8 Day Netherlands & Belgium : Amsterdam - Antwerpen - Bruges or vice versa premium , Discover the best of Holland & Flanders

Embarkation and check-in where the crew will welcome you on board is at 1 p.m.

At around 2 p.m. the ship will depart from Amsterdam for Vianen, a small fortified village on the Lek River.

After dinner you have the opportunity to enjoy a short first test ride through the surrounding area.

Today you will cycle along a beautiful route to Schoonhoven – nicknamed Zilverstad (“Silver City”) – a city renowned for its talented silver smiths since the 17th century.

Later in the day as you cycle through the Alblasserwaard region you will reach Kinderdijk, a village famous for its impressive row of 19 large windmills.

All 19 windmills have a UNESCO cultural heritage listing and are a definite highlight – you will have the opportunity to visit one so don’t forget to bring your camera! From nearby Alblasserdam you will take the “Waterbus”, a fast ferry, that will take you and your bicycle in approx. 10 minutes to Dordrecht, one of the oldest towns in Holland.

As you enjoy your breakfast aboard the ship, the ship will sail to Willemstad where you will start your day’s cycling.

Willemstad is a beautiful old fortified town on the Haringvliet waterway.

Your bicycle ride goes to Tholen, once was an island in the middle of the large Zeeland streams, where many people fished for their living.

Nowadays Tholen is connected to the mainland in various ways.

But it is still a picturesque village with many relics of an eventful past.

In the afternoon you will once again board the ship which will sail to the port city of Antwerp, situated on the river Schelde.

Antwerp is famous for handling up to 80% of the world’s rough diamonds and is a city with a long list of attractions including: the City Hall, one of several majestic buildings constructed during the Renaissance period, the historical City Square Grote Market, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Cathedral and the medieval Steen Castle. After dinner you can visit the beautiful old city center.

This morning you will cycle out of Antwerp along a picturesque section of the Schelde River to St. Amands your home for the night.

There is only one way to describe the landscape around the Schelde and that is “magnificent”. It is without doubt one of the natural highlights of the tour.

Today you will continue to follow the river Schelde to Ghent where the ship will moor for the night at a lock in a suburb of town.

Ghent is a lively university city that boasts a rich history. Since Roman times Ghent’s position at the junction of Leie and Schelde Rivers has ensured that it has been a successful trading port. 

In total the city features an Opera House, 18 museums, more than 100 churches and over 400 historical buildings.

Major attractions are St. Bavo Cathedral where a number of masterpieces of medieval art including the world famous ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by Jan van Eyck are kept and the 91-metre-tall belfry of Ghent, one of three medieval towers that overlook the old city center.

Today you will cycle from Ghent through the beautiful Flemish countryside of western Flanders to Bruges, widely described as the ‘Venice of the North’ and arguably the most beautiful of all the Flemish cities. Bruges attracts more than two million visitors every year who come to see the picturesque medieval town center of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city and a long list of historic attractions. An outstanding example of a medieval historic settlement, Bruges has managed to maintain its historic fabric as it has evolved over the centuries, with the result that today the city’s original Gothic buildings form an integral part of the town’s identity.

While you are here you can visit one of Bruges many museums or simply take in the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city from the comfort of a sidewalk café.

Dinner tonight  (not included) will be in town in a restaurant of your choice (recommendations available on board).

Your final day of cycling takes you along a quiet canal and past beautiful poplar trees through an attractive polder landscape (a polder is a low-lying tract of land enclosed by embankments) dotted with small farm houses to the North Sea coast. Here if you want you can swim in the sea along an inviting sandy beach, visit any one of numerous cafés and see the attractive dune landscape.

On the return ride to Bruges you will cycle along a small picturesque canal.

Today is the last day of the best of the best from Holland tour where all mayor places is be visted and be sure going to places where the local go also by bicycle this is the best way to learn about the Dutch and Belgium way of life and the beauty is the boat brings you from place to place that means no time is wasted we from Above-5 we hope you enjoy the sailing and cycling,

End of your tour: Disembarkation after breakfast until 9.30 a.m.

Parts that are printed in italics parts will be covered by the ship.

All distances are “approximate distances” of recommended bike tours. The tour details are barring changes, a.o. as a result of nautical, technical or meteorological reasons.

The day-by-day itinerary for Zwaantje & Fleur is slightly different. We will send you details on request.

• On this Tour with more than 22 guests the daily cycling tours will be accompanied by 2 knowledgeable and multi-lingual tour leaders (not on Zwaantje). On most days the tour leaders will offer a long and a short (or a quicker and a more relaxed) bicycle option.

Not all mentioned highlights will be visited during the short bicycle option.

• You can also choose to ride individually with the help of a map and route notes (available on board). GPS tracks will be sent to you 4 weeks before the start date of the tour.
• In case you prefer a day of rest,  you can skip the bicycle tour and relax on board while cruising to the next town.
• On the arrival day is it possible to bring your luggage on board from 11 a.m..

8 days/7 nights

7 x breakfast

Packed lunches

6 x 3-course dinner

Coffee and tea on board

Welcome drink

Use of bed linen and towels

Daily cleaning of the cabin

Climate-controlled cabin

Daily briefings

Fully guided cycling tours (Magnifiques/Fleur: 2 tourleaders, 2 groups; Zwaantje: 1 tourleader)

Some short walking tours

Maps and notes for cycling tours (1 set per cabin)

GPS tracks

Use of a helmet

Use of a waterproof pannier bag

Water bottle

Fees for ferries

2019: Visit Kinderdijk mills

2019: Entrance cathedral Antwerp

2019: Canal trip through Ghent

Wi-Fi

1x dinner (Zwaantje/Fleur: Antwerp; Magnifiques: Antwerp or Bruges)

Drinks

Bicycle rental or E-bike rental

Personal insurances

Gratuities (at your discretion)

Entrance fees and excursions (not mentioned under inclusions)

Transfers to/from the docking place

Parking fees

Fleur: Rental bicycle (incl. helmet and water bottle): €85 per period Rental bicycle (incl. helmet and water bottle): €80 per period Rental E-Bike (incl. helmet and water bottle): €175 per period (only on request, limited number of e-bikes available, early bookings strongly recommended. You can find a description of the bicycles when you click on ship.

NOTE : Special for seasonal cyclist you are also able to bring your own bike road bike or mountain bike for the fanatic bikers or the leisure bike for enjoyment riders

Transfer between Amsterdam and Bruges: There is a good train connection between these two cities. Please visit one of the following websites for timetables, tickets or more information www.goeuro.co.uk or www.trainline.eu.

The hull of the Magnifique was originally constructed as a seagoing sailing vessel: this explains the unique shape of the ship. But the vessel was then converted to become a passenger barge for inland waterways. The premium barge was fully restyled and refurbished in 2010 and, during the winter of 2012/2013, extended by 14 meters. Roy van der Veen, owner and skipper of this fine barge, sets high standards to atmosphere, personal service and comfort, with the aim to offer his guests an unforgettable stay on board, in line with the “premium” classification. The Magnifique sails under Dutch flag and management and is a very popular ship on several tours in various parts of The Netherlands and Belgium.

Description of the cabins
The Magnifique has sixteen cabins, situated on the lower deck. Guests are accommodated in eleven twin cabins (11 m² – 118.5 sq.ft.) with two single beds set next to each other, four premium twin cabins (14 m² – 151 sq.ft.) with two single beds next to each other and a small sitting area and one single cabin (7 m² – 75.5 sq.ft.). On prior request, the beds in most twin cabins can be set together as a double bed. On request, an additional bed is available in some twin cabins (as fold away bunk bed, above one of the other beds). Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, toilet and wash basin. All cabins have an individually regulated air conditioning, ventilation system and central heating; the portholes in all cabins are fixed for safety reasons. Furthermore, each cabin has a flat screen (satellite) TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.

Description of the ship
On the upper deck, the Magnifique has a tastefully furnished lounge with air conditioning, restaurant, a beautiful bar, a sitting area with cozy corners, a wide screen TV and large windows. Wi-Fi is available. Furthermore, the Magnifique offers two partly covered teak wooden sundecks with chairs and tables where you can have a drink when the weather is nice and enjoy the scenery while cruising. On the elevated aft deck you will find a barbecue and a whirlpool/Jacuzzi to relax.

Facts about the ship
Length:             62 m (203.4 ft.)
Width:              7.2 m (23.6 ft.)
Crew:                5
Cabins:             16
Pass.:                35 (max.)

Description

Magnifique

The premium barge Magnifique accommodates up to 30 guests and breathes an atmosphere of luxury and comfort. The 16 lower deck cabins are provided with box spring beds and a bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. On the main deck you’ll see that the bar is the center of attention, especially during the evening. Around are tables and comfortable chairs where you will be seated during breakfast and when the deliciously cooked dinners are served. In front there is a sitting area and outside are some seats. Last but not least: the Jacuzzi on the aft deck.

Bicycles/E-bikes:
The bicycles on board are unisex city bicycles of the brand Batavus Dinsdag with normal mount (ladies model), easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, handbrakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and a pannier bag.
The e-bike is Velo de Vile with Nexus 7 gears, 5 support levels and hand breaks only, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag (or a comparable brand/model). E-Bikes limited available, on request and at an additional charge.

Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child saddles (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers. Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles

The premium ship Magnifique II was constructed in 2015/2016. The proud owner, Walter van Berkum, is one of the most experienced ship builders and operators of the fleet: he converted several former cargo ships into beautiful passenger ships. By constructing the Magnifique II, Walter was the first one to introduce “upper deck suites” for smaller passenger barges. The Magnifique II has set new standards for comfort for bike and barge tours. The vessel sails under Dutch flag and management and is a very popular ship on several tours in The Netherlands and Belgium.

Description of the cabins
The upper deck has four spacious suites (14 m² – 151 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds, a small sitting area and large panoramic windows, of which the middle part can be opened. The lower deck has thirteen cabins: one premium twin cabin (13 m² – 140 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and a small sitting area and twelve beautiful twin cabins (11 m² – 118 sq.ft.) with 2 separate single beds. In most cabins, on prior request, the beds can be set together as a double bed. On request, an extra bed is available in two twin cabins and one upper deck suite (above one of the other beds).
All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower, toilet and sink. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have 2 m / 6.6 ft. wide windows (which can be partly opened) and the air conditioning in all cabins can be individually regulated. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a flat screen satellite TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.

Description of the ship
The upper deck has a large, tastefully furnished and spacious salon with a restaurant area, a beautiful bar and a lounge area  with cozy sitting area, a wide screen TV and large panoramic windows. Wi-Fi is available. The Magnifique II has a beautiful, partly covered teak wooden sun deck with chairs and tables on the aft deck and a cycle storage on the front deck. On the top deck, the barge has a whirlpool/Jacuzzi and some deckchairs to relax while you enjoy the scenery when cruising.

Facts about the ship
Length:            63 m (207 ft.)
Width:             7.2 m (24 ft.)
Crew:              5
Cabins:           17
Pass:              37 (max.)

Description

Magnifique II

This younger sister of the Magnifique, the Magnifique II, was built in 2015-2016 and offers a wonderful stay to a maximum of 34 guests. All of the 13 cabins on the lower deck and 4 suites on the upper deck are very comfortable: excellent beds and a private bathroom, as well as air conditioning, satellite TV, and a wardrobe with a mini-safe. In the tastefully furnished salon on the upper deck, the bar is a real eye catcher. On one side you’ll find the restaurant area and on the other there is the lounge. The captain and his crew will take good care of you!

Bicycles/E-bikes:
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex hybrid bicycles of the brand Velo de Ville with normal mount (ladies model), easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, handbrake and/or pedal brake, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and a pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons.
The e-bike is Velo de Vile with Nexus 7 gears, 5 support levels and hand breaks only, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag (or a comparable brand/model). E-Bikes limited available, on request and at an additional charge.

Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child saddles (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers.

After the overwhelming success of the premium ships Magnifique and the Magnifique II (launched in 2016), we can proudly present the new premium ship Magnifique III. The proud owner, Walter van Berkum, one of the most experienced ship builders and operators of the fleet, already converted several former cargo ships into beautiful passenger barges. The Magnifique III meets the highest standards for comfort for bike and barge tours. The vessel sails under Dutch flag and management on several tours in The Netherlands and Belgium.

Description of the cabins
The upper deck has five spacious suites (16 m² –  172 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds, a small sitting area and a “French Balcony”: ceiling-to-floor sliding glass doors. The lower deck has fourteen beautiful twin cabins (12 m² – 129 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and two single cabins (9 m² – 97 sq.ft.). In most cabins and all suites, on prior request, the beds can be set together as a double bed. On request, an additional third bed is available in one of the suites and one of the twin cabins (Pullman bed, above one of the other beds).
All cabins have en-suite facilities with a shower, toilet and basin. The cabins on the lower deck have portholes (fixed for safety reasons), upper deck suites have sliding glass doors that can be partly opened. The air conditioning in all cabins can be individually regulated. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a flat screen satellite TV, a mini safe and a hair dryer.

Description of the ship
The upper deck has a large, tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with cozy sitting corners, a wide screen TV and large panoramic windows. There are also two TV screens (a camera and a navigation system) to see the real-time movement and position of the barge. Wi-Fi is available. Large glass doors open to the beautiful partially roofed teak wood sundeck with chairs and tables on the aft deck. There is a cycle deck on the front deck. On the top deck, the barge has a whirlpool/Jacuzzi and some deckchairs to relax and enjoy the scenery while cruising.

Facts about the ship
Length:             67 m (220 ft.)
Width:              7,2 m (23.6 ft.)
Crew:                5
Cabins:             21
Pass.:                40 (max.)

Description

Magnifique III

After the overwhelming success of the premium ships Magnifique and Magnifique II there is yet another sister: the Magnifique III. She was introduced into our fleet in April 2018. This beautiful ship has 16 lovely cabins on the lower deck, all with two very comfortable beds, an en-suite bathroom, satellite TV, mini-safe and hairdryer. The 5 suites on the mail deck also have a small sitting area and large windows. The restaurant and lounge area are situated around the prominent bar; ideal spots to enjoy life aboard! Let’s not forget about the Jacuzzi and deckchairs on the top deck.

Bicycles/E-bikes:
The bicycles on board are mostly unisex hybrid bicycles of the brand Velo de Ville with normal mount (ladies model), easy-to-handle Shimano 7 gears, handbrakes, gel-saddle (height adjustable), a lock on the frame and a pannier bag. All bikes have 28 inch wheels. Some smaller frames are available on board for smaller persons.
The e-bike is Velo de Vile with Nexus 7 gears, 5 support levels and hand breaks only, a lock on the frame and a pannier bag (or a comparable brand/model). E-Bikes limited available, on request and at an additional charge.

Bike rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes (at no extra cost). However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles. Other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”, tandems, etc.) and child saddles (rear) on these tours are only available after prior request (by booking) and confirmation and in very limited numbers.

General over view of the availability of the departures

01  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

05  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

08  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

12  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

15  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

22  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

26  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

29  June fully booked  ,  Sorry

06  July fully booked  ,  Sorry

13  July departure still open for booking ( Limited )

17  July fully booked  ,  Sorry

20  July departure still open for booking

24  July fully booked  ,  Sorry

31  July departure still open for booking

03  August departure still open for booking

07  August departure still open for booking

10  August departure still open for booking

14  August departure still open for booking

17  August departure still open for booking

21  August departure still open for booking

24  August departure still open for booking

31  August departure still open for booking

07  September fully booked  ,  Sorry

11  September departure still open for booking

14  September departure still open for booking

18  September fully booked  ,  Sorry

21  September departure still open for booking

25  September departure still open for booking

28  September departure still open for booking

02  October departure still open for booking

05  October departure still open for booking

09  October departure still open for booking

12  October departure still open for booking

16  October departure still open for booking

19  October fully booked  ,  Sorry

Its always possible to drop us a mail in order to see dates or other availabilities on other tours.

But there are options for group departures on request as well, Group means maximum 20 Person please drop our Concierge a mail in order to see what are the option.

Note the maximum group size has to be based on the choice of boat see below the cabin numbers

MS.MAGNIFIQUE  <>  35 passengers

MS.MAGNIFIQUE II  <>  37 passengers

MS.MAGNIFIQUE III  <>  40 passengers

The Boat and Bike tours are the best ways to see holland on the best way and experience the details of the live of the friendly Dutch people.