Bike and Barge: Amsterdam to Bruges

Welcome to Amsterdam, the vibrant capital of Holland! Upon your arrival, you'll have some free time to explore the city's colorful streets, visit its world-class museums, and cruise along its iconic canals. In the evening, we'll gather for a safety meeting and bike fitting, followed by a short ride around the city. We'll cap off the day with a special dinner together.

Today, we'll cycle out of Amsterdam and into the region of the Hollandic Waterline, a 17th-century defense system featuring imposing forts like Muiderslot and Weesp. We'll pedal through charming farmlands and beautiful canals, making our way to Breukelen, the namesake of Brooklyn in New York City. We'll end the day with a delightful dinner onboard our boat.

Our journey continues to Schoonhoven, a town renowned for its silversmiths and carillon makers. We'll then head to Gouda, famous for its orange cheese, where we'll visit the town's cheese museum. Our next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, home to 19 majestic windmills. We'll end the day in Dordrecht, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk in the town center after dinner onboard our boat.

Today, we'll start our day in Willemstad, a star-shaped fortified town, and make our way to Oud Vossemeer, a town with strong ties to the American Roosevelt family. We'll then pedal south to Tholen, once an island in the estuary-like environment, now connected to the mainland. Here, we'll visit a working windmill, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

We'll start the day with a delightful morning ride before cruising into Antwerp, the city of diamonds. Here, we'll visit the city's Cathedral to admire the art of Flemish painter Peter Paul Rubens. You'll also have free time to explore the historic city center, the diamond district, and the Red Star Line Museum. Enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city's many restaurants before returning to our boat for the night.

Leaving Antwerp behind, we'll return to the countryside, cycling along the Schelde river bike path. We'll visit a 200-year-old brewery, run by the 7th generation of the same family. After this unique experience, we'll continue pedaling until we reach the quaint town of Sint Amands.

Today, we'll cycle along the river before branching north through historic marshes. These marshes were once the center of sheep production, leading to Ghent's rise as one of the richest cities in the world during the Middle Ages. After lunch, we'll transfer into the historical center for a visit. Admire Ghent's traditional, tall Flemish buildings and enjoy dinner on your own in one of the city's many restaurants or cafés.

We'll start the day with a short breakfast cruise before cycling into Bruges, the crown jewel of Belgium. Explore the city's many treasures, including the medieval square, City Hall, and the historic Beguinage. Stroll along the canals that were once the city's main arteries and admire the fantastic architecture. We'll end the day with a special dinner onboard our boat.

On the final day of our tour, enjoy a guided walk of Bruges before heading off on your own. We recommend spending a few more days exploring the city's many sites and museums, including a chocolate, diamond, and Belgian fry museum. Safe travels!