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This bike and boat tour is available starting either from Amsterdam or from Bruges.
Starting from the charming, abundantly decorated city of Bruges we cycle towards the lively city of Ghent, full of entertainment and among other things known for its many different types of beer. Both cities had their heyday in the Middle Ages, long before the Dutch Golden Age (17th century) and this is clearly visible in the architecture and paintings of the so-called Flemish School. From Flanders we continue into the Netherlands, with its variety of landscapes, wide views over broad waters, dramatic cloudy skies dotted with windmills and scattered solitary villages.
A rich history unfolds with the 'Vestingdriehoek' (Triangle of Fortified Towns): Gorinchem, where you can still see the walls of the old fortified town, Loevestein Castle, one of the Netherlands' best-preserved castles and the old city of Woudrichem completes the triangle. Along the river Vecht you cycle to Amsterdam. The river into the city is lined with large, monumental country houses, built in the Golden Age by the rich merchants of Amsterdam. A night in this iconic city finishes off a wonderful week on the bike.
This tour runs from Thursday to Thursday!
A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1
Bruges ~ Aalterbrug / Ghent (21 km )
You welcome you on our barge on Thursday between 12.30pm - 1.30pm. The barge leaves the dock at 2pm. You will first cruise through Amsterdam before reaching the wetlands south of the city and the mooring place of today, the village of Oude Wetering.
After dinner the tour leader will escort you on the first kilometers of your bike trip during a short ride around the village.
Day 2
Ghent
Today you will have the day at your free disposal. The city of Ghent is proud of its rich past, the many well-preserved guild’s and patricians’ houses as well as old warehouses, Gravensteen (a mediaeval castle), St Nicholas Church (with 13th century foundations), St Bavo’s Cathedral and the ‘Belfort’ (Belfry;14th century). But Ghent is much more than just a museum town. This lively city with its numerous squares and cosy pubs is an excellent mixture of mediaeval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions, working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century which now often house students and busy little squares where people eat out till the wee hours on a sultry summer night.
You can also choose to go cycling with your guide. The castles and luxurious villas in and around Destelbergen, at a stone’s throw from Ghent, are silent witnesses of the rich history of this municipality along the banks of the river Scheldt.
Day 3
Ghent - Middelbrug, 45 km
Today you will leave Belgium and arrive in the Netherlands. During breakfast you will sail to Sas van Gent and cycle through Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders). With a short ferry trip from Breskens to Vlissingen (Flushing) you cross the Westerschelde. From Vlissingen it’s just 30 minutes cycling to Middelbrug, the capital of Zeeland. Modern Middelburg has preserved and regained much of its historic and picturesque character. There are lavish 17th and 18th century merchant houses and storehouses standing along canals. The medieval abbey is still in use today, as a museum and as the seat of the provincial government.
Day 4
Middelbrug - Zierikzee, 50 km
First you will ride to the town of Veere, formerly an important trading place. From Veere you will cycle over the Veersgatdam (here you have the possibility of a beach visit) to North Beveland. Soon you will reach the Oosterscheldedam. The enormous locks are built in this embankment and can be closed during storms and high tides protecting the south-west of the Netherlands against the sea. This embankment was one of the last in a series of barriers against the sea. When cycling along the embankment, one will realize why this has been one of the most difficult and costly challenges to protect the country now and in the future and to let seawater into the widespread Delta area. It is precisely why the Deltaworks are referred to as the one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. After this dam you will peddle to Zierikzee.
Day 5
Zierikzee - Willemstad, sailing to Dordrecht, 55 km
A nice ride on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland is on the program. You ride to Bruinisse. The village is known as a very isolated community. The main source of income is the mussel fishery, on the dike to the Grevelingen you will find a statue of an opened mussels. You will ride on to Willemstad (an old fortified town) and go on board there. Sailing to Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities of Holland and located at the crossroads of busy waterways.
Day 6
Dordrecht, sailing to Gorinchem, cycling to Vianen, 50 km
From Gorinchem you will visit Woudrichem (an old fortified town) and most famous castle in the Netherlands, Loevestein. You follow the meandering river Linge through the Betuwe. This area is known for the large amount of orchards and therefore will be covered with blossoms in May. Along the city of Leerdam, famous for its glass, you continue your tour in northern direction towards Vianen.
Day 7
Vianen, sailing to Breukelen, cycling to Amsterdam, 40 km
During breakfast we sail to Breukelen (Brooklyn) from where we cycle to Amsterdam along the two most beautiful rivers of Holland, the Vecht and the Amstel.
Along the route we pass magnificent country houses and mansions from the 18th century with their splendid, well-kept gardens. After dinner you have the option to take a canal cruise through the canals of Amsterdam.
- 7 nights on board barge
- Coffee and tea on board
- All meals (breakfast & dinner on board) and packed lunch
- Guide cycling with the group
- Route information and road book - one set per cabin
- Ferry fares on the route
- 3 city walks with tour guide
Bike rental is not included in our 2024 tour price. This is an additional:
€110.00 Hybrid Bike
€220.00 Electric BikeDiscounts are available for children, please see itinerary or email our office for more information
For 2024 bike rental is not included in the basic tour package.
On this tour we rent out Batabus Galivier Hybrid bikes. A good bicycle available for all participants from ages nine and up with 24 gears and handbrakes. All bikes are comfortable lightweight touring bikes. The bikes are equipped with:
- Pannier bags, Helmet, Odometer, Good lock, Water bottle
- You will get a repair kit when biking on your own.
It is also possible to rent an E - bike
Your bike has 24 gears, a detachable lithium-Ion battery, hand brakes, pannier bags, a good lock, water bottle and a repair kit.
Bike Insurance is included in 2024.
Following two cycles in Ireland, this was our first bike and boat trip. We had a wonderful time and even got engaged in Antwerp. The boat, crew, and bicycles were fantastic. The daily distances were very manageable, the scenery lovely and the lunch stops were so good, we didn’t want to get going again. Will definitely do another one, just so many tours to choose from…..
Robert & Cindy (Bruges to Amsterdam June 2018)The Bruges-Amsterdam bike trip was wonderful! We loved the barge, the food, the guide (Bert), the bikes, the routes. We biked through beautiful countryside, lovely villages and even into crazy Amsterdam. It was a great trip.
Cat & Richard (Bruges to Amsterdam Sept 2018)My group had a fabulous time on our trip. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the accommodation on the barge. The crew on the barge was friendly and helpful. The food was excellent. We really enjoyed eating meals with the other passengers and it was nice that we were able to pack a healthy lunch each day. This was my first time doing a trip like this with a guide and I enjoyed having someone to explain the historical significance of each area. It was nice having someone to explain the historical significance of each area and having planned stops at different attractions.
Paula London (Bruges to Amsterdam, 2017)We had a wonderful time, our third Cycling Safaris trip and if possible it surpassed our expectations. The boat was charming, our room was adequate and very clean. Mike was our cycle guide and lead us on a memorable ride. It is difficult to take a group of varying cycling abilities and keep them all together and keep them happy, but he did it all! The route was such fun.
Nancy & Steve Bachand (Bruges to Amsterdam May 2016)The cycle trip was absolutely wonderful! The crew of the boat was top-knotch, friendly, professional, and fun! Holland is a great place to bike, with nonthreatening trails and delightful people. The food on the boat was spectacular.
Esther Johnson (Bruges to Amsterdam 2012)Had a wonderful time. Loved the bike, loved the pace, the barge was good, food was terrific. Was sad to leave it all behind.
Teresa Linz (Bruges to Amsterdam group 2016)We had a marvellous week, very helpful staff, good cycling, interesting places to visit, an excellent cook and the weather was kind. It really could not have been better in my view.
Ian Forrest (Amsterdam to Bruges 2012)It was a wonderful vacation. The crew of the Zwaan were absolutely the most welcoming, professional and pleasant people. The food was fabulous. The boat was clean and comfortable
Mary Huis (Amsterdam to Bruges 2013)The cycle tour more than met our expectations. The crew all provided excellent hosting, support and guidance. The food was delicious, ample and varied. Facilities on the barge provided satisfactory comfort. Overall a lot of fun with a great group and well organized.
Colin Maddocks (Amsterdam to Bruges 2013)Everything was absolutely fantastic. We had no problems with the travel arrangements. The bikes were great and very easy to use! The barge...they were wonderful!! The food was delicious!
The Wilt Family (Amsterdam to Bruges) 2013Mick and I had a wonderful trip on the barge. The crew and guides were outstanding and the food was just excellent. Our accommodations on the barge were very comfortable.
Mick & Patti S. (Amsterdam to Bruges 2013)We would definitely recommend travelling on the Zwaan. The whole crew were extremely friendly and we all enjoyed our first trip to the Netherlands!
The Wilt Family 2013SAILINGS 2024
COMFORT DELUX BARGE "SAILING HOME"
Bruges to Amsterdam : May 16, 30, June 13, 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5, 19, October 3, 17
Amsterdam to Bruges : May 9, 23, June 20, July 4, 18, August 1, 15, 29, September 12, 26, October 10
€1380 ( low season ) / €1535 ( standard season ) / €1685 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1995 ( low season ) / €2220 ( standard season ) / €2420 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
COMFORT BARGE "WENDING"
Bruges to Amsterdam : May 23, July 18, August 15, 29, September 12, 26
Amsterdam to Bruges : May 16, June 6, July 11, August 8, 22, September 5, 19
€1210 ( low season ) / €1334 (standard season) / €1460 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1530 ( low season ) / €1695 (standard season) / €1840 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
€1130 ( low season ) / €1250 (standard season) / €1370 ( high season) triple cabin
COMFORT PLUS BARGE "LIZA MARLEEN"
Bruges to Amsterdam : June 20, September 26
Amsterdam to Bruges : June 13, September 19
€1470 ( standard season ) / €1610 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1700 ( standard season ) / €1840 ( high season ) per person in superior twin cabin
€1350 ( standard season ) / €1475 ( high season ) per person in triple cabin
€2110 ( standard season ) / €2325 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
Bike hire is not included in the tour price:
€110 bike hire
€220 e-bike
Self Guided Tour Information
Self Led tours are not an option on this route.
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Arrival to tour start:
You will find the boat in Bruges: near the Buiten Katelijnevest (not far from the train station- about 950 metres).
Train: For travel information from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to Bruges by train: www.nshispeed.nl/en Travel time by train: appr. 3,5 hours
On foot it is between 10 to 15 minutes from the station to the barge.
For travel information from Bruges to Amsterdam: www.b-rail.com
Taxi: A taxi from the station in Bruges takes about 5 minutes to the barges.
You are expected on our boat on Thursday at 1.30 PM.
After arrival there's coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance, from 10 AM onwards. Then you can explore Bruges at your leisure.
Arrival at 12.30 PM You are expected on our barge on Thursday the latest at 1.30 PM. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Bruges at 2 PM. So it is very important you are on time. The barge can't wait due to the opening hours of bridges and/or locks.
You can recognise the barge by the banner with Cycletours written on it. The name of your barge is printed on the voucher, which you will receive separately. After arrival there's coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available on cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance, from 10 AM onwards.
Train For travel information from Schiphol Amsterdam Airport to Bruges by train: www.nshispeed.nl/en Travel time by train: appr. 3 hours
On foot it is between 10 to 15 minutes from the station to the barge. Take exit 'centrum' at the station and then turn right. Straight on and after 3rd bridge turn right. See map below.
Taxi A taxi from the station in Bruges takes about 5 minutes to the barge.
Sailing Home - Category Comfort de Luxe
The "Sailing Home" started cruising in 2001. This beautiful passenger ship can accommodate 26 passengers. The interior of the salon and bar is decorated in a mode Victorian style and offers wonderful comfort. There are 13 spacious and comfortable guest cabins each one with a private bathroom. central heating and air-conditioning. On the top floor you will find the salon, a roomy lounge, a cosy bar and a sun deck.
Liza Marleen - Category Comfort
The “Liza Marleen” is a luxury motor passenger barge, built in 1998 with the cabins being fully renovated for the 2016 season. It has a capacity for 22 people with 8 double cabins and 2 triple cabins.
All cabins come with a private bathroom and central heating. The triple cabins have one double bed on top and one single bed undeeath. The double cabins have two separate beds on top of each other. The “Liza Marleen” has a beautiful, spacious and tastefully decorated salon and plenty of room on deck.