep roots: since Roman times, its position at the junction of the Leie and Scheldt rivers made it a thriving commercial hub. Today the city boasts an opera house, 18 museums, more than 100 churches, and over 400 historic buildings. Top of the list: the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, home to Jan van Eyck’s masterpiece “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,” and the Ghent Belfry, standing 91 meters tall alongside two other medieval towers that define the city’s skyline.
7. Arrival in Bruges, the jewel of Flanders
From Ghent, we ride through the Flemish countryside to reach Bruges — a medieval city of canals and historic monuments recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon exploring one of its many museums, or simply settle into a café terrace and let the city’s beauty wash over you.
1. Individual arrival and boarding in Bruges
The boat and crew are waiting at the port of Bruges at 4:00 PM. Before or after dinner on board, we explore the city together — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the undisputed jewel of Flanders — wandering through its museums or settling into a café terrace to soak up the atmosphere.
2. First day in the saddle, heading to Ghent
We kick off our first riding day pedaling through the stunning Flemish countryside toward Ghent, our home for the night. Once we arrive, the medieval city opens up: three iconic towers, streets that buzz with student energy, world-class museums, and a historic center that transforms after dark with its own signature lighting.
3. From Ghent to Dendermonde, along the Scheldt
Today’s stage starts late morning, giving us a little extra time to linger in Ghent. We then follow the Scheldt through a varied landscape all the way to Dendermonde, sitting at the confluence of the Dender and Scheldt rivers. The boat is waiting for us here — time to settle in for the night.
4. From Dendermonde to Antwerp, the city of diamonds
We follow the Scheldt again this morning, through the Temse region, into Antwerp. Over the centuries this river has been coveted by Romans, Vikings, the Spanish, and Napoleon — and it’s easy to see why. Antwerp itself is a port city famed for its diamond trade and as the birthplace of Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There’s plenty to explore: the Renaissance Town Hall, the Grote Markt, the Cathedral of Our Lady, and the medieval Steen Castle.
5. Through Wouwse Plantage, sailing towards Dordrecht
We start the day on the water, cruising through the vast Kreekrak lock system before hopping on our bikes to ride through the forests of Wouwse Plantage to Tholen. From there, we board again and sail to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. This elegant Dutch city is laced with canals wrapping around a series of small harbors. Its strategic medieval position made it a major river trading hub, and the architectural legacy of that era is still very much alive. It’s also a lively place, with festivals, markets, and outdoor events filling the summer calendar.
6. Kinderdijk's windmills and Vianen
We set off from Alblasserdam and quickly reach Kinderdijk — 19 iconic windmills in a row, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hands down the best photo opportunity of the trip. We then continue to Vianen, a small fortified town on the River Lek, where we spend the night.
7. Arriving in Amsterdam
Over breakfast, we sail to Breukelen and disembark for our final riding stage. The route follows the Vecht river past grand estates, country mansions, and small castles with beautiful gardens. After rolling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen, and Vreeland and the historic town of Muiden, we ride into Amsterdam — vibrant, endlessly fascinating, and a perfect finish line. The Museumplein area has the city’s most celebrated museums and galleries; Vondelpark is there if you need to decompress; and the canals are always worth one more stroll.
Comfort Bronze
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- WiFi available
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
Gandalf
- comfort Bronze
- bathroom and shower en suite
- WiFi available
- 20 guests, 10 cabins
Gandalf is a small, cozy river barge where common areas and cabins are designed to make guests feel at home. On the deck is the dining room and outside free space for some relaxation. View more details
Cabins
- 10 twins with single beds. Two cabins can become triple cabins with bunk beds
All cabins measure about 10 m² and are equipped with private bathrooms and toiletries, a fan, and opening windows. A number of hair dryers are available and can be requested if needed.
Common areas
- Spacious and cozy dining room and bar
- large deck for relaxing moments while sailing
25
Jul
Start Amsterdam - End Bruges
Sat 25 Jul - Sat 1 Aug 2026
15
Aug
Start Bruges - End Amsterdam
Sat 15 Aug - Sat 22 Aug 2026
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Tour information
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Prices 2026
(166 KB)Download price list and departure dates
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Accommodation
- 7 nights accommodation
- Sheets, towels and courtesy kit
Meals
- 7 breakfasts
- 6 self-made packed lunches
- 6 dinners, drinks excluded
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 (to be paid in advance).
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
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)
Assistance
In the Final Tour Details you will find the contact phone numbers you can call during the tour in case of emergency.
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
Travel to and from start and finish points not included
To pay on the spot
- 1 dinner
- Meals not mentioned in the section “price includes”
- 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
- Everything not mentioned in the section “included”
Bikes
You can rent the bike type that suits you best. You will find it at the starting point of the tour and you have to return it at the end of the last cycling stage: isn’t it easy? Rental bikes are always serviced and ready for a new cycling adventure; however, should you have any mechanical problems, you can contact our local partner.
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
Practical information
Route profile
- Level: easy
- Total length: 285 km
- Terrain: 90% tarmac, 10% unpaved
Embarkation
Embarkation is scheduled at 4:00 PM in Bruges / at 1:30 PM in Amsterdam. Here you will meet the tour guide and the 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).
By train, the low-impact choice
Amsterdam is the closest station.
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)
By train, the low-impact choice
Amsterdam is the closest station.
You can use Trainline to compare timetables, prices, and international rail connections, integrating the main European operators. 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.
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.
Do not forget your travel, health and/or car insurance documents.
Always thoroughly check the document you travel with: expiration date and integrity.
Registration of documents is compulsory at check-in in hotels.
Language
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)
Cycling essentials
- handlebar mobile phone holder (we recommend the SP Connect™ system: if you buy it online you get a 20% discount using the code TRAVEL20)
- a power bank
- your own reusable water bottle (the most sustainable choice)
- comfortable shoes with stiff soles
- padded cycling shorts
Personal equipment
- basic first aid kit which includes sticky bandages, gauze, and low-grade disinfectant
- sunglasses for eye protection
- protective sun lotion
- insect repellent
Clothes
- 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
Sustainable traveler
To travel with respect for the environment, the places, and the people who welcome us:
- always ask permission before photographing people
- dress appropriately when visiting places of worship
- leave no trace and do not litter along the way
- refill your water bottle at drinking water fountains (you can use Mapy to find them)
- do not collect "souvenirs" from protected natural areas or archaeological sites
- stay on marked trails, respect wildlife and take care of the nature around you
- avoid wasting water and energy, precious resources for everyone
- respect the rules and spaces of the accommodations that host you
- reduce your ecological footprint while travelling and consider offsetting the emissions from your journey, here's how
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.
Minimum number of participants
- This trip requires a minimum number of participants. If this number is not reached within 21 days of departure, you can change your trip or request a full refund. Until final confirmation, we advise you not to purchase flights or other connections to reach the destination.
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.
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