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Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady tower dominates Antwerp's historic market square with colorful guild houses and Brabo fountain statue.

The "Grote Markt" in Antwerp with the Brabo fountain (Photo credit: rh2010)

Flanders | Brussels - Bruges or Bruges - Brussels

A paradise for cyclists

Rental bike included
Bike & boat trip
8 Days / 7 Nights
Distance tour
Guided tour
Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady tower dominates Antwerp's historic market square with colorful guild houses and Brabo fountain statue.

The "Grote Markt" in Antwerp with the Brabo fountain (Photo credit: rh2010)

Experience the beauty of Belgium on a fascinating journey through Flanders. Along towpaths beside old canals and through poplar-lined avenues, you cycle at a relaxed pace into ancient villages where beer is still brewed just like in grandfather's time. And those who sample the local village beer in a rustic pub or under the linden trees are met with an approving toast - especially when they arrive by bike. 

Eventually, you reach Bruges, the "Venice of the North", with its picturesque alleys and romantic canals. This journey combines culture, history, and indulgence, offering unforgettable impressions in some of Belgium’s most beautiful towns.

Traditional Flemish houses with orange tile roofs viewed through tall green grass under a blue sky with white clouds.

The dunes near Blankenberge, with the North Sea in the background (Photo credit: D. Keuck)

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Traditional Flemish houses with orange tile roofs viewed through tall green grass under a blue sky with white clouds.

The dunes near Blankenberge, with the North Sea in the background (Photo credit: D. Keuck)

The itinerary
 at a glance

For your 8-day tour from Brussels to Bruges

Please note, that this tour is also conducted in reverse direction, from Bruges to Brussels. For departure dates refer to section "Prices/Dates".

Individual arrival in Vilvoorde, a suburb located about 10 km north of Brussels. The crew warmly welcomes you on board from 4:00 p.m. onwards.

From Vilvoorde you start your first cycle tour that leads you to Mechelen - here you will find the remarkable density of more than 300 listed buildings (classified as historical monuments), among them eight churches, all built within an area of only three square kilometres. While your ship is going through the Willebroek-canal, you are cycling through green, soft and hilly landscapes, passing sleepy villages and magnificent country estates until you finally reach Willebroek.

From Willebroek you are cycling over Lier to Antwerp, the world’s centre of diamond-processing and your today's destination. Antwerp offers a number of interesting sights such as the richly decorated town hall in renaissance style, the historic Grote Markt, the huge Liebfrauen Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle.

Today, your tour leads you up the river Schelde to Hemiksen, and after having cycled a bit upward you are comfortably going to Rupelmonde. At this point, where the river Rupel flows into the river Schelde, you follow the river until you will reach the historic area of brick burning, where bricks have been produced since the Middle Ages until today. You will then cross the Brussels-Rupel-canal and arrive at Sint Amands.

In the morning, the journey continues by ship along one of the most beautiful stretches of the River Scheldt to Dendermonde. From there, the cycling tour follows the scenic Scheldt embankment toward your destination for the day. Dendermonde is well worth a visit, especially the Beguinage with its charming local history museum. A coffee break on the picturesque Flemish Grote Markt is an absolute must. Today’s destination is Ghent. Explore the beautiful historic center partly by bike, partly on foot. In the Middle Ages, Ghent was the second-largest city after Paris and still retains much of its architectural richness in the city center. Your ship moors overnight just outside Ghent at the Merelbeke lock, a suburb located about 30 minutes by bike from the city center.

In the morning you are leaving for Lovendegem. The whole cycle route follows the Gent-Oostende-canal through the wide Flemish plain until you arrive at Bruges "The Venice of the North" is widely known in Europe for its art and museums. Bruges' old town with its number of Grachten (small channels) belongs to the UNESCO world’s cultural heritage. Enjoy the bustle activity around the Grote Markt (the big market place) while having a nice tea or coffee.

Your last cycle tour will take you at the beginning over Damme, Till Eulenspiegel’s place of birth to the seaside. Sandy beaches and a lot of cafés (you have the opportunity to swim in the sea there) will give you the opportunity for a nice rest. After approx. 2 hours you are cycling back to Bruges.

After breakfast, disembarkation until 9:00 am and individual journey home.

Level

Beginners and dabblers

You feel right at home on flat terrain. You have nothing against a few little breaks, and sightseeing is a priority for you. These trips are also suitable for cyclists who are not super fit. In short, these tours are for all those who prefer relaxed cycling and easy enjoyment for body, mind and soul.

Topography 

The stages of this cycling holiday take you through flat terrain with a few slight inclines.

Road conditions

You cycle on the well-developed network of cycle paths in Holland.

Route-finding & navigation

During this guided group tour, navigation is done by an experienced guide.

Fancy a break from cycling?

If you want to take a break from cycling, you can stay on the boat and get to the next destination without any effort.

Overview of PEDALO Levels
Map showing cycling route through Belgium from Bruges to Brussels, passing through Gent, Dendermonde, and Willebroek with green path line.

Services & Info
 Trip details

  • 7 x overnight stays on the Floor van Aemstel
  • 7 x hearty breakfast buffet
  • 6 x packed lunch for cycle tours
  • 6 x afternoon coffee/tea on board
  • 7 x 3-course dinner
  • Welcome drink on arrival day

  • Rental bike for 6 days
  • English-speaking local bike guide
  • All port, bridge and sluice charges
  • Carefully designed routes
  • Detailed travel documents 

Arrival and departure are not included in the tour price for PEDALO cycle tours, but are always organised by the traveller.

  • Arrival by car: Detailed information on parking options will be provided with your travel documents.
  • Arrival by train: Brussels-Central or Brugge-Sint-Pieters
  • Arrival by plane: Brussels (BRU)

 

If you are travelling by air, we recommend that you book your flight as early as possible - but only AFTER you have received your PEDALO booking confirmation.

Minimum number of participants
  • This tour requires a minimum of 18 participants. If this number is not reached and the tour is cancelled, you will be notified no later than 21 days before the start of the tour.
  • If the tour is cancelled, you will receive a full refund. No further claims will be accepted.
  • Once the minimum number of participants has been reached, the tour is guaranteed to take place. You will receive confirmation of your booking as soon as a PEDALO representative has checked the available capacity.

Your ship
 MS Floor van Aemstel

Facts

  • Ship type: River cruise ship
  • Length: 38 m, width: 6,6 m, draught: 1,8 m
  • Passenger decks: 1 Ebene
  • Capacity: 10 outside cabins, 22 passengers
  • Crew: 3 persons
  • Flag: NL

 

Description

The Floor van Aemstel was rebuilt in 1997/1998 from the hull of a cargo lugger – a type of vessel that was very common at the start of the 20th century. She was then converted into a passenger ship in 2015/2016. The ship features a lovingly furnished saloon/restaurant with a large, cosy seating area, a TV and a stereo system, as well as a small bar. The lower sun deck provides space for bicycles, whilst the upper sun deck (steep staircase) has tables and chairs where guests can relax.

Cabins

All cabins are approximately 10 m² in size, are located on the outside of the ship, have bunk beds and are equipped with a shower/WC, a hairdryer and air conditioning. The windows cannot be opened.

Gray and white passenger ship Floor van Aemstel anchored on calm water with trees in the background and white clouds in blue sky.

The MS Floor van Aemstel underway (photo credit: SE-Tours)

Prices & Dates
 at a glance

Start in Brussels: Thursday, 09.07. / 23.07. / 06.08. / 20.08. / 03.09.2026

Start in Bruges: Thursday, 02.07. / 16.07. / 30.07. / 13.08. / 27.08.2026

 

↓ Before you proceed to the booking form, please choose whether you would like to start the tour in Brussels or in Bruges (button below, highlighted in green).  ↓

Prices per person in EUR
Fuel Surcharge Spring/Summer 2026

Due to the current situation in the Middle East and the resulting sharp rise in fuel prices, many shipping companies are currently compelled to exercise their right to adjust prices (by a maximum of 8% of the basic cruise fare in accordance with the applicable EU directive).

Should the fuel surcharge apply to your trip, we will inform you of the exact amount in good time, no later than 20 days before the start of your journey. Payment ist to be made on board the ship and goes entirely to the shipping company or the respective ship operator. If fuel prices fall, the surcharge will be waived accordingly.

We ask for your understanding that this measure is temporarily necessary to ensure we can continue to provide the quality of service you have come to expect on our Bike & boat trips. Thank you very much!

Frequently asked
 questions

Smiling man in gray Pedalo shirt holding two cycling helmets and wearing white cycling gloves against a blurred coastal background.
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Travelling together, by bike & boat

Guided PEDALO bike & boat trips don’t just combine two types of travel to create something new. They also bring together people who can really appreciate this special combination! People who are on the same wavelength and just want to spend as much time as possible enjoying their cycling holiday with like-minded travel companions.

On the guided group tour by bike & boat, not only do you have breakfast and dinner together on board, but you also go ashore together to explore the bike paths. The shared experiences will bring you closer together and get you right into the flow of cycling.

First-class support all round

If you opt for a guided PEDALO bike & boat tour, you won't have to worry about finding the right route, but can concentrate on enjoying your holiday to the full.

Qualified and experienced tour guides will hop from island to island with you or show you the way along idyllic rivers, winding canals and around beautiful lakes. They know the best places to stop for lunch, but also where to find the prettiest picnic spots. They will accompany your group on sightseeing tours and city walks, adding valuable tips and exciting stories about the country and its people.

With the group bike & boat tour, you get as much first-class support and pleasant company as you could wish for, but also the freedom to be on your own if you want. If you don't feel like cycling with the group, you always have the option of simply staying on board and soaking up the sun on deck.

The combination of bike and boat is becoming more and more popular. The PEDALO catalogue is extensive and varied, but spaces and dates are limited.

If you’ve been thinking about booking one of our fantastic bike and boat trips, we recommend not delaying for too long, as certain dates are often booked up quickly on many of our trips. Welcome on board! But please make sure to book in good time.

    •  
  • Changes to the sailing times and/or the route, which may occur in the event of high or low water or other unforeseeable weather conditions such as storms, etc. are not grounds for cancellation without cost.
    •  
  • The same applies to lock and/or bridge repairs that are ordered by the authorities but not announced in advance.
    •  
  • In these cases, we reserve the right (for your own safety) to change the route and/or to bridge some sections with other means of transport. In some cases, overnight stays may be necessary.

Your travel documents usually include general travel information, a hotel list, a road book and/or detailed maps as well as a textual description of the route; you will also get luggage tags and possibly also vouchers and/or information material on the various sightseeing attractions. The exact contents of the information package depend on the booked trip and its included services.

The documents will be sent to you approx. two to three weeks before the start of your tour. Depending on the trip, you may receive them partly in digital form and partly by post – or you will receive the hotel list and general travel information in advance by e-mail, and the remaining documents along with the maps on site at your starting hotel.

Please note that the travel documents are issued exclusively for PEDALO guests and are therefore not available without a booking.

Travel insurance is not included in our prices. You can decide whether to get a quote elsewhere or simply book your travel insurance online at pedalo.com/en/service/travel-insurance. In any case, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance!

Please note that for last-minute bookings (less than 30 days before the start of the trip), insurance cover can only be taken out within 3 days of booking.

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