Tulip Tour - Bruges to Amsterdam - 8 day

 Merlijn 

Day 1: Arrival in Bruges, cruising to Ghent
Day 2: Ghent - Baasrode, 24 mi. (40 km)
Day 3: Baasrode - Antwerp, 15 to 33 mi. (25 to 55 km)
Day 4: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 15 mi. (25 km)
Day 5: Dordrecht - Gouda - Leiden, 21 mi. (35 km)
Day 6: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 18 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Amsterdam

*All distances are approximate. Itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstance, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Arrival in Bruges, cruising to Ghent
The Merlijn, your sailing hotel, awaits you in Bruges. Check-in begins at 1 PM. Bruges, also called the Venice of the North, is probably the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. Its old center, dating from the Middle Ages, is almost completely intact. At that time, Bruges was a metropolis, the center of trade and art.  Please be sure your arrival time in Bruges gives you enough time to explore this charming city.  The Merlijn will leave for Ghent at 2 PM. You are welcome to leave your luggage on board before 2 pm so that you can explore the city. The crew will welcome you onboard and while you enjoy a welcome drink you will be informed about the barge and daily tours. During the cruise to Ghent, you will enjoy your dinner. 

Day 2: Ghent - Baasrode, 24 mi. (40 km)
Following breakfast on board, you will have time to explore Ghent. This is a lively university city with a rich history. This city has a rich past originating in Roman Times and is located at the place where the rivers, Leie, and Schelde converge. This favorable situation brought a great deal of prosperity over the years, which had its peak late 13th, early 14th century. The textile industry brought great wealth. In the city center, many old patrician houses have been preserved. In the Clothmakers’ Hall (1425) textile merchants used to meet. The major church is St. Bavo's Cathedral, built in various ages and in various styles. In the cathedral, you can admire a number of medieval paintings, including, ‘Adoration of the Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck. After your lunch break in Ghent your biking tour to Baasrode will begin. Cycle along the river Zeeschelde, and follow this beautiful but capricious tidal river downstream to our destination Baasrode, a small village on the Schelde river.

Day 3: Baasrode - Antwerp, 15 to 33 mi. (25 to 55 km)
Today's tour follows the river Schelde further downstream via Temse to Rupelmonde. There is a beautiful bike path along the river and the landscape around the Schelde is magnificent. In Rupelmonde, board the Merlijn and cruise to Antwerp. This is not only known as the diamond city but also as the native city of the painter Rubens. In the Rubens House, you can admire his work. In the heart of the city, you will see the Cathedral of Our Lady and beautiful townhouses from a rich past are situated around the Market Square.

Day 4: Antwerp - Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht, 15 mi. (25 km)
After breakfast, you will have more time to explore the city of Antwerp. Your bike begins in Tholen, across the Oesterdam in the river Oosterschelde. This dam connects Tholen with Zeeland Flanders. Tholen was once an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people were fishermen by trade. Today, Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways, but it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. From Willemstad, the Merlijn cruises to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns of Holland. After dinner, you may want to stroll through this historic city.  Tonight you will enjoy your dinner on your own in one of the many local restaurants.

Day 5: Dordrecht - Gouda - Leiden, 21 mi. (35 km)
Enjoy a walking tour through the charming old city of Dordrecht and later the barge cruises to the Kinderdijk. world famous for its impressive row of large windmills. They were built to drain the Alblasserwaard. You have the opportunity to take a tour inside one of the mills. From here, your cycling tour begins en route to Gouda, the city of cheeses and candles. Before cruising to Leiden you can stroll through the center of Gouda.

The barge takes you through one of the most beautiful parts of Holland, know as "the Green Heart of Holland". Leaving Gouda you pass Boskoop, famous for its horticulture, particularly woody plant, and perennial nurseries. Along the way, you pass small cities and villages such as Alphen aan den Rijn.

Finally, you reach Leiden. While exploring this city you will notice that its rich history still seems very much alive. This is where Rembrandt was born and developed his painting skills. Holland's first university is located here, dating back to 1575. It has since developed into a world-famous center of science and its many students contribute to the lively atmosphere of the city. After dinner, there is time to explore the charming center.

Day 6: Leiden - Keukenhof - Haarlem, 18 mi. (30 km)
May 2:
While you enjoy your breakfast, the Merlijn takes you to Lisse, which is near the Keukenhof, a famous flower exhibition. Here you can admire all the beautiful tulips and other flowers that are cultivated in Holland. After your visit, cycle to the city of Haarlem, passing flower fields and great Dutch scenery. After dinner, take a stroll through the historic city of Haarlem and end your trip drinking the famous local “Jopen” beer in one of the many bars.

Day 7: Haarlem - Amsterdam, 18 mi. (30 km)
In the morning, explore the historical city of Haarlem a little more before your cycling tour starts. Its history goes back to the 10th century. Your tour ends in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. There is time to explore the city and you might want to include a ride through the canals. Later on, you may want to visit the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner onboard and city walk through the beautiful illuminated lively center of Amsterdam.

Day 8: Amsterdam
​Breakfast, check out, and departure

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On the deluxe vessel, the Merlijn

• Merlijn

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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