Amsterdam to Bruges: Windmills & Medieval Cities | Bike & Boat

Welcome Aboard & The River Lek Board your ship in Amsterdam between 1:00 p.m. and 1:50 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., the barge sets sail down the canal to Vianen, a charming fortified town on the River Lek. After bicycle distribution, enjoy a brief test ride through the surrounding countryside before returning to the barge for your first evening meal.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Cruising out of Amsterdam's harbor while getting acquainted with your crew and fellow travelers.
• ⚓ Overnight: Vianen

Today's ride follows a beautiful cycling route to Schoonhoven, affectionately known as the "Silver City" for its centuries-old tradition of silver craftsmanship dating back to the 17th century.

Continuing through the picturesque Alblasserwaard region, you'll arrive at Kinderdijk, home to one of the Netherlands' most iconic landscapes. Its remarkable row of 19 historic windmills, all designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is an unforgettable sight and one of the highlights of your journey. You'll have the opportunity to step inside one of the windmills, so be sure to bring your camera.

From nearby Alblasserdam, you'll board the Waterbus, a fast passenger ferry that carries both cyclists and bicycles across the water. In just 10 minutes, you'll arrive in Dordrecht, one of the oldest and most charming cities in the Netherlands.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Standing on the dike surrounded by Kinderdijk's 19 majestic 18th-century windmills.
• ⚓ Overnight: Dordrecht

During breakfast, the ship will sail to Tholen, where you'll begin today's cycling adventure. Your route takes you through the beautiful Wouwse Plantage forest before continuing to the impressive Kreekrak Locks, an important feat of Dutch water engineering.

After rejoining the ship, you'll cruise to the vibrant port city of Antwerp, located on the banks of the River Scheldt. Renowned as the world's diamond capital—handling around 80% of the world's rough diamonds—Antwerp also boasts a wealth of historic and cultural treasures. Highlights include the magnificent Renaissance City Hall, the lively Grote Markt (Market Square), the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady, and the medieval Steen Castle.

After dinner, take the opportunity to explore Antwerp's beautiful historic centre, where charming streets, impressive architecture, and lively cafés create the perfect atmosphere for an evening stroll.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Sailing into the vibrant port of Antwerp and seeing the illuminated Grote Markt square.
• ⚓ Overnight: Antwerp

The Tidal Schelde River Leave Antwerp behind on a breathtaking cycle trail that winds along the tidal Schelde River. The natural landscape surrounding this ancient waterway is widely considered one of the finest scenic stretches of the entire tour. Your destination is Dendermonde, a friendly historic town located where the Dender and Schelde rivers meet.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Pedaling along the peaceful, sweeping bends of the magnificent tidal Schelde River.
• ⚓ Overnight: Dendermonde

Today's ride continues along the scenic River Scheldt to the historic city of Ghent, where your ship will moor overnight at a lock just outside the city centre.

One of Belgium's most vibrant cities, Ghent is a lively university town with a rich trading history dating back to Roman times. Its strategic location at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers helped it become one of Europe's most important medieval trading centres.

Ghent is renowned for its remarkable architectural heritage, with an opera house, 18 museums, more than 100 churches, and over 400 historic buildings. One of its greatest treasures is St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to several masterpieces of medieval art, including the world-famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (also known as the Ghent Altarpiece) by Jan van Eyck—widely regarded as one of the finest works of the Northern Renaissance.

After arriving, you'll have plenty of time to explore this charming city, with its picturesque canals, medieval streets, and lively squares.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Gazing upon medieval masterpieces inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral in the heart of historic Ghent.
• ⚓ Overnight: Ghent

Today's cycling route takes you through the picturesque Flemish countryside of West Flanders before returning to the enchanting city of Bruges, often referred to as the "Venice of the North" for its network of canals and beautifully preserved medieval architecture.

Bruges welcomes more than two million visitors each year, drawn to the charm of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. An outstanding example of a medieval European city, Bruges has carefully preserved its historic character over the centuries. Its magnificent Gothic buildings, cobbled streets, and tranquil canals create a timeless atmosphere that makes exploring the city a true delight.

Spend your free time wandering through its charming streets, visiting one of the city's many excellent museums, browsing boutique shops, or simply relaxing at a sidewalk café while soaking up the unique atmosphere of this unforgettable destination.

This evening, dinner is not included, giving you the opportunity to choose from one of Bruges' many excellent restaurants. Recommendations are available on board to help you find the perfect place to enjoy your final evening.

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Arriving in romantic, cobblestoned Bruges and sipping a local Belgian ale at a sidewalk café.
• ⚓ Overnight: Bruges

Your final day of cycling follows a peaceful canal lined with graceful poplar trees, leading you through the idyllic polder landscape—low-lying land reclaimed from the sea and protected by dykes. Along the way, you'll pass charming farmhouses and quiet countryside before reaching the North Sea coast.

Once at the coast, take time to enjoy the wide sandy beach. If the weather is inviting, you may like to go for a refreshing swim, relax at one of the many beachfront cafés, or simply admire the beautiful dunes that line the shoreline.

The return journey to Bruges follows a different route, tracing a picturesque canal back to the city. It's a fitting finale to your cycling holiday, offering one last opportunity to enjoy the tranquil landscapes and scenic waterways that make this region so memorable.

 

• 🌟 Daily Highlight: Feeling the North Sea breeze along the sandy beaches before returning to Bruges.
• ⚓ Overnight: Bruges