Belgium - Pays-Bas
Netherlands and Belgium :
Bike & Boat Cruise from Amsterdam to Bruges
This bike & boat trip between the Netherlands and Belgium connects Amsterdam to Bruges through landscapes shaped by water, trade and history. Pass through the polders and canals of southern Holland, pass through Gouda and Dordrecht, then follow the great rivers toward Zeeland, oriented toward the North Sea.
By alternating cycling and navigation, the route links two great European merchant traditions. Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges preserve old centers structured by canals, belfries and merchants’ houses, inherited from their key role in trade during the Middle Ages.
The stages are regular, the terrain is very flat, and the cycling network is continuous. The trip remains accessible while offering a clear reading of the territory between the Netherlands and Belgium.
Highlights
Smooth itinerary along rivers, ideal for riding at a regular pace
Emblematic landscapes of the Netherlands : canals, polders and listed windmills
Discovery of historic towns and villages
Itinerary
The markers on the map locate each stage approximately*. They do not correspond to the exact address of your accommodation. The overnight stays indicated in the itinerary may change depending on availability. The exact address appears in your travel booklet.
*Prestige version
Day 1 | Amsterdam to Oude Wetering (Comfort, 10 km) / Utrecht (Prestige, 43 km)
Comfort circuit :
The crew welcomes you on board between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., the barge casts off for Oude Wetering, where you take your first pedal strokes with your local guide to become familiar with your bike. During dinner, the course of the stay and safety instructions will be presented.
Overnight : on board in Oude Wetering
Prestige circuit :
Welcome between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., followed by cabin check-in. The barge leaves Amsterdam shortly after 2 p.m. toward Vianen, a charming fortified village on the River Lek. The evening is devoted to bike allocation, followed by a test ride to validate the settings.
Overnight: on board in Utrecht
Day 2 | Oude Wetering to Gouda (Comfort, 45 km) / Utrecht to Dordrecht (Prestige, 32 or 56 km)
Comfort circuit :
Pass through the Groene Hart, the “Green Heart” of the Netherlands, following peaceful rural roads lined with canals and polders. The day leads to Gouda, famous for its cheese, but also for its remarkably preserved historic center. You discover St. John’s Church and its “Goudse Glazen” stained-glass windows, the Gothic town hall and the former cheese weighing house. In the evening, walk through the old town with your guide.
Overnight : on board in Gouda
Prestige circuit :
You ride toward Schoonhoven, nicknamed the Silver City for its talented silversmiths, whose expertise dates back to the 17th century. You then cross the Alblasserwaard region to the 17 windmills of Kinderdijk, listed by UNESCO. A ferry finally takes you to Dordrecht, one of Holland’s oldest cities.
Overnight : on board in Dordrecht
Day 3 | Gouda to Dordrecht (Comfort, 40 km) / Dordrecht to Bergen op Zoom (Prestige, 42-50 km)
Comfort circuit :
From Gouda, you cycle on country roads and bike paths in the heart of the Dutch polders. The route passes through the Krimpenerwaard, a vast agricultural plain located below sea level. At the dike of the River Lek, a ferry takes you to Kinderdijk, where the windmills stand. You then continue by bike to Alblasserdam, then cross toward Dordrecht.
Overnight : on board in Dordrecht
Prestige circuit :
During breakfast, navigation to Willemstad, a beautiful fortified town on the Haringvliet. Your bike ride reaches Tholen, once a fishing island with many remains. You finish in Bergen op Zoom, a historic town whose narrow streets, market and monuments testify to more than eight hundred years of rich history.
Overnight : on board in Bergen op Zoom
Day 4 | Dordrecht to Antwerp (Comfort, 56-65 km) / Bergen op Zoom to Antwerp (Prestige, 21-35 km)
Comfort circuit :
From Dordrecht, you navigate to Willemstad, a charming 17th-century fortified town. After a short visit, you set out by bike through open polder landscapes toward Bergen op Zoom. The route then follows the Brabantse Wal, a wooded sandy ridge formed during the Ice Age, a region known for strawberry and asparagus cultivation. You meet the barge at the Kreekrak lock and navigate toward Antwerp. The entrance into one of Europe’s largest ports is spectacular. In the evening, take time to discover the historic center, with the Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubens House.
Overnight : on board in Anvers
Prestige circuit :
Morning ride through the magnificent Wouwse plantation before returning on board to navigate on the Scheldt toward Antwerp. Known for diamonds, the city offers splendid monuments: the Renaissance City Hall, the Grote Markt and the medieval Steen Castle. Dinner is on your own in the city according to the crew’s recommendations.
Overnight : on board in Anvers
Day 5 | Antwerp to Saint-Amands (Comfort, 40 km) / Antwerp to Saint-Amands (Prestige, 34-49 km)
Comfort circuit :
This morning, pass through the Scheldt through the old St. Anna Tunnel, using its period wooden escalator still in service. By bike, you then reach Bazel, considered one of Belgium’s most beautiful villages, then Rupelmonde, birthplace of the 16th-century cartographer Gerardus Mercator, who created the first modern world maps. The route continues through the natural landscapes of the Durme Valley before reaching Saint-Amands.
Overnight : on board in Saint-Amand
Prestige circuit :
To leave Antwerp, you cycle along a picturesque section of the River Scheldt. Magnificent is the only word to describe these natural landscapes, which are one of the trip’s highlights. You reach the village of Saint-Amands for the night.
Overnight : on board in Saint-Amand
Day 6 | Dendermonde to Ghent (Comfort, 47 km) / Saint-Amands to Ghent (Prestige, 52 km)
Comfort circuit :
The day begins with a short navigation to Dendermonde, where you discover the large market square dominated by the town hall and its medieval belfry. You then follow the Scheldt toward Berlare and Wetteren, a region known for its roses. Before reaching Ghent, take time to enjoy a Belgian beer in one of the local cafés.
Overnight : on board in Ghent
Prestige circuit :
You follow the Scheldt to Ghent, a river crossroads occupied since Roman times. The city preserves dense heritage, with a medieval belfry, churches and former merchant districts. At the end of the day, discover the canals by barge, another way to read the city.
Overnight : on board in Ghent
Day 7 | Ghent to Bruges (Comfort, 45 km) / 22-45 km (Prestige)
Comfort circuit :
In the morning, you leave Ghent by crossing the Lys Valley and the countryside of East Flanders, between villages and farmland. The route partly follows the former towpath of the Ghent-Ostend Canal to Bruges. The afternoon is free to discover the medieval center.
Overnight : on board in Bruges
Prestige circuit :
You ride through the countryside of West Flanders to Bruges, using more varied secondary roads. Arrival in the city is gentle, between canals and historic façades.
Overnight : on board in Bruges
Day 8 | Bruges : End of Stay
Disembarkation after breakfast, no later than 9:30 a.m. The day is free to explore Bruges.
Departures Possible in Both Directions
This tour can also be done in the Bruges → Amsterdam direction.
The stages place greater emphasis on the picturesque canals of Flemish Belgium, the rich medieval architecture of Ghent and Antwerp, for a gradual ascent toward the river landscape and emblematic windmills of the southern Netherlands. Same distances, same rhythm, but a trip read in the other direction.
Dates and pricing
All prices are indicated per person and in CAD. They vary depending on the period and availability at the time of booking.
Possible departures :
- Thursdays in the Comfort trip type, from June to October
- Tuesdays in the Prestige trip type, from April to October
Double Occupancy Package :
- Comfort trip type: starting from $2,860
- Prestige trip type: starting from $3,230
Single Occupancy Supplement :
- Comfort trip type: starting from $1,370
- Prestige trip type: starting from $980
- Hesitating between trip types? Consult our guide to comfort levels.
Bike Rental :
- Hybrid: starting from $250
- Electric assist: starting from $470
These prices cover bike rental for the entire stay, including transport accessories and safety essentials.
Options Offered :
- Flight booking
- Additional nights before or after the stay
- Triple cabin occupancy on certain dates
- Gluten-free or lactose-free diet
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The Price Includes
- 7 nights in a double cabin with private bathroom, on a barge in the chosen accommodation category
- Daily cleaning of your cabin
- All meals during the cruise (except 1 dinner in the 4* Prestige version)
- Services of a local English-speaking guide by bike and on board the barge
- Guided bike tours as described in the itinerary with your local guide
- A barge tour in the canals of Antwerp
- Ferry fees during the cycling routes
GPX tracks to follow the itinerary by bike - A digital travel kit 30 days before departure, including the essential logistical details for your trip
- An assistance service with an emergency number
- Participation in the Fonds Plein Air 1% for the Planet program: Ekilib donates 1% of its revenue to support nature protection projects in Québec
The Price Does Not Include
- Air transportation and all costs associated with transporting your bike and bike box if you choose to bring your own
- Transfers from the airport to the barge/boat and vice versa
- Bike rental
- Dinner in Antwerp or Bruges (in the 4* Prestige version)
- Personal expenses, including drinks
- Tips for the local guide and the crew
- Travel insurance
- File processing fees of CA$75, plus taxes
- Financial protection from the Compensation Fund for Customers of Travel Agents (free of charge as of January 1, 2024)
Practical Information
Barges and Meals
Two versions of this route are available: 3-star Comfort barge and 4-star Prestige barge. Both follow the same Bruges–Amsterdam route with slight variations in stages. Contemplative level: flat terrain, distances of 10 to 65 km per day.
Meals
On board the prestige barges, lunches are served buffet-style. Dinners are prepared by you using the food and provisions given to you each morning by the crew. Suppers are served plated, with a three-course service.
On board the comfort barges, lunches are served buffet-style. Dinners are prepared by you using the food and provisions given to you each morning by the crew. Suppers are served at the table, self-serve style.
Bike Type and Equipment Provided
Bike Type
For this trip, you can choose between a hybrid bike and an electric-assist bike. The barge crew takes care of charging the electric-assist bike batteries.
On the prestige version, it is also possible to bring your own personal bike for an additional fee. We encourage you to contact us to check the terms for transporting and storing the bike box. However, electric-assist bikes are not accepted when the trip requires air travel, due to battery restrictions.
Equipment Provided
Regardless of the type of bike chosen, the equipment provided includes a rear pannier for carrying your personal belongings during the day, a puncture repair kit, and a lock. A helmet is not always included, so we recommend bringing your own for added comfort and safety.
Bottle cages are uncommon on the bikes. We therefore recommend bringing a bottle that can be placed in your pannier. You may also want to bring an elastic cord with hooks at each end to secure the bottle to the rear rack and keep it more accessible.
Difficulty Level
This trip has a low difficulty level. The route is almost entirely flat, making it a pleasant itinerary focused more on discovery than physical effort. The main challenge may be the wind, which is hard to predict. If wind could be an issue for you, electric-assist bikes can be a smart solution.
Differences Between the Prestige and Comfort Versions
This trip is available in a prestige version and a comfort version. The main difference lies in the level of service. The prestige version offers a more refined barge, more luxurious accommodations, and more attentive service, for a higher-end travel experience.
The itinerary also differs very slightly between the two options.
Guidance
Although this is a self-guided trip, you’ll have support throughout your stay. Each day, you have the option of following a local English-speaking guide during the cycling outings, with no obligation to do so. The guide rides with travelers during the cycling stages, ensures the route runs smoothly, and remains available to answer questions or offer assistance as needed. Depending on their experience, they also share local and historical knowledge about the regions you pass through. You remain free to ride at your own pace and according to your preferences. If you choose to go independently, you’re never left on your own. The crew remains available on board throughout the trip to answer any logistical questions. In addition, an emergency number accessible 24/7 is provided to assist you in case of unforeseen circumstances or special needs.
Extending Your Trip
It’s possible to add extra nights at the beginning or end of the trip.
However, the added days do not include additional cycling routes. If you wish to extend your cycling adventure, you’ll need to organize these outings independently.
Luggage Transport
During bike and barge trips, your main luggage stays on board the barge for the entire trip. Each day, you cycle with only what you need for that stage, generally carried in the pannier provided with the bike. This setup allows you to ride light while finding your personal belongings back on board at the end of the day. We recommend traveling with soft-sided luggage and keeping the weight down to make boarding and disembarking easier.
Formalities
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for participating in an Ekilib trip. It should cover emergency medical expenses abroad, assistance, and repatriation, in particular. Cancellation and trip interruption coverage is also strongly recommended. Cycling travel involves physical activity and daily movement. Suitable insurance allows you to handle unexpected events calmly, whether it’s a health issue, an injury, or a change in circumstances before or during the trip. Before departing, it’s important to check that your policy covers cycling as part of a trip. We also recommend checking the protections offered by your credit card or insurance company to confirm your coverage. Our advisors can help guide you toward the best protections so you can travel well-insured and with peace of mind.
Plane Tickets
For self-guided bike and barge tours, international flights are generally not included in the trip price. We recommend waiting for official confirmation of the trip before booking your flights. You can book them yourself or ask our team to assist you with this process. In any case, it’s advisable to check arriv
Barge
- Length: 38 m
- Width: 6.6 m
- Maximum capacity: 22 passengers
- 10 cabins on the main deck
Cabins
- 8 double cabins with two single beds
- 2 triple cabins with three single beds
- Fixed windows (non-opening)
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Wardrobe
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Hair and body shower gel dispenser
- Hand soap
- Hair dryer
- 220V outlet (European plug)
- Safe
Common Area
- Upper deck combining dining room, lounge and bar
- Outdoor deck
- Large windows
Boat
- Length: 45 m
- Width: 6.5 m
- Maximum capacity: 26 passengers
- 13 twin-bed cabins on the main deck
Cabins
- Double cabins with two single beds
- Fixed windows (non-opening)
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Wardrobe
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Hair and body shower gel dispenser
- Hand soap
- Hair dryer
- 220V outlet (European plug)
Safe
Common Area
- Upper deck combining dining room, lounge and bar
- Outdoor deck
- Large windows
Meals
On board the Comfort boats, breakfast is served buffet-style. Lunches are ones you put together yourself each morning, from the food the crew sets out. Dinners are served at the table, buffet-style.
Barge
- Length: 57 m
- Width: 6.6 m
- Maximum capacity: 32 passengers
- 16 cabins on the main deck
Cabins
- 12 double cabins of 11 m² with two single beds
- 4 suites of 15 m² with Queen bed (two single beds pushed together) and small sitting area
- Fixed windows (non-opening)
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Safe
Common Area
- Upper deck combining dining room, lounge and bar
- Large windows
Wi-Fi available - Sun deck with chairs and tables
Barge
- Length: 63 m
- Width: 7.2 m
- Maximum capacity: 37 passengers
- 13 cabins on the main deck
- 4 suites on the upper deck
Cabins
- 12 cabins of 11 m² with two single beds on the main deck
- 1 premium cabin of 13 m² with two single beds and sitting area
- Fixed portholes (non-opening) on the main deck
- 4 suites of 14 m² on the upper deck with two single beds, sitting area and large opening panoramic window
- In most cabins, the beds can be moved together
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Safe
Common Area
- Upper deck combining dining room, lounge and bar
- Large windows
- Rear sun deck
- Whirlpool and lounge chairs
- Wi-Fi available
Barge
- Length: 67 m
- Width: 7.2 m
- Maximum capacity: 40 passengers
- 12 cabins on the main deck
- 2 single cabins on the main deck
- 5 suites on the upper deck
Cabins
- 12 cabins of 12 m² with two single beds on the main deck
- 2 single cabins of 7 to 9 m²
- Fixed portholes (non-opening) on the main deck
- 5 suites of 16 m² on the upper deck with two single beds, sitting area and large opening panoramic window
- In most cabins, the beds can be moved together
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Safe
Common Area
- Upper deck combining dining room, lounge and bar
- Large windows
- Rear sun deck
- Whirlpool and lounge chairs
- Wi-Fi available
Barge
- Length: 67 m
- Width: 7.2 m
- Maximum capacity: 36 passengers
- 8 cabins on the main deck
- 10 suites on the upper deck
Cabins
- 8 cabins of 12 m² on the main deck with two single beds and two fixed portholes
- 10 suites of 16 m² on the upper deck with two single beds pushed together, sitting area and large opening panoramic window
- Private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Safe
Common Area
- Main deck with dining room and windows
- Upper deck with bar and bright lounge
- Wi-Fi available
- Sun deck with whirlpool, chairs and tablesMeals
On board the Prestige barges, breakfasts are offered buffet-style. Lunches are prepared by you from the food and provisions provided each morning by the crew. Dinners are plated and include a three-course service.
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