Discover our limited seasonal offers and travel Europe at its most beautiful

Find your tour
The Best of Holland and Belgium From Amsterdam or from Bruges
  • Difficulty

    Level 1: easy tours, very flat terrain

    1 Difficulty level 1
  • Duration

    The duration of the tour

    8 days
  • Guidance
    Semi-guided cycling

The Amsterdam – Bruges bike and barge cycle tour is an exciting and diverse holiday experience that highlights some of the most beautiful cities of Holland and Belgium. On a daily basis you will cycle through a variety of flat landscapes through charming villages and historic cities while cruising along the impressive waterways of Zeeland, the River Schelde and the picturesque Vecht and Lek Rivers. The tour is perfect for families who want to cycle together and enjoy barge life or, for that matter, anyone wanting to enjoy a delightful week of cycling to a long list of historic destinations. During the course of the 8 day, 7 night tour you will visit the world famous cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges – β€¦

From € 949 p.p.
  • Holland & Flanders countryside cycling
  • World-famous Amsterdam, Ghent & Bruges
  • Visit the windmills at Kinderdijk
  • Ships with max. 68 passengers

Get in contact

Monday to Friday

Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00
New York: 6:00AM to 7:00PM

Quickly jump to

    The Best of Holland and Belgium

    The Amsterdam – Bruges bike and barge cycle tour is an exciting and diverse holiday experience that highlights some of the most beautiful cities of Holland and Belgium. On a daily basis you will cycle through a variety of flat landscapes through charming villages and historic cities while cruising along the impressive waterways of Zeeland, the River Schelde and the picturesque Vecht and Lek Rivers. The tour is perfect for families who want to cycle together and enjoy barge life or, for that matter, anyone wanting to enjoy a delightful week of cycling to a long list of historic destinations.

    During the course of the 8 day, 7 night tour you will visit the world famous cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges – each in their own right are destinations of significance with a long list of sights and attractions to discover. Along the way you will cycle through the beautiful Dutch landscape of Zeeland, will visit a real Dutch cheese farm and 19 Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk and will discover the western Flanders region of Belgium. The province of Zeeland is essentially one big river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt Rivers famous for its fantastic beaches, water sport activities and Delta works, while the Flanders region of Belgium boasts a number of world famous medieval towns and has a well-deserved reputation for superb food and drink. As well as cycling through many picturesque villages each day, you will:

    • Have the opportunity to discover Amsterdam
    • Visit Antwerp, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife
    • Get the opportunity to explore Ghent
    • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center of Bruges

    The ship – Your sailing hotel

    In between cycling excursions, you cruise along with the ship, which travels to a new destination every day. You dine, sleep and eat breakfast on board. You’ll receive a packed lunch every day, and you can usually choose between a longer or shorter bike ride. It’s also possible to spend a day on board if you like. There are rental bikes on board, but you can also bring your own if you mention it when booking.

    You cycle independently 

    During this trip there is an expert and experienced tour leader on board. He or she will discuss the next day’s cycling routes on a daily basis and provide you with tips and information about the route. You will cycle the tours independently and at your own pace using a detailed cycling map, GPS directions via the free Ride With GPS app and printed route descriptions (available on board). The tour leader will also cycle the routes, so they will be riding nearby and can be reached by phone in case of emergencies, problems or questions.

    Tip: You can book a guided cycling option on the Fluvius

    On all departure dates in 2026 you can book a fully guided option. That means you will cycle with a tour leader in a small group of max. 20 guests. The surcharge for this β€˜fully-guided’ option is € 120 pp. If you have already booked a semi-guided tour on one of the dates, you can add the fully-guided option (limited availability).

    Itinerary

    Day 1 Amsterdam | Amsterdam – Vianen

    Embarkation 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 Vianen – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk | Kinderdijk – Dordrecht
    56km34 mi

    Today you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad (β€œSilver 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 β€œWaterbus”, a fast ferry, that will take you and your bicycle in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.

    Day 3 Dordrecht – Tholen | Tholen – Kreekrak lock | Kreekrak lock – Antwerp
    20km12 mi or 36km22 mi

    During breakfast the ship will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling by visiting the β€œWouwse 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 Antwerp – Temse – Dendermonde
    48km29 mi or 64km39 mi

    Today’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 β€œmagnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.

    Day 5 Dendermonde – Ghent
    52km32 mi

    Today 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 β€˜Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept.

    Day 6 Ghent – Bruges
    45km27 mi

    Your bicycle tour will lead through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders around this beautiful city, widely described as the β€˜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 cafΓ©. Dinner tonight (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).

    Day 7 Tour around Bruges to the North Sea
    38km23 mi or 51km31 mi

    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 cafΓ©s and see the attractive dune landscape. On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal.

    Day 8 Bruges

    End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

    Day 1 Bruges
    11km6 mi

    Embarkation 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 β€œPearl 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 cafΓ©.

    Day 2 Bruges – Ghent
    57km35 mi

    Your 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 Ghent – Dendermonde
    40km24 mi

    After 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 Dendermonde – Antwerp
    48km29 mi or 63km39 mi

    Today 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 Antwerp – Kreekrak locks | Kreekrak locks – Tholen | Tholen – Dordrecht
    20km12 mi or 36km22 mi

    This 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 β€œWouwse 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 6 Dordrecht – Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam – Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven – Via
    57km35 mi

    A 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 Vianen – Breukelen | Breukelen – Amsterdam
    38km23 mi or 48km29 mi

    During 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 Amsterdam

    End 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.

    The bicycles of Boat Bike Tours

    Always the best rental bikes

    The rental bikes on our ships are unisex bicycles with a low bar and a comfortable upright sitting position. These are stable and dependable bikes, good for miles in the saddle. Decide which kind of bike you want to rent and simply fill in your preference with your reservation. We’ll make sure you get the right bike for you. On most of our tours, the bike rental cost is not included in the tour’s price.

    Every Boat Bike Tour rental bike is well equipped. The bikes consist of a lightweight aluminum frame and have highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds, an adjustable gel seat, normal flat pedals (no clips), an easy-to-use lock attached to the frame, and special puncture-resistant tires. All told, this is a light, stable and reliable bike, very suitable for touring long distances pleasantly.

    Our e-bikes also have at least seven speeds and handbrakes. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame, and sport anti-puncture tires. Note that some of the ships have their own bikes on board. They may look a bit different, but qualitatively they are equal to Boat Bike Tours’s e-bikes.

    Bicycle helmets
    The use of bicycle helmets is not required in the Netherlands, but for safety’s sake they are suggested. If you wish to rent one, you can do so during the booking process. If you book a premium tour and rent a bike or e-bike, then the helmet and a β€œlimit of liability for damage or loss” for your bike or e-bike is included in the rental price.

    Other rental items
    Other items such as children’s bikes, tandems, family tandems (child & adult), tag-along, trailers to carry toddlers and child seats are available on request.

    Taking your own bike or e-bike?
    The fee for parking your own bicycle is €10 per week. For an e-bike the fee is €25 to cover parking and charging the battery. For safety reasons it is not always possible to charge your e-bike batteries in your cabin. The crew will tell you where you can charge the battery on board the ship. Neither the crew nor Boat Bike tours is responsible in any way for any damage, loss or theft of a guest’s own bike or e-bike or its accessories. Note: not all the ships are suitable or have enough room for extra bikes, so make sure you check with us well ahead of travel.

    Cyclists in a green landscape

    Touring bikes

    Our bicycles have a lightweight aluminum frame and are furnished with highly-responsive handbrakes, at least seven speeds and a gel seat whose height can be adjusted. Attached to the frame is an easy-to-use lock and the wheels carry puncture-resistant tires.

    E-bikes

    Our e-bikes also have highly-responsive handbrakes and a minimum of seven speeds. The motor runs on a 400Wh battery and offers three levels of power-assistance. The e-bikes include comfortable gel seats that can be adjusted for height, have a lock attached to the frame and special anti-puncture tires.

    Taking your own bicycle

    It is possible to take your own bike or e-bike with you, as long as it doesn’t have mirrors or other elements that stick out. There’s only limited space available on board for guests’ bikes. You can reserve a place for your bike for a small fee. Boat Bike tours is not responsible for damage to your bike or for theft.

    Apr 19, 2026Apr 26, 2026
    Fully booked
    Sunday
    May 24, 2026
    Sunday
    May 31, 2026
    Bruges
    Semi-Guided
    De Holland
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,479.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    May 31, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 7, 2026
    Bruges
    Semi-Guided
    Fluvius
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,379.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    May 31, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 7, 2026
    Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
    Semi-Guided
    De Holland
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,479.00 p.p.
    Jun 7, 2026Jun 14, 2026
    Fully booked
    Sunday
    Jun 7, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 14, 2026
    Bruges
    Semi-Guided
    De Holland
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,479.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    Jun 14, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 21, 2026
    Bruges
    Semi-Guided
    Fluvius
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,379.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    Jun 14, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 21, 2026
    Amsterdam, Buiksloterweg
    Semi-Guided
    De Holland
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,479.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    Jun 21, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 28, 2026
    Amsterdam, Minervahaven
    Semi-Guided
    Fluvius
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,379.00 p.p.
    Sunday
    Jun 21, 2026
    Sunday
    Jun 28, 2026
    Bruges
    Semi-Guided
    De Holland
    Available
    Prices from
    €1,479.00 p.p.
    Included in this tour
    • 8 days/7 nights
    • 7 x breakfast
    • Packed lunches
    • 6x 3-course dinner
    • Coffee and tea on board till 4 PM
    • 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)
    • Some short walking tours
    • Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
    • GPS tracks
    • Use of a waterproof pannier bag
    • Biodegradable water bottle
    • Wi-Fi
    • The CO2 emissions from this trip will be offset through Trees for All and plastic recycler Orca.

     

    Only with upgrade Guided bike tours (surcharge) on the Fluvius:

    • Fully guided bike tours (22 guests or more: 2 guides, 2 groups).
    • Fees for ferries / waterbus

    Excluded from this tour
    • 1x diner
    • Coffee and tea on board after 4 PM
    • 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
    • SGR Insolvency protection (mandatory consumer contribution SGR insolvency protection guarantee scheme: € 5 per person – will be specified separately on the booking confirmation)
    Additional options & information

    2026:

    • Rental bicycle: €91 per week
    • Rental E-Bike: €252 per week (only on request, limited number available)
    • Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle €14/week (only bookable in advance)
    • Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike €28/week (only bookable in advance)
    • Please click on this link for more information
    • Parking own bicycle: €14 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
    • Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €28 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
    • Please click on this link for more information about the rental and own bicycles/E-bikes
    • Helmets: A helmet can be rented for €10 per week, only on prior reservation and payment
    • Fluvius: Fully guided cycling: € 120 p.p. On all departure dates you can book a β€œfully guided” option. That means you will cycle with a tour leader in a small group of max. 20 guests.

    Discount: Triple cabin on lower deck, 3rd bed only for child till 15 yrs.: – 20€ p.p. (on request, only available on De Holland)

    Transfer between Amsterdam and Bruges:

    There is a good train connection between these two cities. Please visit one of the following websites for timetables, tickets or more information www.omio.com or www.trainline.com.

    Loyalty Discount

    Explore our Loyalty Discount!

    After your tour, you’ll receive an exclusive discount code:

    • You get 3% on your second tour with us.
    • From the third tour onwards, you will receive a 5% discount.
    • Enjoy savings on any of our upcoming trips in 2026.

    Check your post-tour email for details. You can combine this discount with other promotions for additional savings. Join us again for another adventure by boat and bike!

    Discover more

    Ride along scenic river paths, through green countryside and historic towns like Antwerp and Leuven, and taste Belgium’s unique mix of culture, cuisine, and cozy cafΓ©s discover more tours in Belgium.

    The Netherlands is a paradise for cycling and sailing enthusiasts. Discover more tours in the Netherlands with routes through tulip fields, historic cities, and scenic countryside.

    Media (55)

    Amsterdam – Bruges Tour
    Route to Kinderdijk
    Bruges Jan DHondt
    Brugge
    Kinderdijk tour leader
    Route to Kinderdijk
    Route to Kinderdijk
    Kinderdijk
    Market in Bruges
    Bruges Grote Markt colorful houses
    Bruges St Jan Hospital Museum
    Information from the tourleader
    Bruges street houses
    Ship Fluvius
    Guests on the deck
    Guests on the deck
    Gent
    Gent
    Gent
    Cyclists before ride
    Cyclists at bunker
    Cyclists making a break
    Laarne castle
    Laarne castle
    Guests at the ship
    Dendermonde
    Dendermonde
    Visit to Wissekerke castle
    Dendermonde
    Ghent Gravensteen
    Utrecht cyclists studying map
    Bike tour
    Utrecht centre
    Amsterdam
    Explainations about ferry
    Waiting for the ferry
    On the ferry
    On the ferry
    Amsterdam
    Antwerp Grote Markt
    Information from the tourleader
    Antwerp centre Peter Paul Rubens
    Bruges canal boat
    Narrow streets
    Bikes at Fluvius
    Bikes at Fluvius
    Bikes at Fluvius
    Restaurant Fluvius
    Restaurant Fluvius
    Restaurant Fluvius
    Restaurant Fluvius
    Restaurant Fluvius
    Fitometer
    Information sheet
    Information about Scheldeland ferry
    4/5
    based on 150 reviews on
    5 star
    91 (61%)
    4 star
    42 (28%)
    3 star
    12 (8%)
    2 star
    4 (3%)
    1 star
    1 (1%)
    • 5 / 5
      All around a hit!!

      Great guide’s, beautiful trails and sights , mostly free of cars.. Barge was comfortable, staff were very hospitable , food very good. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a cycling trip !!

      VS, Toronto
      Oct 19th, 2025
    • 4 / 5
      The boat was kept clean which was&

      The boat was kept clean which was appreciated. Food was plentiful and flavourful.

      Robert Runnalls
      Oct 13th, 2025
    • 4 / 5
      all trails are very easy to ride and to navigate.

      the food for breakfast was good, but for diner was not so good.

      Michael Zinderman
      Oct 9th, 2025
    • 5 / 5
      Well organized GPS routes. Good variety of scenic routes and points of interest.

      Having a excellent crew who provided a welcoming atmosphere. Providing a social atmosphere where people from all different backgrounds can come together through cycling to build camaraderie and friendship.

      McLeans
      Oct 7th, 2025

    Monday to Friday
    Amsterdam: 08:30 to 22:00

    Monday to Friday
    New York: 6:00AM to 07:00PM

    We will respond within 48 hours

    • Fluvius

      • Deck chairs
      • Panoramic windows
      • TV in cabins
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 44 passengers 22 cabins
      More info
    • De Holland

      • Panoramic windows
      • TV in the cabins
      • Bar and lounge areas
      • Individually controlled air conditioning
      max. 66 passengers 32 cabins
      More info

    Your selected tour:

    The Best of Holland and Belgium

    Request a quote

    Please fill out the form below to receive tailored offers according to your preferences and availability. After completing the form, you will receive your personalized offers via email. You can expect a response within 48 hours on business days. Please enter your information. The required fields are marked with an * .

    "*" indicates required fields

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    Please enter a number from 1 to 150.
    Month (March until October) and year

    Your data

    Name*
    Newsletter