Bike and Barge | The Netherlands to Belgium

Check-in between 1 PM and 2 PM local time in Amsterdam, where the friendly crew will warmly welcome you on board the boat. Once you are settled, the boat will set sail from Amsterdam towards the first destination, Vianen. Welcome dinner on board tonight.

After breakfast, our ride starts on a scenic cycle route leading to Schoonhoven, known as “Zilverstad” or “Silver City.” This city is renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Continue riding to the Alblasserwaard region and the village of Kinderdijk – famous for its impressive row of 19 giant windmills, and part of the UNESCO cultural heritage listing. After, we take you on a “Waterbus,” a fast ferry accommodating bicycles, to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands.

After breakfast, the we sail to the picturesque town of Tholen, where you start riding. Cycle through the scenic and refreshing backdrop of “Wouwse Plantage” forest. During the ride, you will come across the impressive Kreekrak lock. The lock is a part of the waterway system and is an engineering marvel that aids in regulating water levels and facilitating smooth passage for boats and ships. Once you get back on the boat, we sail to the vibrant and historically significant port city of Antwerp, in Belgium on the river Schelde. After dinner on board, you’ll have the opportunity to venture out and explore Antwerp’s beautiful old city center. The historic streets, charming architecture, and lively atmosphere make it a delightful place to wander and soak in the city’s ambiance.

Cycle this morning out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the picturesque tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, our home for the night. The Schelde River is tidal, and the tidal characteristic adds a unique dynamic to the landscape, creating ever-changing vistas along the riverbanks. It is, without a doubt, one of the natural highlights of the tour.

Today we follow the river Schelde to the lively and historically rich university city of Ghent. Ghent has a long and significant history of a major trading port since Roman times. The city boasts numerous cultural attractions, including an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches, and over 400 historical buildings. One of the significant highlights in Ghent is the St. Bavo Cathedral, which houses several masterpieces of medieval art, including the world-famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck. After a day of cycling along the river and exploring the city’s cultural treasures, the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of Ghent, allowing you further to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and explore more of its highlights during the evening.

Today’s route takes you through the picturesque Flemish countryside of western Flanders, leading you to the enchanting city of Bruges, often called the ‘Venice of the North.’ Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center is a remarkable example of a medieval settlement that has preserved its original Gothic constructions, creating a unique and captivating ambiance. During your stay in Bruges, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s many attractions. Tonight, join Sojourn leaders and your fellow Sojourn guests for a Sojourn Farewell dinner in Bruges.

You’ll start the day’s ride along a quiet canal, surrounded by beautiful poplar trees and a charming polder landscape. A polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments, and this area is dotted with small farmhouses, adding to the scenic beauty of the region. As you continue cycling, you’ll reach the North Sea coast where you can relax and enjoy the inviting sandy beach before riding back to Bruges along a scenic canal. Tonight gather for the Captain’s farewell dinner on the ship.

After breakfast , disembark in Bruges around 9:30 AM.