The Best of Amsterdam to Bruges by Boat & Bike

On this tour of fascinating cities and interesting landscapes, you'll float along the waterways of Holland and Flanders on a charming river barge, disembarking to zip along gentle cycle paths past windmills and dykes.

We couldn't possibly fit all the highlights of our Amsterdam to Bruges Boat & Bike Tour into one blog, but we've selected some of our favourites to give you a flavour of why it's such a hit.

If you like the sound of this tour or you’d like to book, enquire online or call us on (+44) 1273 224066.

If there's one city that could get you in the mood for cycling then it's your first stop on the tour. Famous as the cycling capital of Europe, Amsterdam's picture-postcard canals, narrow leafy streets and squares are easily navigable on two wheels.

We'd highly recommend adding an extra day to the beginning of your tour to take in the Dutch capital in all its splendour. Stop off for a coffee in one of the Old Town squares, wander in the huge Vondelpark, or take in some of the city's poignant history at the Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums.

We'd definitely urge you to fit in a trip to the great Rijksmuseum while you're in Amsterdam. The Netherlands is a powerhouse of European art and the Rijksmuseum is the jewel in its crown. You won't want to miss the brushstrokes of Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Ruisdael while you're here, so make sure you book early because the museum regularly sells out!

Once you've seen the paintings of the Dutch masters, you'll cycle off into the landscape that inspired them. Either from the saddle or the sundeck of your barge, you'll view the iconic polder lands, dykes and windmills of the Netherlands that form a splendid backdrop to your trip.

With its famously flat landscape, the Dutch terrain is as easy on the legs as it is on the eye. You'll disembark from your boat to pedal along gentle cycle paths past rivers and canals with barely an ascent on the whole tour.

On day two of the tour you'll cycle past the eighteenth-century windmills at Kinderdijk, a scene of archetypal Dutch beauty. The UNESCO-listed site is made up of crisscrossing waterways, footpaths, bike trails and nineteen spectacular working windmills.

Your first stop on the Belgian half of your trip is Antwerp, with its narrow, cobblestoned streets, beautiful architecture and vast docks. You'll cruise into the Kattendijk dock aboard your riverboat and moor just a twenty minute walk from some of Antwerp's greatest attractions.

The Cathedral of Our Lady is one of many magnificent cultural landmarks on this tour, with its ornate tower and striking interiors. You'll also have the chance to admire Flemish Baroque masterpieces in the Rubens House Museum, drop in on the De Koninck brewery to taste the excellent local beer and sample the local cuisine in Antwerp's fine restaurants.

We couldn't resist selecting the Chocolate Line shop as our Antwerp top pick. Belgium is famous for its chocolate which is finely milled to below the feeling of the tongue's tastebuds, making it deliciously smooth and tasty. See for yourself at this fantastic chocolate shop in the centre of the city.

After a day of pleasant and scenic cycling along the Scheldt River, you'll arrive in Ghent, a city with a rich cultural past. There is even more stunning art to be admired here, including Van Eyck's 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' which hangs alongside other masterpieces in St Bavo Cathedral.

But there is also a contrasting modern buzz here. Wander the city streets and you'll find a lively city with an exciting nightlife and a burgeoning music scene which have helped Ghent become one of the cultural hubs of Belgium.

Dating from 1180, Gravensteen Castle is an imposing monument encircled by a picturesque moat. We'd say it's well worth booking a ticket and taking the opportunity to explore its towering battlements.

Bruges has an intimate and welcoming feel with its charming canals and narrow, cobblestoned streets. The city's relatively small size means you can explore the old medieval centre in a day.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, the historic city centre is extremely well preserved and contains striking cultural landmarks including the Belfry of Bruges, the Church of Our Lady and the sculpture of the Madonna and Child.

If you've got a taste for beer then we'd recommend booking yourself on to one of the many beer tours available in Bruges. Enjoy an afternoon or evening hopping between breweries and pubs as a rewarding way to end your trip.

Lastly, we have to mention a feature of this tour that our customers say they love, your floating accommodation. You'll have a choice of charming river barges and cruisers to carry you along the waterways of the Netherlands and Flanders.

The Magnifique II, Magnifique III and Magnifique IV are premium river barges with outstanding facilities and warm and welcoming atmospheres. On board each you will find a spacious teakwood deck, a hot tub, a restaurant, bar and lounge as well as a choice of pleasant cabins.

You can also choose to board one of two comfortable river cruisers, the MS Zwaantje or MS Fluvius, both featuring an intimate saloon, large panoramic windows and a restaurant area.

Our favourite boat is the Magnifique IV. With its spacious saloon, you'll feel like you've wandered into a hotel as you board. In the mornings you'll enjoy a continental breakfast buffet and in the afternoon there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy some of the Magnifique IV’s impressive facilities, while in the evening you'll enjoy delicious three-course meals.