Bruges to Amsterdam Boat & Bike Tour

Boat & Bike 7 nights

VISITING: Belgium, The Netherlands

Why we love this tour

"You have a choice of boats on this popular tour from Belgium to Holland. Either cycle with your guide, benefiting from their local knowledge, or follow the GPS routes and explore more independently at your own pace. We love the luxury of the premium Magnifique barges."

Cruise, sleep and dine on one of five barges

Ghent's jaw dropping altarpiece and the stylish streets of Antwerp

Bruges’ medieval squares and Amsterdam’s world famous museums

Easy cycling across flat Flemish landscapes and Dutch polders

Guiding
Self-Guided, Guided
Distance
167miles/268km
Level
Easy
Standard
Superior, Comfort
Departs
Sat, Thu, Tue, Fri
Runs
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Code
NL023R
Fly to
Brussels
Good for
Luxury, Multi-Country, Riverside Routes
Return
Amsterdam

Appreciate the historic landscapes and canalside settlements of Belgium and Holland by bike and barge. You’ll ride along riverside paths and stop off at historic cities on route – the antique shops, cobbled streets and designer boutiques of Antwerp are a highlight, and look forward to Ghent’s magnificent oil paintings. Equally charming are the lesser known canalside settlements, which include fortified towns and one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands.

You’ll pedal past typical Flemish landscapes and Holland’s green polders, riding on flat terrain that makes cycling a breeze. Pick between five barges, from Premium to Standard category - the Premium barges follow Itinerary A, the Standard barges follow Itinerary B. Whichever barge you decide on, it’s worth arriving a day early to fully appreciate the almshouses, medieval squares and tempting cafes in Bruges, or extending your stay in Amsterdam to visit Anne Frank’s House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.

For alternative dates, this tour runs in reverse from Amsterdam to Bruges. If you would prefer to stay in hotels instead of on a boat, take a look at our hotel-based tour Amsterdam to Bruges - Hotel & Bike which runs most days throughout the season.

Accommodation

MS Magnifique I

View full details of the MS Magnifique I.

The new premium Magnifique I barge has been built by the same builder as the Magnifique II, III & IV. He has extended an existing ship by 12 meters, making it 57 meters long and accommodating up to 32 guests. The lower deck has 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M²) and 4 junior suites (approx. 15 M²). All cabins have an en-suite shower and toilet, individually regulated air conditioning, TV, small safe and hairdryer.

On the upper deck, there is an air-conditioned saloon with large windows that consists of a restaurant, lounge and bar. Glass doors open onto a partially shaded sun deck with deck chairs that you can relax on after your cycle rides.

MS Magnifique I

MS Magnifique II

View full details of the MS Magnifique II.

The Magnifique II was built in 2016 after the success of the Magnifique. She is a 63 meter long premium barge that can accommodate up to 34 guests and sails under Dutch flag and management. The lower deck has 13 cabins: 12 twin cabins (approx. 11 M²), 1 premium twin (approx. 13M²).  The upper deck has four beautiful suites with a large panoramic window (14 M²). The cabins on the lower deck have fixed portholes with the upper deck suites having a 2 meter wide window (one window can be opened). All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer. If requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins above one of the other beds.

On the upper deck there are a tastefully furnished air conditioned saloon with restaurant, bar, lounge with wide screen TV, large windows, Wi-Fi (limited use of data) and a partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables and on the aft deck cycle storage. On the top deck there is a hot tub and some deck chairs that you can enjoy after your cycle.

Magnifique II

Magnifique II

MS Magnifique III

View full details of the MS Magnifique III.

The newly built Magnifique III is a new premium barge for 2018 that can accommodate up to 40 guests. The lower deck has 14 twin cabins (approx. 11M²) and 2 single cabins. The upper deck has 5 suites (approx.14M²) with a small seating area and a large window that opens partially. The cabins on the lower deck have fixed portholes with the upper deck suites having a large window  which can be partially opened. All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer. If requested, an extra bed is available in some twin cabins above one of the other beds.

The saloon has a combined air conditioned restaurant, bar and lounge area with large windows to enjoy the view. Large doors open onto the partially covered sundeck and the top deck has a hot tub and deckchairs for you to relax.

Magnifique III

Magnifique III

MS Magnifique IV

View full details of the MS Magnifique IV.

This premium barge can accommodate up to 36 guests. The upper deck has 10 beautiful suites (approx. 16M²) with double beds, a small seating area and a large sliding window. The lower deck cabins (approx. 12M²) have twin beds and fixed portholes. All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, air conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, small safe and hairdryer. If requested, an extra bed is available in some lower deck twin cabins above one of the other beds.

The saloon has a air conditioned bar and lounge area with large windows to enjoy the view. Large doors open onto the partially covered sundeck and the top deck has a hot tub and deckchairs for you to relax. The dining room is on the lower deck and has a glass wall to the kitchen.

MS Magnifique IV

MS Magnifique IV

MS Zwaantje

The Zwaantje is 40 metres long and can accommodate 24 passengers. On the lower deck there are 12 cabins for guests: 10 twin cabins and two double cabins with an additional 3rd Pullman bed. All the cabins have a small ensuite bathroom with toilet, shower and wash basin, a fixed window (both double cabins have larger windows that also open) and individual air conditioning. On the main deck you can relax in the intimate saloon complete with air-conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner and a small bar. Free Wi-Fi is available in the salon (mobile internet, limited data). A great feature of the barge is the spacious sun deck complete with tables and chairs where you can relax. The new owners are experienced barge operators and will be delighted to welcome you on board. The enthusiastic and extremely motivated couple restyled the interior of the Zwaantje during the winter of 2014/15, resulting in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

MS Zwaantje

MS Zwaantje

MS Fluvius (self-guided)

This comfortable 70-metre river cruiser can accommodate up to 44 guests in 21 cabins (10M² - 12M²), 14 of which are on the lower deck and 7 on the upper deck, including 4 new upper deck double cabins with panoramic window. The other cabins have twin beds.  All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, a fixed window and individually regulated air conditioning and ventilation system.

The large communal saloon with bar has a semi separate restaurant area. On the large and partially roofed sun deck are seating areas with tables and chairs and storage room for the bikes.

Guests of the Fluvius have self-guided cycling. 

MS Fluvius

MS Fluvius

De Holland (self-guided)

View full details of the De Holland.

Recently renovated in 2017/18, this deluxe river cruiser is 78m long, 7 metres wide and can accommodate up to 66 guests in 32 cabins. There is a large saloon with panoramic windows that has the restaurant, bar and the lounge. The sun deck is partially shaded and has chairs for you to relax and enjoy the scenery.

The lower deck has 22 twin cabins (10 m²) with windows that can not be opened. The upper deck has 9 twin cabins (10 m²) and 1 suite (13 m²) with full length sliding doors with a French balcony. The cabins are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer, TV, mini-safe and individual air-conditioning.

De Holland

De Holland

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What's included

Price includes

7 nights accommodation: in the ship and cabin of your choice

Board basis: Full board (apart from one dinner) including breakfast, packed lunch and three course dinner

English speaking tour guide on board and on bike (Fluvius and De Holland guests have self-guided cycling)

Cycle maps and route information (1 set per cabin) - GPS tracks available

Welcome meeting

A few short walking tours

Daily cabin cleaning and towel change 

Daily coffee and tea

Entrance Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp and a canal trip through Ghent on the premium barges

Helmets and water bottles on board the guided tours with bike hire

Ferry fees (not on the self-guided boats)

Price excludes

Flights and transfers

Cycle helmets on the self-guided boats

Bike hire

Entrance fees & excursions

Tips 

Drinks on board

Transfers to/from the docking

Special dietary requests

Bike hire and extras

Bike hire

Bikes come with a pannier, a small repair kit, and lock all included at no extra cost when you hire a bike. Please note that for this tour due to limited space on deck it is not possible to bring your own bike. Helmets and water bottles are included with rental bikes for the Magnifique II & Magnifique III.

Hybrid bike (premium boats)

£94

E-bike (premium boats)

£263

Hybrid bike (self-guided boatst)

£82

E-bike (self-guided boats)

£243

Other Extras

Helmet

Helmet hire (self-guided boats)

£11
Board upgrade

Gluten or lactose free diet (65 Euros payable locally) - please select if applicable

£0

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.

How do I get there?

Fly to Brussels or Charleroi and take a train (Belgian Rail) or bus to Bruges.

Alternatively by train, take the Eurostar from London to Brussels and change for Bruges.

How do I get back?

Take a train (NS) to Amsterdam Schiphol airport to fly from Amsterdam.

What is an ‘Easy’ cycle holiday?

Your days will involve gentle riding, mainly on flat terrain and with minimal effort required. Easy cycling holidays are suitable for most people whether you are a regular cyclist or not, however we recommend at least a few practice rides before your holiday!

We are always on hand to offer advice, so please give us a call if you wish to chat about the tour’s grading.

What's the etiquette with crew tips?
Tips are at your own discretion, an envelope is always left in the cabins on the last day.
How much space will I have in my cabin?

There is limited space in the cabins, so pack light and take a soft suitcase.

What is the average temperature on this tour?
AprMayJunJulAugSepOct
10°C

14°C

17°C

18°C20°C17°C13°C

 

Can I stay on the boat during the day and not cycle?

Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling. 

Can the boat cater for special dietary requirements?

Please advise us of any special requirements at time of booking and we will notify the boat operator in advance. Understandably, kitchen galley space is limited and it may not be possible to provide specialist products (eg. Gluten free). We suggest you bring a few items with you and, in some cases, these can be provided at a supplement. 

Do I have to cycle as part of a group?

This tour is guided and self-guided, so you have the option to cycle with your guide or independently with the maps and route notes provided. 

Can I book by myself?

Absolutely! Boat & Bike tours are very sociable and a good choice for single travellers wishing to mix with other guests and share your common interest of cycling.

Have another question? Get in Touch with us
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