Current as of: May 10, 2024 - 14:36

Cycling from Bruges to Amsterdam

Cycling from Bruges to Amsterdam Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
  • Destination: Belgium, The Netherlands
  • Programmes: Cycling
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

  • 8 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 12+
  • Trip Code: C07BA

Trip Overview

Starting in the historic centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 with a plethora of landmarks, museums and historical sights, the city has a fairytale atmosphere with its cobbled streets and squares, canals on which you can take boat trips past the traditional houses as well as its medieval architecture. Bruges is also world-famous for its lace production.

In the province of Zeeland, the beautiful sandy beaches invite you to sunbathe. In Holland, historic fortified towns provide an incomparable atmosphere and the windmills of the Kinderdijk are a must-see when visiting the region. Your week ends in Amsterdam, the famous metropolis with its canals, museums and many boutiques for shopping fans.

In between, lush green landscapes with grazing cows, extensive forests and lots of water await you. You will also see national parks and picturesque villages as well as impressive buildings and monuments, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The tour from Bruges to Amsterdam is also a culinary journey, with Flemish delicacies, Belgian beer, cheese and syrupy waffles from Gouda as well as plenty of fresh seafood. Everything your heart desires!

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic cities of Bruges, Gouda & Amsterdam
  • Follow the enchanting coastline of West Flanders, relaxing on the beaches of Zeeland
  • Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian waffles (gaufres), mussels (moules), triple-fried frites, chocolates and a huge array of beers

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

  • Start City: Bruges
  • End City: Amsterdam

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Bruges

Arrive early and head for the enchanting cobbled streets and squares, canals, medieval-looking buildings and its charming ambiance.

Overnight Dukes Hotel Academie 4*, Bruges.

Day 2
Bruges to Vlissingen

From Bruges, you will start cycling through the beautiful landscape of West Flanders. At Knokke-Heist you will reach the coast and follow it for a while. Again and again, vast sandy beaches will tempt you to take a dip in the cool water. At the end of the day, a ferry will take you to Zeeland. The maritime town of Vlissingen is your overnight stop. Here, you can watch the sun set during an evening stroll along the sea promenade.

Overnight Hotel de Timmerfabiek 4*, Vlissingen.

Distance covered: 40mi (65km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Vlissingen to Zierikzee

You will spend the day in the province of Zeeland, whose rich nature and long history will amaze you. Beautiful beaches with crystal clear water often accompany you along the route. Culinary delights include fresh mussels and crabs from the sea, and those interested in art and culture will find numerous museums. In Zierikzee, there are over 500 monuments to marvel at and shopping fans will find numerous small boutiques.

Overnight Boutique Hotel Zeeuws-Meisje 3*, Zierikzee.

Distance covered: 31mi (50km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4
Zierikzee to Willemstad

The first stretch of today’s tour takes you through Zeeland again before you cross over to the province of North Brabant. There will be no shortage of opportunities for swimming stops today, and you will find beaches, sun and delicious food around every corner. Willemstad is your next overnight stop. The historic fortress town has hardly changed since 1585.

Overnight Hotel Mauritz 3*, Willemstad.

Distance covered: 34mi (55km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Willemstad to Dordrecht

Today’s stage takes you to De Biesbosch National Park; a unique labyrinth of small rivers and streams stretching over 8,000 hectares. In this water kingdom, you can observe numerous bird species as well as beavers. The tranquillity of the untouched nature guarantees deceleration. Contrast this with the hustle and bustle of Dordrecht: In Holland’s oldest city, there are over 1,000 monuments to marvel at, and there is always something going on in the picturesque alleys of the city centre.

Overnight Stadshotel Steegoversloot 3*, Dordrecht.

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Dordrecht to Gouda

Today you will discover the impressive windmills of Kinderdijk. These 19 buildings are among the most photographed motifs in Holland. In the three museum windmills, you can learn all kinds of interesting facts about their origins. Situated between historic drawbridges and picturesque streams, you will also be impressed by the water-rich nature. The stage destination Gouda is not only known for its delicious cheese – you should also try the syrup waffles here. There are many historic buildings to visit in the city centre.

Overnight Best Western Plus City 4*, Gouda.

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7
Gouda to Amsterdam

On your last cycling stage, you will roam through the green heart of the Netherlands. In this vast natural area, alternating between towns and picturesque villages, you will find everything that is so typical of Holland: cheese, windmills, grazing cows, historic country estates and quaint farms where old craftsmanship still prevails. The destination of your cycle tour is Amsterdam. It is impossible to fully explore the Dutch metropolis in one evening.

Overnight Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam.

Distance covered: 44mi (70km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, wave goodbye to Amsterdam.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Dukes Hotel Academie 4*, Bruges

Located in a picturesque and quiet area near Bruges’ Lake of Love, the Beguinage and local brewery “Halve Maan”. The hotel has an intimate bar with terrace, a private underground parking and gym. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage in the spa area. The buffet breakfast, as lavish as the Flemish hospitality, is served in the beautiful breakfast room with authentic vaulted ceiling.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Hotel de Timmerfabriek 4*, Vlissingen

A listed building from 1914, this charming building has transformed into a luxury 4* hotel with a restaurant, bar and terrace. From the Timmerfabriek, you can walk to the centre of Vlissingen in just under five minutes; it’s also just 2km from the beach.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Boutique Hotel Zeeuws-Meisje 4*, Zierikzee

Located on the edge of the harbour, this lovely hotel offers 12 comfortable rooms with classic decor. Guests can enjoy the onsite Tafelen bij Zeeuws-Meisje Restaurant.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Hotel Mauritz 3*, Willemstad

Located in the historic centre of Willemstad, the hotel has 15 luxury double rooms spread over 2 locations. Guests can enjoy the Grand Cafe & Restaurant, a wonderful setting to enjoy breakfast and dinner.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Stadshotel Steegoversloot 3*, Dordrecht

This charming hotel offers 12 rooms in the heart of historic Dordrecht. The nearby ‘Christa’s’ bakery provides freshly baked good each day.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Best Western City Plus 4*, Gouda

Located just 600m from the Markt, and next to the Gouwe River, this modern hotel offers 101 sound-proofed rooms all decorated with a warm, stylish colour palate. Each floor has its own colour – red for the City Arms and the flag of Gouda; yellow for the colour of the famous Gouda cheese and blue for the city’s waterways, bridges and locks. Each room has its own name and a photograph referring to a special landmark in Gouda. The hotel has a Bistro-Bar where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Westcord Fashion Hotel 4*, Amsterdam

Less than 5km from the Old Town, this lovely hotel offers trendy and well-appointed rooms. Guests can enjoy the Wellcome Wellness centre which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Grand Cafe serves all-day dining. You can also visit the restaurant Mme Coco for a delicious culinary evening. The chic SKYY Bar offers panoramic city views and serves a range of wines and exotic cocktails, as well as a 5 course dinner at the chef’s table.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

What To Take

Practical Information

Visa

Belgium

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Belgium. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

The Netherlands

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Belgium

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

The Netherlands

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Belgium's time zone: Europe/Brussels (UTC +02:00)

The Netherlands's time zone: Europe/Amsterdam (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Belgium's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and E (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

The Netherlands's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Cycling from Bruges to Amsterdam

Money

Belgium's currency: Euro (EUR)

The Netherlands's currency: Euro (EUR)

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here