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The Netherlands (Holland) and Belgium

Amsterdam to Bruges

Bike and Barge Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,525 P.P.
The Netherlands (Holland) and Belgium

Amsterdam to Bruges

Bike and Barge Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,525 P.P.
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6
Holland and Belgium are intrinsically linked with cycling and waterways, so what better way to explore these beautiful areas than with a mixture of both, travelling by bike and barge from Amsterdam to Bruges? The classic artist’s landscape, synonymous with long canals, windmills and a rich industrial heritage can be explored on this route, finishing up in the picturesque, World Heritage city of Bruges. This relaxed cycling vacation starts in Amsterdam, travelling along the canals and waterways, guaranteeing a striking and diverse introduction to the heart of the country. The cycling will take us along calm, tranquil riversides, through perfectly preserved historic villages and along winding dike roads. Along the way, we pass by beautiful windmill-strewn countryside along the Merwede canal and get to explore one of the oldest cities in Holland; Dordrecht. 
Your accommodation for the week is on a specially designed barge. Please see the accommodation section below for more information relating to the barges. During the day, a local leader will be leading the way, however route descriptions are provided if you'd prefer to cycle independently from the group.
This cycling tour from Amsterdam to Bruges is run in conjunction with a local partner and you will join their guests on the tour. You will spend your evenings sharing experiences of the day with an international group of cyclists over authentic regional cuisine, cooked and served on board the barge. Please get in touch if you'd like to know the make up of the group booked onto your chosen departure.
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Highlights

  • Staying on board a charming Dutch Barge
  • Cycling through beautiful Flemish cities
  • Enjoying a leisurely evening meal, with a friendly mix of nationalities
  • Viewing the impressive 17th century windmills at Kinderdijk
  • Discovering the birthplace of the legendary Flemish artist Rubens
  • Marvelling at the illuminated city centre of Ghent

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Would absolutely recommend Skedaddle – service and product were excellent. I loved this vacation. I saw areas of Netherlands and Belgium that the average traveler would never see.

Lisa, Canada

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival into Amsterdam
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  • Meals: Dinner

Today you will arrive in Amsterdam and make your way to your barge for 13.00 for boarding. Around 14.00 the barge will sail to Vianen, a charming fortified town on the River Lek, where the barge will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and there may be an option of a short bike ride to warm our legs up before our cycling journey. We’ll then enjoy a delicious evening meal, while we get to know the rest of the group.

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Day 2
Vianen to Dordrecht (via Kinderdijk)
34 Miles / 56 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We’ll start the day cycling via Shoonhoven, known as the Silver City due to its reputation for talented silversmiths since the 17th Century, to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk and its impressive row of 19 windmills. Make sure you have your camera handy!

We’ll take the waterbus (a fast ferry) from Alblasserdam, that will take you and your bike to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland, where we’ll jump back onboard the barge for the night.

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Day 3
Dordrecht to Antwerp
13 or 23 Miles / 20 or 36 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We’ll start today with a relaxing sail to Tholen during breakfast, before cycling through the forested area known as the Wouwse Plantage. After the impressive Kreekrak lock we’ll rejoin the barge and sail through the famous port of Antwerp into the city.

Antwerp is known as the diamond city and is also the native city of the painter Rubens. Some of Rubens’ paintings are displayed in the city’s cathedral. After dinner there’s time to explore the beautiful city centre.

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Day 4
Antwerp to Dendermonde
29 or 39 Miles / 48 or 64 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we’ll cycle out of the port following the beautiful, yet capricious, tidal river upstream to Dendermonde, soaking up the magnificent landscape around Schelde. The barge will be waiting for you in Dendermonde, where you’ll stay for the night.

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Day 5
Dendermonde to Ghent
32 Miles / 52 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Today we will cycle by the River Schelde in the direction of Ghent, a lively university city, with a rich past. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the city, making sure you see the illuminated city centre.

The city of Ghent was founded in Roman times and is located on the confluence of the River Leie and Schelde. The convenient location of the rivers brought much prosperity, particularly in the late 13th and early 14th century, making the city very interesting to explore. Tonight the barge will dock in a suburb of Ghent.

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Day 6
Ghent to Bruges
28 Miles / 45 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We’ll leave the city and cycle through the pleasant countryside of Western Flanders to Bruges, known as the Venice of the North. One of the most beautiful Flemish cities, Bruges’ old town dates back to the middle ages and is completely intact; it is also a UNESCO World Heritage listed town centre.

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Day 7
Bruges Loop Ride
23 or 31 Miles / 38 or 51 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

We’ll cycle out of Bruges, along a quiet canal lined with poplar, through attractive polder landscape littered with small farm houses to the North Sea Coast. Here you’ll find a 12 Km long sandy beach, with numerous cafes. You can also explore the attractive dune landscape of Het Zwin, a unique nature reserve, before heading back to Bruges.

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Day 8
Departure from Bruges
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  • Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast it’s time to say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers, before starting your journey home. Disembarkation is by 09:30am.

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The Cycling

Terrain

The route follows mostly flat terrain along quiet roads and cycle paths. Around 50% of the route is shared with traffic, and 50% is on cycle paths where you’ll be separated from motor vehicles. If any of the days are too long, or you would just like to put your feet up for a day, there is the option to stay on board the barge during the day. Due to the leisurely nature of the tour we do recommend a hybrid bike, however as the majority of the route sticks to tarmac the route is suitable for road bikes. (There may however be short sections on cobbles or hard-packed gravel or dirt roads where you may have to take extra care).

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 2 : Gentle

Distances generally between 15-30 miles / 24-48 kms per day

For those looking for an easy-going route

Mainly on the flat

Some undulations and the odd cheeky challenge

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

Maybe you have recently got into cycling and would like to do more over consecutive days, or maybe you‘re looking for a more energetic alternative to your usual vacation? If you’re looking for an opportunity to try some quiet roads, cycle paths or some accessible, cycle friendly routes these trips might be for you. You’ll come across some gently undulating terrain and the odd cheeky challenge, so we’d generally expect those on a Grade 2 trip to ride their bikes relatively frequently at home, perhaps commuting to work or heading out for some leisurely rides at the weekend.

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The barge accommodations were exceptional in our opinion. This is travelling in style with ample meals and wonderful four course dinners often served while the barge was travelling down scenic canals. And the entire crew was helpful and attentive.

Bill and Lennie, USA

Dates & Prices

Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
16/04/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
23/04/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,525.00
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Start Date
30/04/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
07/05/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
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Start Date
14/05/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
21/05/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
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Start Date
28/05/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
04/06/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select
Start Date
11/06/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
18/06/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select
Start Date
25/06/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
02/07/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select
Start Date
09/07/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
16/07/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select
Start Date
23/07/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
30/07/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select
Start Date
06/08/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
13/08/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
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Start Date
20/08/2022 Fluvius
Return Date
27/08/2022
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,595.00
Close Select

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Whats Included Tick

A) Barge accommodation (shared twin / double en suite cabins)

B) Linen and towels provided

C) Daily cabin cleaning

D) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L= Packed Lunch, D=Dinner)

E) English speaking local leader

F) Fully guided cycling tours and some short walking tours

G) Daily briefings

H) Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin) and / or GPX files (on request)

I) Coffee and tea on board the boat (until 16.00)

J) Fees for ferries / waterbus

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Single cabin (available if required)

D) Travel insurance

E) Personal clothing and equipment

F) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

G) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

H) Travel to barge on arrival day

I) Travel from barge on departure day

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The Essentials

Travel Options

We ask that you make your own way to the mooring point in Amsterdam and home again from the mooring point in Bruges.

The most convenient airports for this trip are into Amsterdam (AMS) and back from Brussels (BRU). Alternatively you can book a return flight to one of these airports and travel by train between the cities. Most flights from North America to Brussels require overnight travel (multiple travel days) and a stop over in an intermediary airport, with Norwegian, Icelandair or Aeroflot, combined with another airline being a common combination. There may be a direct flight option to Amsterdam, with KLM often offering this.

Please contact us for more detailed information on the specific flight schedules available for your tour. Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so we can ensure they fit in with the trip schedule.

Accommodation

Accommodation on this trip is on a barge.

These departures are on the Fluvius. The MS Fluvius is a traditional Dutch barge providing capacity for up to 44 guests in 22 twin bed, en suite cabins (3 upper deck twins, 4 upper deck doubles and 15 lower deck twins). All cabins have fixed windows and air-conditioning. The upper deck doubles have a panoramic window that can be opened. The salon area is a large communal room which includes a bar/dining area. There’s a large partially-roofed sun deck with a seating area and storage for bikes.

Bike Hire

The bikes on board are traditional touring bikes (unisex models, usually with a low, step-through frame) with 7 or 8 gears and hand brakes, with pannier bags provided.

We also have e-bikes available, however only a small number on each departure and so these are always on request.

Your tour leader will have both a puncture repair kit and a pump to help out with any bike issues along the way.

We always recommend bringing along your own helmet, however we can provide these locally if preferred at no additional cost. Please request at the time of booking.

It is not possible on this tour to bring your own pedals, however if you’d like to bring your own saddle please do let us know in advance, and we can double check whether this will be possible on your chosen departure, and whether you’ll need to bring along any specific tools.

You are welcome to bring along your own bikes if preferred, however the barges have limited space for bikes so this does need to be requested well in advance to secure a spot. Please contact us to check whether this will be possible on your preferred date.

If you‘re bringing along your own electric bike, again the spaces on board are limited so this is also on request, and there will be a fee of $30.

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News, Reviews & Stories

12 Hours in... Amsterdam!

Find out more about how to spend your time in Amsterdam!

Customer Story: Bruges to Amsterdam

Customer Story: Snapshots from Holland

Reviews

6

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