Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Deluxe
Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Deluxe
8 Days Starting in Amsterdam, Netherlands and ending in Bruges, Belgium
Visiting: Amsterdam, Dordrecht, Willemstad, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ABR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 35
Tour operated in:
English , FrenchTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Amsterdam to Bruges with the "Amsterdam to Bruges Bike & Barge - Deluxe" tour. This adventure offers a perfect blend of cycling and cruising, allowing you to explore the charming streets of Amsterdam, Bruges, and Ghent. Cycle along the scenic river Schelde, marvel at the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk, and indulge in local delicacies like Belgian waffles, beer, and mussels. Enjoy the comfort and hospitality of a deluxe barge, complete with daily cabin cleaning, Wi-Fi, and multilingual tour guides. Highlights include a canal trip through Ghent, a visit to the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, and several short walking tours. This tour promises a unique and immersive experience through the picturesque landscapes and historic towns of Holland and Belgium.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Barge In Amsterdam, Cruise To Vianen
Location: Amsterdam
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Dinner
Make your own way to the boat in Amsterdam for embarkation and check-in at 1.30 - 1.50pm. Your crew for the week will be waiting to welcome you on board.
At 2pm the barge will cruise to Vianen, a small fortified village on the Lek River. After settling in to your cabin, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know the boat and your fellow travellers. Later there'll be dinner on board and afterwards you can enjoy a short first ride in the surrounding area.
Day 2 : Cycle To Schoonhoven And Kinderdijk, Fast Ferry To Dordrecht (32 Or 56Km/19 Or 34Mi)
Location: Dordrecht
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A great first day of cycling starting with a ride along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven, renowned for its talented silversmiths since the 17th century. Later in the day as we cycle through the Alblasserwaard region we will reach Kinderdijk, famous for its impressive row of windmills. All have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight. From nearby Alblasserdam we will take the “Waterbus” (fast ferry, 10 minutes) to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.
Day 3 : Cruise To Willemstad, Cycle From Tholen To Bergen Op Zoom (42 Or 50Km / 26 Or 31Mi)
Location: Willemstad
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During breakfast on board, we will cruise to Willemstad, from where the day's cycling begins. Willemstad is a beautiful old fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway. The ride takes us to Tholen, which was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Today, it is connected to the mainland. After visiting Tholen we continue to Bergen op Zoom, an historic fortified town that once lay on the open waters of the Oosterschelde. After dinner you can take a walk through the narrow street of the old town, with church squares and idiosyncratic monumental buildings that show its rich history that goes back more than eight hundred years.
Day 4 : Cycle Bergen Op Zoom Surrounds, Cruise To Antwerp (21 Or 35Km/13 Or 21Mi)
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning a short ride takes us through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” area surrounding Bergen op Zoom. In the early afternoon we will board the boat and cruise to the port city of Antwerp, situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling most of the world’s rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of 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. Dinner is not included tonight (recommendations are available from the crew).
Day 5 : Cycle To St Amands (34 Or 49Km/21 Or 31Mi)
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will cycle out of Antwerp alongside a picturesque section of the Schelde River to St Amands, our base for the night. This stage is one of the natural highlights of the tour.
Day 6 : Follow The River Schelde To Dendermonde And On To Ghent (52Km/32Mi)
Location: Ghent
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will cruise to Dendermonde then cycle, following the river Schelde, to Ghent. The barge will moor for the night at a lock in the suburb of Merelbeke, approx 30min by bike from the centre. Ghent is a lively university city boasting a rich history. Since Roman times its position at the junction of the Leie and Schelde rivers has ensured the town's prosperity as a trading port. In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. Major attractions are St Bavo Cathedral, where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including Jan Van Eyck's ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ can be viewed in the visitors' centre, and the 91m belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city centre. Before dinner a small canal boat will take you for a guided tour through the historic city.
Day 7 : Cycle Through Flemish Countryside To Bruges (22 Or 45Km/13 Or 28Mi)
Location: Bruges
Accommodation Name: Deluxe category barge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as the ‘Venice of the North’ and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. UNESCO World Heritage listed, it has a picturesque medieval town centre and a long list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the original Gothic buildings form an integral part of the town’s identity. You can visit one of its many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture from the comfort of a local café or bar.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes After Breakfast
Location: Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip concludes after breakfast in Bruges, with check out and disembarkation by 9:30am.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 packed 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 sandwiches.
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Accommodation
7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on a Deluxe category barge (cabins are configured with two lower beds - supplement applies for premium twin or upper deck suite on select departures, or single cabin. A discount applies for LaMar cabin).
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Bike Rental
Bike rental with handbrakes, 7 speed (Magnifiques), waterproof pannier, helmet and water bottle (electric bike available on request - supplement applies).
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Cycling Map and App
Cycling Map (1 per cabin) plus navigational App with GPS tracks.
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Welcome Drink and Briefing
Welcome drink and briefing on the first evening.
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Tour Guides
Two multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours (group size of 22 passengers or more, except Zwaantje which is one tour guide only), daily briefings.
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Walking Tours
Several short walking tours.
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Linen and Towels
Linen and change of towels as required.
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Daily Cabin Cleaning
Daily cabin cleaning.
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Museum Entrance and Tastings
Entrance to Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, Tasting of Belgian products, Canal trip through Ghent.
What's Not Included
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Travel to and from Tour Locations
Travel to Amsterdam and from Bruges.
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Meals Not Included
Meals not listed as included: dinner in Antwerp.
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Drinks
Drinks (available for purchase on board) except as noted.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance - mandatory.
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Single Cabin Supplement
A supplement will apply if you are booking a single cabin (we do not match single travellers).
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Entrance Fees and Excursions
Entrance fees and excursions not listed as included.
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Transfers
Transfers not listed as included.
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Tips
Tips - while tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job.
As a guide we would recommend EUR30-60 per person (to be distributed between the guide/s, captain and crew). -
Special Diet Catering
Catering for special diets (except Vegetarian).
A supplement is payable for example lactose or gluten free diets - EUR65pp (subject to change) paid locally on board. -
Bike Insurance
Bike insurance - payable locally (EUR10 for standard bikes and EUR25 for e-bikes) - further details of this Limitation of Liability (damage) policy are available on request.
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Fee for Own Bike
Fee to bring your own bike (note this is not possible on Zwaantje or Fleur due to space limitations).
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature.
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. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Grading
INTRODUCTORY - GRADE 1
The cycling is introductory (1) grade with daily cycling distances from 15 to 56km (9 to 34mi). As with all of our cycling programs, wind and poor weather could make the trip grade change. 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. Should you not wish to cycle it's possible to stay on board on board and relax while the boat cruises to the next landing place. *For safety reasons, we highly recommend that cycle helmets be worn during cycle sections.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes cycling with provided bikes, cruising on a barge, and a fast ferry ride. Bike rental includes handbrakes, 7-speed gears, waterproof pannier, helmet, and water bottle.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on a Deluxe category barge. Cabins are configured with two lower beds, and daily cabin cleaning and linen change are provided as required.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included during the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, and 6 dinners. Continental breakfasts are served, usually consisting of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices. At breakfast, you will prepare your packed lunch for the day. Dinner in Antwerp is not included.
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What type of accommodation is provided on the tour?
Accommodation is provided in a twin share cabin with ensuite facilities on a Deluxe category barge. Cabins are configured with two lower beds. A supplement applies for premium twin or upper deck suite on select departures, or single cabin. A discount applies for LaMar cabins.
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What kind of bike is provided for the cycling tours?
The bike provided is a 7-speed bike with handbrakes, a waterproof pannier, helmet, and water bottle. An electric bike is available on request for an additional supplement.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the tour includes two multilingual tour guides for fully guided cycling tours if the group size is 22 passengers or more, except on the Zwaantje which has one tour guide only. There are also daily briefings and several short walking tours.
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Is Wi-Fi available on the barge?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on the barge.
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What happens if I don't want to cycle on a particular day?
If you do not wish to cycle, it is possible to stay on board the barge and relax while it cruises to the next landing place.
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Are there any special dietary accommodations available?
Special diets can be catered for, except for vegetarian diets which are included. A supplement is payable for lactose or gluten-free diets, which is EUR65 per person and is subject to change. This supplement is paid locally on board.
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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. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
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Is travel insurance required for this tour?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for this tour.
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What are the tipping guidelines for the tour?
While tipping is not obligatory, it is customary to offer a tip if the guide and crew have done a good job. As a guide, it is recommended to tip EUR30-60 per person, which will be distributed between the guide(s), captain, and crew.
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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.