This holiday also operates in reverse. See Amsterdam to Ghent route.
This bike and boat cycling holiday through Belgium and Holland takes in some of the region’s greatest cities and most beautiful countryside. Cruise along inland canals and rivers, disembarking for relaxing rides through tranquil farmland and alongside scenic waterways. Explore Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Gouda and Amsterdam.
Enjoy a week aboard a comfortable barge with fellow cyclists and a knowledgeable bike guide. Disembark each day for leisurely, guided rides on level cycle paths through lovely scenery to historic towns and cities.
Explore the beautiful medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent. Cycle alongside the scenic Schelde River to Antwerp and explore the famous diamond district. Ride to picturesque Kinderdijk to marvel at the famous windmills.
Enjoy the beautiful town square in Gouda and sample the famous local cheese. Finally, follow the winding Amstel river to to Amsterdam and enjoy an afternoon and evening in this bustling, unique bike-friendly city.
Please note that due to local regulations, non-cycling customers are not allowed to stay on-board while the barge is moving through Belgian waterways. Alternative transport options can be arranged.
Upon arrival in Ghent make your way to the barge and check-in. A transfer by bus from Amsterdam Airport to the barge is included in the package – the bus leaves the airport at midday. In the afternoon there is a welcome meeting from the crew and tour guide as well as a guided walking tour around the beautiful historic centre of Ghent. Afterwards you can explore at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the historic Belfry where you can ascend to the upper gallery for a panoramic view across the old city. The barge remains moored in Ghent for the evening.
The day starts with a train journey to nearby Bruges. On arrival, our guide takes us on a walking tour of this beautiful and well-preserved medieval city. Afterwards there is time to explore at your leisure. Don’t miss spending time in the gorgeous old town square ringed with ancient buildings. We also highly recommend the brewery tour at the De Halve Maan Brewery where added bonuses include a taste of the beer itself and a great view over the city from the brewery’s tower. Of course it’s also almost mandatory to visit one of the many lovely Belgian Chocolate shops to pick up some treats and gifts. In the mid-afternoon we take another train to Dendermonde where the barge is waiting for us. We then take a ride around this lovely old town to get used to our bikes. The barge remains moored in Dendermonde overnight.
After breakfast we mount up for our first proper cycle ride. The route leads us alongside the meandering Schelde River. We’ll be pedaling through the Temse region, a particularly beautiful stretch of the river featuring verdant countryside and small, pretty hamlets. This serene riverside cycle path eventually leads us to Antwerp, a city that has long been associated with the diamond trade. It is also the home of Peter Paul Rubens and many of his works hang in the city’s Onze Lieve Vrouwe Cathedral. After dinner on board why not take a wander through the atmospheric old town, perhaps stopping in a convivial bar to sample some famous Belgian beer?
In the morning we mount up and follow a network of cycle paths out of Antwerp. After a while we cross from Belgium into Holland and follow more cycle paths through green meadows to the impressive Kreekrak lock system. This clever system was designed to allow vessels to pass through en-route to Antwerp but to stop the salt water from the North Sea from contaminating the inland freshwater canal. We re-board our barge here and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the wide waterways of Zeeland to the beautiful, fortified town of Willemstad. The town enjoys a pleasant and commanding position on the banks of the Hollands Diep estuary and we moor up for the night at the town quay.
The day starts with a morning cruise to the beautiful old town of Dordrecht, where we disembark with the bikes. After a short ride around the historic centre we follow a network of cycle paths to Kinderdijk, a village with an impressive collection of 19 windmills. The windmills were originally built to pump the Alblasserwaard polder dry but today, this work is done by modern electric pumps. The windmills are still fully functioning however and all bar-one have resident families living inside. The unoccupied windmill is a museum, which you are welcome to explore during your visit. From here we cycle north, along dykes through a typically Dutch polder landscape to the town of Gouda. In the evening our guide leads on a guided walk through the lovely, cobbled streets of this beautiful old town. The barge remains moored in Gouda for the night.
Today’s ride is all about enjoying the peaceful, rural Dutch countryside. A network of cycle paths leads us north, through lush meadows to the village of Oude Wetering. During April and May the itinerary will be altered to incorporate a visit to the stunning Keukenhof Flower Gardens near Lisse to enjoy the wonderful displays of Tulips and other blooms on display there. The small village of Oude Wetering lies on the border of Southern and Northern Holland on the banks of a small lake – it is a very pleasant place to remain moored for the night.
Our final day in the saddle leads us on a pleasant ride beside the meandering Amstel River to Amsterdam. The scenery is sensational, indeed the winding river, lined with rustic farms and meadows inspired great artists such as Rembrandt and Mondrian who depict such scenes in their masterpieces. When the Amstel estuary was dammed at the end of the 12th century, the town that grew up around it was called Amstelledamme, today we know it as Amsterdam. The ride finishes in the centre of the city and the afternoon is yours to explore this bike-friendly vibrant metropolis. Take a canal tour or just explore the canal-lined streets and drink in the atmosphere. Our guide offers an evening guided stroll through the historic centre after our last meal on-board the barge.
After breakfast it is time to disembark, by 9am, and head for home or your next adventure.
Please note that due to Belgian Naval authority restrictions you are not allowed to remain on board while the boat motors the Belgian waterways. If you choose not to cycle or are a non cyclist then you will need to make your own way to the next point at your own expense. The tour guide on board will assist you with details on public transport and private taxi.
The bikes provided on this tour are modern, ligth 27-gear city bikes with comfortable saddle and upright riding position.
The bikes also come equipped with a pannier.
On-board payments: Cash only accepted, no debit/credit cards.
We offer accommodation aboard two different vessels on this tour. More images of both barges can be viewed in the ‘Gallery’ tab.
This lovely barge offers a warm welcome and cosy accommodation. On the upper deck there is a spacious living/dining room with panoramic views and air-conditioning. Wi-fi is available.
On the lower deck there are 14 compact cabins. 8 are double cabins with lower double beds. 1 is a double with 2 lower single beds. 2 are double cabins with single split level beds in an L shape one above the other. 1 is a triple cabin with lower single beds. Finally there are 2 cabins for single use with a lower single bed. All have en-suite facilities with shower & toilet. Bedding and towels are provided.
The Clair de Lune is a comfortable barge with a spacious air-conditioned saloon and dining room.
There are 9 cabins below deck. 5 are double cabins with single split level beds in an L shape one above the other, 3 are double cabins with lower double beds and 1 is a single. All cabins have en-suite shower/wc and windows that can be opened. Bedding and towels are provided.
On both vessels, a hearty breakfast is provided each morning along with a packed lunch to take with you on the daily rides. A 3-course meal is served each evening.
Fly to Amsterdam airport. A bus transfer from Amsterdam Airport to the start point in Ghent is provided as part of the package.
At the end of the holiday take the 15 minute train ride from Amsterdam’s Central Station out to Schiphol Airport for your flight home.
It’s also possible to use the Eurostar which now connects London St. Pancras Station with Amsterdam Central Station.
Research flights from UK airports here.