Bravobike Amsterdam-Bruges

Duración: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Localización: Amsterdam - Holanda

Precio: From € 899 : Prices 2020

Intro
Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Ships
Additional info

The Amsterdam – Bruges bike and barge cycle tour is an exciting and diverse holiday experience that highlights some of the most beautiful cities of Holland and Belgium. On a daily basis you will cycle through a variety of flat landscapes through charming villages and historic cities while cruising along the impressive waterways of Zeeland, the River Schelde and the picturesque Vecht and Lek Rivers. The tour is perfect for families who want to cycle together and enjoy barge life or, for that matter, anyone wanting to enjoy a delightful week of cycling to a long list of historic destinations.During the course of the 8 day, 7 night tour you will visit the world famous cities of Amsterdam, Utrecht, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges – each in their own right are destinations of significance with a long list of sights and attractions to discover. Along the way you will cycle through the beautiful Dutch landscape of Zeeland, will visit a real Dutch cheese farm and 19 Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk and will discover the western Flanders region of Belgium. The province of Zeeland is essentially one big river delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt Rivers famous for its fantastic beaches, water sport activities and Delta works, while the Flanders region of Belgium boasts a number of world famous medieval towns and has a well-deserved reputation for superb food and drink. As well as cycling through many picturesque villages each day, you will:
- Have the opportunity to discover Amsterdam
- Visit Antwerp, a city famous for its vibrant nightlife
- Get the opportunity to explore Ghent
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical center of Bruges
This tour is being offered with various ships. There may be slight differences in the day-by-day program, depending on the ship. You will find all details (per ship) in each individual day-by-day program description.
- Day 1 (Saturday): Amsterdam–Vianen
  
  Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is at 1 p.m. At around 2 p.m. the ship will leave Amsterdam and sail to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek, where you will spend the night. Here the bicycles will be distributed and you can enjoy a short bicycle ride.
- Day 2. Vianen–Schoonhoven–Kinderdijk – Dordrecht 56 km/34 miles
  
  Today you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad (“Silver City”) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century. Later in the day as you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills. All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight – you will have the opportunity to visit one so don’t forget to bring your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus”, a fast ferry, that will take you and your bicycle in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.
- Day 3: Dordrecht–Tholen–Kreekrak lock–Antwerp 36 km/23 miles
  
  During breakfast the Fluvius will sail to Tholen where you will start your day’s cycling by visiting the “Wouwse Plantage” forest. Another attraction on the day is the impressive Kreekrak lock. After once again meeting up with the Fluvius you will finish your day by sailing to the port city of Antwerp which is situated on the river Schelde. Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and has many attractions that include: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner visit the beautiful old city centre.
- Day 4: Antwerp–Temse–Dendermonde 64 km/39 miles
  
  Today’s tour will see you cycle out of Antwerp on a beautiful cycle path along the picturesque tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, your home for the night. There is only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.
- Day 5: Dendermonde–Ghent 52 km/32 miles
  
  Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of town. Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. The city’s position at the junction of Leie and Schelde Rivers has meant it to be a major trading port since Roman times. In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings. A major attraction is St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept.
- Day 6: Ghent–Bruges 45 km/28 miles
  
  Your bicycle tour will lead through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders around this beautiful city, widely described as the ‘Venice of the North’. The city attracts more than two million visitors every year who come for the ambience of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. An outstanding example of a medieval settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic constructions form an integral part of the town’s identity. While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
- Day 7: Tour around Bruges to the North Sea 51 km/31 miles
  
  Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the attractive dune landscape. On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal.
- Day 8: Bruges
  
  End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.
Day to day program Bruges – Amsterdam
- Day 1 Saturday: Bruges 11 km/6 miles
  
  Embarkation time in Bruges is between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The ship awaits you in the Bruges harbor. After a welcome meeting with the crew at 2 p.m. there is time for bicycle fitting and a short test-ride through the countryside around Bruges. After dinner the tour leader will take you for a walk through the center of town.
  
  We advise you to come to Bruges one or more days earlier, so that you will have plenty of time to discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical city of Bruges, aptly named the “Pearl of Flanders”. While you are there make sure you visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.
- Day 2: Bruges–Ghent 57 km/36 miles
  
  Your cycle tour starts early today in the outskirts of Bruges. You will start your first day of cycling by pedaling towards Ghent through the beautiful Flemish landscape along the Ghent canal. On arrival in Ghent make sure you make the effort to discover the best of what this historical city has to offer during an afternoon stroll. Ghent’s medieval town center features lovely illuminated streets that are a must to explore, while the architectural richness in the historical center of the city has to be seen to be believed (during the Middle Ages Ghent was the 2nd largest European city after Paris). The ship will dock for the night at a lock, in a suburb of Ghent and approx. 30 cycling minutes from the city center.
- Day 3: Ghent–Dendermonde 40 km/24 miles
  
  After breakfast in Ghent you will cycle downstream through a diverse landscape along the tidal Schelde River to Dendermonde, a friendly little town, located at the junction of Dender and Schelde Rivers. Dendermonde has a beautiful town hall located at a cozy square. The ideal place to have a nice Belgium beer after your bicycle ride. Worth visiting is also the St. Alexius Beguinage where you can learn about housekeeping, work and recreation in the lives of former generations.
- Day 4: Dendermonde–Antwerp 63 km/39 miles
  
  Today we will follow the Schelde River further downstream through the Temse region and the small village of Baasrode to Antwerp. This part of the route is along a most beautiful and twisting section of the Schelde which over the centuries held strategic importance for the Romans, Vikings, Spanish and Napoleon. Antwerp, your destination for the day, is a harbor city situated on the river Schelde famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and as the birthplace of the famous painter Sir Peter Paul Rubens. There are many highlights in the city to discover including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle.
- Day 5: Antwerp–Kreekrak locks-Tholen – Dordrecht 36 km/23 miles
  
  This morning, the ship will sail along the Schelde-Rhine Canal and over the huge Kreekrak lock system. Here your bicycle tour starts through the beautiful “Wouwse Plantage” forest to Tholen, Tholen once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living. Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways. But it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past. From Tholen you will join the ship again for a nice afternoon sail to the beautiful city of Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland. Halfway the ship will pass the impressive Volkerak lock system. Your tour leader will take you for an evening walk and tell you about the history of the Netherlands.
- Day 6: Dordrecht–Alblasserdam– Kinderdijk – Schoonhoven–Vianen 57 km/36 miles
  
  A fast ferry will bring you to Alblasserdam. From here you will cycle to Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 UNESCO cultural heritage-listed windmills – one of which you can visit (don’t forget your camera!). The windmills were constructed in the 18th century to pump water out of the low Alblasserwaard polder (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments). You will then continue to cycle via Schoonhoven to Vianen, a small fortified town on the river Lek where you will spend the evening. Since the 17th century Schoonhoven – nicknamed Silver City – has been renowned for its talented silversmiths.
- Day 7: Vianen–Breukelen–Amsterdam 48 km/29 miles
  
  During breakfast the barge will cruise to Breukelen where you disembark and start your final day of cycling. Ride along the Vecht River in an area famous for its beautiful mansions, small castles and beautiful houses with large gardens and parks. After cycling through the villages of Nieuwersluis, Loenen and Vreeland you arrive at Nigtevecht where you can visit a traditional cheese farm. Continue cycling through the historical town of Muiden and on to Amsterdam where you will meet the barge for the final time in the Amsterdam harbor.
- Day 8: Amsterdam
  
  End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

These tours always depart on:Saturdays

FLUVIUS

Amsterdam to Bruges: departure on: April 18; May 2, 16 and 30; June 13 and 27; July 11 and 25; August 8 and 22; Sept. 5 and 19.
Bruges to Amsterdam: departure on: April 25; May 9 and 23; June 6 and 20; July 4 and 18; August 1, 15 and 29; Sept. 12 and 26.

GANDALF

Amsterdam to Bruges: departure on: July 11
Bruges to Amsterdam: departure on: Sept. 26

Cabin type	For	April 18 and Sept. 26	April 25 - Sept. 19
Small twin cabin below deck (Fluvius)	2 pers.	€ 899	€ 949
Twin cabin below deck	2 pers.	€ 949	€ 999
Twin cabin below deck for single use	1 pers	€ 1423.50	€ 1498.50
Twin cabin upper deck (Fluvius)	2 pers.	€ 1149	€ 1199
Upper deck double cabin (Fluvius)	2 pers.	€ 1249	€ 1299
Triple cabin (Gandalf)	3 pers.	€ 909	€ 959

Concept	Price/per week
Bicycle rental	€ 80
E-Bike rental (only on request, limited number available)	€ 180
Helmets (only on prior reservation and payment)	€ 10
Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking)	prices and pre-booking on request

FLUVIUS

The Fluvius has been a popular choice for guests for a number of years now on the cycling cruises between Amsterdam and Bruges. The former cargo barge was totally rebuilt and extended in 2003 into a luxury river cruise barge. In winter 2017-2018, four additional upper deck double cabins were realized. The Fluvius sails under Dutch flag and management. The Fluvius now caters for max. 44 passengers.
- Description of the cabins
  
  The Fluvius has eighteen twin cabins and four double cabins. On the upper deck, there are three standard twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft. ) with two separate single beds and four double cabins (12 m² – 129 sq.ft. ) with a double bed (140 x 200 cm) and a large panoramic window. On the lower deck you will find fourteen standard twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) and one smaller twin cabin (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.), all of which have two separate single beds. On prior request, a child’s cot can be placed in two of the standard twin cabins
  
  Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. All twin cabins have a fixed window, the panoramic window in the double cabins can be opened. Each cabin has an individually adjustable air-conditioning unit, a ventilation system, a flatscreen TV and a hair dryer.
- Description of the ship
  
  The Fluvius has a large lounge (air-conditioned) with TV, bar and a semi-separate restaurant area. Wi-Fi is available. The barge also has a large sun deck with sitting places (tables and chairs) and a storage room for the bikes. While cruising, you can enjoy the scenery from here.
- Facts about the ship
  
  Length:            69,9 m (229 ft.)
  Width:             5,6 m (18 ft.)
  Crew:               7
  Cabins:            22
  Pass:                44 (max.)
- Photos of the ship
GANDALF

The Gandalf is a small and comfortable passenger barge. The ship, owned and operated by skipper Hans Petrus, sails under Dutch flag has been sailing in various areas in The Netherlands and Belgium for many years. The Gandalf is a very popular ship, ideal for bike and barge tours.
- Description of the cabins
  
  The Gandalf has ten twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two separate beds. In two of the cabins a bunk bed as third bed is possible (on request). Each cabin has a recently renovated bathroom with shower, toilet and basin. Windows can be opened and the cabins have ventilation and central heating. A hair dryer is available on request.
- Description of the ship
  
  On the upper deck of the Gandalf you will find the large and cozy lounge with the bar and dining area. Wi-Fi is available. The barge also has two large sundecks with storage room for the bicycles and sitting areas with tables and chairs, where you can have a drink. On nice evenings, or while cruising, you can enjoy the scenery from here. Furthermore, equipped with a double-roof of solar panels, the Gandalf runs for a great part on green energy! This is not only environment-friendly, but also comfortable for guests: since the ship hardly needs to use a generator to produce electricity, the nights are still and quiet on board.
- Facts about the ship
  
  Length:       45 m (148 ft.)
  Width:         6,2 m (20 ft.)
  Crew:          4
  Cabins:       10
  Pass.:          20 (max.)
- Photos

Incluided services

8 days/7 nights
7 x breakfast
Packed lunches
7 x 3-course dinner
Coffee and tea on board during breakfast and after the cycling tours, till 4 PM
Welcome drink
Use of bed linen and towels
Daily cleaning of the cabin (Gandalf: cleaning of the cabin once a week)
Climate-controlled cabin (Fluvius)
Daily briefings
Fully guided cycling tours (Fluvius: 2 tour leaders, 2 groups; Gandalf: 1 tour leader)
Some short walking tours
Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)
GPS tracks
Use of a waterproof pannier bag
Fees for ferries / waterbus
Wi-Fi
Not incluided services

Drinks
Coffee and tea on board after 16:00
Bicycle rental or E-bike rental incl. pannier bag
Helmet (not available on board)
Personal insurances
Gratuities (at your discretion)
Entrance fees and excursions
Transfers to/from the docking place
Parking fees
Good to know
Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons. The detailed tour programs for the various ships, which are being operated on this tour, can differ in details.
1. Fluvius: On this Tour with more than 22 guests the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders. On most days the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) bicycle option.
2. Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bicycle option.
3. You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.
4. In case you prefer a day of rest, you can skip the bicycle tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
5. On the arrival day is it possible to bring your luggage on board from 12-noon.
Transfer between Amsterdam and Bruges: There is a good train connection between these two cities. Please visit one of the following websites for timetables, tickets or more information www.goeuro.co.uk or www.trainline.eu.
Itinerary changes

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.
Bringing Children

Children are very welcome on our bike & barge and sail & bike tours, but please make sure that your child is able to cycledaily distances of 30 to 60 kilometers before you book
your holiday (please view the day-to-day program for actual distances).
Or if they feel comfortable in a bicycle seat or cart for most of the day. A slip streamer or co-pilot bike might be an option too. Of course you can always opt to stay aboard for one or more days,but keep in mind that children up to the age of 18 have to be under adult supervision.
Cancellation fees

up to 84 days prior to departure 10%
84-42 days prior to departure 30%
42-28 days prior to departure 60%
28-1 days prior to departure 90%
from date of departure or later, % always of agreed tour package price 100%
How to book this tour and payment?

25% deposit per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure. CC payments Visa or Master card do have an additional increase of 2,5%. We strongly recommend to sign up a cancellation policy regarding this trip through Bravo Bike.

Our tariffs and conditions for contracting cancellation insurance

Trip price per person	EU citizens	Rest of the world
Up to € 500	€ 32	€ 37,95
Up to € 750	€ 43	€ 52,33
Up to € 1000	€ 55	€ 62,1
Up to € 1250	€ 68,25	€ 77,91
Up to € 1500	€ 81,50	€ 104,65
Up to € 2000	€ 99,25	€ 116,15
Up to € 2500	€ 130,75	€ 153,81
Up to € 4000	€ 212,00	€ 277,15