Cycling in Belgium and the Netherlands from Bruges on the Anna Antal
Day 1 - Bruges - Ghent / 21 km
Boarding between 12:30 pm and 1:30 p.m. at the latest and installation in your cabin. Meet the crew and other passengers.
Take a first cycle tour along the canal from Ostend to Ghent. In Aalterbrug, board the Anna Antal to sail to Ghent, a dynamic and attractive city that dates back to the Middle Ages.
After dinner you can visit the city.
Day 2 - City break in Ghent
Enjoy a city break to explore Ghent, a city that combines history and dynamism. Ghent has a rich heritage, with beautifully preserved guild houses, elegant patrician residences and ancient warehouses. Don't miss a visit to the Gravensteen, an impressive medieval castle, the Church of St. Nicholas, whose foundations date back to the 13th century, the majestic St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the famous 14th-century "Belfort" belfry.
But there is much more to Ghent than its glorious past. This lively city is a captivating mix of medieval buildings, elegant shopping streets and charming squares where life never stops.
For lovers of nature and tranquility, a guided bike ride is an excellent option. Near Ghent, the castles and luxurious villas of Destelbergen bear witness to the rich history of this region, situated along the picturesque banks of the Scheldt.
Day 3 - Ghent - Middelburg / 45km
Today, you will leave Belgium for the Netherlands, where a day full of discoveries awaits you. After breakfast on the river, your cruise will take you to Sas van Gent, from where you will start a magnificent bike ride through Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, Dutch Flanders.
A short ferry ride from Breskens to Vlissingen (Flushing) will take you across the Western Scheldt. From Flushing, it is just a 30-minute bike ride to Middelburg, the charming capital of Zeeland.
Although modern, Middelburg has preserved its historic and picturesque character. Magnificent merchant houses and warehouses from the 17th and 18th centuries still line the town's canals. The medieval Middelburg Abbey, an architectural gem, now houses a museum and the seat of the provincial government.
Day 4 - Middelburg - Zieriksee / 50km
Your day begins with a bike ride to the historic town of Veere, once an important trading center. From here, you will cross the Veersgat dam, where you can take a break to visit a picturesque beach, before continuing on to North Beveland.
Your route then takes you to the Oosterschelde, where you will discover the impressive locks built into the dike. These massive structures, designed to be closed during storms and high tides, play a crucial role in protecting the south-western Netherlands from marine flooding. The Oosterschelde dam is part of the Delta works, a major engineering project recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
As you walk along this dam, you will understand the technical and financial challenges involved in protecting the country from the sea, while at the same time allowing salt water to enter the vast Delta area. Once you have explored this engineering marvel, you will cycle on to the charming town of Zierikzee.
Day 5 - Zierikzee - Willemstad - to Dordrecht / 55km
Today, enjoy a beautiful walk on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland, towards Bruinisse, a picturesque village renowned for its isolation and mussel-fishing tradition. Bruinisse is famous for its open mussel statue on the Grevelingen dike, an emblematic symbol of the local community.
Your itinerary then takes you to Willemstad, an ancient fortified town rich in history. After exploring its picturesque streets, you will embark on a cruise to Dordrecht, one of Holland's oldest and most charming cities. Located at the crossroads of busy waterways, Dordrecht is a historic gem that invites you to discover its unique heritage.
Day 6 - Dordrecht – Sailing to Gorinchem – by bike to Vianen / 50km
Departing from Gorinchem, discover Woudrichem, an ancient fortified town steeped in history. You will also visit the famous Loevestein Castle, one of the most emblematic monuments in the Netherlands. This castle, steeped in legend, offers a fascinating insight into the country's medieval past.
Your itinerary then takes you through the picturesque meanders of the River Linge, into the heart of the Betuwe region. Known for its vast orchards, this region is particularly spectacular in May, when the trees are in full bloom.
Continuing your journey, you will pass through the town of Leerdam, renowned for its glass art. You will have the chance to explore this town before continuing north to Vianen, a charming historic town that marks the end of your journey.
Day 7 - Vianen - Sailing to Breukelen - by bike to Amsterdam / 40km
During breakfast, you will sail to Breukelen, also known as Brooklyn, the starting point of a magnificent bike ride to Amsterdam. You will cycle along two of Holland's most beautiful rivers, the Vecht and the Amstel, through idyllic countryside.
Along the way, you will be amazed by the sumptuous country houses and 18th-century mansions, surrounded by meticulously tended gardens. As you approach Amsterdam, you follow the river Amstel, from which the city takes its name, derived from the word "Amstelredamme", meaning the birth of Amsterdam around a dam on the river Amstel.
Almost without realizing it, you will enter Amsterdam, where the vast network of cycle paths will guide you easily through the city, allowing you to discover some of the most remarkable sites in the center. After your day on the bike, it is time to say goodbye to your bike and enjoy a final stroll through the city before your farewell dinner.
In the evening, let yourself be seduced by a stroll along Amsterdam's canals or explore the vibrant heart of the city on foot, for an unforgettable experience.
Day 8 - Amsterdam, end of the trip after breakfast, before 10:00 am.
Due to the navigation plan, the route may be reversed or changed.
