Europe Tours

Amsterdam to Bruges

All content by World Expeditions

8 days (Amsterdam)

Destinations visited: The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Belgium, World

  • introductory

from
USD$1,320

Enjoy the highlights of Holland and Belgium by bike and barge

The highlights of Holland and Belgium are uncovered on this unique cycling tour of the lowlands and North Sea coast. Beginning in Amsterdam, we visit Gouda well known for its cheese and then cycle to the world famous windmills of Kinderdijk before heading through Dordrecht and the natural reserve of Biesbosch to Willemstad. We continue by barge across the impressive waterways of Zeeland and onto the lively town of Antwerp in Belgium. In the delightful town of Ghent we have a walking tour before continuing to Bruges where small chocolatiers and waffle sellers offer a great reward for your cycling efforts!

Highlights

  • Walk the cobble stoned streets of Bruges and Ghent
  • Cycle past a variety of landscapes including windmills of Kinderdijk and the natural reserve of Biesbosch
  • Sample local specialties including Belgian waffles, beer and mussels
  • Soaking up the hospitality onboard the comfortable barge

Itinerary

Day 1 Join barge in Amsterdam and sail to Oude Wetering (±10km)

Early in the afternoon you can check into the barge. Later that afternoon the barge crosses Amsterdam and heads for the village of Oude Wetering. In the evening there will be a warm up ride in the vicinity of the town.

Day 2 Cycle through Dutch meadowlands and onto Gouda (±35km)

An early start this morning as you pedal through the Dutch meadowlands enroute to Gouda. There will be ample time to explore the town both before and after dinner. The famous St. Jans church with its beautiful stained glass windows is the longest church in the Netherlands and certainly worth exploring. There may also be an opportunity to pay a visit to a potter to see the craft in making earthenware and Gouda clay pipes.

Day 3 Ride to Kinderdijk and onto Willemstad (±40km)

An exhilarating cycle this morning to the world famous windmills of Kinderdijk. We plan to visit one of the mills, and then pedal to Dordrecht and partially through the natural reserve Biesbosch to Moerdijk. The night will be spent in the walled town of Willemstad, a real Dutch beauty!

Day 4 Sail the waterways of Zeeland and onto Antwerp

Right across the impressive waterways of Zeeland the ship will take you to the lively town of Antwerp in Belgium. After arrival free time to explore this port town, with its interesting streets and abundance of jeweler’s shops. The city has a large Hasidic Jewish community who have traditionally controlled the thriving diamond industry.

Day 5 Cycle to Dendermonde (±50km)

The day starts with a sailing trip to the outskirts of Antwerp. The cyclists cross the riverland of the river Schelde. In the charming provincial town of Dendermonde you'll spend the night aboard the barge.

Day 6 Barge to Ghent and cycle the Flemish countryside (±30km)

This morning we have an early departure as the ship needs around 7 hours to reach Ghent. The river Schelde is a tidal river and thus the barge may have to wait for high tide to continue. The cycle heads through terrain that is typical flat Flemish countryside. In the old city of Ghent we join the tour leader for a walk through the wonderful town centre. There are many interesting bars and shops dotted throughout and lovely old bridges.

Day 7 By train to Bruges (guided tour/free time) then return to Ghent

This morning we take a train ride to Bruges. After arriving there is a short guided walk past the many historic monuments in the centre of Bruges. You have until mid afternoon to explore Bruges, sample some delicious waffles or chocolates before we return by train to Ghent.

Day 8 Coach transfer to Amsterdam, trip concludes

This morning you check out and transfer by bus to Amsterdam airport.

Additional Information

Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 dinners (does not include drinks) Continental breakfasts are served and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices. At breakfast you will prepare your packed lunch for the day which will be sandwiches, fruit & juice. If you choose not to cycle on a particular day, the crew will serve lunch onboard. Dinner will consist of three courses inclusive of either a pasta, vegetarian or meat dish.
  • 7 nights accommodation aboard a barge with private facilities on a twinshare basis. If you are travelling by yourself you will be matched with another passenger. Cabins are configured with two lower beds.
  • Bicycle with gears and pannier and insurance
  • Several city walking tours and entrance to Kinderdijk windmill
  • Train ride Ghent - Bruges - Ghent
  • Bus transfer Amsterdam Airport to Ghent (or Ghent to Amsterdam Airport, depending on which way the itinerary operates)
  • Detailed information package
  • Experienced guide
Amsterdam to Bruges

Summary

  • Barge

Trip Main Activities

  • Guided Cycling
  • Barge Journey

Group Size Min

15

Group Size Max

36

Accommodation Summary

Equipment Required

Bike helmet, wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. Note that storage capacity is limited in cabins and we recommend you bring a soft luggage bag. A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking.

What You Carry

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Book this trip with World Expeditions on their site

from
USD$1,320

 

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