Brussels - Antwerp - Dendermonde - Ghent - Bruges
Days
8
Ø km per day
45
On this tour by bike and boat in Belgium, you will get to know Flanders, the northern region of the small kingdom. You start in Brussels, the country‘s capital. Stage by stage, the tour by bike and boat in Belgium takes you to pretty cities such as Mechelen, Antwerp, Dendermonde and Ghent – the centuries-old Flemish history and culture can be felt on every corner here. In the middle of it all, you will pass small towns and sights that invite you to take a break time and again. You can also enjoy the picturesque green landscapes, which you cycle through mostly along canals and rivers. The destination of your journey by bike and boat in Belgium is Bruges, one of the country‘s most interesting cities. From here, it is only a few kilometers to the North Sea, which you will get to know on a circular tour. At the end of each stage, you return to the MPS Liza Marleen, which serves as your floating hotel on the 8-day trip. If you don‘t want to cycle a stage, that‘s no problem, you can simply spend the day on board.
In addition to places worth seeing, idyllic landscapes and almost gradient-free cycle paths, culinary delights are not neglected on the journey by bike and boat in Belgium: traditionally brewed beer and French fries are just as popular as chocolates, waffles and the Waterzooi stew.
This trip also takes place in the opposite direction Bruges – Brussels. Available dates are shown in the booking form. Please note that the accommodation locations of the two routes differ slightly.
The journey by bike and boat in Belgium starts in Brussels. Embarkation and the welcome by the ship's crew begin at 16:00. After you have stowed everything in your cabin, you will have the opportunity to get to know Brussels. Discover the interesting old town, the Gothic town hall and Manneken Pis, one of the city's landmarks, before returning to the ship.
During breakfast, the boat takes you to Vilvoorde. Finally, it's time to get on the bike! First you cycle to Mechelen. More than 300 listed buildings characterize the city center. The unfinished church tower of the cathedral is particularly striking. You cycle through green and gently rolling hills to your stage destination Willebroek. Your floating hotel is already waiting for you.
The second stage of your journey by bike and boat in Belgium takes you via the small town of Lier to Antwerp. The port city on the Scheldt is known worldwide as an important center for the processing and trading of diamonds. Leave your bike and stroll across the Groenplaats with its statue of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. A museum has been dedicated to him in his former home just a few minutes' walk away.
Near the Scheldt, you are on almost flat paths. From Rupelmonde, you follow the River Rupel for a few kilometers. You cross the Sea Canal Brussels-Scheldt and cycle towards the village of Sint Amands. Your boat awaits you here. You have the option of spending the remaining kilometers to Dendermonde on the boat or cycling along the Scheldt Dam - whichever you prefer. The symbol of Dendermonde is the Ros Beiaard. Legend has it that the horse had magical powers.
While your boat sets off for Merelbeke, a suburb of Ghent, after breakfast, you are already on your way by bike. The silhouette of Ghent is already recognizable from afar. Three towers dating back to the Middle Ages characterize the cityscape. Gravensteen Castle, one of the largest moated castles in Europe, and a wealth of medieval buildings in the historic city center are also real eye-catchers.
In the morning, the ship takes you to Lovendegem. You cycle along the Ghent-Oostende Canal through the wide Flemish plain and reach your destination of Bruges. The city center is surrounded by canals and ramparts and, with its many historic buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Grote Markt, which was still accessible by boat in the Middle Ages, stroll through the old Hanseatic quarter and visit the Church of Our Lady.
At the gates of Bruges, you will soon cycle to Damme. In the Uilenspiegelmuseum, you can learn more about the legend of Till Eulenspiegel, whose story is said to be set in this small town. Continue to Groot Ter Doest Abbey and Lissewege, one of the most beautiful villages in Flanders. Once you reach the coast, enjoy the view of the sea, time on the beach and the fresh North Sea wind before returning to Bruges.
Day 1: Individual arrival in Bruges
Day 2: Round trip from Bruges to the North Sea, approx. 55 km
Day 3: Bruges - Moerbrugge - Ghent (Merelbeke), approx. 40 km
Day 4: Ghent (Merelbeke) - Dendermonde - Sint Amands, approx. 50 km
Day 5: Sint Amands - Temse - Antwerp, approx. 40 km
Day 6: Antwerp - Lier - Willebroek, approx. 45 km
Day 7: Willebroek - Mechelen - Vilvoorde - Brussels, approx. 40 km
Day 8: Individual departure
Not included:
Minimum number of participants to be reached 28 days before departure: 18 people
Changes in itinerary due to weather, water level or technical conditions are possible and reserved.
Additional bookable services
Supplement double cabin for single use |
price on request |
7-gear rental bike |
59 € |
Electric bike |
169 € |
Days
8
Ø km per day
45