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Discover the best of the Netherlands and Belgium on a relaxed-paced bike and barge holiday between Amsterdam and Bruges. Each day brings new experiences as you cycle along quiet paths beside canals and rivers, passing historic windmills at Kinderdijk, stopping at a traditional cheese farm, and exploring charming towns like Ghent and Antwerp. Follow scenic routes past grand riverside estates on the Vecht, then rejoin your comfortable barge to cruise into the unique landscapes of Zeeland. With the freedom to ride independently using easy-to-follow maps, or join the local guide, this trip offers flexible options for exploring at your own pace. Evenings are for soaking up the culture of medieval cities or simply unwinding on deck as the barge glides to its next port.
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101kg of CO2-e PP per day
(709kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join barge in Amsterdam, cruise to Vianen, warm up cycle
Arrive Amsterdam and make your own way to the barge. Embarkation and check-in, where the crew will welcome you on board, is from 1-1.50pm. At 2.00pm the boat will leave Amsterdam and sail to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek, where we will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride. You can leave your luggage on board from 11.00am.
Meals: D
Day 2
Cycle to Schoonhoven and Kinderdijk, ferry to Dordrecht (56km/34mi)
In the morning you will cycle through beautiful Dutch meadowlands to the so-called 'silver city' Schoonhoven, renowned for its talented silversmiths since the 17th century. Continue through the Alblasserwaard region to the impressive 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO cultural heritage listed site. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the mills. From nearby Alblasserdam, take the “Waterbus” fast ferry (10 mins) to Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands' oldest towns. Overnight Dordrecht.
Meals: B,L,D
Day 3
Barge to Tholen, cycle to Kreekraksluis, cruise to Antwerp (20 or 36km/13 or 23mi)
During breakfast we cruise to Tholen, where the day's cycling starts. You will visit the “Wouwse Plantage” forest and the impressive Kreekrak lock. Meet up with the boat we cruise to the port city of Antwerp, which is situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and has many attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical Grote Market (main square), the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and medieval Steen Castle. After dinner you can visit the beautiful old city centre.
Day 4
Cycle to Dendermonde (48 or 64km/29 or 39mi)
On today’s tour you will cycle out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the picturesque tidal Schelde River and through magnificent Flemish countryside to Dendermonde. The landscape around the Schelde is one of the natural highlights of the tour. The river stretches for 435km 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. The Schelde has had great commercial and strategic importance over the years. Tonight's base is Dendermonde, a friendly provincial town along the river.
Day 5
Cycle to Ghent (52km/32mi)
Today you will continue to follow the Schelde to Ghent, a lively university city with a rich past. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to shop or explore in its lively centre. Ghent was founded in Roman times, where the rivers Leie and Schelde converge. Its convenient location has brought much prosperity. During the Middle Ages it was a prominent city-state, and its the textile industry and Cloth Hall, established in 1425, brought merchants together. Many aristocrats remain today. The main church 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. The barge will dock at the lock in Merelbeke, a suburb of Ghent approx. 30min by bike to the city centre.
Day 6
Cycle the Flemish countryside to Bruges (45km/28mi)
This morning the cycle route leads through pleasant Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges. You will have ample time to explore Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North'. It is perhaps the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. Its UNESCO listed Old Town dates from the Middle Ages and is almost completely intact. At that time the city was a metropolis and centre of commerce and art, and its glory is visible today in the many beautiful buildings. You can visit one of Bruges' many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city while strolling or from the comfort of a sidewalk cafe. Dinner is not included this evening so you are free to dine in one of the many restaurants in the historic centre.
Meals: B,L
Day 7
Return cycle to the North Sea coast (38 or 51km/23 or 31mi)
Your last cycle is along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees, through an attractive polder landscape (a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) with nice small farm houses, and on to the North Sea coast. A 12km (7.5mi) long sandy beach, numerous cafés and the attractive dune landscape of “Het Zwin” (a unique nature reserve) provide variety during your lunch break. Cycle back to Bruges along a small picturesque canal for the last evening aboard. Alternatively your day is at leisure if you prefer to spend more time in Bruges.
Day 8
Trip concludes in Bruges
After breakfast the journey comes to an end as you say farewell to the guide and crew. Check out until 9:30am.
Meals: B
What's included
What's not included
Lower Deck Cabins
The lower deck has 15 twin cabins (approx. 10m²) and one smaller twin cabin (approx. 9m²). All cabins have two low separate beds and ensuite bathroom. The windows cannot be opened.
Upper Deck Cabins
On the upper deck there are 3 twin cabins (approx. 10m²) with the same features as the lower deck cabins (fixed windows). There are also 4 double cabins (approx. 12m²) with a large panoramic window that can be opened. A supplement applies for cabins on the upper deck.
During the trip you will be provided with a 7 speed trekking bike with unisex frame, hand brakes and lock. You will also receive a pannier to carry your gear required for each day. Helmet rental is included.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘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. Minimum age for e-bike rental is 12 years and a minimum height requirement is 150cm / 4ft11in.
GRADE 1 - Daily cycling distances from 15 to 64km (9 to 39mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available. 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. Electric bikes are available for a supplement and when used will ensure the cycling is comfortable for less physical cyclists - however it is still essential that you are comfortable cycling on roads and in light traffic in variable weather conditions. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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