Cycling holiday Amsterdam to Bruges

Amsterdam to Bruges

Two countries, Holland and Belgium

Starting at € 1.130,-
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Summary
  • 8 Days Thursday to Thursday
  • 50 km average per day
  • Arrival Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
  • Departure Bruges Brussels Airport
Highlights
  • Gouda, city of Cheese
  • 19 Windmills of Kinderdijk
  • Delta Works
  • Flemish towns Ghent and Bruges
Characteristics
  • Guided Tour
  • Group Tour
  • Bike & Barge
  • Cycling level 2

    Suitable for people of all ages. On some days you will be cycling through a windy area or (depending on the tour) may encounter short slopes with differences in heights up to 75 m. or (gently rolling terrain); with distances to 60 kilometers per day. You spend about 5 hours on your bicycle.

Cycling in 2 countries

Two countries, Holland and Belgium, united in one Bike & Barge holiday. Combining the highlights of Holland’s Golden Age and the heydays of the Flemish trade cities in the Middle Ages. And last but not least, Holland’s own world wonder: the Delta Works.

The Dutch 17th century Golden Age and the heyday of the Flemish trading cities of the Middle Ages are united in this route. Notice the big difference between the green polder landscape abounding in water, with its tranquil roads and villages and the old world of islands in Zeeland with its pastures, creeks, winding dikes and dams. On top of that the often so picturesque Flemish countryside between the Belgian monumental cities of Ghent and Bruges. The great rivers are a prominent feature in this part of the Netherlands and Belgium. Of course you will get to know our own, Dutch Wonder of the World: the Delta Works, evidence of the eternal battle against the waters of the sea.

Daily program

  • Day 1 Amsterdam - Oude Wetering, 15 km

    Boarding time is between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM.  The barge needs to leave the mooring place in Amsterdam at 2 PM. It is very important you are on time. The barge can’t wait due the opening hours of bridges and/or locks. When you arrive on board the ship, you can put your luggage away in your cabin and then enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. It is also a good moment to become acquainted with the guide, skipper and crew and of course your fellow passengers. We sail to Oude Wetering where the guide will take you on a short ride to get used to your bikes.

  • Day 2 Oude Wetering - Gouda, 45 km

    From Oude Wetering you will continue your tour over country roads along river banks and channels through the Green Heart to the city known for its cheese: Gouda. Who thinks of Gouda, not only thinks of cheese, pipes, ‘stroopwafels’ (treacle-waffle) and pottery, but also of stained-glass windows, a fairy-like town hall and atmospheric canals. Gouda is a beautiful Old-Dutch city with a mostly intact city centre. As on most days, after dinner you can take a walk through the city.

  • Day 3 Gouda - Dordrecht, 39 km

    Today you will cycle along the Dutch IJssel, through the deepest lying polder of the Netherlands Krimpenerwaard and over narrow cycling paths to the river ‘Lek’. Here you will cross the river by ferry to Kinderdijk. From the embankments of the river Lek, you will witness an amazing view of the 19 windmills, which are now listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site. This is where you will take a break and visit the interior of a windmill. After a beautiful tour through the Alblasserwaardpolder you will take a fast ferry to the old town of Dordrecht, birthplace of independance of the Netherlands.

  • Day 4 Dordrecht - Zierikzee, 54 km

    From Dordrecht we will sail to the Delta area of the Dutch greater rivers during breakfast. Years ago, an open connection existed with the sea due to the many tributaries in this area. After the disastrous flooding in 1953, the Deltaplan was developed and most tidal outlets were closed from the sea by dams. Most parts of Zeeland were, and still are, under sea level and in 1953 the embankments were too weak and too low, causing this area to be at risk for flooding’s once in every 80 years. Now, because of the flood barriers, that chance is reduced to less than once every 4000 years. Just before reaching our destination of today (Zierikzee, on the island of Schouwen-Duivenland) we will visit the ‘Watersnoodmuseum’. This museum tells the tragic events of 1953 and is built in recently renewed caissons, once used for the last closure gap. This was done in November 1953, ten months after the storm surge which broke through more than 300 embankments. Zierikzee is a beautiful town and the centre of the ‘mussel culture’. The ‘Zeeuwse mosselen’ (blue mussels) are a renowned delicacy.

  • Day 5 Zierikzee - Middelburg, 51 km

    This morning you cycle along the Oosterschelde towards the North Sea, to cross the Oosterscheldedam. The enormous locks are built in this embankment and can be closed during storms and high tides protecting the south-west of the Netherlands against the sea. This embankment was one of the last in a series of barriers against the sea. When cycling along the embankment, one will realize why this has been one of the most difficult and costly challenges to protect the country now and in the future and to let seawater into the widespread Delta area. It is precisely why the Deltaworks are referred to as the one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. After this dam you will peddle to Middelburg, but not without visiting the picturesque port town of Veere. Middelburg is the lively principal town of Zeeland with many old houses, churches, the beautiful town hall and a pleasant shopping. Also to be found in Middelburg is the Roosevelt Academy, a liberal arts college, located in the former late-gothic town hall on the market of Middelburg.

  • Day 6 Middelburg - Ghent, 45 km

    Today you have to cross the ‘Westerschelde’, the only estuary which isn’t closed by a dam because it is the gateway to the port of Antwerp. A short ferry trip brings you from Vlissingen to Breskens in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen (Dutch-Flanders)! We are getting close to Belgium. On your daily cycle route you will cross the Dutch – Belgium border back and forth before you definitely cross the Dutch – Belgium border by boat to sail to Ghent.

  • Day 7 Ghent-Bruges, 45 km

    This morning you will cycle through Ghent to the scenic countryside of Oost-Vlaanderen (East-Flanders). Characteristic for this area are the woods, fields, small villages and castles. From the Aalterbrug (also for the shorter route) the last part of this route takes us over the former tow path along the canal of Oostende-Gent, the oldest canal of Belgium, to Bruges. The impressive city of Bruges is the end destination of this bike and barge trip. This evening you can enjoy the medieval city of Bruges and many of you are likely to stay another day in this beautiful city.

  • Day 8 Bruges, end of the trip

    End of the tour after breakfast, before 10 AM. If you have an early flight you can ask the the tourlguide to arrange a taxi to the airport.

Cycling in Holland and Belgium

Cycling in cycle countries

Our carefully selected routes will lead you along the most beautiful spots of both countries. The average daily distance is around 45 kilometers. Most participants prefer riding in a group with the cycling guide, but you can also ride individually. A road book is included (1x per cabin). Gps-tracks can be provided by e-mail.

Boarding in Amsterdam
Cycling to Gouda
Gouda Town Hall
Cheese shop in Gouda
Cycling at Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk
Dordrecht
Coffee break!
Rural Zeeland
Dunes and beach in Zeeland
Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier
Small Town in Zeeland
Ghent
Ghent
Cycling to Bruges
Bruges

Travel Dates

Departure
End
Accommodation
Starting at
Availability
Departure
02 May 2024
End
09 May 2024
Accommodation
Clair de Lune
Starting at
€ 1.415,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
09 May 2024
End
16 May 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
16 May 2024
End
23 May 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.250,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
23 May 2024
End
30 May 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
06 Jun 2024
End
13 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.250,-
Availability
Limited
Book
Departure
13 Jun 2024
End
20 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Liza Marleen
Starting at
€ 1.350,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
20 Jun 2024
End
27 Jun 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
04 Jul 2024
End
11 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.380,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
11 Jul 2024
End
18 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.130,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
18 Jul 2024
End
25 Jul 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.380,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
01 Aug 2024
End
08 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.380,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
08 Aug 2024
End
15 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.130,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
15 Aug 2024
End
22 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
22 Aug 2024
End
29 Aug 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.250,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
29 Aug 2024
End
05 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
05 Sep 2024
End
12 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.370,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
12 Sep 2024
End
19 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.685,-
Availability
Fully booked
Departure
19 Sep 2024
End
26 Sep 2024
Accommodation
Wending
Starting at
€ 1.370,-
Availability
Available
Book
Departure
26 Sep 2024
End
03 Oct 2024
Accommodation
Sailing Home
Starting at
€ 1.535,-
Availability
Fully booked

What else do you need to know?

Prices per person in 2024

! Note: in 2024, the tour starts on Thursday!

Supplements:
Reservation costs € 25,- per booking
Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund € 5,- per person (Insolvency Protection)

Clair de Lune

02 May
Double cabin, with double bed € 1.415,-
Twin cabin with split-level beds € 1.415,-
Cabin with single bed € 1.485,- 

Wending

16 May, 06 June & 22 August
Twin cabin € 1.334,-
Single use € 1.695,-
Triple cabin € 1.250,- 

11 July & 08 August
Twin cabin € 1.210,-
Single use € 1.530,-
Triple cabin € 1.130,- 

05 & 19 September
Twin cabin € 1.460,-
Single use € 1.840,-
Triple cabin € 1.370,- 

Sailing Home

04 & 18 July, 01 August
Twin cabin € 1.380,-
Single use € 1.995,-

09 & 23 May, 20 June, 15 & 29 August & 26 September
Twin cabin € 1.535,-
Single use € 2.220,- 

12 September
Twin cabin € 1.685,-
Single use € 2.420,-

Liza Marleen

13 June
Twin cabin € 1.470,-
Single use € 2.110,-
Superior cabin (15 m2) for 2 pax € 1.700,-
Superior cabin (15 m2) for 3 pax € 1.350,-

19 September
Twin cabin € 1.610,-
Single use € 2.325,-
Superior cabin (15 m2) for 2 pax € 1.840,-
Superior cabin (15 m2) for 3 pax € 1.475,-

Extra options:

Rental touring bike per week (bike insurance included) € 110,-
Rental E-bike per week (bike insurance included) € 220,- (from 155cm)
Special diet (gluten free, lactose free; vegan) € 75,- per diet (to be specified when booking)

Included

  • All nights on board (8 days / 7 nights),  cabin in the booked category;
  • Full board (7 x breakfast, 6 x self-made picnic lunch for bike tours, 7 x three course dinner)
  • Use of bed linen and towels 
  • Coffee and tea on board
  • Tourguide, cycles with the group
  • Min. 3 city walks with the tourguide
  • Free WiFi (limited available in lounge and on deck)
  • Road book, 1x per cabin
  • GPS-tracks (on request)
  • Ferry fares on the route

Not Included

  • Reservation costs
  • Contribution Dutch Guarantee Fund (Insolvency Protection)
  • Bicycle rent (optional)
  • Entrance fees to museums; approx. € 25,- per tour
  • Other drinks on board
  • Personal insurance

Special details

  • This tour is operated by Cycletours
  • Please take good notice of Terms & Conditions.
  • Due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the route/program may be changed without notice.
  • We do not allow private e-bikes on board (due to safetly regulations)
  • If you have special meal requirements we ask you to mention this when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus. In case of Celiac/ gluten free diet; vegan meals; Lactose intolerance there is an additional charge of € 75, – per week.
  • Cycletours Holidays reserves the right to cancel tours with fewer than 12 participants up to 21 days prior to the date of departure.

Arrival information

Boarding is on Thursday between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. You can recognise the barge by the banner with Cycletours written on it. The name of your barge is printed on the voucher, which you will receive separately. After arrival there’s coffee and tea on board. Other drinks are also available against cash payment. If you want you can bring your luggage in advance: from 11:30 AM onwards.

The mooring place of the barge in Amsterdam is harbour Oosterdok; zip-code 1011 VX (near the Science Center: ‘Nemo’, Oosterdok 2).

Airport

The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). There is a direct train that leaves 6 times per hour from the airport to Amsterdam Central Station. It takes about 16 minutes. The price for a train ticket Schiphol-Amsterdam Central is € 6,- per person for a single journey. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the barge in Amsterdam takes about 30 minutes. It costs about € 60,-.

The tour ends one week later in Bruges, so another possibility is to fly to Brussels Airport (BRU).  By train it is about 1½ hours from the airport to the railway station in Bruges. Walking distance from the train station to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the mooring place will take about 25 minutes and costs about € 60,-.

Train

The nearest train station to the embarkation point of the barge is Amsterdam Central Station. Walking distance to the barge is about 10 to 15 minutes.
A taxi from the station to the barge takes about 5 minutes: Costs about € 10,-.

Car

If you arrive by car, we recommend to arrive earlier to unload your luggage. You can find more information about parking possibilities at I amsterdam.
The nearest parking is Parking Oosterdok (about € 275,- per week, it is not necessary to reserve in advance; 500m walking distance to the barge).

End of the tour

The tour ends one week later on Thursday morning after breakfast. Disembarkatiion is before 10 AM. You will spend the night from Wednesday to Thursday on board in Bruges. The mooring place of the barge in Bruges: near the ‘Bargeweg’ (nearly 1 km/o.6 miles from the train station). The nearest airport to the embarkation point of the barge is Brussels Airport. By train it is about 1½ hours from Bruges to the airport. A taxi to the airport will take about 1 hour and costs about € 180,-. Should you need to travel to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), you can take the international train. Travel time is about 3½ hours (changing trains two times) and a one-way ticket (2nd class) costs about € 65,-.

Our barge, your hotel

Imagine a floating hotel sailing to the next stage, while you are calmly pedalling along. No lugging of luggage: that is exactly what Bike & Barge is all about! In the pleasant atmosphere on board you can have a chat, go through the day with the others, and enjoy the meals prepared specially for cyclists. In the evenings you can enjoy a drink in the salon or admire the setting sun on deck. Do not expect a cruise ship with its passive luxury. The Bike & Barge Holidays are for people who really enjoy the physical activity of cycling and who value sociability more than wholesale luxury.
Free WiFi is (limited) available in lounge and on deck.

What are the cabins like?

Most cabins are 2-person cabins (twin or double beds), but some barges also have single and triple cabins. All cabins have central heating and a porthole or window; they are provided with running water (hot and cold), private shower/toilet and 220 voltage. Some barges have airconditioning. There is limited storage space in the cabin. We recommend 1 suitcase per person. You can slide the suitcase under the bed.

The team, hospitality comes first

The captain/skipper, the chef and your tourguide all welcome you warmly. They are prepared specifically for these trips and will provide good and safe passage, good meals, and a friendly, pleasant atmosphere. They will, of course, also give you a great deal of interesting information during and after the cycling and sailing. The skipper is responsible for the smooth running of things on board; the cook is in charge of the catering. A tourguide accompanies you during the bike ride and can assist in case of breakdowns. He/She will be your guide to point out the things of interest along the way and is multi-lingual (Dutch/English, some speak German and/or French).

The meals

Your chef is used to cook delicious meals for hungry cyclists. Besides an extensive breakfast, you will also be offered a packed lunch for on the road. It consists of different types of bread and sandwich fillings, juice, a snack and a piece of fruit. Lunch package needs to be prepared by yourself after breakfast. Dinner is different every day. There is a first course, main course and dessert The meals on board are included in the price, as are coffee and tea. Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks can be obtained at a reasonable charge. When you return on board after the day’s cycling, a cup of tea or coffee with a biscuit will be waiting for you.
If you suffer from food allergies or food intolerance (such as lactose- or gluten- intolerance/-allergy) or if you have special meal requirements (vegetarian; pescetarian; vegan meals; gluten free meals etc.), we ask you to mention this when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best  to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus and special food requirements cannot always be met in all details.
In case of vegan meals, gluten free or lactose diet, there is an additional charge. This charge is € 75,- per diet/ per person/per week when you  order the diet when booking and € 100,- per diet/ per person/per week when ordering on spot.

You and the group,new friends from around the world!

One of the most attractive aspects of the Bike & Barge holidays is that you encounter an international company on board, including people from e.g. USA, Canada, Australia, France and United Kingdom. It’s a great opportunity for you to get to know various cultures at the same time! We have people of all ages, solo travelers, couples and also families with children (during the school holidays). Most groups are made up of 12 to 26 people.

Cycling in Holland

Holland is a cycling country: 17 million inhabitants all with bikes. The number of cyclists necessitates a cycling infrastructure: cycle paths (30,000 km), cycle routes (long and short distance), cycle bridges, cycle tunnels, cycle ferries and special signposts for cyclists. Cycling is part of normal life in the Netherlands; parents bring their children to school by bike, people go to work by bike, factory workers, doctors, even the prime minister! Cyclists, of course, have to observe traffic rules and regulations. The most important rule is to remember that you are not alone on your bike and that you are sharing the road with your group and other road users. Your guide on board will tell you all you need to know about the traffic rules and regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do you accommodate for special diets

    Yes, this must be notified when booking, but no later than 14 days before arrival. Diets which need a special preparation or special ingredients can only be offered in limited form. We will do our best to meet your needs, but we also ask for your understanding as due to limited logistic possibilities on a barge we are not able to prepare complete specialized menus.
    On some trips, in case of a gluten-free diet; lactose-free diet or vegan meals, a surcharge of € 75,- per diet per week applies. This is stated per tour.

  • Do I have to wear a safety helmet

    We recommond to wear a bike helmet on all tours. On our own tours (barges Anna Antal; Liza Marleen; Wending; Sailing Home; Zwaan and Clair de Lune) we provide a safety helmet with all our own rental bikes.
    In some countries a helmet is mandatory. This is stated on the tour page.

  • What happens when it rains?

    Most of the participants then wear rainwear. When the weather is so bad that cycling becomes really impossible (but that is almost never the case!), you can stay on board or your guide can organize an alternative program with, for example, cultural excursions and city tours (at your own expense).

  • Which countries do the participants come from

    The main countries represented by our cycling guests are: United States and Canada. We also receive guests from United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and New Zealand. The common language on board is English.

  • Can I rejoin the barge before the end of a stage

    No, the barge doesn’t take the same route as the cyclists do. Sometimes the route may be altered because of weather conditions or repairs to bridges or locks and then the guests and the guide can arrange with the skipper to be met at a different place. Naturally you can always stay on board for one or more days.