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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.
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A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab
Itineraries
Day 1

Bruges ~ Aalterbrug / Ghent (21 km )
From 1 pm we board our barge and then set off on our bikes along the canal between Bruges and Ghent to Aalterburg. We board our boat again and make our way to Ghent. This lively city with its numerous squares is an excellent mixture of medieval edifices, stylish shopping streets, splendid mansions and and working-class quarters from the beginning of the 20th century. We can enjoy the busy little squares where people eat out until the wee hours on a sultry summer night.
Day 2

hent ~ Dendermonde / St. Amands (47 kms)
We cycle through the old centre of Ghent. After a coffee break we continue along one of the most beautiful rivers of Europe, the Scheldt, towards the lovely flemish city of Wetteren. Our journey takes us to Berlare, the last place before Dendermonde and a perfect place to taste some Belgian beer before we board our barge again. We sail to the quiet village of St. Amand where we spend the nigh
Day 3

St.Amands ~ Antwerp, (40 kms)
Our cycle takes us along the Schelde riverbanks and through the nature reserve Schausselbroek, an area with a great variety of landscape and interesting fauna. In Steendorp we board the barge and sail to the historical centre of Antwerp one of Europe's best city destination breaks and which Lonely Planet called the "capitol of cool"!
Day 4

Antwerp / Krekrauksluizen ~ Willemstad (56 kms)
We sail to the Kreekrak locks in Holland where we start our cycle to the 'Brabantse Wal' a sand wall dating back from the times when Mammoths roamed the area! You won't find any big elephants but the area is perfect for strawberry and asparagus fields. From the woodlands around Bergen op Zoom, we continue through a polder landscape to the old fortified town of Willemstad, near the Volkeraksluizen (locks) at the Haringvliet, one of the busiest locks of Europe.
Day 5

illemstad / Werkendam ~ Gorinchem (45 kms)
We sail to Werkendam where we continue our tour through the land of Heusden and Altena. Along the Bergse Maas, the south border of the land of Heusden and Altena, we head to the fortified town of Heusden. From here another river, leads us back to to yet another beautiful fortified town, Woudrichem. A ferry brings us to the other side of the river where we board our barge.
Day 6

Gorinchem ~ Vianen / Utrecht (50 kms)
From Gorinchem we follow the meandering river Linge, through the Alblasserwaard to Leerdam, famous for its glass. We can visit a glazing company before continuing to Culemborg, a peaceful town situated at the Lek and on to Vianen. We finish the day by sailing into Utrecht. After dinner, we can take a bus to the old centre of the city.
Day 7

Utrecht / Brooklyn ~ Amsterdam (40 kms)
We sail to Breukelen ( Brooklyn ) from where we start our cycle into Amsterdam along the two most beautiful rivers of Holland, the Vecht and the Amstel. A jounrey lined with the magnificent country houses and mansions from the 18th century and 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 2023 tour price. This is an additional:
€100.00 Hybrid Bike
€195.00 Electric BikeDiscounts are available for children, please see itinerary or email our office for more information
For 2023 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:
Bicycle insurance is available for €30 per touring bike and €40 for an e-bike.
The participant is liable for damage or theft as long as the bike is not on board. The bicycle insurance covers the cost of the repair or replacement of bicycle parts in case of an accident. It also protects against theft of the bike while it was locked.
If you didn't arrange cycle insurance when booking you can do this on board (the first day). Payment in cash is required
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 2023
COMFORT DELUX BARGE "SAILING HOME"
Bruges to Amsterdam : May 20, June 3, 17, July 1, 15, 19, August 12, 26 Sept 9, 23, October 7, 21
Amsterdam to Bruges : May 13, 27, June 10, 24, July 8, 22, August 5, 19, September 2, 16, 30 October 14
€1260 ( low season ) / €1400 ( standard season ) / €1535 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1815 ( low season ) / €2020 ( standard season ) / €2205 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
COMFORT PLUS BARGE "LIZA MARLEEN"
Bruges to Amsterdam : June 24, September 30
Amsterdam to Bruges : September 23
€1340 ( standard season ) / €1465 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1920 ( standard season ) / €2115 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
COMFORT BARGE "ANNA ANTAL"
Bruges to Amsterdam : May 27, June 10, 24, July 22, August 5, 19, September 2, 16, 30
Amsterdam to Bruges : May 20, June 3, 17, July 15, 29, August 12, 26, September 9, 23
€1115 ( low season ) / € 1235 ( standard season ) / €1350 ( high season ) per person in twin cabin
€1195 ( low season ) / €1330 ( standard season ) / €1460 ( high season ) single cabin occupancy
Self Guided Tour Information
Self Led tours are not an option on this route.
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 Saturday at 2 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 2 PM You are expected on our barge on Saturday the latest at 2 PM. The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Bruges at 2.15 PM. So it is very important you are on time. The barge can't wait due 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.
Anna Antal - Category Standard Plus / Comfort
The Anna Antal also became a passenger barge in the nineties. With a capacity of 18 people it has nine cabins all with central heating and a private bathroom. Like all barges it has a cozy salon where, in the evenings, a drink can be consumed by the elegant bar. Outside there is a sun deck / a deck for the bicycles. The crew as with all barges consists of a skipper, a cook and a sailor/hostess.
Zwaan – Category Comfort Plus
Zwaan's is a very comfortable barge where meals are served in the livingroom or wheather permitting, on the sundeck. With a capacity for 14/18 persons there are seven cabins on board, all with private showers and toilets
2 x Family-style room, 2/3 p with double bed + single bed - 2x Friends-style room
2/3 people with 3 single beds (one bunk) -
2 x Twins-style room, 2 people with two separate beds
1 "Lovers Nest", 2 persons with double bed