Amsterdam and Bruges bike and boat - Magnifique II 2026/2027

The Netherlands by bike and boat from Amsterdam aboard the Magnifique II

This exceptional route takes you by bike between Holland and Belgium between Amsterdam and Bruges. Sail to the most beautiful cities in Flanders and the Netherlands like Dordrecht, Ghent or Antwerp. Pedal by day and cruise by night on the Magnifique II, a comfortable cruise ship.

Main interests:

• Amsterdam, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp
• the mills of Kinderdijk
• Explore the region of Flanders and its medieval towns
• Discovery of the Delta plan

Day 1: Amsterdam to Utrecht

Boarding, check-in, and crew welcome between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
At 2:30 PM, the ship departs Amsterdam for Utrecht. The country's fourth-largest city is vibrant and green, with a medieval center that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy an initial bike ride to warm up your legs and test out your rental bikes (if reserved).

Day 2: Sailing from Utrecht to Vreeswijk | Cycling from Vreeswijk to Kinderdijk via Schoonhoven (31 km or 55 km)

During breakfast, the ship takes you to Vreeswijk, the starting point for the day's cycling route. You will pedal along winding rivers, visit picturesque villages, and discover historic locks in the heart of the Netherlands' "Green Heart." In the afternoon, you reach the Alblasserwaard region—once a vast marsh, it is now a massive polder. Kinderdijk is undoubtedly the area's most iconic and impressive site; nineteen imposing UNESCO-listed windmills stand in a row in this authentic village. After admiring these giants, a ferry takes you and your bike to Dordrecht, one of Holland's oldest cities!

Day 3: Sailing from Dordrecht to Willemstad | Cycling from Willemstad to Bergen op Zoom (42 km or 50 km)

While you enjoy breakfast on board, the ship sails to Willemstad, where you will begin your bike ride. Willemstad is a beautiful, historic fortified town located on the Haringvliet waterway. Your ride takes you to Tholen—once an island amidst the great waterways of Zeeland, where many locals made their living by fishing. Today, Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways. It remains a picturesque village, however, featuring many remnants of its bustling past.

In the afternoon, you will re-board the ship and sail to Bergen op Zoom, a fortified town located on the Scheldt River.

Day 4: Cycling from Bergen op Zoom to the Kreekrak Lock (21 km or 35 km) | Sailing from the Kreekrak Lock to Antwerp

Start your day with a bike ride through the beautiful countryside surrounding Bergen op Zoom. In the afternoon, you will sail towards Antwerp.

Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and boasts numerous attractions. Highlights include the Town Hall—one of many majestic Renaissance-style buildings—the historic Grote Markt (main square), the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal), and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner, you can explore the city's magnificent historic center; this is undoubtedly one of the trip's highlights.

This evening, you may dine at a restaurant of your choice (dinner not included; restaurant suggestions available on board).

Day 5: Antwerp to Saint-Amand via Temse (34 km or 49 km)

Today’s cycling stage takes you along the Scheldt River through picturesque landscapes towards Saint-Amand, where you will spend the night. There is only one way to describe the scenery around the Scheldt, and that is "magnificent." These are arguably the most stunning landscapes of the entire trip.

Day 6: Saint-Amand to Ghent via Dendermonde (52 km)

Today, you will continue following the Scheldt River to Ghent, where the ship will dock for the night at a lock just outside the city.

Ghent is a lively university city with a rich history. Since Roman times, its location at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers has enabled it to flourish as a trading port. In total, the city boasts an opera house, 18 museums, over 100 churches, and more than 400 historic buildings. Key attractions include St. Bavo's Cathedral—home to a number of medieval art masterpieces, including Jan van Eyck's famous *Adoration of the Mystic Lamb*—and Ghent's 91-meter-tall belfry.

It is one of the three medieval towers overlooking the historic city center. Before dinner, a small riverboat will take you on a guided tour of the historic city.

Day 7: Ghent to Bruges (22 or 45 km)

Today, you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of West Flanders to Bruges. Often described as the "Venice of the North," it is arguably the most beautiful of all Flemish cities. Bruges attracts over two million visitors annually who come to see its UNESCO World Heritage medieval city center and numerous historic attractions. Bruges has successfully preserved its historic fabric over the centuries, meaning the city's original Gothic buildings remain an integral part of its identity today. While here, you can visit one of Bruges' many museums or simply admire the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city while enjoying a coffee on a terrace.

Day 8: Bruges

Tour ends after breakfast. Disembarkation by 9:30 AM.

The Netherlands by bike and boat from Bruges aboard the Magnifique II

Day 1: Bruges (15 km)

Boarding between 13:00 and 14:00 in the port of Bruges. After a welcome meeting with the crew, the boat leaves at 14h00. First test of the bike in the countryside around Bruges. 

We advise you to come to Bruges one or more days earlier, in order to have time to discover the city, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 2: Bruges - Ghent - 35 or 57 km

Your first day on the bike takes you through the Flemish countryside along the canal to Ghent. Enjoy your afternoon exploring the city's historic center. The ship will dock for the night at a lock about 30 minutes by bike from downtown Ghent. Before dinner, you can enjoy a guided tour on a small boat through the historic center. 

Day 3: Ghent - Dendermonde / St. Amands (40 km or 53 km )

Take time to visit Ghent and then cycle through a varied landscape along the river Schelde to Dendermonde. The landscape here is beautiful. Ride between Dendermonde and Sint-Amands by bike or by barge depending on the tides. Your boat will be moored for the night in Sint-Amands.

Day 4: Sint-Amands - Temse - Antwerp (32 km or 49 km)

Today, follow the Schelde River through the Temse region to Antwerp, your destination for the day. This port city is known for processing up to 80% of the world's rough diamonds and is also the birthplace of the famous painter Paul Rubens. To visit: the city hall, the historic City Square Grote Markt, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe cathedral and the medieval Steen castle.

Day 5: Antwerp - Kreekrak Locks | Kreekrak Locks - Tholen (36 km or 20 km) | Tholen - Willemstad - Dordrecht

The boat will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and through the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here, your bike tour starts through the beautiful "Wouwse Plantage" forest to Tholen, which used to be an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams. From Tholen, you will join the boat for an afternoon sail to Dordrecht. Halfway there, you can see the impressive Volkerak lock system.

Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands is your destination for the day. The guide will accompany you on an evening walk and tell you about the history of the Netherlands.

Day 6: Dordrecht to Kinderdijk by ferry | Kinderdijk to Vreeswijk/Utrecht by bike (32 km or 57 km)

Today, board the "Waterbus," a fast ferry that takes you to the Alblasserdam area, a vast polder landscape. A short ride brings you to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 windmills designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The route then winds through the Dutch countryside to the town of Schoonhoven, renowned for its silversmithing. Hop back in the saddle and follow a scenic road along the Lek River to Vreeswijk. This historic village boasts a rich maritime heritage. In the evening, feel free to stroll through its welcoming streets and along its charming canals.

Day 7: navigation from Vreeswijk/Utrecht to Breukelen | Bike from Breukelen to Amsterdam (36 km or 46 km)

During breakfast, the boat sails to Breukelen, where you disembark to begin your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River through a region famous for its beautiful mansions and grand gardens. After passing through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen, and Vreeland, you will arrive in Nigtevecht, where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Cycle through the historic town of Muiden and rejoin the *Magnifique* for the last time in the port of Amsterdam.

Day 8: Amsterdam

End of the tour: Disembarkation after breakfast (by 9:30 AM).

General information :

• 8 days and 7 nights
• Comfort level of the barge : Premium
• Spoken languages on board : English and Dutch
• Child prices : please contact us

2026 dates :

Departures on Thursdays

• From Amsterdam: April 30, May 14, May 28, June 11, July 9, August 6, September 3, September 17, October 1st
• From Bruges: May 7, May 21, June 4, June 18, July 16, August 16, September 10, September 24, October 8

Note: The rates shown online are for 2027. Please contact us for 2026 rates and to make a reservation.

2027 dates:

Thursday departures

• From Amsterdam: 29/04, 13/05, 27/05, 10/06, 08/07, 22/07, 05/08, 02/09, 16/09, 30/09
• From Bruges: 06/05, 20/05, 03/06, 17/06, 15/07, 29/07, 12/08, 23/09, 07/10

Included :

• Full board (7 breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches, 6 3-course dinners)
• Guided tour (2 tour leaders english-speaking, 2 groups)
• Coffee and tea on board
• Welcome drink
• Bed linen and towels 
• Daily cabin cleaning
• Air conditioning
• Wifi
• GPS tracks
• Helmet and pannier bag (for rented bike)
• Daily itinerary explanations
• Some guided walks
• Entrance to the Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp
• Tasting Belgium products
• Canal trip through Ghent
• Carbon taxes

Not included :

• 1 dinner in Antwerp or Bruges
• Transport to the place of departure
• Personal expenses
• Visits other than the one included
• Parking fees

Options :

• Standard or e-bike rental
• Parking for own bike (mandatory if no rented bike)
• Theft coverage for rented bikes
• Cancellation insurance

Level :

1 2 3 4 5 6

Ground :

Flat, very smooth roads and paths.

Weather :

Contrary to popular belief, the temperature in the Netherlands is similar to the temperature in France. Near the coast, the weather is sometimes windy.

Technicality :

0 to 57 km of cycling per day, or about 3 to 6 hours of cycling.

Bibliography :

Guide and maps about the Netherlands on cartovelo.fr
Guide and maps about Belgium on cartovelo.fr

Participants :

On board, you will meet an international community of all ages.

Accompaniment :

People responsible for your bike and boat holidays are : 
On board, the captain and his mate. They are responsible for the smooth running of the vacation on the boat, and bring the boat from stage to stage. The cook prepares the meals.
Each morning, if you wish, you can get benefit from advice on the route to follow and on additional tourist information.

Meals :

• Breakfast : on board, you will find a dutch breakfast.
• Lunch : after the breakfast, you will prepare by yourself a “ packed lunch” (sandwich, fruit, snack, drinks).
• Snack : after the daily route, you will find, when you arrive on the boat, various drinks such as tea and coffee prepared for your return, with a cake.
• Dinner : at least three dishes. After dinner, you will have a choice of coffee and tea.

Other drinks, such as wine, beer, lemonade and mineral water, are not included but can be purchased on board at a reasonable price.

Bike :

At the beginning, a bike corresponding to your height, will be assigned to you. After a test ride, you will sign a receipt. The bike (21-speed bike) will be at your disposal all week. The bike will be fitted with panniers as well as a bike lock and a tire repair kit. There is no helmet on board.
If you take your own bike, it cannot be insured against theft by our company, you will have to make the necessary arrangements with your usual insurer. Do not forget your anti-theft. The return of your bike will be at your expense.

Transport : 

• By train : the departure towns for the bike and boat tours are served by the railway. Amsterdam train station is very well connected : several trains daily run to and from France. Thalys is faster.
• By plane : AMSTERDAM international airport.

Your vehicle : 

We strongly advise against parking cars on the streets of Amsterdam. Information on guarded parking lots in the city can be found on the website Parking Centrum Oosterdok.

Cancellation insurance :

In order to guarantee the refund of costs in the event of cancellation of your stay, you can take out cancellation insurance.

Boat description : click here.