What is the difficulty level of this tour?

This is a Level 1 tour with very flat terrain, suitable for all fitness levels. Daily distances range from 20 to 56 km, with shorter and longer route options on most days. You can also skip cycling entirely on any day and stay on board the barge.

What type of accommodation is provided?

You will stay on board a comfortable river barge for the entire trip. Cabins are climate-controlled with private bathrooms, bed linen and towels. Two ships operate this route: the Fluvius (max 44 passengers) and the De Holland (max 66 passengers).

What meals are included?

Seven breakfasts, daily packed lunches and six three-course dinners are included. Coffee and tea are available on board until 4 PM. One dinner evening is free for you to explore local restaurants.

What type of bicycle is available?

Touring bikes with lightweight aluminium frames, handbrakes, at least seven speeds and puncture-resistant tires can be rented for EUR 91 per week. E-bikes with 400Wh battery are available for EUR 252 per week on request. You may also bring your own bicycle for EUR 14 per week.

Is this tour guided or self-guided?

The tour is semi-guided. You cycle independently at your own pace using detailed maps, GPS tracks and printed route descriptions. An experienced tour leader cycles the routes too and is reachable by phone. A fully guided option is available on the Fluvius for a surcharge of EUR 120 per person.

Can I bring children on this tour?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly. Children's bikes, tandems, family tandems, tag-along bikes and child trailers are available on request. On the De Holland, a triple cabin with a third bed for children under 15 is available at a discount.

When does the tour operate?

Departures run every Sunday from April to October 2026, alternating between Amsterdam and Bruges start points. Both the Fluvius and De Holland operate throughout the season.

How do I return to my starting city?

There is a good train connection between Amsterdam and Bruges taking approximately three hours. The tour operator recommends checking Omio or Trainline for timetables and tickets.

The Best of Holland and Belgium: Amsterdam to Bruges by Bike and Barge

Holland & Flanders

best-of-holland-belgium-amsterdam-bruges-bike-boat

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Trekking bikeE-bikeBike & Boat8 days / 7 nights260 km2/5Medium-EasyLinear

Short Description

Cruise the waterways of Holland and Belgium aboard a comfortable barge while cycling through flat countryside, historic cities and UNESCO landmarks. Eight days from Amsterdam to Bruges via Kinderdijk's iconic windmills, vibrant Antwerp, medieval Ghent and the North Sea coast.

Tour Program

Day 1: Amsterdam – Vianen
After boarding your floating home in Amsterdam harbour, you will set sail along the waterways to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek. Here you will receive your bicycle and enjoy a gentle first ride through the surrounding countryside.

Day 2: Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Dordrecht (56 km)
You will cycle through the green heart of the Alblasserwaard to Schoonhoven, the "Silver City" renowned for its silversmiths since the 17th century. The day's crowning moment awaits at Kinderdijk, where 19 UNESCO-listed windmills stand in an iconic row — you will have the chance to step inside one and see how these remarkable machines once kept the low-lying polder dry. A fast ferry across the Merwede will carry you to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.

Day 3: Dordrecht – Tholen – Antwerp (20 km or 36 km)
While you enjoy breakfast on board, the barge sails to Tholen. From there you will pedal through the atmospheric Wouwse Plantage forest and past the impressive Kreekrak lock before rejoining the ship for the sail into Antwerp. The city of diamonds, Renaissance facades and the medieval Steen Castle awaits — explore the Grote Markt and the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral before dinner on board.

Day 4: Antwerp – Dendermonde (48 km or 64 km)
A beautiful cycle path hugs the tidal Schelde River as you leave Antwerp behind. The landscape here is magnificent — wide water meadows, quiet villages and the slow rhythm of the tides accompanying you all the way to Dendermonde, a friendly town at the junction of the Dender and Schelde rivers.

Day 5: Dendermonde – Ghent (52 km)
The Schelde continues to guide you to Ghent, a lively university city with a staggering legacy of medieval architecture. Once the second-largest city in Europe after Paris, Ghent still commands attention with its Opera House, 18 museums, over 100 churches and the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck in St. Bavo Cathedral.

Day 6: Ghent – Bruges (45 km)
You will ride through the gentle Flemish countryside of western Flanders into Bruges, widely known as the "Venice of the North." The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval settlements, its Gothic buildings woven seamlessly into the living fabric of the city. This evening is yours to discover Bruges' restaurants on your own.

Day 7: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea (38 km or 51 km)
Your final day of cycling follows a quiet canal past poplar trees and through an attractive polder landscape to the North Sea coast. You will have the chance to swim, stroll along sandy beaches and take in the dune scenery before returning to Bruges along a picturesque waterside path.

Day 8: Bruges
Disembarkation after breakfast. End of your tour.

Tour details

LinearSelfguidedFamiliesCouplesFriendsMinimum 2 peopleMinimum age 16 years

✅ What is included in the trip?

🏨 Overnight stay and breakfast
📲 GPS or navigation APP
🗺️ Maps
🧍‍♂️ Welcome briefing
🚲Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently tour leader also cycles the tour)
💧Biodegradable water bottle
☕️ Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
🍽️ 6 dinners (drinks excluded)
📞 Local telephone assistance 7/7
🍽️ Packed lunches

❌ What is not included?

✈️ Journey to/from the starting point
🍽️ Meals and drinks not listed as Included
🛡️ Travel insurance
🖼️ Entrance fees and extras not listed
🌎 Tourist taxes
🚎 Transfers not listed as Included

🙋 Common questions

What is the difficulty level of this tour?
This is a Level 1 tour with very flat terrain, suitable for all fitness levels. Daily distances range from 20 to 56 km, with shorter and longer route options on most days. You can also skip cycling entirely on any day and stay on board the barge.
What type of accommodation is provided?
You will stay on board a comfortable river barge for the entire trip. Cabins are climate-controlled with private bathrooms, bed linen and towels. Two ships operate this route: the Fluvius (max 44 passengers) and the De Holland (max 66 passengers).
What meals are included?
Seven breakfasts, daily packed lunches and six three-course dinners are included. Coffee and tea are available on board until 4 PM. One dinner evening is free for you to explore local restaurants.
What type of bicycle is available?
Touring bikes with lightweight aluminium frames, handbrakes, at least seven speeds and puncture-resistant tires can be rented for EUR 91 per week. E-bikes with 400Wh battery are available for EUR 252 per week on request. You may also bring your own bicycle for EUR 14 per week.
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
The tour is semi-guided. You cycle independently at your own pace using detailed maps, GPS tracks and printed route descriptions. An experienced tour leader cycles the routes too and is reachable by phone. A fully guided option is available on the Fluvius for a surcharge of EUR 120 per person.