The best of Holland and Belgium - 8 days
Boat and bike tours - The Netherlands - The NetherlandsCharming villages and historic cities
- 8 days
- Half board with packed lunch
- Unguided
- The ship is your floating hotel
- Amsterdam, Vianen, Kinderdijk, Dordrecht, Tholen, Antwerp, Dendermonde, Ghent, Brugge
- Landscapes worth seeing in Holland and Flanders
- Ships De Fluvius or De Holland
- Daily distance 20-61 km
The best of Holland and Belgium - 8 days
Day to day program Amsterdam - Bruges:Fluvius
Amsterdam to Bruges: on April 14 and 28; May 12 and 26; June 9 and 23; July 7 and 21; August 4 and 18; Sept. 1 and 15
De Holland
Amsterdam to Bruges: on May 5; June 2; August 25; Sept. 8 and 22Day 1 - From Amsterdam to VianenEmbarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 and 1.50 p.m. At 2 p.m. the ship will leave Amsterdam and sail to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek, where you will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride.Day 2 - From Enkhuzien to Kinderdijk 56 km, from Kinderdijk to DordrechtToday you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad (“Silver City”) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Later in the day as you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight – you will have the opportunity to visit one so don’t forget to bring your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus”, a fast ferry, that will take you and your bicycle in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.Dau 3 - From Dordrecht to Tolen, from Tolen to Kreekrakschleusen 20 or 36 km, from Kreekrakschleusen to AntwerpenDuring breakfast the ship will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling by visiting the “Wouwse Plantage” forest. Another attraction on the day is the impressive Kreekrak lock. After once again meeting up with the ship you will finish your day by sailing 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 that include: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner visit the beautiful old city centre.
Day 4 - From Antwerpen to Temse to Dendermonde 47 or 61 kmToday’s tour will see you cycle out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the picturesque tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, your home for the night. There is only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.Day 5 - From Dendermonde to Gent 52 kmToday you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of town. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. The city’s position at the junction of Leie and Schelde Rivers has meant it to be a major trading port since Roman times. In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. A major attraction is St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept.Day 6 - From Gent to Brugge 45 km Your bicycle tour will lead through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders around this beautiful city, widely described as the ‘Venice of the North’. The city attracts more than two million visitors every year who come for the ambience of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. An outstanding example of a medieval settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic constructions form an integral part of the town’s identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).Day 7 - Tour around Brugge to the North Sea 37or 48 km Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the attractive dune landscape. On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal.Day 9 - DepartureEnd of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.Day to day program Bruges - AmsterdamFluvius
Bruges to Amsterdam: on April 21; May 5 and 19; June 2, 16 and 30; July 14 and 28; August 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22
De Holland
Bruges to Amsterdam: on May 12; June 9; Sept 1, 15 and 29Day 1 - Arrival in Brugge 11 kmEmbarkation time in Bruges is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The ship awaits you in the Bruges harbor. After a welcome meeting with the crew at 2 p.m. there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test-ride through the countryside around Bruges. After dinner the tour leader will take you for a walk through the center of town.
We advise you to come to Bruges one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city of Bruges, aptly named the “Pearl of Flanders”. While you are there make sure you visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.Day 2 - From Brugge to Gent 57 kmYour cycle tour starts early today in the outskirts of Bruges. You will start your first day of cycling by pedaling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. On arrival in Ghent make sure you make the effort to discover the best of what this historical city has to offer during an afternoon stroll. Ghent’s medieval town center features lovely illuminated streets that are a must to explore, while the architectural richness in the historical center of the city has to be seen to be believed (during the Middle Ages Ghent was the 2nd largest European city after Paris). The ship will dock for the night at a lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 30 cycling minutes from the city center.Day 3 - From Gent to Dendermonde 40 kmAfter breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, a friendly little town, located at the junction of Dender and Schelde Rivers. Dendermonde has a beautiful town hall located at a cozy square. The ideal place to have a nice Belgium beer after your bicycle ride. Worth visiting is also the St. Alexius Beguinage where you can learn about housekeeping, work and recreation in the lives of former generations.Day 4 - From Dendermonde to Temse to Antwerpen 48 or 61 kmToday we will follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region and the small village of Baasrode to Antwerp. This part of the route is along a most beautiful and twisting section of the Schelde which over the centuries held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon. Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbor city situated on the river Schelde famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).Day 5 - From Antwerpen to Kreekrakschleusen, from Kreekrakschleusen to Tholen 36 or 20 km, from Tolen to DordrechtThis morning, the ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here your bicycle tour starts through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest to Tholen, Tholen once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways. But it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. From Tholen you will join the ship again for a nice afternoon sail to the beautiful city of Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland. Halfway the ship will pass the impressive Volkerak lock system. Your tour leader will take you for an evening walk and tell you about the history of the Netherlands.Day 5 - From Dordrecht to Alblasserdam, from Alblasserdam to Kinderdijk to Schoonhoven to Vianen 57 kmA fast ferry will bring you to Alblasserdam. From here you will cycle to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek where you will spend the evening. Since the 17th century Schoonhoven – nicknamed Silver City – has been renowned for its talented silversmiths.Day 7- From Vianen to Breukelen, from Breukelen to Amsterdam 36 or 46 kmDuring breakfast the barge will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark and start your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles and beautiful houses with large gardens and parks. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland you arrive at Nigtevecht where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam where you will meet the barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbor.Day 8 - DepartureEnd of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.Good to know- Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
- On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
- If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
- The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
- On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
- Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Ships
Please bear in mind that the ship is both your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night. Operational noise is therefore unavoidable.
Amsterdam to Bruges: on April 14 and 28; May 12 and 26; June 9 and 23; July 7 and 21; August 4 and 18; Sept. 1 and 15
De Holland
Amsterdam to Bruges: on May 5; June 2; August 25; Sept. 8 and 22Day 1 - From Amsterdam to VianenEmbarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is between 1 and 1.50 p.m. At 2 p.m. the ship will leave Amsterdam and sail to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek, where you will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride.Day 2 - From Enkhuzien to Kinderdijk 56 km, from Kinderdijk to DordrechtToday you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad (“Silver City”) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Later in the day as you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight – you will have the opportunity to visit one so don’t forget to bring your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus”, a fast ferry, that will take you and your bicycle in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.Dau 3 - From Dordrecht to Tolen, from Tolen to Kreekrakschleusen 20 or 36 km, from Kreekrakschleusen to AntwerpenDuring breakfast the ship will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling by visiting the “Wouwse Plantage” forest. Another attraction on the day is the impressive Kreekrak lock. After once again meeting up with the ship you will finish your day by sailing 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 that include: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner visit the beautiful old city centre.
Day 4 - From Antwerpen to Temse to Dendermonde 47 or 61 kmToday’s tour will see you cycle out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the picturesque tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, your home for the night. There is only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.Day 5 - From Dendermonde to Gent 52 kmToday you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of town. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. The city’s position at the junction of Leie and Schelde Rivers has meant it to be a major trading port since Roman times. In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. A major attraction is St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept.Day 6 - From Gent to Brugge 45 km Your bicycle tour will lead through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders around this beautiful city, widely described as the ‘Venice of the North’. The city attracts more than two million visitors every year who come for the ambience of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. An outstanding example of a medieval settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic constructions form an integral part of the town’s identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).Day 7 - Tour around Brugge to the North Sea 37or 48 km Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the attractive dune landscape. On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal.Day 9 - DepartureEnd of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.Day to day program Bruges - AmsterdamFluvius
Bruges to Amsterdam: on April 21; May 5 and 19; June 2, 16 and 30; July 14 and 28; August 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22
De Holland
Bruges to Amsterdam: on May 12; June 9; Sept 1, 15 and 29Day 1 - Arrival in Brugge 11 kmEmbarkation time in Bruges is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The ship awaits you in the Bruges harbor. After a welcome meeting with the crew at 2 p.m. there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test-ride through the countryside around Bruges. After dinner the tour leader will take you for a walk through the center of town.
We advise you to come to Bruges one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city of Bruges, aptly named the “Pearl of Flanders”. While you are there make sure you visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.Day 2 - From Brugge to Gent 57 kmYour cycle tour starts early today in the outskirts of Bruges. You will start your first day of cycling by pedaling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. On arrival in Ghent make sure you make the effort to discover the best of what this historical city has to offer during an afternoon stroll. Ghent’s medieval town center features lovely illuminated streets that are a must to explore, while the architectural richness in the historical center of the city has to be seen to be believed (during the Middle Ages Ghent was the 2nd largest European city after Paris). The ship will dock for the night at a lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 30 cycling minutes from the city center.Day 3 - From Gent to Dendermonde 40 kmAfter breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, a friendly little town, located at the junction of Dender and Schelde Rivers. Dendermonde has a beautiful town hall located at a cozy square. The ideal place to have a nice Belgium beer after your bicycle ride. Worth visiting is also the St. Alexius Beguinage where you can learn about housekeeping, work and recreation in the lives of former generations.Day 4 - From Dendermonde to Temse to Antwerpen 48 or 61 kmToday we will follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region and the small village of Baasrode to Antwerp. This part of the route is along a most beautiful and twisting section of the Schelde which over the centuries held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon. Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbor city situated on the river Schelde famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).Day 5 - From Antwerpen to Kreekrakschleusen, from Kreekrakschleusen to Tholen 36 or 20 km, from Tolen to DordrechtThis morning, the ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here your bicycle tour starts through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest to Tholen, Tholen once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways. But it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. From Tholen you will join the ship again for a nice afternoon sail to the beautiful city of Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland. Halfway the ship will pass the impressive Volkerak lock system. Your tour leader will take you for an evening walk and tell you about the history of the Netherlands.Day 5 - From Dordrecht to Alblasserdam, from Alblasserdam to Kinderdijk to Schoonhoven to Vianen 57 kmA fast ferry will bring you to Alblasserdam. From here you will cycle to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek where you will spend the evening. Since the 17th century Schoonhoven – nicknamed Silver City – has been renowned for its talented silversmiths.Day 7- From Vianen to Breukelen, from Breukelen to Amsterdam 36 or 46 kmDuring breakfast the barge will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark and start your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles and beautiful houses with large gardens and parks. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland you arrive at Nigtevecht where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam where you will meet the barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbor.Day 8 - DepartureEnd of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.Good to know- Cycling route distances in the travel program are approximate.
- On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
- If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
- The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
- On the arrival day, you can leave your luggage on board the ship from 11.00 am.
- Detailed cycling maps, route tips and a GPS app are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace. The tour guide is always available via cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
Ships
Please bear in mind that the ship is both your hotel and a machine that needs to be maintained and operated - both during the day and at night. Operational noise is therefore unavoidable.
Fluvius The best of Holland and Belgium bike and boat - 8 days
Details Leistungen The best of Holland and Belgium - 8 days
General informationDeparture dates: April 14th to September 29th
Arrival: Every Saturday and Sunday
FLUVIUS
- Amsterdam to Bruges: on April 14 and 28; May 12 and 26; June 9 and 23; July 7 and 21; August 4 and 18; Sept. 1 and 15
- Bruges to Amsterdam: on April 21; May 5 and 19; June 2, 16 and 30; July 14 and 28; August 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22
DE HOLLAND
- Amsterdam to Bruges: on May 5; June 2; August 25; Sept. 8 and 22
- Bruges to Amsterdam: on May 12; June 9; Sept 1, 15 and 29Included in this tourExcluded in this tour- 1x diner
- Drinks
- Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
- Helmet rental
- Personal insurances
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Fees for ferries / waterbus
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- Parking fees
Arrival: Every Saturday and Sunday
FLUVIUS
- Amsterdam to Bruges: on April 14 and 28; May 12 and 26; June 9 and 23; July 7 and 21; August 4 and 18; Sept. 1 and 15
- Bruges to Amsterdam: on April 21; May 5 and 19; June 2, 16 and 30; July 14 and 28; August 11 and 25; Sept. 8 and 22
DE HOLLAND
- Amsterdam to Bruges: on May 5; June 2; August 25; Sept. 8 and 22
- Bruges to Amsterdam: on May 12; June 9; Sept 1, 15 and 29
- 7 x breakfast
- Packed lunches
- 6x 3-course dinner
- Coffee and tea on board
- Welcome drink
- Use of bed linen and towels
- Daily cleaning of the cabin
- Climate-controlled cabin
- Daily briefings
- Semi guided cycling tours (guest cycle independently, tour leader also cycles the tour)
- Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
- GPS tracks
- Use of a waterproof pannier bag
- Biodegradable water bottle
- Wi-Fi
- Drinks
- Bicycle rental or E-bike rental
- Helmet rental
- Personal insurances
- Gratuities (at your discretion)
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Fees for ferries / waterbus
- Transfers to/from the docking place
- Parking fees
Bicycles/E-BikesAdditional options & information - 2024
- The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
- The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
- Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
- Other bikes (e.g. bikes with back pedal brake, children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child saddles (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers.
- Rental bicycle: €90 per week
- Rental E-Bike: €225 per week (only on request, limited number available)
- Parking own bicycle: €10 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
- Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €25.20 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
- Helmets: A helmet can be rented for €10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment
Book nowJetzt buchen
Book nowJetzt buchen
Inspiration für den nächsten Urlaub
Get inspired:
The West Frisian Islands - 9 days
Cycling holiday - 9 daysCycling holiday - 9 TageYour wishes come first
Your wishes are very important to us. Do you want to travel on other days or extend your holiday with extra days? Our employees are are happy to inform you about the possibilities. Please contact us by phone or email.