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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in a twin share cabin
Meals
  • 6 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1890USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UAH

Trip highlights


  • Discovering the vibrant cities of Amsterdam and Bruges by bike and on foot
  • Cycling through the countryside past locks, windmills and cheese farms
  • Visiting interesting towns such as Antwerp, famous for its nightlife and Ghent with its cobble stone streets
  • Sampling local specialties including Belgian waffles, beer and mussels
  • Enjoying the camaraderie of your fellow passengers aboard a comfortable barge

Experience the great cities and waterways of the Netherlands and the western Flanders region of Belgium on this classic barge and bike self guided trip between Amsterdam and Bruges. Each day you'll cycle through flat landscapes, via charming villages and historic cities and cruise along impressive waterways and rivers. En route are the cities of Utrecht, Antwerp and Ghent, whose historic centres will enchant you with their history and refined culture. You'll visit a Dutch cheese farm and the 19 windmills in Kinderdijk, and wind your way by bike along the Vecht river with its impressive mansions and country houses. Via Dordrecht and Kreekrak lock, the barge cruises through the 'delta' province of Zeeland, essentially one big river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers and famous for its beaches, water sports and Delta works, to Flanders, which boasts a number of world famous medieval towns and has a well-deserved reputation for superb food and drink. In the evenings, relax on board your comfortable barge or explore the towns on foot.

Trip Grading

introductory

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

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 2pm 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 11am.

Meals:  D

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

During breakfast we cruise to Tholen, where the day's cycling starts. You will visit the “Wouwse Plantage” forest and the impressive Kreekrak lock. After once again meeting 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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

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

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.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast the journey comes to an end as you say farewell to the guide and crew. Check out until 9:30am.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 dinners (does not include drinks)
  • Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch on board. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a Deluxe category barge (de Holland) with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The trip price is based on a standard twin cabin below deck - supplement applies for other cabin categories (twin cabin upper deck, double cabin upper deck or single use of cabin). We do not match clients together so if you are travelling solo you will need to book a single cabin (limited and on a request basis).
  • Rental bike with helmet and pannier (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
  • Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
  • Experienced multilingual tour leader for daily briefings (while the trip is self guided, the tour leader also cycles the tour and is available during the day to assist if required)
  • Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks
  • Several city walking tours
  • Linen and change of towels as required
  • Daily cabin cleaning
  • Tea and coffee during breakfast and after the cycling tours til 4pm
  • Carbon offset
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Amsterdam and from Bruges
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks other than afternoon tea & afternoon
  • Special dietary requirements (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR70pp (subject to change) paid locally on board.
  • Drinks including water at dinner, hot drinks other than tea & coffee at breakfast
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Bike insurance (damage) - available only if pre-booked. Payable locally: rates are €10/week standard bike, €25/week e-bike
  • Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included
  • Transfers not listed as included
  • Guide - this is a self guided cycle holiday (the tour leader cycles the route each day and is available to assist if required)
  • Tips - while not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide we suggest EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew).
  • Fees for ferries and Waterbus
  • WIFI - a fee applies, payable onboard if required - allow approx. eur10 for the week
  • Items of a personal nature

Cabins


Bike information


Grading

introductory  

INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1 The cycling is introductory (1) grade with 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.


Departure dates


Notes

H
High Season
DN1
For comfort plus departures running in reverse, see our trip Bruges to Amsterdam - Comfort Plus - trip code UDH. We also have Comfort and Deluxe versions of the trip - see trip codes UAM, UBR (reverse) - both comfort and ABR & BRA (reverse) both Deluxe.
DN2
High season is 4 May to 14 Sep - supplement applies
1
Discount applies to 5 Oct 2025 departure
DN4
All departures are based on board De Holland

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1890USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for October 2025 departureUSD$-238
  • E-bike SupplementUSD$210
  • Twin upper deck cabin supplement ppUSD$340
  • Suite upper deck cabin supplement (twin pp)USD$690
  • Single Supplement- single use of twin lower deck cabinUSD$790
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

Videos

Amsterdam to Bruges Bike and Barge | UTracks Active Travel

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