Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges Plus! Belgium's Breweries
Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges Plus! Belgium's Breweries
On this bike and barge tour you will discover the southern region of Zeeland in the Netherlands finally dipping into the West Flanders region of Belgium. By day you'll bicycle through regions known for the phenomenal sightseeing and cycling terrain. You will travel between the world famous cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges and visit iconic places including Gouda and the famous windmills of Kinderdijk. Delve deep into local culture when we meet local cheese farmers and visit a working windmill. In Belgium, explore the battlefields of WWI around the towns of Poperinge and Ypres, and the brewing tradition of fine Belgian beers while visiting St. Sixtus and St. Bernadus abbey cafés.
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Important cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges, Working windmill visit, Extra bicycling available on most days, Gouda and its cheeses, UNESCO World Heritage Sites -Kinderdijk Windmills, Bruges, Cycling along bike paths and canals, Luxury barge, Painter Peter Paul Rubens
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Because the barges run on a set schedule you will be required to get to the next docking point on time. We have planned the mileage each day so that this should not be a burden. There are only 4 single supplements available. Cabin space is limited so consider the size of your luggage. A 25 inch suitcase will fit under the bed. WiFi may be sporadic on board the barge.
For more questions about the Barge check out our Bike & Boat FAQ
Includes
1 hotel night in Amsterdam; 7 nights' lodging on a luxury barge; 3 nights at hotels in Belgium; meals as noted in itinerary, including 7 packed lunches; 2 beer tastings; chocolate tasting; windmill visit; canal cruise of Ghent; guided Antwerp walk and visit of Cathedral; guided Bruges walk; and, the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Bike and Boat tour at the Bike and Boat Tour Style page.
Highlights: Amsterdam, bike fitting and test ride, welcome dinner
Welcome to the vibrant capital city of Holland, Amsterdam! We hope you arrived a few days early to visit some of the highlights of this colorful city — between its museums, canals, hip locales and lively night scene there is plenty to explore. Settle into our hotel where we’ll have our safety meeting and bike fitting followed by our first spin on the bikes before a special dinner together.
Highlights: Forts of Muiderslot and Weesp, town of Muiden, Bruekelen, dinner on board
Follow bike paths out of Amsterdam and head into the region of the Hollandic Waterline, a defense system born in the 17th Century where castles and military forts with integrated systems of flooding could be used to turn Holland into an island to keep out invaders. A century later the water froze creating a bridge for the French army to attack. This plan has left several imposing forts including Muiderslot and Weesp which we'll cycle past today. Enjoy local farmland and beautiful canals flanked by charming villas. We’ll pedal through Breukelen, the namesake of the New York City borough of Brooklyn. Later, we'll cruise toward our landing spot for the night and enjoy dinner on-board.
2024 Barges: May 4th departure is on the Fleur, the July 12th departure is on the Fiep.
DAY 3: Bike to town of Gouda and Kinderdijk windmills
Highlights: Schoonhoven - famous for its silversmiths, Gouda cheese museum and tasting, UNESCO World Heritage Kinderdijk windmills
This morning our barge will cruise for a few hours to reach the town of Schoonhoven, famous for its silversmiths and carillon makers. Bicycle through town and check out the town hall’s clock-tower bells before heading to Gouda, famous for its orange cheese. Enjoy a visit to the town’s cheese museum, and pick-up some picnic supplies (cheese anyone?) to enjoy at your next stop: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk. Here 19 majestic windmills are aligned to form a stunning sight. After exploring we'll keep pedaling south to rejoin our boat in Dordrecht. Enjoy dinner on-board and perhaps a leisurely walk in town to enjoy the center.
Highlights: Willemstad, a do-it-yourself-moving-bridge; picnic lunch; Roosevelt heritage museum; Tholen; working windmill visit
Another breakfast cruise takes us to Willemstad, a strikingly star shaped fortified town on the shores where the Holland Diep river splits into multiple rivers as it rushes out to sea. Experience the do-it-yourself-moving-bridge before reaching the town of Oud Vossemeer, where the Roosevelt name was very present in the 17th and 18th centuries (and still is), leading many to theorize that the American Roosevelt family whose Dutch ancestor arrived in the US in 1650 was probably from this town. Next we'll pedal south to Tholen which was once an island in this giant estuary-like environment, but is now connected to the mainland. We’ll enjoy a visit to a working windmill during our ride.
Highlights: Cruise into Antwerp; visit "Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Lady) Cathedral" home to several of Rubens' paintings
Set off on bikes for a delightful morning ride! We’ll get back to the boat before lunch to cruise into Antwerp, enjoying a unique view of the port and harbor as our barge makes its way to the city of diamonds. We’ll enjoy a guided visit of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens' art in the city’s Cathedral. After which you can head off to visit the rest of the city, including the historic city center, the diamond district, or the Red Star Line Museum from where 2 million emigrants shipped off to North America between 1873 and 1934. Explore the city and enjoy dinner on your own this evening before returning to our boat for a restful night’s sleep.
Highlights: Schelde riverbank bike path; Sint Amands; Bosteels Brewery
We’ll leave the city of Antwerp and return to the countryside cycling on small roads and along the Schelde river bike path. We’ve arranged a special visit of a 200 year-old brewery, family-run now by the 7th generation. We will continue pedaling along the tidal river until we reach the quaint town of Sint Amands.
Highlights: Bicycle beside stately villas; Ghent's rich historic center
This morning we will continue to cycle along the river before branching north through historic marshes. These marshes are where sheep production thrived due to the nutritious grasses. Subsequently, Ghent became one of the richest cities in the world during the Middle Ages because of its woolen industry. A bike path along the Schelde river brings us to our boat, which we’ll board for lunch as it cruises closer to the city center. While we are docked in a suburb, we’ll transfer into the historical center for a visit. This lively university city is still one of the prettiest cities in Belgium. Admire its traditional, tall Flemish buildings towering over the small streets and plazas. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of the many restaurants or cafés.
Highlights: Breakfast cruise, Bruges, UNESCO World Heritage Site Medieval City Center
Start the day with a short breakfast cruise before setting off on your bicycle to ride into the crown jewel of Belgium, Bruges. We'll be moored in the city center, providing excellent access to Bruges's many treasures. Stroll along the canals that were once main arteries of the city and don't miss a visit to the medieval square and City Hall. This city is characterized by its fantastic architecture. Bruges is bustling with additional sites to see including the stepped gable houses, market square with the belfort, and historic neighborhoods such as the "Beguinage", a community of lay women from the 13th century to visit. We’ll enjoy dinner together on board our boat tonight.
Enjoy a mid-morning guided visit around the city of Bruges, after which you can decide to explore the chocolate museum, diamond museum or even the Belgian fry museum! Enjoy this fabulous city but be sure to save some energy to join us at Bruges's famous beer bar late this afternoon for sampling! We'll meet for a private guided tour of the De Halve Maan Brewery late this afternoon.
The May 7, 2021 departure will stay at the Crowne Plaza Brugge.
Highlights: Westvleteren, lunch at farm, Poperinge
We pedal southwest directly through the West Flanders region, passing by the Diksmuide and Dodengang trenches. Westvleteren is one of only 6 authentic Trappist beers in Belgium (made by Trappist monks, a branch of Cistercian monks) - one of which is continually ranked amongst the top beers in the world. The 16th Century St. Sixtus Abbey is not open to the public, but you can still enjoy the world's highest-ranking beers from the Abbey at de Vrede café across the street before continuing on to Poperinge, once famous for its textiles and now famous for its hops. Visit the hops museum before enjoying dinner in one of the many restaurants in town.
DAY 11: Loop to Ieper (Ypres in French) and Flanders Field Museum
Highlights: Ieper and Flanders Field Museum, chocolate tasting
A loop ride today takes us to some important WWI sites where more than half a million Allied and German soldiers died in three major battles between 1914 and 1917. Ypres was strategic to the German’s planned invasion of France, and the Allied soldiers were able to put up effective resistance due to the topography: low lying hills parallel with the French Belgian border created natural “trenches” from which to fight. Visit the Flanders Field museum that starkly documents the war’s impact, and admire the completely rebuilt town as it was razed to the ground in 1917 due to the artillery fighting. Back in town, enjoy a chocolate tasting before our final dinner together.
We'll transfer you to the Brussels train station today for connections to your next destination. Thanks for joining us on this barge, beer and bike adventure! Bon voyage and Goede Reis!
Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into Amsterdam (AMS).
How to get to the Day 1 Hotel:
Taxi from the airport to the Day 1 Hotel (40 min/EUR 60-75)
Or public transportation:
Commuter Train from the airport to "Amsterdam Centraal" (15 min/EUR 4-5)
Taxi from the Station to the Day 1 Hotel (10-15 min/EUR 15)
View Dutch train schedules at
www.ns.nl or
trainline.eu. On commuter-type and regional trains, pre-booking of tickets is not necessary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
Day 12: Departure Information
Tour end - Shuttle to Brussels
We offer a complimentary ExperiencePlus! shuttle to the Brussels Central Train Station on the last day of the tour. Your spot on the shuttle is already reserved for you.
Shuttle arrival time at Brussels Central Station is 12 p.m.
From there you will have access to the airport by train in under 20 minutes (8 trains per hour, no pre-booking needed), or to a number of hotels in the area if you choose to stay on.
You may consider booking your homebound flight for the next day as many international flights depart in the morning.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Because the barges run on a set schedule you will be required to get to the next docking point on time. We have planned the mileage each day so that this should not be a burden. There are only 4 single supplements available. Cabin space is limited so consider the size of your luggage. A 25 inch suitcase will fit under the bed. WiFi may be sporadic on board the barge.
For more questions about the Barge check out our Bike & Boat FAQ
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Bike and Boat Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Bike and Boat tour at the Bike and Boat page.
An amazing experience...the only way to see The Netherlands and Belgium.
Terry G., Annapolis, MD - May 2019
Relaxing, self-paced, leisurely, cultural, active. Loved the leisurely floating of the barge. Would not hesitate to do a barge trip again. Loved the small group, leisurely pace of barge, fabulous food, and instant friends as we all shared much in common.
Joyce F., Scottsdale, AZ - July 2018
Combination bike ride through the quiet countryside and barge ride, with excellent food, wine and beer. We had a super time, and expect to be back next year!
Dave A., Cary, NC - June 2018
Riding with great companions and guides through beautiful fields, quaint towns and waterways. Sailing, sleeping, dining on an excellent barge with a great staff. Super experience!! What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Cocktails on the upper deck with the group after a great day of riding!
Jane T., Milwaukee, WI - June 2018
A great trip that almost any rider could do. The routes were scenic and almost not traffic. Drivers were very careful and considerate. I will definitely book another tour next year.
Elise A., Cary, NC - June 2018
Excellent tour, new experience using a boat as a base. Great route through the Netherlands and Belgium country side.
Sonny L., Aurora, CO - June 2018
Only the best bike tour of my life!
Marty V., Fort Myers, FL - June 2018
Great trip and experience.
Bill H., Milwaukee, WI - June 2018
My pleasure came from visiting a new country and experiencing the back roads of The Netherlands and Belgium. We also had perfect weather, so that was a big bonus. Really enjoyed the trip, great experience!
Joan K., Fort Myers, FL – June 2018
A very nice level one trip - for my friends (and family) that are not really bikers, it would be highly recommended. The barge part exceeded my expectations - especially the food, which was excellent. A fun trip - I''ve always enjoyed traveling with you throughout the many years!
Bob P., Denver, CO - May 2018
Excellent trip and not the least of it was the guides and our fellow travelers. They were all interesting and very nice.
Nancy S., Boulder, CO - May 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
We have told many that it was a perfect 1 level with flat terrain, lovely scenery and historic towns/cities. Excellent bike paths for large percentage of tour. Your bicycles were top notch and chalk arrows the best way to travel and enjoy the surroundings!
Kae B., Roanoke, VA - May 2018
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Relaxing, fun, interesting, and incredibly bike-friendly. What was your favorite experience on this trip?
Living on the barge. I love boats and I love bikes so how much better can it get?
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges
