This eight-day journey offers a captivating exploration of Holland and Flanders, showcasing a tapestry of iconic cities, picturesque countryside, and enchanting villages. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, each renowned for their unique charm and landmarks.
Embark on guided or individual bike tours to discover the scenic Dutch countryside, characterized by flat landscapes and meandering rivers. Traverse the watery province of Zeeland and soak in the tranquil beauty of the Scheldt river landscape in West Flanders, punctuated by quaint villages and local attractions.
After a day of exploration, unwind and indulge in the comfort of your floating hotel. Spend leisurely afternoons on board, relishing the serene ambiance and panoramic views as you cruise along the waterways. Whether discovering historic cities or idyllic landscapes, this journey promises an unforgettable blend of discovery, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
UNIQUE ON THIS JOURNEY BY BIKE AND SHIP
- Splendid cities: Amsterdam, Antwerp & Bruges
- Adventurous and easy cycling routes through polder and river landscapes
- Colorful Holland & Flanders bike tours
- Romantic canal tour in Ghent
- Ships for 20 to max. 40 passengers
- During this eight-day trip you will visit worth seeing areas in Holland and Flanders and get to know the world famous cities of Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges. At the same time you can discover by bike the beautiful (and flat) Dutch countryside, the watery province of Zeeland and the river landscape along the Scheldt in West Flanders.
- Have the opportunity to discover Amsterdam
- Visit the diamond, art and port city of Antwerp
- Take beautiful and varied cycling tours
- Marvel at Bruges (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
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ITINERARY*
Day 1: Amsterdam | Amsterdam - Vianen
Embarkation and check-in will commence at 13:00, providing you with ample time to settle in and acquaint yourself with the ship's amenities. The welcoming crew will be on hand to assist you as you board. By around 14:00, the ship will set sail from Amsterdam, embarking on a scenic journey to Vianen, a charming fortified town nestled along the banks of the river Lek (Lower Rhine). Following dinner onboard, bicycles will be distributed, allowing you the opportunity to embark on a short test ride in Vianen. This will offer a chance to familiarize yourself with the bikes and adjust them to your liking before setting off on your cycling adventures in the days to come.
Day 2: Vianen - Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk | Kinderdijk - Dordrecht | 32 or 56 km
Today's cycling route takes you along a picturesque path to the enchanting silver town of Schoonhoven, renowned for its skilled silversmiths dating back to the 17th century. As you continue cycling alongside the scenic Lek River, you'll traverse the Alblasserwaard Polder, eventually arriving at the iconic Kinderdijk. Kinderdijk is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its remarkable row of 19 windmills standing in harmony with the landscape. Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of these historic windmills, ensuring to capture the moment with your camera. For the final stretch of today's journey, you'll embark on the "Waterbus," a swift waterborne transport. In just about 10 minutes, you'll traverse from Alblasserdam, near Kinderdijk, to Dordrecht, one of Holland's oldest cities, brimming with historical charm and cultural richness.
Day 3: Dordrecht - Willemstad | Willemstad - Tholen | Tholen - Kreekrak locks - Antwerp | 36 or 44 km
After enjoying breakfast aboard the ship, you'll sail to Willemstad, where your next biking adventure awaits. Your route will lead you to Tholen, a charming town that was once an island amidst the vast rivers of Zeeland. Despite its history of floods, Tholen retains its picturesque allure, offering glimpses into its rich past. Upon returning to the ship in the afternoon, you'll continue your journey through the majestic Kreekrak Locks, crossing into Belgium towards the vibrant port city of Antwerp. Renowned as the global hub of the diamond trade, Antwerp boasts a plethora of attractions, including the magnificent City Hall, splendid Renaissance buildings, the historic "Grote Markt" square, the awe-inspiring "Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe" Cathedral, and the medieval stone castle. After a delightful dinner on board, you'll have the opportunity to explore the enchanting old town of Antwerp, immersing yourself in its timeless charm and rich cultural heritage.
Day 4: Antwerp - Temse - St. Amands | 34 or 49 km
As the morning unfolds, you'll embark on a picturesque cycling journey from Antwerp, tracing the meandering path of the enchanting tidal river Scheldt. Your destination for the night is St. Amands, a charming locale nestled along the riverbanks. The landscapes enveloping the Scheldt are nothing short of breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas and serene natural beauty at every turn. This leg of your tour promises to be a nature lover's paradise, with each moment presenting a new opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning surroundings.
Day 5: St. Amands - Dendermonde | Dendermonde - Ghent | 52 km
Today's journey follows the scenic Scheldt River as you pedal your way to Ghent, where the ship will dock for the night in Merelbeke, a delightful suburb of the city. Ghent, steeped in history, is a vibrant university town renowned for its cultural heritage. Situated at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers, Ghent has served as a pivotal trading port since ancient Roman times. Its rich tapestry of attractions includes an opulent opera house, an impressive array of 18 museums, over 100 churches, and a wealth of more than 400 historic buildings.
Among its many highlights, St. Bavo Cathedral stands out, housing several masterpieces of medieval art, including the iconic "Adoration of the Lamb of God" by Jan Eyck. Another landmark not to be missed is the imposing Belfry of Ghent, a former watchtower soaring 95 meters high, offering panoramic views of the old town. Before dinner, take advantage of the opportunity to join a guided canal tour, immersing yourself in the captivating history and charm of this historic city as you glide along its picturesque waterways.
Day 6: Ghent - Bruges | 22 or 45 km
Today's journey leads you through the picturesque Flemish countryside of West Flanders to the captivating city of Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North." This city holds a magnetic appeal, drawing in more than two million visitors each year who are captivated by its cultural richness. Bruges stands as a remarkable testament to medieval settlement, successfully preserving its historic buildings amidst the evolution of modernity. The seamless integration of Gothic architecture into the cityscape adds to its charm and allure, forming an integral part of its identity.
While in Bruges, you'll find yourself immersed in a plethora of activities. Explore the city's diverse array of museums to delve into its rich history and artistic heritage. Alternatively, bask in the ambiance of this enchanting locale, perhaps indulging in a leisurely coffee at one of its quaint sidewalk cafes. For dinner, you have the opportunity to craft your own culinary experience within the city. Your guides will offer restaurant recommendations and tips, ensuring you make the most of your evening in Bruges.
Day 7: Round trip around Bruges to the North Sea | 38 or 51 km
On your final bike tour, you'll traverse a serene canal flanked by majestic old poplar trees, meandering through a picturesque polder landscape. Polders, characterized by their low-lying terrain enclosed by dikes, offer a tranquil backdrop for your journey. As you pedal along, passing by quaint isolated farms, your route will lead you to the North Sea coast. Here, you'll encounter a welcoming 12-kilometer stretch of sandy beach, inviting you to take a refreshing dip in the sea. Alternatively, you can explore the plethora of charming cafes dotting the coastline, or marvel at the enchanting dune landscape of "Het Zwin," a unique nature reserve.
On your return journey to Bruges, you'll follow a path tracing the banks of a small, picturesque canal, offering glimpses of idyllic scenery along the way. This leisurely ride provides the perfect conclusion to your cycling adventure through the captivating landscapes of West Flanders.
Day 8: Bruges
As your journey draws to a close, disembarkation will take place after breakfast, ensuring you have ample time to prepare for your departure. By 9:30 AM, arrangements will be made for you to leave the ship, concluding your memorable exploration of the enchanting cities and landscapes of Holland and Flanders.
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* IMPORTANT NOTE: Some of the departures run in the opposite direction from Bruges to Amsterdam.
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ROUTE ASSESSMENT
The bike routes have no significant climbs and are easy to ride with average fitness. All distances are "circa-distances" for the suggested cycling routes.
The planned route is always subject to change for nautical, meteorological or organizational reasons. Among others, in case of high or low tide, the captain may decide that the route must be changed for your safety. This is not a legal reason for free cancellation of the trip.
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DAILY SCHEDULE
A fortifying and varied breakfast is served daily at the buffet, where you can then make your own packed lunch (sandwiches, fruit and a drink). You will usually leave the ship between 8:30 and 9:30. While the ship is sailing to the next port, you will discover all the interesting highlights of the route by bike on mostly quiet paths and roads.
Bike tours The daily distances by bike (depending on the trip) vary between 25 and 60 kilometers. Each day you will have plenty of time to explore the cities and towns, take a coffee break or visit one of the many museums along the way. At the end of the day, your ship's crew will welcome you back on board. Later, you can chat about the eventful day with other fellow passengers (international audience) in a cozy atmosphere!
Stay on board If you want to take a day off from cycling, you can make yourself comfortable on board and enjoy the passing landscape. You can sit in a nice corner on the sun deck or take a seat in the salon. This option also makes a bike and ship tour so special! Since the ship can't run parallel to the bike route all the time, it's not possible to stop and board with your bike halfway. If you decide to spend the day on board, you can also prepare your packed lunch in the morning, as there is no service on board during the trip. The crew will then be busy cleaning the cabin and preparing dinner.
Evenings At the end of the day a delicious three-course menu is served. Various drinks (such as coffee, tea, wine, beer, water, soft drinks) are available for purchase at the bar. You can spend the rest of the evening in the salon, at the bar or outside on the deck. The tour guides will discuss with you the cycling route of the following day and also offer some city tours (free of charge) in the evening. But of course you can also take another walk through the town on your own. The ship is usually close to or right in the center of town, so you can easily reach the highlights, museums and stores on foot or by bike.
Your room always travels with you During your bike and ship trip, you will be accompanied by your hotel room. You don't need to change accommodation every day and there is no need for the hassle of packing and unpacking your luggage. You can always sleep in the same bed and still have a new view every day!
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FURTHER NOTES
You can bring your luggage on board on the day of arrival already from about 11 am.
The tour guide offers daily guided bike tours. Detailed cycling maps and route tips are available for guests who wish to cycle individually and at their own pace; the tour guide can always be reached by cell phone in case of questions, breakdowns or emergencies.
This trip is operated with 2 tour guides, so we can offer the bike tours in smaller groups; guests can often choose (depending on the route section) between short/long or fast/slow cycling (only with a minimum of 18 people booked ).
Bicycles/e-bikes: ship-owned rental bikes are unisex hybrid bikes with low entry, 7-speed hub gears, hand brake, and luggage rack bag. Five bikes have hand and coaster brakes. The e-bike is a Velo de Ville with 7 gears, 5 levels of assistance, hand brakes only and luggage carrier bag (or comparable model). (Only available upon prior request)
Bicycle rental is optional. Passengers can bring their own bicycles or e-bikes at no extra charge or cost. In this case, the ship's crew and the organizer are not liable for any damage, loss or theft of the own bike. Other rental bicycles (including children's bikes, tandem, slipstreamers) and child seats (for the luggage rack) are possible on these trips only after prior request (when booking) and confirmation.
Own bicycle: Please let us know if you would like to bring your own bicycle so that we can reserve a parking space for you on board. Not all ships are suitable or spacious enough for additional bicycles, so check with us. If you can't or don't want to bring your own bike, it is important that you indicate your rental preferences when booking. Then we can provide you with a bicycle with wheels adapted to your body size.
Internet and Wi-Fi on board: The ships offer a free Wi-Fi internet connection on board. Please note that in all cases this is an internet connection via the mobile network, which may be slower than a cable connection you may have at home. Please note that WLAN is mostly only available in the public areas on board (lounge, salon, restaurant) and that the signal in your cabin (especially in the lower deck cabins) may not be strong enough.
Laundry Service: If you need to have your clothes washed, you can visit a laundromat in various locations. Unfortunately, it is not possible to use the washing machine on board.
Smoking: Smoking is absolutely prohibited in all cabins on board a ship by law and for safety reasons: all cabins as well as all interior spaces of the ship are therefore non-smoking areas. Smoking on the deck, however, is permitted.
Meals and drinks: The chef knows exactly how to spoil hungry cyclists. An extensive breakfast is served every morning and a three-course dinner in the evening. On some trips, dinner at a restaurant of your choice outside the ship is at your own expense. During breakfast, you can make your own packed lunch to take home. After the daily bike ride, coffee and tea are available on board. Other drinks, such as wine, beer, or soft drinks are available at the ship's bar for a fee. There is a well-stocked self-service bar on board. During the week you can enter all the drinks consumed in a list provided by the crew. At the end of the week it is then settled, only cash payment possible.
Special requests meals: If you have any special requests regarding meals (vegetarian, or lactose or gluten free diet for example), please indicate them directly when booking. Vegetarian meals are always feasible, for special diets we check the possibilities on the trip of your choice. In some cases (such as lactose or gluten free) an extra charge may be applied.
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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
After you have booked your desired trip, we will provide you with more detailed information on how to best reach your departure point by car, train or plane and how to get to the berth of your ship.
In any case, we can recommend a parking place; for some voyages a parking place can also be reserved in advance. If you are arriving in your own vehicle (with the exception of Venice), it is recommended that you first drive to the ship to unload your luggage and possibly your bicycles, and only then bring your car to the parking lot.
Transfer between Amsterdam and Bruges: There is a good train connection between both cities. Details (in English) can be found on:
http://www.trainline.eu oder
https://www.goeuro.de
