Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Comfort
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Comfort
8 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Bruges, Belgium
Visiting: Amsterdam, Dordrecht, Antwerp, Dendermonde, Ghent, Bruges
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UAM
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
20 - 44
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Amsterdam to Bruges with our "Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Comfort" tour. Discover the vibrant cities of Amsterdam and Bruges by bike and on foot, cycling through picturesque countryside past locks, windmills, and cheese farms. Visit charming towns like Antwerp, known for its nightlife, and Ghent with its cobblestone streets. Savor local specialties such as Belgian waffles, beer, and mussels while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow passengers aboard a comfortable barge. This tour offers a perfect blend of cycling, cultural exploration, and relaxation, making it an ideal way to experience the best of Holland and Belgium.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Barge In Amsterdam, Cruise To Vianen, Warm Up Cycle (15Km/9Mi)
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive Amsterdam and make your own way to the barge. Embarkation and check-in, where the crew will welcome you on board, is at 1pm. At around 2pm the boat will leave Amsterdam and sail to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek, where we will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride.
Day 2 : Cycle To Schoonhoven And Kinderdijk, Ferry To Dordrecht (56Km/34Mi)
Location: Dordrecht
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning you will cycle through beautiful Dutch meadowlands to the so-called 'silver city' Schoonhoven, renowned for its talented silversmiths since the 17th century. Continue through the Alblasserwaard region to the impressive 19 windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO cultural heritage listed site. You will have the opportunity to visit one of the mills. From nearby Alblasserdam, take the “Waterbus” fast ferry (10 mins) to Dordrecht, one of the Netherlands' oldest towns. Overnight Dordrecht.
Day 3 : Barge To Tholen, Cycle To Kreekraksluis, Cruise To Antwerp (20 Or 36Km/13 Or 23Mi)
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During breakfast we cruise to Tholen, where the day's cycling starts. You will visit the “Wouwse Plantage” forest and the impressive Kreekrak lock. After once again meeting up with the boat we cruise 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 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. After dinner you can visit the beautiful old city centre.
Day 4 : Cycle To Dendermonde (48 Or 64Km/29 Or 39Mi)
Location: Dendermonde
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
On today’s tour you will cycle out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the
picturesque tidal Schelde Rive and through magnificent Flemish countryside to Dendermonde. The river stretches for 435km through northern France, western Belgium and the southwestern part of the Netherlands and is connected by several canals to the basins of the Rhine, Meuse and Seine Rivers. The Schelde has had great commercial and strategic importance over the years. Tonight's base is Dendermonde, a friendly provincial town along the river.
Day 5 : Cycle To Ghent (52Km/32Mi)
Location: Ghent
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent, a lively university city with a rich past. In the afternoon you have the opportunity to discover more of the city, or to shop in the lively centre. Ghent was founded in Roman times, where the rivers Leie and Schelde converge. Its convenient location has brought much prosperity. During the Middle Ages it was a prominent city-state, and its the textile industry and Cloth Hall, established in 1425, brought merchants together. Many aristocrats remain today. The main church St Bavo Cathedral reflects different periods in history and building styles, and houses some masterpieces of medieval art, the most famous of which is "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by Jan van Eyck. The barge will dock at the lock in Merelbeke, a suburb of Ghent approx. 30min by bike to the city centre.
Day 6 : Cycle The Flemish Countryside To Bruges (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning the cycle route leads through pleasant Flemish countryside of Western Flanders to Bruges. You will have ample time to explore Bruges, known as the 'Venice of the North' and it is perhaps the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. The UNESCO listed Old Town dates from the Middle Ages and is almost completely intact. At that time the city was a metropolis and centre of commerce and art, and its glory is visible today in the many beautiful buildings. You can visit one of Bruges' many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city while strolling or from the comfort of a sidewalk cafe. Dinner is not included this evening so you are free to dine in one of the many restaurants in the historic centre.
Day 7 : Return Cycle To The North Sea Coast (38 Or 51Km/23 Or 31Mi)
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your last cycle is along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees, through an attractive polder landscape (a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) with nice small farm houses, and on to the North Sea coast. A 12km (7.5mi) long sandy beach, numerous cafés and the attractive dune landscape of “Het Zwin” (a unique nature reserve) provide variety during your lunch break. Cycle back to Bruges along a small picturesque canal for the last evening aboard. Alternatively your day is at leisure if you prefer to spend more time in Bruges.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes In Bruges
Location: Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast the journey comes to an end as you say farewell to the guide and crew. Check out until 9:30am.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in a twin share cabin -
7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 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 sandwic
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7 nights accommodation aboard a Category A barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. Fluvius: all cabins are air conditioned, twin share cabins are configured with two lower beds, while double cabins are configured with a double bed. The trip
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Rental bike with helmet and pannier (e-bike available on request - supplement applies)
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Daily briefings. While you cycle independently, the tour leader also cycles each day. Optional guided package available - supplement applies
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Information pack including route notes & maps (one set per cabin), GPS tracks available
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Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening
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Several city walking tours
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Linen and change of towels as required
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Daily cabin cleaning
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Tea and coffee during breakfast and after the cycling tours til 4pm
What's Not Included
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Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian). A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten free diets - EUR50pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. See below for further details regarding catering for dietary requirements.
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2024: guided option - supplement applies. Includes Fees for ferries and Waterbus
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Guided option - supplement applies. Includes Fees for ferries and Waterbus
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water and camera.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1
The cycling is introductory (1) grade with daily cycling distances from 15 to 64km (9 to 39mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. Should you not wish to cycle there are walking options available. The accent is on keeping a relaxed pace to take in all of the attractions, with time to stop and take photos, visit a museum or enjoy the market places in many of the interesting towns visited. It is considered suitable for children, as long as they have road sense, are familiar with the workings of a bike (gear change etc) and are comfortable cycling alongside moving vehicles at times. Electric bikes are available for a supplement and when used will ensure the cycling is comfortable for less physical cyclists - however it is still essential that you are comfortable cycling on roads and in light traffic in variable weather conditions. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets are worn during cycle sections.
Mode of Transport
Travel by barge from Amsterdam to Bruges, with daily cycling routes ranging from 15km to 64km. Rental bikes with helmets and panniers are included, and e-bikes are available on request for an additional fee.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights aboard a Category A barge with ensuite facilities, featuring air-conditioned twin share cabins with two lower beds or double cabins with a double bed. Daily cabin cleaning and linen changes are provided as needed.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. At breakfast, you will prepare your packed lunch for the day.
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What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?
You will stay for 7 nights aboard a Category A barge with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis. The barge, Fluvius, has air-conditioned cabins. Twin share cabins are configured with two lower beds, while double cabins have a double bed.
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Is there an option to rent an electric bike?
Yes, an electric bike (e-bike) is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Are there guided tours available during the cycling days?
While you cycle independently, the tour leader also cycles each day. There is an optional guided package available for an additional supplement.
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What kind of support materials are provided for the cycling routes?
An information pack including route notes and maps (one set per cabin) is provided. GPS tracks are also available.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Amsterdam and make your own way to the barge. Embarkation and check-in is at 1pm. The boat will leave Amsterdam around 2pm and sail to Vianen, where you will spend the night. Bicycles will be distributed, and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride.
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What activities are planned for the last day of the tour?
On the last day, after breakfast, the journey concludes in Bruges. You will say farewell to the guide and crew, and check out by 9:30am.
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Is there a welcome event on the first evening?
Yes, there is a welcome drink and briefing on the first evening.
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What should I carry during the cycling days?
During the cycling days, you will carry your daily requirements in the panniers provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, water, and camera.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.