Amsterdam to Bruges - 11 days

Amsterdam to Bruges

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
Day 2: Overnight dock - Vreeswijk, short route: 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45)
Day 3: Vreeswijk - Rotterdam, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 37 to 40 mi. (60 to 65 km)
Day 4: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 5: Dordrecht, 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) + Canoe tour or hike
Day 6: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km)
Day 7: Tholen - Antwerp, 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
Day 8: Antwerp - Baasrode/Sint-Amands, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
Day 9: Sint-Amands/Baasrode - Ghent, 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
Day 10: Ghent - Bruges, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Day 11: Bruges

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam
This afternoon, you'll check on board and the Merlijn will set sail shortly after. Upon arrival, you will receive a welcome drink and the crew will introduce themselves. You’ll get a run-down on the tour, details of the ship, and of course, go over all the safety information. Once you’re settled in and familiar with your home for the next 10 days, you’ll have dinner together at Merlijn’s restaurant. Later on, you can take a stroll around the little Dutch town where you’ll be docked for the night.

Day 2: Overnight dock - Vreeswijk, short route: 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45)
After a delicious first breakfast, the guide will show you how to use the bikes and go over road safety. Meanwhile, the crew will unload the bikes and fit you for the right one, so you’ll be ready to pedal. You’ll get to bike along the scenic Vecht River on great bike paths, and you’ll see why cycling is so popular here in the Netherlands! After a picnic lunch, you’ll find Merlijn waiting for you at a dock. You can choose to board the ship or keep cycling to extend your tour. In the afternoon, everyone gets back on the ship and enjoy a relaxing cruise to Vreeswijk.

Day 3: Vreeswijk - Rotterdam, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 37 to 40 mi. (60 to 65 km)
You're given a choice this morning: get started with a quick breakfast and enjoy a long bike ride, or relax a bit longer, cruise along on the Merlijn, and join the cycling group later for the day’s ride! Eventually you’ll also visit a real Dutch cheese farm. The hardworking farmers on these farms don’t always have set visiting hours, so we’ll figure out the best time to stop by. You’ll see how cheese is made and maybe pick up some tasty souvenirs. Oh, and you’ll be cycling past Gouda, the city famous for its cheese—yes, the same Gouda you’ve probably already heard of. 

After the cheese farm, you’ll ride through the beautiful Dutch polder landscape on your way to Rotterdam. Once you get there, the guide will lead you along the quietest bike paths to where Merlijn is docked in the port. In the evening, you’ll have some free time to take a stroll on land.

Day 4: Rotterdam - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht, 19 to 22 mi. (30 to 35 km) | long route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
Today’s bike tour kicks off right after breakfast. You’ll soon spot the stunning skyline of Rotterdam, sometimes called ‘Manhattan on the Maas.’ You’ll pedal through the city’s highlights on paved bike paths, and then take a ferry across the river to Kinderdijk, famous for its incredible row of windmills that were built to drain the Alblasserwaard polder. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and biking through this open-air museum is the best way to experience it!

For the final stretch of the day, you have two options: Hop on a ferry that’ll take you straight to where Merlijn is docked in Dordrecht or keep cycling and extend your tour all the way to Dordrecht.

Day 5: Dordrecht, 12 to 16 mi. (20 to 25 km) + Canoe tour or hike
The Merlijn stays put today, so you’ve got the whole day to explore Dordrecht and its beautiful surroundings! They day is set up to give you a few options. 

First, you can take a break from biking and dive into Dordrecht’s old city. You can check out some cool cultural spots and museums (did you know the first Dutch constitution was signed here in 1814?), or hit the longest continuous shopping street in the Netherlands! If you’re in the mood to just relax, you can stay on the boat and catch up on that book you’ve been meaning to read.

Second, if you’re up for more action, join our guide for a short bike ride to ‘the Biesbosch,’ a huge and famous national park. You can park your bike and hop into a canoe for a few hours of paddling through the serene creeks and spotting wildlife. Don’t worry about getting lost—we’ll guide you the whole way. If canoeing isn’t your thing, there’s one more option: you can join the group for the bike ride to the national park, where there is 10 to 15 km hiking trail ready for you. Lots of Dutch people have walked these trails before you, so you’ll be in great company. After exploring the Biesbosch, the group bikes back to the ship together.

For dinner tonight, you’re free to explore the city on your own and choose from a variety of tasty local and international dishes. Since Dordrecht is the home port of Merlijn’s owners, they can give you some great recommendations for places to eat. Today is a "choose-your-own-adventure"!

Day 6: Dordrecht - Willemstad - Tholen, 22 to 25 mi. (35 to 40 km)
You’ll start the day with a sailing breakfast while cruising over to Willemstad. Once you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore this charming little town with its picturesque windmill and harbor. Then you’ll kick off your bike tour to Tholen!

You’ll be riding through some flat, scenic polder landscapes. Tholen used to be an island in the middle of the Zeeland streams, where fishing was the main economy. These days, it’s connected to the mainland, but it still has that quaint, historic vibe with lots of interesting reminders of its past.

Day 7: Tholen - Antwerp, 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
The morning ride is pretty short, so you’ll have plenty of time to spend the whole afternoon exploring Antwerp if you want! After breakfast, you’ll start the bike tour, and just before we get to Antwerp, you can:

Hop back on Merlijn for a scenic sail through Antwerp’s impressive harbor to the docking spot in the historic center. You’ll have lunch on board and get to the city early, so you can dive into the cultural highlights.

OR

Keep biking through the harbor area until you reach where Merlijn is docked in Antwerp.

Either way, you’ll cross the border from the Netherlands into Belgium—no passports needed these days! Antwerp isn’t just the ‘diamond city’; it’s also the hometown of the famous painter Rubens. While you’re here, you can check out the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady (entrance included) and explore the beautiful Market Square with its grand merchant homes demonstrating Antwerp’s rich history. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, the city center is full of great stores. And for dinner, you’ve got over a thousand local restaurants to choose from, delicious Belgian cuisine awaits!

Day 8: Antwerp - Baasrode/Sint-Amands, short route: 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km) | long route: 40 to 44 mi. (65 to 70 km)
You’ll say goodbye to Antwerp as you bike into the St. Anna tunnel, which takes you under the Schelde River. Once you’re on the other side, you’ll follow the river upstream through the scenic towns of Temse and Sint-Amands. The bike path is beautiful, and the views of the river and the surrounding nature are simply stunning. Sint-Amands is a charming little town right on the tidal Schelde River, perfect for soaking up the natural beauty. After your ride, you’ll be treated to another delicious dinner on board.

Day 9: Sint-Amands/Baasrode - Ghent, 31 to 34 mi. (50 to 55 km)
The Merlijn will cruise to a new dock at the Dender estuary in the morning, which is where your bike tour will begin. You’ll follow the scenic, winding Schelde River until you reach the city of Ghent. Ghent is a vibrant university town with a rich history dating back to Roman times, right where the Leie and Schelde rivers meet. The city is known for its stunning St. Baafs Cathedral, which was built over several centuries and in different architectural styles.

The dock in Ghent is a bit of a ride from the city center, so you’ll start with a bike loop around the city and then take a relaxing boat ride through the canals. After that, you'll head back to Merlijn.

Day 10: Ghent - Bruges, 25 to 28 mi. (40 to 45 km)
You'll spend your last morning crusing on board. The boat will soon dock and you will start your bike tour through the lovely countryside of Western Flanders, heading towards Bruges. Bruges is often called ‘the Venice of the North’ and it might just be the most stunning of all the Flemish cities. The medieval city center is incredibly well-preserved, giving you a real taste of its rich history as a former hub of art and commerce.

You’ll have plenty of time to explore, shop, or just enjoy the charming streets and canals. You'll wrap up the day with a special farewell dinner on board.

Day 11: Bruges
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to the Merlijn and your newfound friends! 

Amsterdam to Bruges

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp | Test ride in Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
Day 3: Vianen - Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam - Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km)
Day 4: Dordrecht - Willemstad | Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
Day 5: Tholen - Kreekrak lock | Kreekrak lock - Antwerp, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
Day 6: Antwerp
Day 7: Antwerp - Temse - St. Amands, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 49 km)
Day 8: St. Amands - Dendermonde | Dendermonde -Ghent, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 9: Ghent- Bruges, 13 or 28 mi. (22 or 45 km)
Day 10: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, 23 mi.(38 km)
Day 11: Bruges

Distances are approximate. All itineraries are subject to change due to variables in wind and weather and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, lock repairs, etc. Parts in Italics are by boat.

Day 1: Amsterdam - Weesp | Test ride in Weesp, 6 mi. (11 km)
The crew will greet you onboard during the embarkation and check-in, which take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The ship departs for Weesp around 2 p.m. This picturesque town, situated on the banks of the river Vecht, boasts a historical center with numerous canals and buildings from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, as well as several stunning windmills. The river Vecht and its accompanying scenic roads are popular with cyclists and yachters alike. Upon arrival, the tour leader will arrange a test ride for you. After dinner, take the time to explore the charming city on foot.

Day 2: Weesp - Utrecht | Utrecht - Vianen, 28 mi. (47 km)
The bike tour commences in Weesp, and you will travel along the stunning and winding river Vecht, which is lined with grand mansions. During the tour, you will stop at an authentic Dutch cheese farm that produces cheese using traditional techniques. In Utrecht, you will reunite with the ship, which will then navigate the Amsterdam-Rhine canal to Vianen, a small fortified town situated on the river Lek.

Day 3: Vianen - Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Alblasserdam | Alblasserdam - Dordrecht (waterbus ferry), 13 or 36 mi. (22 or 57 km)
Today's bike tour takes you along the stunning Lek River to the city of Schoonhoven, renowned for its skilled silversmiths since the 17th century, earning it the nickname "Silver City" or "Zilverstad." Later in the day, as you continue through the Alblasserwaard region, you will reach the village of Kinderdijk, famous for its row of 19 remarkable windmills. These windmills have also been designated UNESCO cultural heritage attractions and are a definite highlight of the Netherlands. You will even have the opportunity to explore the interior of one, so make sure to bring your camera! From Alblasserdam, you will take the "Waterbus," a speedy ferry that carries you and your bike in around 10 minutes to Dordrecht. Dordrecht, also known as "Dordt," is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and sits at the confluence of three major rivers. In the evening, after dinner, you can join our guide for a short city walk visiting some of Dordt's 1600 monuments and the picturesque point where the waterways meet.

Day 4: Dordrecht - Willemstad | Willemstad - Tholen, 28 mi. (44 km)
While enjoying a delicious breakfast onboard your ship, it will continue its journey to Willemstad, where you will commence your day's cycling. Willemstad is a stunning, ancient fortified town situated on the Haringvliet waterway. From there, your bike tour will take you to Tholen, which was once an island in the heart of the expansive Zeeland stream system and a prime location for fishing. Although Tholen is now connected to the mainland through various means, it remains a picturesque village with numerous remnants from a rich and storied past.

Day 5: Tholen - Kreekrak lock | Kreekrak locks - Antwerp, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
After enjoying your coffee and breakfast, you will disembark from the barge for a bike tour through the beautiful "Wouwse Plantage" forest, heading south towards the impressive Kreekraksluis, or Kreekrak lock.

Later in the afternoon, you will rejoin the ship for a cruise to the port city of Antwerp, which is situated on the Schelde River. Antwerp is renowned for processing up to 80% of the world's uncut diamonds and is a city with an extensive list of delightful attractions in store for you. These include the City Hall, one of many majestic buildings erected during the Renaissance period, the historical city square of Grote Markt, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle.

Day 6: Antwerp
Today, your barge will remain docked in Antwerp, giving you an entire day to explore this city of culture, cobblestones, and Flemish Baroque masterpieces. You can take a visit to the Rubens House, the palazzo where the brilliant and versatile artist lived with his family. Some of his paintings are just a ten-minute walk away in the "Onze Lieve Vrouwe (Our Dear Lady) Cathedral" for you to admire.

There are other ideas to spend a pleasant afternoon here, such as taking a tour and tasting at the famous beer brewery of 'de Koninck,' exploring the fascinating Museum on the Scheldt River (MAS - Museum aan de Stroom), or going shopping in Antwerp's welcoming shopping area. Dinner is not included tonight, as you have the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice. If needed, your crew can provide restaurant recommendations.

Day 7: Antwerp - Temse - St. Amands, 21 or 31 mi. (34 or 49 km)
This morning, you will cycle out of Antwerp along a striking section of the Schelde River to St. Amands, where your home away from home will dock for the night. There is only one way to describe the scenery along the Schelde, and that is “magnificent.” Its natural splendor is, without doubt, one of the highlights of the tour. In the evening, if you haven’t already taken the chance to taste one of Belgium’s incomparable “biers,” then make sure you give them a try. The famous Duvel brew is a specialty of the region.

Day 8: St. Amands - Dendermonde | Dendermonde - Ghent, 32 mi. (52 km)
As you enjoy breakfast, the ship will transport you to Dendermonde. From there, you'll cycle along the picturesque Schelde River to Ghent, overnighting moored at a lock in one of the city's suburbs. Ghent is a bustling university town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Its location at the confluence of the Leie and Schelde rivers has made it a thriving trading port for centuries, at one point making it the second-largest city in Europe. The city's old town is home to numerous historic attractions, including an opera house, 18 museums, over 100 churches, and more than 400 historical buildings. Two of the major highlights are St. Bavo Cathedral, which houses a number of medieval art treasures, including the famous 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by Jan van Eyck, and the 91-meter-tall Belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that offer breathtaking views of the old city center. You will be anchored close to Ghent's city center, giving you plenty of time to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 9: Ghent - Bruges, 13 or 28 mi. (22 or 45 km)
You will set off on your bicycle from Ghent, traversing the breathtaking Flemish countryside of Western Flanders, en route to Bruges, famously referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ and undoubtedly one of the most enchanting Flemish cities. Bruges is a popular tourist destination and attracts a multitude of European and international visitors with its picturesque, UNESCO-recognized medieval city center and a plethora of attractions for history enthusiasts. A remarkably well-preserved example of a medieval town, Bruges has successfully retained its historic fabric as it has evolved over time, which means that the city's original Gothic buildings remain a vital part of its identity. During your visit, you can choose to explore one of the many museums in Bruges or simply enjoy the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city while sipping coffee at one of the sidewalk cafes. In the evening, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk, highlighting some of the most beautiful parts of the city center, where you may even get a chance to sample a ‘Brugse Zot,’ a famous local beer.

Day 10: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea, 23 mi. (38 km)
Today your barge will stay in Bruges, giving you the choice of how you would like to spend the day. The tour leader will offer a morning bike tour of about 38 km. Your final cycle will set out along a quiet canal, past beautiful poplar trees, and through attractive landscapes of flat green polder fields dotted with small farmhouses (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). On the return ride to Bruges, you will cycle along a charming little canal. If you prefer, you can remain in Bruges for the day to explore on your own.

Day 11: Bruges
The end of your tour: Enjoy one final breakfast and disembark by 9.30 a.m.

Bruges to Amsterdam

Day 1: Bruges, 6 mi. (11 km)
Day 2: Roundtrip from/to Bruges and North Sea, 23 mi. (38 km)
Day 3: Bruges - Aalterbrug | Aalterbrug - Ghent, 23 or 28 mi. (37 or 45 km)
Day 4: Ghent - Dendermonde/St. Amands, 24 or 34 mi. (40 or 55 km)
Day 5: St. Amands - Temse - Antwerp, 21 or 31 mi. (33 or 49 km)
Day 6: Rest day in Antwerp
Day 7: Antwerp - Kreekrak Locks | Kreekrak Locks - Tholen, 13 or 23 mi. (20 or 36 km)
Day 8: Tholen - Willemstad |Willemstad -Dordrecht, 23 or 26 mi. (36 or 44 km)
Day 9: Dordrecht - Alblasserdam (waterbus ferry) | Alblasserdam - Kinderdijk - Schoonhoven -  Vianen, 19 or 36 mi. (32 or 57 km)
Day 10: Vianen - Breukelen | Breukelen - Amsterdam, 22 or 29 mi. (37 or 47 km)
Day 11: Amsterdam

Parts in Italics are by boat.