Exploring Europe: A Bike and Barge Adventure from Bruges to Amsterdam
This past May, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime experience—a bike and barge tour from the medieval city of Bruges to the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. With the help of our friend Carolynn, we booked this journey through Cycle Tours and set sail aboard the cozy vessel "Sailing Home" on May 16.
This week-long adventure took us through quaint villages, historical cities, and stunning countryside. The days were filled with leisurely bike rides, scenic views, and rich history, while the evenings were spent enjoying happy hour, home-cooked meals on board, and guided walking tours by our delightful guide, Marjan.
Life on the Barge
Each morning began with a classic European breakfast: fresh-baked bread, cold cuts, fruit, yogurt, and an egg dish. We’d pack our lunches from a station set up on the barge before heading out for the day’s cycling journey. As we pedaled through charming towns and countryside, the barge would sail ahead to meet us at our next stop, and we would come together for a relaxing evening onboard.
Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1: Bruges to Ghent
Our trip started with a scenic boat ride, taking us through canals and locks to Ghent’s medieval center. The city’s towering Gothic architecture welcomed us, setting the tone for the adventure to come.
Day 2: Ghent Countryside (34 km)
We spent the day exploring the Flemish countryside, dotted with picturesque farms and winding roads. While some in our group visited the Gravensteen Castle, we opted to soak in the views of cities cathedrals, bridges and canals .
Day 3: Ghent to Middelburg (50 km)
Crossing the border into the Netherlands, we cycled through the Zeeland region. A stop at Uitspanning Cadsandria, a bicycle cafe housed in a brewery from 1889 with an adjacent forge and museum was a standout moment.
Day 4: Middelburg to Zierikzee (50 km)
This was one of our favorite days! We cycled past the historic center of Veere, pedaled along the North Sea’s white sandy beaches, and marveled at the 10.5 km-long Oosterschelde Dam—an engineering marvel designed to protect the Netherlands from flooding.
Day 5: Zierikzee to Willemstad (54 km)
Our journey took us through more Dutch countryside, eventually arriving in the charming fortified town of Willemstad. Later, we sailed to Dordrecht to rest for the night.
Day 6: Dordrecht to Utrecht (48.5 km)
This day’s route followed the scenic Linge River bike path, with a stop in the glass town of Leerdam. Along the way, we spotted storks and later watched storm clouds roll in, adding a bit of drama to the day’s ride.
Day 7: Utrecht to Amsterdam (42 km)
On our final day of cycling, we followed the Vecht River, passing by stunning estates and cycling over the original “Brooklyn Bridge.” A stop at a local cheese and ice cream shop was the perfect way to end the ride. The crew helped us celebrate an important birthday with some song and cake.
Day 8: Wake Up in Amsterdam
We woke up in Amsterdam, our journey complete but our hearts full. We celebrated our last day with a visit to the Van Gogh Museum and a special dinner at an authentic Tibetan restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city.
Why We Loved It
This trip was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The biking routes were manageable but packed with beauty and history at every turn. The crew and guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the experience even more enjoyable. Sailing Home was truly a home away from home during this incredible journey.
From the medieval charm of Bruges to the artistic flair of Amsterdam, this bike and barge tour was an unforgettable way to experience Europe’s rich culture and natural beauty. It’s a journey we’ll remember for years to come!