Guided Brussels to Bruges Flanders Bike and Boat Tour
Cycle through the heart of Flanders where medieval towns, canal towpaths, and quiet countryside unfold at an easy pace. This guided Bike & Boat journey begins near Brussels and follows scenic river routes through Mechelen, Antwerp, Sint-Amands, Ghent, and finally to Bruges — the UNESCO-listed “Venice of the North.”
Ride along poplar-lined canals, the River Scheldt, and historic trading routes that shaped Belgium’s cultural and architectural heritage. Evenings are spent aboard a comfortable small river ship, creating a seamless rhythm of cycling by day and relaxed cruising by night.
With mostly flat terrain, distances averaging 40–60 km per day, and guided support throughout, this tour is ideal for active travelers seeking a culturally rich yet accessible European cycling experience.
Guided
Casual+ Accommodation
Min. 1, Max. 12
Highlights
Bruges - The Venice of the North
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges with its enchanting medieval old town, picturesque canals (grachten), and world-renowned art museums. Experience the lively atmosphere of the Grote Markt and discover why this perfectly preserved medieval city captivates visitors from around the world.
Historic Belgian Cities and Architecture
Discover Mechelen's remarkable concentration of over 300 listed historical monuments, Antwerp's stunning Renaissance town hall and diamond district, and Ghent's magnificent medieval center. Cycle through centuries of Flemish history while visiting charming beguinages, impressive cathedrals, and atmospheric market squares.
Authentic Flemish Countryside and Beer Culture
Pedal through verdant, gently rolling landscapes along historic canal towpaths and poplar-lined avenues. Visit traditional villages where beer is still brewed using time-honored methods and enjoy the warm hospitality of local pubs, where arriving by bicycle earns you an approving toast from friendly locals.
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 | Vilvoorde (Brussels) | Floor Van Amstel | D | cycling | |
| DAY 2 | Willebroek | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Antwerp | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 50 km / 31 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Sint Amands | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 42 km / 26 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Ghent (Merelbeke) | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 60 km / 37 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Bruges | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 40 km / 25 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Bruges (Loop) | Floor Van Amstel | B, L, D | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Bruges | cycling |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Vilvoorde (Brussels)
Individual arrival in Vilvoorde, a charming suburb located approximately 10 km north of Brussels. The friendly crew warmly welcomes you aboard the Floor van Aemstel from 4:00 p.m. onwards. Settle into your comfortable cabin and meet your fellow travelers as you prepare for the exciting cycling adventure ahead through the heart of Flanders.
Day 2: Willebroek
Begin your first cycling tour from Vilvoorde to the remarkable city of Mechelen, home to an extraordinary density of over 300 listed historical monuments, including eight beautiful churches all within just three square kilometers. While the ship navigates through the historic Willebroek canal, you'll cycle through verdant, gently rolling landscapes, passing sleepy villages and magnificent country estates before reaching Willebroek for the evening.
Day 3: Antwerp
Cycle from Willebroek via the charming town of Lier to Antwerp, the world-renowned center of diamond processing. Discover Antwerp's fascinating array of sights including the richly decorated Renaissance-style town hall, the historic Grote Markt, the imposing Liebfrauen Cathedral, and the medieval Steen Castle. Explore this vibrant city's blend of historic architecture and contemporary culture.
Day 4: Sint Amands
Today's route leads you along the scenic River Scheldt to Hemiksen, then continues with a gentle climb to Rupelmonde. At this historic junction where the River Rupel flows into the Scheldt, follow the waterway to discover the fascinating brick-burning district, where traditional brick production has continued from the Middle Ages to the present day. Cross the Brussels-Rupel canal and arrive at Sint Amands for the evening.
Day 5: Ghent (Merelbeke)
The ship journeys along one of the River Scheldt's most beautiful stretches to Dendermonde this morning. From there, cycle along the scenic Scheldt embankment toward Ghent. Don't miss visiting Dendermonde's charming Beguinage with its delightful local history museum, and enjoy a coffee break on the picturesque Flemish Grote Markt. Reach Ghent, once the second-largest medieval city after Paris, and explore its magnificent historic center by bike and on foot. The ship moors overnight at Merelbeke lock, approximately 30 minutes by bike from the city center.
Day 6: Bruges
Depart for Lovendegem in the morning, following the Gent-Oostende canal through the expansive Flemish plain. Arrive in magnificent Bruges, 'The Venice of the North,' celebrated throughout Europe for its exceptional art and museums. The UNESCO World Heritage old town enchants visitors with its network of picturesque grachten (small canals) and medieval architecture. Relax with tea or coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere around the iconic Grote Markt.
Day 7: Bruges (Loop)
Your final cycling adventure takes you through Damme, the legendary birthplace of Till Eulenspiegel, continuing to the North Sea coast. Enjoy sandy beaches and numerous cafés where you can take a refreshing swim in the sea or simply relax and watch the waves. After approximately 2 hours at the seaside, cycle back through the Flemish countryside to Bruges, completing your memorable journey through Flanders.
Day 8: Bruges
After a final breakfast aboard the Floor van Aemstel, disembarkation takes place until 9:00 a.m. Bid farewell to your crew and fellow cyclists as you begin your individual journey home, carrying wonderful memories of your cycling adventure through the heart of Flanders.
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.
Classic Dutch Barge with Character
During your journey, you will stay aboard the Floor van Aemstel, a small passenger barge accommodating up to 22 guests. Originally constructed between 1997 and 1998 from a freight vessel, it was converted into a passenger ship in 2015/2016. The ship features 10 outside cabins. Eight cabins are approximately 10 sqm in size, while two larger cabins (around 15 sqm) can also be used as twin cabins. All cabins are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and hairdryer. Windows cannot be opened. Onboard spaces include a combined saloon and restaurant area with seating, a small bar, and a sun deck. The lower sun deck is used for bicycle storage, while the upper sun deck offers seating for guests (accessible via steep stairs).
Cozy Lounge & Restaurant Onboard
The ship features a welcoming saloon and restaurant where guests gather for meals and relaxation after a day of cycling. Comfortable seating areas, a small bar, and large windows create a warm setting to share stories from the day while enjoying freshly prepared dinners.
Sun Deck Views of the Flemish Waterways
The upper sun deck offers a peaceful place to unwind as the ship sails through Belgium’s scenic canals and rivers. Guests can relax outdoors, enjoy the passing countryside, and watch the landscapes of Flanders slowly drift by between cycling stages.
Compact and Functional Cabins
Cabins aboard the Floor van Aemstel are designed for a comfortable stay within a compact space. All cabins are outside-facing and feature en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and essential amenities. While sizes range from approximately 10 sqm to 15 sqm, the layout is practical and suited for a week-long cycling journey. Windows are fixed and cannot be opened.
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.
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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.
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 Trekking or similar
Included in your trip price
Velo de Ville 8-gear E-Bike or similar
Available at a surcharge
Vilvoorde (Brussels)
Bruges
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Arrival & Departure
Arrival is in Vilvoorde, located approximately 10 km north of Brussels. The nearest major international airport is Brussels Airport (BRU), approximately 15 km from Vilvoorde. From the airport, guests can travel by train or taxi to Vilvoorde. Embarkation begins at 4:00 p.m. on Day 1.
Unsupervised parking is available near Vilvoorde train station (approximately 2 km from the mooring location) at Mimastraat 2, 1800 Vilvoorde. Supervised parking is available at Gare du Nord train station in Brussels (approximately 10 km from the mooring location). This facility is open 24 hours and monitored, with costs of approximately €10 per day on weekdays and €22 per day on weekends.
Disembarkation takes place in Bruges until 9:00 a.m. on Day 8. The nearest major international airport for departure is Brussels Airport (BRU). Return travel from Bruges to Brussels or Vilvoorde must be arranged independently. The train journey from Bruges to Brussels takes approximately one hour and costs around €20 per person.
The tour operates from July to early September, which is an excellent time for cycling in Flanders. Summer months (July-August) offer warm temperatures averaging 18-23°C (64-73°F), ideal for comfortable cycling. Early September provides pleasant conditions with slightly cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Belgium's maritime climate means occasional rain is possible year-round, so light rain gear is recommended. The flat Flemish terrain and well-maintained cycle paths make cycling enjoyable throughout the season. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are also popular for cycling in Flanders, offering mild temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors, though these dates fall outside this tour's schedule.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Good
May
Best
June
Best
July
Best
August
Good
September
Mixed
October
Offseason
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
A guided bike tour includes a professional local guide who rides with you throughout the trip. The guide handles navigation, manages daily logistics, ensures safety, and shares cultural insights. In addition to the guide, you also have a support vehicle that transfers luggage, provides water/snacks, and offers on-route assistance or a lift whenever needed. You simply follow the guide and enjoy a fully supported experience.
Your guides are local cycling experts, fluent in English, with deep knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and food.
On our guided tours, we ensure you begin your ride feeling comfortable and well-supported. Your guide and local team play an active role in getting your bike properly set up.
Before Your Tour
When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.
At the Start of the Tour
You’ll receive a full in-person bike fitting with your guide or local representative. This typically includes:
- Adjusting saddle height
- Moving the saddle fore–aft (small adjustments to move the saddle forward or back for better balance and comfort)
- Fine-tuning handlebar height and reach (where adjustable)
- Confirming pedal preference — flat pedals are provided by default. If you bring your own clip-in pedals, our guide will help install and adjust them
- A short test ride to check comfort
Your guide will ensure everything feels right before the tour begins.
During the Tour
Throughout the trip, your guide will make additional adjustments whenever needed. This is especially helpful if you discover new comfort preferences after a few hours of riding.
What to Expect
Our guided tour bike fitting is hands-on, comfort-focused, and practical, ensuring you ride safely and enjoyably each day. It’s not a detailed workshop-level fit, but it covers all essential adjustments for multi-day touring.
For guided tours, we do not provide GPX files separately, as navigation is handled by your guide. On certain occasions, if you prefer more independence, we may offer app-based navigation access with the daily routes loaded. However, please understand that this may not always be possible and depends on the specific tour setup.
Our support vehicle is always close by to make your ride worry-free. It carries your luggage, water, snacks, and spare parts, and is there if you need a quick lift or just want to rest for a while. You’ll see it at regular intervals along the route and during meal or refreshment stops. The vehicle is also used for scheduled transfers and to ensure safety and comfort along the route.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
We’ve carefully planned the route so that most rides follow peaceful countryside roads, scenic bike paths, and quiet lanes well away from heavy traffic. On rare occasions, short stretches on busier roads may be necessary, but your guides will ensure these sections are managed safely.
While your tour price covers most of the main expenses, including accommodations, daily breakfast, and many meals, you may wish to budget for a few lunches or dinners not included in the itinerary, as well as drinks, snacks, or personal treats along the way. As a general guide, allow around US $20–40 per person per day for these additional expenses.
Our guided bike tours typically have 6–14 guests, allowing for a personalised experience.
Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.
For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.
For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.
We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.
We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.
On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.
Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.
We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
Tours run rain or shine, but we may adjust the route or schedule for safety. The support vehicle is always available.
Popular tours can sell out months ahead, especially in summer. Booking at least 9 months in advance ensures best availability.
We require a 10% deposit at booking. The balance is due 60 days before departure.
For full details, please see our cancellation policy here.
Yes. About 4 weeks before your trip, you’ll receive a Pre-Departure Information Pack with daily ride profiles, packing tips, meeting locations, and detailed itinerary.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
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