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Experience the great cities of the Netherlands and western Belgium on this classic barge and bike trip between Bruges and Amsterdam. En route visit Antwerp and Ghent whose historic centres will enchant you with their history and refined culture. Wind your way by bike along the Vecht river with its impressive mansions and country houses, visit a cheese farm and the 19 windmills in Kinderdijk. Via Dordrecht and the Kreekrak lock, the barge cruises from Belgium through the 'delta' province of Zeeland. Cycling with the group and guide or on your own with a set of maps and directions - the choice is yours. In the evenings, relax on board your comfortable barge or explore the towns on foot.
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102kg of CO2-e PP per day
(714kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join barge in Bruges, afternoon warm up cycle and evening to explore (15km/9mi)
Embarkation in Bruges is between 1-2pm. After a welcome meeting with the crew at 2.30pm, there will be a bicycle fitting and a short warm-up cycle through the surrounding countryside. After dinner you can join the guide for a short walk through the centre of town. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bruges is perhaps the most beautiful of all Flemish cities, with its Old Town almost completely intact. During the Middle Ages, the city was a metropolis and centre of commerce and art, evident in its many beautiful facades. It is a nice town for shopping and exploring. We suggest sampling a waffle, coffee or traditional Belgian beer around the Grote Markt (big market place). Tip: There is so much to see in Bruges - we recommend having a night or two here pre tour.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle the Flemish countryside to Ghent (35 or 57km/21 or 36mi)
We start our first day of cycling by pedaling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. Ghent is a lively university city with a rich past, and in the afternoon you can discover more of its beauty on foot. The city was founded in Roman times, where the rivers Leie and Schelde converge. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was Europe's second largest city after Paris. Its convenient location has brought much prosperity over time, culminating in the late 13th and early 14th century. The textile industry brought great wealth, with the Cloth Hall established in 1425 bringing many merchants together, and many aristocrats remain today. St Bavo Cathedral reflects different periods in history and building styles and houses some masterpieces of medieval art, the most famous of which is "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck (in the visitors' centre). The barge will dock at the lock in Merelbeke, a suburb of Ghent approx. 30 minutes by bike from the city centre. Before dinner a small canal boat will take you for a guided tour through the historic city.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Cycle to Dendermonde / St Amands (40 or 53km/24 or 32mi)
After breakfast in Ghent we will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, located at the confluence of the Dender and Schelde rivers. The boat's departure time will be set by the skipper, dependent on the tides. The River Schelde stretches over 400km through northern France, western Belgium and the southwestern part of the Netherlands and is connected by several canals to the basins of the Rhine, Meuse and Seine Rivers. It has had considerable commercial and strategic importance over the years. We will continue by bike or barge from Dendermonde to St Amands, depending on the tides. Overnight at St Amands.
Day 4
Cycle to Antwerp, evening at leisure (32 or 49km/19 or 31mi)
Today we follow the Schelde further downstream through the Temse region to the lively port town of Antwerp. This part of the route is along a beautiful and winding section of the river which over the centuries held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon. Our destination is Antwerp, famous for handling most of the world’s rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the painter Rubens. You will find some of his paintings in the “Onze Lieve Vrouwe” (Our Lady) Cathedral. Other attractions include the City Hall, one of many majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical square 'Grote Market' and the medieval Steen Castle. If dinner is not included tonight, recommendations are available from the crew.
Meals: B,L
Day 5
Cruise to Kreekrak, cycle to Tholen, by bike or barge to Dordrecht (20 or 36km/13 or 23mi)
In the morning we cruise on the Schelde-Rhine Canal and via the imposing Kreekraksluis (Kreekrak lock). Here our cycle tour starts through the beautiful ‘Wouwse Plantage’ forest to Tholen, a former fishing village amidst the large streams of the province of Zeeland. From Tholen we join the barge again for an enjoyable afternoon cruise to Dordrecht, en route passing through the impressive Volkerak lock system. Today, the guide will discuss with you which part of the tour will be covered by bicycle. After dinner you can join the guide for an evening walk through the town centre of Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.
Day 6
To Kinderdijk, cycle to Schoonhoven and Vreeswijk (32 or 57km/19 or 36mi)
Today we take the 'Waterbus' (fast ferry, 10 minutes) to Alblasserdam, from where it is a short cycle to the famous UNESCO listed windmills of Kinderdijk. The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water from the low Alblasserwaard polder (a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). We will continue by bike to Schoonhoven, renowned for its talented silversmiths, and Vreeswijk, a charming historic village with a rich maritime past (at times the boat may dock at Utrecht). In the evening, you can explore its cozy streets and canals at your leisure.
Day 7
Cruise to Breukelen, cycle to Nigtevecht and on to Amsterdam (36 or 46km/23 or 28mi)
During breakfast we will cruise to Breukelen then disembark for our last day of cycling. Following the winding river Vecht, the area is known for its sprawling mansions, small castles and beautiful houses with large gardens and parks. We'll pass through the small villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland en route to Nigtevecht, where we can visit a traditional cheese farm. We will continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam and the barge in the harbour. This evening you're at leisure to explore the lively Dutch capital.
Day 8
Trip concludes in Amsterdam after breakfast
After breakfast the journey comes to an end as you say farewell to the guide and crew. Check out and disembark by 9:30am.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Twin Cabin
All beautifully decorated cabins are on the lower deck and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a mini-safe and a hair-dryer; the windows cannot be opened for security reasons. The Twin cabin is 11 m².
Junior Suite
Four junior suites have queen size beds (two single beds set together) and are approx. 15 m².
Lower Deck - Twin Cabins
There are 12 regular twin cabins (approx. 11 m²) with 2 single beds next to each other. All cabins have en-suite facilities (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, a flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes that cannot be opened.
Lower Deck - Premium Twin Cabin
On the lower deck there is 1 premium twin cabin. This cabin (approx. 13m²) has 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area.
Upper Deck - Suite Cabins
The upper deck has 4 beautiful suites (approx. 14m). The suites have 2 single beds next to each other, a small sitting area and large panoramic windows. One of these windows can be opened.
Lower Deck Cabins
The lower deck has 16 cabins: 14 twin cabins (approx 12m²) with 2 single beds next to each other and 2 single cabins (approx 7m²). The cabins have en-suite facilities (shower and toilet), individually regulated air conditioning, a flat screen satellite TV, a small safe and a hair dryer. A supplement applies for the single cabins.
In most cabins the beds can be set together as a double bed on request.
On request, a 3rd bed is available in one of the twin cabins for children up to age 16 (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds).
Above Deck Suite Cabins
The upper deck has 5 suites (approx 16m²) with 2 single beds next to each other and a small sitting area. The suites have large windows that can be opened. A supplement applies for these cabins.
The beds can be set together as a double bed on request.
On request, a 3rd bed is available in one suite for children up to age 16 (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds).
Lower Deck twin Cabin
The twin cabins below deck, measuring 12 m² (129 ft²) feature two single beds and fixed portholes. All cabins have their own private bathroom with shower, basin and toilet; as well as individually-regulated air-conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, mini safe and hair dryer.
Upper Deck Suites
The spacious suites, each measuring 16 m² (172 ft²), have double beds, a cozy sitting area, and French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.
The lower deck has 10 twin with two single beds. All cabins have a small ensuite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin, a fixed window and individual air conditioning.
Double Cabin
There are two double cabins on the lower deck. These have a French bed, which is slightly smaller then a standard double. The cabins have a small ensuite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin, windows that open and individual air conditioning.
Lower Deck - Twin Cabin
The La Mar has ten comfortable guest cabins, (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.), situated on the lower deck with two separate single beds Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. Windows can be opened and the cabins have central heating and air-conditioning. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.
Lower Deck - Twin Split Level Cabin
There are two twin cabins (8 m² – 86 sq.ft.) with two split level beds. These twins can also be used as singles by folding up the split level bed.
During the trip you will be provided with a unisex rental bike with hand brakes and lock. Bikes are: usually 7 speed. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day.
** It is possible to bring your own bike/ebike on board the Magnifique boats - a surcharge applies. Please ask our staff (must be pre-booked and pre-paid).
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances from 11 to 57km (6 to 36mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. Should you not wish to cycle it's possible to stay on board on board and relax while the boat cruises to the next landing place. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets be worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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