Best of Both : EASY BIKE & BARGE, Bruges to Keukenhof and Amsterdam

Bruges arrival, cycle and sail to Gand

The mesmerizing city of Bruges offers so many options for spending a day that we advise you to arrive at least one day earlier and stay at a hotel so you have time to see Bruges.

After a hearty welcome on the ship in Bruges, we start sailing and drop you off halfway for a short test ride. After the pick-up, we will sail to Gand, where we will dock for the night. Maybe just a short stroll to stretch the legs; it will be an early night in.

Gand to Dendermonde 25 miles/40 k

In the morning, we will first explore Gent, or Gendt or Gand, all refuring to the city that the Flemish call Gent. People may take this time to explore the city, and maybe shop, on their own. A town walk will be offered for those interested in the cultural highlights. At the top of that list is the painting “the adoration of the Lamb of God” by the Van Eyck brothers in the Cathedral. In the afternoon, we will follow the Schelde River to Dendermonde for about 25 miles. Belgium is one of the most famous beer-producing countries, so this evening, we will organize a Belgian beer tasting on board.

Dendermonde to Antwerp 32 or 20 miles/51 or 32 k

The distance today can be adjusted to your wish: either you can do all the 32 miles, but a pickup or drop off is possible, making the day more like 20 miles. The goal for the day is Antwerp, the city of Diamonds. Antwerp was home to the famous Painter Peter Paul Rubens, and many of his paintings are still in the city to be admired. Antwerp’s Golden age was the 16th century when its trade blossomed, becoming the sugar capital of Europe. Many of the centre buildings still originate from that time, and while walking the streets, you can feel as if you were 500 years ago.  At the end of the afternoon, the bike guide will walk you into town to show you the beautiful city centre. We will also show you nice restaurants because there will not be dinner on the barge this evening. Tonight, you can enjoy the cuisine of the local restaurants   

Antwerp to Tholen, arriving in the Netherlands

Our day starts with some time in Antwerp, after that we will sail through the impressive modern harbour of Antwerp, having lunch on board.  We are starting our bike ride near the Kreekrak Locks in the Netherlands. It will be a short ride today, dominated by the presence of the waterways. Our first Dutch village to stay for the night is Tholen. Once an island, now connected to the mainland. Water, rivers, and the sea surround and divide the Province of Zeeland. Because a big flood swallowed big parts in 1953, it is now protected by dams that created big lakes where the sea once rolled in and out. Yes, New Zealand was named after this province! Zee = Sea.

An evening walk along the windmill will surely tell you you are now in the Netherlands!

Tholen to Dordrecht

Tholen was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, known as the Rhine Delta on the North Sea where many fishermen lived. Today Tholen is connected to the mainland, but it retains its picturesque charm and boasts many fishing and boating relics of its colourful past. We start our cycling from here and cross the bridge to the mainland. After a lovely quiet ride along the Volkerak Lock, we will end in the beautiful fortified city of Willemstad. This star-shaped fortification is still very visible. Willemstad was named after King William of Orange. We will have some time to stroll around before we go on board again for a sail to Dordrecht.

Dordrecht is a historic town; its location at the rivers gave it a perfect position for trading. Many harbours in the city have names related to the tradesmen who had their storage there: like the Wolwevershaven (wool weavers). Also, Dordrecht had an important role in 1680, when religious leaders from protestant churches visited the Synode of Dordrecht. This conference prevented a civil war and was “won” by the more conventional protestants against further reformation. Also, the Staten Bible originates from this convention.

Dordrecht-Kinderdijk-Oude Wetering

We start the day sailing in the direction of Kinderdijk. Enjoy the most busiest crosspoint of waterways, we are close to the harbour of Rotterdam here! We will give you a head start for the visit of the Kinderdijk mills, a world famous Unesco Heritage Site. Very well visited by tourists from all over the world. We will leave them behind, because we are on our bikes and will ride along these lovely windmills in the direction of Oude Wetering, visiting a cheesefarm close to Leiden.

Keukenhof - Haarlem

Needs no further introduction: today it’s the Keukenhof visit.

How about 7 million flowering tulips in a traditional and modern landscape. Enjoy the tulips and the other spring flowers that are blooming in May.

These gardens are visited by millions of guests every year. So be prepared to hear every foreign language you can imagine.

After this great visit, we have a nice ride ahead to Haarlem. In this charming buzzling little town the IRIS will be waiting for you. After dinner we might go for a beer at the Joppen Church, after a city walk.

Haarlem to Amsterdam, option to cycle to Zaanse Schans and Amsterdam

On this last day of riding, you will have a few options to choose between.

In case you would like to spend more time in Amsterdam, you can stay on board and arrive in Amsterdam at around 1 pm. But, there is also the option to cycle to the Zaanse Schans, an open air museum with a little village, a wood sawing mill, tourist shops etc. From there it is safe to cycle into Amsterdam on cycle paths, and arrive at the IRIS on bike, at the end of the day.

Tonight, there is a farewell dinner on board.

Amsterdam, day of departure

All good things come to an end and loaded with all these impressions; it is now time to say goodbye to the group, guides, and crew. Your breakfast is ready at 8 a.m., and we have to say goodbye before 9 a.m.  Luggage can be left but needs to be collected before 11.30 a.m.