Our Bike and Barge Adventure from Amsterdam to Bruges

The morning of the 14th had us up bright and early leaving Utrecht, kids in tow, as we set off for Vianen to find our bike and barge tour — our floating home for the next week. The Fluvius was waiting, along with 35 fellow passengers, ready to take us on an unforgettable bike and barge tour through the Netherlands and Belgium.

Now, let’s be real — none of us are hardcore cyclists. So, when picking a tour, we made sure the routes were mostly flat and opted for E-Bikes. This was a vacation, after all, not a test of endurance! That said, even with the pedal assist, we still felt a little stiff on a few mornings, but that’s all part of the experience, right?

Our 8-day journey would take us from Amsterdam to Bruges, with scenic rides, charming towns, and plenty of well-earned breaks along the way. Here’s how our itinerary shaped up:

🚲 Day 1: Amsterdam → Vianen (boarding)
🚲 Day 2: Vianen → Schoonhoven → Kinderdijk (56 km/34 mi.) → Dordrecht
🚲 Day 3: Dordrecht → Tholen → Kreekrak Lock (20 km/13 mi. or 36 km/23 mi.) → Antwerp
🚲 Day 4: Antwerp → Temse → Dendermonde (48 km/29 mi. or 64 km/39 mi.)
🚲 Day 5: Dendermonde → Ghent (52 km/32 mi.)
🚲 Day 6: Ghent → Bruges (45 km/28 mi.)
🚲 Day 7: Bruges → North Sea Tour (38 km/23 mi. or 51 km/31 mi.)
🚲 Day 8: Bruges (departure)

Aboard the Fluvius: Our Floating Home… Or So We Thought

When we first stepped onto the Fluvius, we were ready for a week of adventure—cycling by day, cruising by night, and settling into the rhythm of bike and barge life. The Fluvius, a long-time favorite among river cruisers, seemed like the perfect base for our journey. With room for 44 guests, the ship felt just the right size—small enough for a friendly, intimate atmosphere but large enough to have all the comforts we needed.

Our twin cabin on the lower deck was compact but well-appointed, with comfortable beds (Ron and I thought we had requested a double bed, however we ended up with two singles), a private bathroom, air conditioning, and just enough storage space to keep our gear organized. The upper deck salon was a great place to grab a drink and chat with fellow travelers, while the restaurant area served up satisfying meals that kept us fueled for the road ahead and then doubled as a spot to play cards and enjoy cocktails in the evenings. And when the sun was shining, the spacious outdoor deck was the perfect spot to relax and watch the world drift by.

The Fluvius had everything we needed for a smooth and comfortable trip—at least, that was the plan. But as we would soon find out, things don’t always go as expected. Sometimes, the journey takes you places you never anticipated, and the time you think you’ll spend in one place… well, let’s just say it doesn’t always work out that way. More on that later….

The Meals, the Crew, and the Guides: The Highlights of Our Time on the Fluvius

While our bike and barge time on the Fluvius didn’t quite go as planned (more on that later), there’s no denying that when we were on board, we were well taken care of. The meals, the staff, and the guides were truly exceptional, and if I had to pick the absolute highlights of our experience, they would be right at the top of the list.

A Meal Worth Looking Forward To

After a long day of cycling, there was nothing better than coming back to the Fluvius for a delicious, well-prepared meal. Each night aboard, we were treated to hearty, satisfying dishes that were clearly made with care. Think fresh, flavorful ingredients, beautifully presented plates, and the perfect balance of comfort food and lighter, healthy options—exactly what you need after hours in the saddle.

Breakfast was always a great start to the day, with fresh-baked bread, cheeses, meats, yogurt, fruit, and plenty of coffee to fuel the ride ahead. Lunch was usually something simple – buns and meats set out buffet style to dress as you wished. But dinner? Dinner was an experience. The multi-course meals were always something to look forward to, from savory soups and fresh salads to perfectly cooked meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, finished off with delightful desserts that we somehow always managed to find room for.

The Crew: Warm, Friendly, and Always Ready to Help

The Fluvius staff were fantastic—warm, welcoming, and always on hand to make sure everything ran smoothly. From the crew members handling logistics to the kitchen staff keeping us well-fed, everyone worked hard to create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere on board. Even when things didn’t go quite as expected (again, we’ll get to that part), their professionalism and kindness made all the difference.

The Guides: Knowledgeable, Organized, and Simply Excellent

Our guides were truly top-notch—the kind of people who not only knew every turn of the route but also had a deep understanding of the history, culture, and hidden gems along the way. They handled everything with expert organization, making sure our group stayed on track while still allowing time to enjoy the journey.

One of the things I appreciated most was their enthusiasm—they clearly loved what they did, and their passion for the Netherlands and Belgium was infectious.

Even When Things Didn’t Go as Planned…

While we didn’t end up spending as much time on the Fluvius as we had expected, when we were there, we were treated to incredible hospitality, amazing food, and top-tier guidance. And in the end, isn’t that what makes a trip truly memorable?

More on what happened next, soon…