Netherlands: Bruges to Amsterdam Tour Package (7 Nights / 8 Days)

Nice ride in the countryside, variable landscapes between two interesting medieval towns On Sunday morning we bike along the canal which connects Bruges with her ‘sister-town’ Gent. The ride is diversified and leads you through woods, fields and some little villages. The roads are good and not busy. Gent is one of the major towns in Flanders and has more than 250.000 inhabitants. The medieval centre is worth while to be visited. In Gent our guide will show you some of the highlights of the town, which was one of the biggest towns in Europe around 1400. Famous are the sights at the churches and quais (the so called ‘leien’). St. Baafscathedral houses a masterpiece of art: The mystic Lamb, created by the Van Eyckbrothers (early 15th century). Further: belfry, Gravensteen-castle, scenery along the canals and squares. Biking Distance today about 35/60 km.

Across the sea inlet into the island world of Zeeland. After two days visiting two medieval building-jewels the ship will leave early in the morning towards the Dutch border. A major canal connects Gent with the sea. In between are only the locks near Terneuzen. We cross the waterway Westerschelde, which is the main estuary connecting the port of Antwerp with the sea. We are in the province of Zeeland now. This province knows a long history of living with and fighting against the sea. The former world of islands in the delta of Schelde, Maas, Waal and Rijn-rivers is connected now by dams and bridges and protected by massive sea-barriers. Our ship will bring us to the former island of Zuid-Beveland, where we go on shore with our bikes. A nice tour along winding (inner)dykes with trees on top in a very scenic landscape leads us to the town of Middelburg which will be the place where we will spend the night. Of course an evening walk in town belongs to the possibilities. Biking Distance ca. 45 km.

The islands of Zeeland and its Delta works In Zeeland one hopes to have the wind in the back. The prevailing one is from the southwest! If this is not the case, the weather might be even better. Wind from the east often means fair weather and no rain. But in the Netherlands you never know. The better cyclists can cover the whole distance if they like. Otherwise the captain might take you a little further towards the northeast. One can enjoy this world of land and water from the ship in that case. Crossing the sea-inlet Oosterschelde by bridge (5 km) we have time to visit the beautiful small town of Zierikzee (ca. 15.000 inh.). This is one of the examples of a town, thriving in trade, which started to build a giant tower but failed to complete it! This is a good place for a coffee stop. We continue our ride on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. The flood of 1953 had a major impact on this island. Near the coast you can find the newly expanded Floodmuseum, in a special housing: in 4 former caissons, big floating concrete boxes which were used to fill the gaps in the broken dykes! After the fishing village of Bruinisse (mussels) the bikers follow a dam to the next (former) island of Goeree-Overflakkee. A good place for a (tea)stop is Oude Tonge. Destination, after another ride on a dam + a view at the most extensive inland locks in the world (Volkerak-locks) is Willemstad, a former fortified town. The ramparts and moat are still there. If possible the ship will stay overnight in Willemstad, if not it will sail with us to Dordrecht during dinner time. Biking distance ca. 35/60 km.

City centre of Dordrecht, across and along rivers, castle of Loevestein An early boat trip on the busy waterways Hollands Diep and Noord will lead us to Dordrecht, the oldest town of the province of Holland. It’s worthwhile to pay a visit to the beautiful citycentre.

Option 1: From Dordrecht we are heading for the former tidal-area of Biesbosch, which has been turned into natural reserve partially. We need a ferry to get there. Across the water there is a museum which tells you about the history and nature of the area. Werkendam can be a good place to have our lunch.

Option 2: From Dordrecht we take a ferryboat to the Unesco-site of Kinderdijk with its 19 (water pumping)wind mills. A ride through a typical Dutch landscape with meadows, waterways, long-spreadout villages with beautiful gardens

Option 3: another former fortified town (Woudrichem) is on our way to the medieval castle of Loevestein. A ferry boat will bring us there. From Loevestein we take the ferry to Gorinchem where our ship will be moored. Biking distance ca. 50 km.

Between the rivers, scenic villages. A day between two main rivers, following a narrow one in between, bordered by beautiful villages and winding roads. A visit to the glass-museum in Leerdam is an option. Mooringplace will be Vianen, on the river Lek. Biking distance ca. 40/60 km.

Scenic cycling along river Vecht, marshes and lakes, town of Weesp. During breakfast time our ship takes us to the village of Breukelen, where we leave on our bikes. Along the scenic Vecht-river with beautiful houses and gardens we cycle to the north.

After a coffeestop we continue the ride and find Weesp on our way to Amsterdama beautiful little village and a nice place to have lunch. After lunch we will ride our bikes in to the city of Amsterdam. In the evening you can go on a canal tour in Amsterdam or join our guide on a city walk. Biking distance ca. 50 km.

After breakfast it is time to say goodbye.