Belgium by boat and bike

Infinite expanses and infinite friendliness - that’s Flanders, which can be explored perfectly by bike and by ship between Brussels and Bruges. Brussels is the pulsating European centre, which presents itself, and is transforming - having been bilingual throughout its history - into a fully international city. More typical of Flanders are its other cities, where money was earned trading lace and diamonds, and later invested into lovely architecture. Enjoy the many UNECSO world heritage sites with some Belgian beer, chocolate or chips! This tour in Flanders is perfectly suited both for expert cyclists and beginners, and will start in Vilvoorde (Brussels).
Here you can find further details on the family ship MS Floor van Aemstel.

Day 1 Arrival in Vilvoorde near Brussels
Embarkation approx. 4 pm, spend the evening in a Spanish or Moroccan restaurant or take the S-Bahn to Brussels' old town.

Day 2 Vilvoorde - Willebroek, approx. 40 km/25 mi
Mechelen is a city well worth seeing with 300 listed buildings. After that, it becomes quiet and rural.

Day 3 Willebroek - Antwerp, approx. 50 km/31 mi
Today’s route will lead you through the medieval town of Lier, after which you will reach the worth-seeing diamond city of Antwerp.

Day 4 Antwerp - Sint Amands, approx. 42 km/26 mi
Initially, you will be cycling through the conservation area of Walenhoek, after which today’s route will lead you through the region that sources the red bricks that have shaped the regional architecture.

Day 5 Boat trip, Dendermonde - Ghent, approx. 60 km/37 mi
The river Scheldt will lead you through typical Flemish villages, after which you will reach the formerly rich and stately city of Ghent, with its Cathedral and marvellous town houses. Overnight stay in Merelbeke.

Day 6 Boat trip, Vinderhout - Bruges, approx. 40 km/25 mi
While you’re having breakfast, the MS Quo Vadis will be taking you to Vinderhoute. Later, you will cycle along the Ghent-Oostend canal towards Bruges, the “Venice of the North” (that also happens to be a UNESCO world heritage site)

Day 7 Round trip to the North Sea coast, approx. 55 km/34 mi
Today’s route will lead you to the sea. 12 km/7 mi of fine sandy beaches and the conservation area of Het Zwin await on the shores of the North Sea.

Day 8 Departure
After breakfast, your tour in Belgium by boat and bike concludes.

Here are the details on MS Floor van Aemstel.

Included in your package "Belgium by boat and bike":

• 7 nights aboard in your chosen category
• full board (7 x breakfast, 6 packed lunches or small lunch aboard, 7 x dinner excl. beverages)
• complimentary coffee/tea until 4 pm daily
• cabins are cleaned daily
• bed linen and towels supplied
• welcome drink
• daily cycling stage briefings
• on-board tour guide that is also doing all the cycling
• detailed travel documents in english
• rental bike included!
• optional e-bike

Accomodation:

• 8 outside cabins, approx. 10 sqm (108 sqft)
• 2 outside cabins with 3rd bed, approx. 15 qm (161 sqft)
• separate, level-access beds
• non-opening windows 
• air conditioning

Rental bicycles:

• We offer comfortable unisex-bikes with 7-speed freewheel, equipped with a bike bag and a bike lock. We also offer e-bikes if desired.
• If you choose to wear a helmet, we recommend using your own due to the variety of head sizes and shapes and for hygienic reasons.

Travel time 2026:

• Arrival on thursdays
  09.07. + 23.07. + 06.08. + 20.08. + 03.09.

Prices:

All prices are per person.

• 1449 € 2-bed cabin
• 1649 € 3-bed cabin, double occupancy
• 2119 € 2-bed cabin, single occupancy
• 1149 € 3-bed cabin
   
• 120 € rental bike
   
• booking code "Belgium by boat and bike": RS-BBsL-7S
• how you can save some money
• cancellation

The booking process

Arrival:

• The berthing place is in the north of Brussels in the Heembeekkaai, in close proximity to the Royal Yacht Club.

• Arrival by car:
  We recommend initially travelling to Bruges (see here for further information) in order to do the transfer trip before rather than after your holiday.
  - Car park in Brussels Gare du Nord, manned by security personnel, cost: approx. 12 €/day (mo-fr), approx. 24 €/day (sa+sun)
  - take a taxi to the berth, duration approx. 10 min, cost: approx. 20 €
  You will find further details in your travel documents.

• Arrival by train:
  Brussels Gare du Nord

• Arrival by plane:
  Fly to Zaventem airport, take the train to Brussels Gare du Nord. Duration approx. 15 min, cost: approx. 11 €

Personal bikes:
In principle, you can bring your own bike along. However, please note that your bike will be loaded on and off the boat twice a day along with several others and therefore slight cosmetic damage to individual bikes cannot be ruled out, which is why we do not take responsibility or liability for such damage. We recommend reserving one the excellent rental bikes we offer.

Return transfer:
Under your own steam by train. From the berthing place to Bruges main staion (approx. 400 metres), Take the train to Brussels Gare du Nord (0-1 changes, duration approx. 1-2 hours, cost: approx. 17 €). Helpful sites: Belgian Train

Perfectly looked after:
During your tour, we are available between 8 am and 8 pm, 7 days a week. We are happy to help with any kind of problems you might be having. You will find this emergency number in your travel documents.

Please note:

• As is the case with all boat trips, changes in travel itineraries due to the weather, the rivers’ water levels or technical issues can be undertaken at any time.