Bruges to Amsterdam, the classic way

Bruges, arrival day

The mesmerizing city of Bruges offers so many options to spend a day that we advise you to arrive 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.

Gendt to Dendermonde 25 miles/40 k

In the morning, we will first explore 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-Schoonhoven-Vianen

We definitively start with a major highlight today:

Kinderdijk, this land reclamation project of the 18^th century has 19 windmills standing together. There is the possibility to go all the way up into one or to have a coffee overlooking this UNESCO World Heritage site.  We will cycle to it, pay a visit and also bike through it!

Today is a rural day, we will pass many farms, fields, and livestock.

Schoonhoven at the river Lek, is the town of silversmiths! A perfect stop for lunch, and then we continue to Vianen, also a town on the river, a bit aside of it, with a little round lock to pass through.

Vianen-Amsterdam

This morning we will drop you off to cycle the last stretch to Amsterdam! This region shows you the countryside estates from the 18th century, along the meandering rivers we can’t sail on anymore. There may be time for a stop at a cheese shop where you can have lunch in the garden. And, before we are back at the barge in the harbour of Amsterdam, there is a nice cafe connected to a beer brewery.

Amsterdam, day of departure

All good things end, we certainly hope you had a very good time.

After breakfast, it is time to leave at 9.00 am