The Best of Belgium

Arrive at your leisure in Bruges, one of Belgium’s most beautiful and romantic cities. You are welcome on board from 2:00 p.m., followed by a welcome meeting at 4:30 p.m.

Known as the Venice of the North, Bruges is famous for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and rich artistic heritage. Its beautifully preserved historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is wonderful to explore on foot.

Take some time to wander along the canals and cobbled streets, admire the historic buildings, or find a café around the lively Grote Markt and simply watch the world go by.

It is a lovely place to settle in and get your first taste of Belgium before your cycling adventure begins.

Today’s ride takes you from beautiful Bruges through the peaceful Flemish countryside to the Belgian coast. Along the way, you’ll pass through Damme, a charming little town with a rich history, before continuing to Groot Ter Doest, home to the impressive medieval Abbey.

Your route then brings you to Lissewege, often described as one of the most beautiful villages in Flanders. Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and a small canal surround its impressive village church, giving the village its distinctive character.

From here, cycle on toward the coast, where a long sandy beach and plenty of seaside cafés await. Take around two hours to enjoy the sea, have lunch or a drink, and soak up the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

In the afternoon, cycle back through the countryside to Bruges, where you’ll spend another evening surrounded by canals, cobbled streets, and historic charm.

While you enjoy breakfast, the barge cruises from Bruges to Moerbrugge, where today’s cycling begins. From here, follow the Ghent–Ostend Canal through the open Flemish countryside, with its peaceful waterways, green fields, and small villages.

Your destination is Ghent, one of Belgium’s most fascinating historic cities. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe, and much of that rich history can still be seen today. Its beautiful historic center is filled with impressive architecture, lively squares, canals, and inviting cafés.

The barge will be waiting for you in Merelbeke, just outside Ghent. From the mooring, it is about a 30-minute bike ride into the city center, giving you the opportunity to spend some extra time exploring Ghent before returning to the barge for the evening.

After breakfast, leave Ghent behind and cycle through the peaceful Flemish countryside toward Dendermonde, a historic town located where the Dender and Scheldt rivers meet. Take some time to explore its attractive center, with the Grote Markt, historic Town Hall, and the charming Beguinage, a quiet reminder of the communities of religious women who once lived here. The Grote Markt is also the perfect place to stop for a coffee before continuing your ride.

From Dendermonde, the route follows the winding Scheldt River toward Sint-Amands. This is a particularly beautiful part of the day, with peaceful river views, green meadows, small villages, and quiet cycling paths along the water.

Your destination is Sint-Amands, a picturesque village right on the banks of the Scheldt. The village is closely connected to the famous Flemish poet Emile Verhaeren, who found much of his inspiration in this landscape. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the views across the river before settling in for the evening.

After breakfast, start your ride in Sint-Amands and continue through the varied Flemish countryside. After crossing the Brussels–Rupel Canal, you enter a region with a fascinating industrial past. For centuries, the clay-rich soil along the river made this one of Belgium’s most important areas for brickmaking, a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and can still be seen in the landscape today.

Continue along the Rupel River until it meets the Scheldt near Rupelmonde. From here, follow peaceful cycling paths through Hemiksem and along the banks of the Scheldt River as you make your way toward Antwerp.

The scenery gradually changes as the skyline of Antwerp comes into view. Belgium’s lively port city is famous for its centuries-old connection to the diamond trade, but there is much more to discover. Wander through the historic Grote Markt, admire the impressive Renaissance-style Town Hall and magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady, or visit Het Steen, the medieval fortress overlooking the Scheldt.

After a day of peaceful riverside cycling, arriving in the heart of Antwerp makes for a wonderful contrast, and a great place to spend the evening.

After breakfast, leave the lively city of Antwerp behind and cycle through its greener outskirts, passing elegant residential neighborhoods before heading into the peaceful Flemish countryside.

Your route takes you to Lier, a charming historic town situated where two branches of the River Nete meet. Take some time to explore its attractive center, with the beautiful Grote Markt, historic buildings, and the famous Zimmer Tower with its remarkable astronomical clock. Lier’s compact center and riverside setting make it a lovely place to stop for a coffee or lunch.

From Lier, continue along the Nete River, following quiet cycling paths through a landscape of waterways, green fields, and small villages. It is a relaxed and scenic ride, showing you another side of Flanders away from the larger cities.

Your day ends in Willebroek, an important town along Belgium’s network of rivers and canals. Here, your barge will already be waiting for you, the perfect place to relax after another beautiful day of cycling.

While the barge cruises along the Willebroek Canal, set off on your final cycling day through the green countryside toward Mechelen. The landscape is gently rolling here, offering a pleasant change from the flatter routes of the previous days.

Mechelen is a beautiful historic city that is well worth taking some time to explore. Its compact center is home to more than 300 protected historic buildings, including eight churches within just a few square kilometers. The impressive St. Rumbold’s Cathedral and its towering belfry dominate the skyline, while the Grote Markt, elegant façades, and inviting cafés make this a lovely place for a break.

Continue cycling toward Vilvoorde, just north of Brussels, where your barge will be waiting for you. After settling in, you have the option to make one last city visit. Brussels is only about 30 minutes away by public transport, making it easy to spend the afternoon or early evening exploring Belgium’s capital.

Stroll across the magnificent Grand Place, wander through the historic streets, enjoy a Belgian beer or some famous chocolates, and soak up the lively, international atmosphere. Afterwards, return to the barge in Vilvoorde for your final evening on board.

The Vilvoorde train station is approximately 2 km from the mooring location.

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place until 10:00 a.m.

As you step ashore, you leave with wonderful memories of a week spent discovering Belgium by bike and barge. Each day has shown you a different side of Belgium.

We hope you leave with memories of beautiful rides, good food, new friendships, and perhaps a favorite Belgian beer or chocolate along the way.