By Bike and Boat in Belgium, Starting from Brussels, by Floor van Aemstel

The bike and boat tour in Belgium begins in Vilvoorde, a suburb northeast of Brussels. Embarkation and welcome by the ship's crew begin at 4 p.m. After stowing everything in your cabin, you have the opportunity to take a detour to Brussels.

Your first tour by bike and boat in Belgium takes you to historic Mechelen. More than 300 listed buildings characterise the city centre. The unfinished spire of the cathedral is particularly striking. You cycle through green and gently rolling hills to your destination for the day, Willebroek. Your floating hotel is already waiting for you.

The second stage of your journey by bike and boat in Belgium takes you via the small town of Lier to Antwerp. The port city on the Scheldt is known worldwide as an important center for the processing and trading of diamonds. Leave your bike and stroll across the Groenplaats with its statue of the famous Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. A museum has been dedicated to him in his former home just a few minutes' walk away.

Near the Scheldt, you are on almost flat paths. From Rupelmonde, you follow the River Rupel for a few kilometers. You cross the Sea Canal Brussels-Scheldt and cycle towards the village of Sint Amands. Your boat awaits you here. You have the option of spending the remaining kilometers to Dendermonde on the boat or cycling along the Scheldt Dam - whichever you prefer. The symbol of Dendermonde is the Ros Beiaard. Legend has it that the horse had magical powers.

While your boat sets off for Merelbeke, a suburb of Ghent, after breakfast, you are already on your way by bike. The silhouette of Ghent is already recognizable from afar. Three towers dating back to the Middle Ages characterize the cityscape. Gravensteen Castle, one of the largest moated castles in Europe, and a wealth of medieval buildings in the historic city center are also real eye-catchers.

In the morning, the ship takes you to Lovendegem. You cycle along the Ghent-Oostende Canal through the wide Flemish plain and reach your destination of Bruges. The city center is surrounded by canals and ramparts and, with its many historic buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Grote Markt, which was still accessible by boat in the Middle Ages, stroll through the old Hanseatic quarter and visit the Church of Our Lady.

At the gates of Bruges, you will soon cycle to Damme. In the Uilenspiegelmuseum, you can learn more about the legend of Till Eulenspiegel, whose story is said to be set in this small town. Continue to Groot Ter Doest Abbey and Lissewege, one of the most beautiful villages in Flanders. Once you reach the coast, enjoy the view of the sea, time on the beach and the fresh North Sea wind before returning to Bruges.

After breakfast and disembarkation (by 09:00a.m.), your bike and boat tour in Belgium comes to an end. You will then begin your individual journey home.