Guided Bruges to Brussels Bike and Barge Tour
This Bruges to Brussels Bike and Barge Bike Tour is a guided journey through the cultural heart of Belgium, linking three extraordinary cities — Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels — by way of peaceful waterways, historic market towns, and impeccably maintained cycling routes. Over eight days, you ride approximately 270 km across predominantly flat terrain, making this an accessible and rewarding experience for riders seeking comfort, culture, and connection.
Your journey begins in Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” where cobbled lanes and UNESCO-listed canals set the tone for the week ahead. From there, daily guided rides follow the Ghent–Ostend Canal and the Schelde River through open Flemish landscapes, charming villages like Damme and Lissewege, and lively squares perfect for a coffee pause. In Ghent, medieval guild houses and soaring church towers reflect the city’s former wealth, while Antwerp reveals Renaissance architecture, diamond heritage, and a vibrant cultural pulse.
The finale unfolds at Vilvoorde, a charming suburb located 10 km north of Brussels, where green riverside paths give way to the cosmopolitan energy of Belgium’s capital. Along the way, your floating boutique hotel — the 22-guest barge — accompanies you, eliminating the need to pack and unpack while offering full board comfort and a convivial onboard atmosphere.
Guided
Casual+ Accommodation
Min. 1, Max. 12
Highlights
UNESCO World Heritage Bruges
Explore the 'Venice of the North' with its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and charming cobblestone streets that have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.
Historic Flemish Cities
Cycle through centuries of history visiting Ghent, once Europe's second-largest medieval city, Mechelen with over 300 listed monuments, and Antwerp, the world's diamond capital.
Scenic Canal and River Routes
Follow well-maintained cycling paths along the Ghent-Oostende Canal and the winding River Scheldt, passing through quintessential Flemish villages and coastal landscapes.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | Casual+ Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Bruges | Floor Van Amstel | D | ||
| DAY 2 | Bruges (Round Trip) | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Ghent (Merelbeke) | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Sint Amands | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Antwerp | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 42 km / 26 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Willebroek | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 45 km / 28 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Vilvoorde | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Vilvoorde | B | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bruges
Welcome to Bruges! Board the Floor van Aemstel at 4:00 pm and settle into your cabin. After a welcome drink, take time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city known as the 'Venice of the North.' Wander through picturesque streets lined with well-preserved medieval buildings, discover charming canals, and soak in the lively atmosphere around the Grote Markt. Bruges' rich artistic heritage and museum treasures await your discovery before returning to the ship for dinner.
Day 2: Bruges (Round Trip)
Today's circular route takes you through the literary town of Damme, birthplace of the legendary Till Eulenspiegel, and past the impressive Ter Doest Abbey at Groot Ter Doest. Continue to Lissewege, often called 'the most beautiful village in Flanders,' where whitewashed houses cluster around a canal and imposing village church. The route then leads directly to the Belgian coast, where you can enjoy a two-hour break on the long sandy beach with numerous cafés before cycling back to Bruges for the evening.
Day 3: Ghent (Merelbeke)
While you enjoy breakfast, the ship cruises to Moerbrugge. Your cycling route follows the scenic Ghent-Oostende Canal through the wide Flemish plains to reach historic Ghent. Once the second-largest city in medieval Europe after Paris, Ghent has preserved its magnificent architectural heritage in a stunning historic center. The ship docks in Merelbeke, a suburb at the lock, approximately 30 cycling minutes from Ghent's city center, allowing you time to explore this remarkable city.
Day 4: Sint Amands
After breakfast, cycle to the historic town of Dendermonde, where a coffee break on the magnificent Flemish Grote Markt is essential. The route continues through pastoral landscapes as the ship navigates to Sint Amands, following one of the most beautiful and winding sections along the River Scheldt. This scenic waterway journey showcases the natural beauty of Flanders' river valleys.
Day 5: Antwerp
From Sint Amands, today's route passes the distinctive water tower and crosses the Brussels-Rupel Canal into a historic brick-burning region where bricks have been produced since medieval times. Follow the River Rupel to its confluence with the Scheldt at Rupelmonde, then cycle comfortably through Hemiksem along the river to Antwerp, the world center of diamond processing. Explore the richly decorated Renaissance town hall, the historic Grote Markt, the magnificent Gothic Liebfrauen Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle.
Day 6: Willebroek
After breakfast, cycle through Antwerp's elegant suburbs with their beautiful exclusive residential areas. The route leads via the historic town of Lier, situated along the River Nete, to Willebroek, where your ship awaits. This pleasant cycling day offers a mix of urban landscapes and Flemish countryside.
Day 7: Vilvoorde
While the ship navigates the Willebroek Canal, your final cycling tour leads through green, gently rolling landscapes to Mechelen, where you'll discover a remarkable concentration of over 300 listed buildings including eight historic churches within just three square kilometers. Continue to Vilvoorde, a charming suburb approximately 10 kilometers north of Brussels. The ship moors here, and you can easily reach Brussels city center by train in about 30 minutes (approximately €4 per person). Spend the afternoon exploring the Belgian capital with its diversity and cosmopolitan flair, from the majestic Grand Place to world-class art museums.
Day 8: Vilvoorde
After a final breakfast aboard, disembark by 9:00 am and begin your journey home with wonderful memories of Flanders' historic cities, scenic cycling routes, and Belgian hospitality.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Accommodation
Each accommodation has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.
Historic Dutch Barge with Boutique Atmosphere
The Floor van Aemstel is a charming Dutch passenger barge that was originally constructed from a historic freight vessel before being carefully converted into a comfortable cruise ship. It offers an intimate and relaxed onboard atmosphere—far from the scale of large cruise ships—making it ideal for a slow-paced Bike & Boat journey through the waterways of Flanders.
Comfortable Outside Cabins
10 m² twin cabins and spacious 15 m² triple cabins, all with private en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning.
Cozy Relaxing Lounge
Inviting lounge and dining area with comfortable seating and small onboard bar for relaxed evenings.
Open Sun Deck with Seating
Elevated deck space to unwind outdoors, plus dedicated bicycle storage area below.
Dates and Prices
Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
trip leader
Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
refreshments
Refreshments and mineral water during activity.
Exclusions
Airport pickup
We recommend to book direclty from airport.
Airport drop
We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.
Velo de Ville 7-gear Unisex or similar
Included in your trip price
Velo de Ville 8-gear E-Bike or similar
Available at a surcharge
Bruges
Vilvoorde (Brussels)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Arrival & Departure Information
Arrival – Day 1 (Bruges) Individual arrival in Bruges with embarkation from 4:00 PM.
If arriving by air, we recommend flying into Brussels Airport (BRU), Belgium’s main international gateway. Direct trains from the airport to Bruges run frequently and take approximately 1–1.5 hours. From Bruges train station, the mooring location is about 800 meters away — approximately 10–20 minutes on foot — or a short taxi ride costing around €10–20.
For guests arriving by car, guarded parking is available at the main station (Stationsplein) for approximately €7 per day, with online reservation possible. The distance from the parking area to the mooring location is approximately 800 meters.
Departure – Day 8 (Vilvoorde / Brussels Area) Disembarkation is by 9:00 AM in Vilvoorde, located just north of Brussels.
The nearest international airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 15–20 minutes away by train or taxi. Vilvoorde train station is about 2 km from the mooring location (short taxi ride recommended with luggage).
For guests returning to Bruges, the train journey from Vilvoorde takes about 1 hour and costs approximately €20 per person.
The tour operates from July through early September, which represents the best cycling season in Belgium. Summer months (July-August) offer warm temperatures averaging 18-23°C (64-73°F), ideal for comfortable cycling with long daylight hours. Early September provides pleasant conditions with fewer crowds and mild temperatures around 15-20°C (59-68°F). Belgium's maritime climate means occasional rain is possible, so light rain gear is recommended. The flat Flemish terrain and well-maintained cycling paths make these tours enjoyable throughout the season, with spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) also offering good conditions for those who prefer cooler temperatures and quieter routes.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Offseason
April
Mixed
May
Mixed
June
Good
July
Best
August
Best
September
Good
October
Mixed
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website.
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend purchasing adequate travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Is proof of medical insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, nearly all cycle tours are classified as easy, following well-maintained paths through the flat Flemish plains with minimal elevation gain.
The return transfer must be organized individually. Train journey takes about 1 hour and costs approximately €20 per person. Vilvoorde train station is located approximately 2 km from the mooring location.
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