Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour
Boat & Bike • 7 nights
VISITING: The Netherlands, Belgium
Overview
Why we love this tour
Amsterdam’s world famous museums and Bruges' medieval squares
Ghent's jaw-dropping oil paintings and Antwerp's stylish streets
Flat cycling terrain across Dutch polders and Flemish landscapes
Choice of seven barges including Premium Magnifique boats or the comfortable Fluvius
Guiding
Distance
Level
Standard
Departs
Runs
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Fly to
Good for
Return
The best way to experience the historic landscapes and canalside settlements of Holland and Belgium is by bike and barge. Stopping off at historical cities en route, the antique shops, cobbled streets and designer boutiques of Antwerp are a highlight, and look forward to Ghent's jaw-dropping art. Cycling from Amsterdam to Bruges along gentle riverside paths and pedalling through forests, you’ll ride across famous Flemish landscapes and Holland’s flat green polders.
Pick between five barges, from Premium to Standard Category - the Premium barges follow Itinerary A, the Standard barge Fluvius follows Itinerary B. Whichever barge you choose, it’s worth arriving early on day one to visit Anne Frank’s House, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, or extending your stay in Bruges to appreciate the city’s almshouses, medieval squares and tempting cafes.
For alternative dates, this tour runs in reverse from Bruges to Amsterdam. If you prefer to stay in hotels instead of on a boat, you may want to have a look at our hotel-based tour Amsterdam to Bruges - Hotel & Bike which runs most days throughout the season.
Read about Tara's week cycling this exciting tour in her trip report.
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
or click on individual days
Accommodation
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 to accommodate 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 - Restaurant
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, individually regulated 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
MS Magnifique III
View full details of the MS Magnifique III.
The Magnifique III is a premium barge 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
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 an 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.
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.
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 that opens. The other cabins have twin beds. All cabins have en-suite shower and toilet, a fixed window for the twin cabins and an 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 on the Fluvius will have self-guided cyling.
MS Fluvius
We have been on this tour - and loved it! Speak to us and find out if it's right for you.
What's included
Price includes
7 nights accommodation: on the ship and cabin of your choice
Board basis: Full board (apart from one dinner) including breakfast, packed lunch and 6 three course dinners
English speaking tour guide on board and on bike (on Magnifiques each boat has 2 guides) - Fluvius boat is self-guided
Cycle maps and route information (1 per cabin) - GPS tracks available
Welcome meeting
Local contact number for assistance
A few short walking tours
Daily cabin cleaning
Daily coffee and tea (on Fluvius at breakfast and between 3-4pm)
Ferry fees (not on Fluvius barge)
Entrance to the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp, canal trip through Ghent on the Zwaantje, Magnifique II, Magnifique III and Magnifique IV
Helmets and water bottles on board the Zwaantje, Magnifique II, Magnifique III and Magnifique IV with bike hire.
Price excludes
Flights and transfers
Cycle helmets on the Fluvius
Bike hire
Entrance fees & excursions
Drinks on board
Special dietary requests
Transfers to/from the docking
Bike hire and extras
Bike hire
Bikes come with a pannier and a small repair kit 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 also included with rental bikes on board the Zwaantje, and Magnifique boats.
Hybrid bike (for premium boats)
E-bike (for premium boats)
Hybrid bike (on Fluvius)
E-bike (on Fluvius)
On request - limited availability
Bringing own bike (not on the Zwaantje barge)
Bringing own E-bike - not on the Zwaantje barge (includes a charge station)
Other Extras
Helmet
Helmet hire (on Fluvius )
Board upgrade
Gluten or lactose free diet (65 Euros payable locally) - please select if applicable
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Friendly service with expert knowledge
Easy to book and pay online
Full financial protection
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about this tour. Simply click on a question to reveal the answer.
Take a train (Belgian Rail) or bus from Bruges to fly from Brussels or Charleroi.
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.
Some merchants in Belgian do not accept international cards. Also, make sure you have cash to pay your bar bill at the end of the week.
| Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
| 10°C | 14°C | 17°C | 18°C | 20°C | 17°C | 13°C |
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.
Yes, you can relax on the boat or explore when you arrive at each destination instead of cycling.
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.
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.