Tulip Tour - Amsterdam to Bruges - 8 day

Day 1: Amsterdam - Oude Wetering
Day 2: Oude Wetering - Gouda
Day 3: Gouda - Dordrecht
Day 4: Dordrecht - Zierikzee
Day 5: Zierikzee - Middelburg
Day 6: Middelburg - Gent
Day 7: Gent - Bruges
Day 8: Bruges

Daily distances average 45 km.

Day 1: Amsterdam
Individual arrival on board the Feniks. The cycling route leads to Oude Wetering.

Day 2: Oude Wetering - Gouda
Today you will bike through the bulb fields and visit the Keukenhof, with literally millions of flowering bulbs. You enjoy an easy bike ride right through some real Dutch meadowlands and end your trip in the cheese town, Gouda. Free time in Gouda after dinner. 

Day 3: Gouda - Dordrecht
Today you will enjoy cycling in the green heart of Holland, following scenic country roads along a winding waterway.

Day 4: Dordrecht - Zierikzee
 Zeeland is on the agenda today. This province of the Netherlands characterized by light, wind, water, and space. Because it is made up of islands, bridges and ferries will be carrying you across the waters as you drift down towards Belgium. Picture-book towns with ancient houses and cobbled streets line the banks. You will traverse a patchwork landscape of vast polders, idyllic countryside, rolling dunes, and golden sand flats. 

Day 5: Zierikzee - Middelburg
A stroll down the narrow streets of Zierikzee is an absolute delight. Quaint old houses take you back in time to the town's glory days when ships set sail to sell salt, wool, fish, grain, and red dye as far afield as the Baltic and the Mediterranean. Your route continues to the charming village of Veere. From 1541, everything that was exported to Holland from Scotland (mainly wool) came ashore in, and was distributed from, Veere. This contract brought the town not only prosperity but also a very lively Scottish expat community that stayed for 300 years. Walk in their footsteps as you take a tour of the sights. Cruising further south, you will discover the nostalgic splendor of the city of Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was one of the most important centers of trade in the Netherlands. With a strong headwind, this trip can be very strenuous. In that case, you may prefer to do the first part of today's route on board the Quo Vadis, and start cycling at Zandkreek. The Feniks will moor in Middelburg, founded in the 12th century as an abbey. The city was the second most important center for the Dutch East India Company, active in Africa colonizing the southern coasts and slave trading on the western coasts

Day 6: Middelburg - Gent
Today you cross the waterway Westerschelde, which is the main estuary connecting the port of Antwerp with the sea and moor in Gent, a thriving and quaint medieval town.

Day 7: Gent - Bruges
Cycling from one medieval city to another on quiet roads will be a highlight today as you enjoy the landscape of  Flanders dotted with farmhouses and little villages. Docking in "Venice of the North", Bruges.

Day 8: Departure
Your tour officially ends after breakfast.

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Click barge information for further details about the classes of boats.

• Merlijn

  Deluxe

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  4.9 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Touring Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered and as of 2023, have brand new standard bikes available. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has unisex e-bikes available to rent. These must be reserved in advance. • Gudereit or ISY Brand … • 7 gears … • Bosch engine … Accessories … • Pannier bag … • Helmet rental included and… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with the most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step on board and discover for yourself! Read More
• Feniks

  Comfort

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  4.3 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Comfort Class Boat

  Touring bike

  The hybrid bikes available are 21-speed bikes with handbrakes. They are equipped with a pannier, water bottle, and lock. It is possible to bring your own pedals and saddle. Read More

  Electric bikes

  For those bikers who like to have some support while biking in the hills, there are different styles of electric bikes. They are equipped with a pannier, water bottle, and lock. It is possible to… Read More

  This comfortable little vessel is the pride and joy of its captain/owner, Marius. As is true for many of our boats, the Feniks was originally built as a freighter, but then converted into a hotel passenger ship in 1992. Since then, she has undergone several renovations. Wearing her history well, you will find a welcoming atmosphere on board, a crew ready to serve, and great food showcasing local cuisine featuring fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the market to the table. Read More