Bike Tour: Netherlands & Belgium: Boat & Bike Amsterdam – Bruges Premium - 8 days

La Mar (former Fiep)
In 2000, the La Mar (former Fiep) was converted from a cargo ship into a modern and spacious passenger ship, especially for boat and bike tours in the Netherlands and Belgium. In the winter of 2012/2013 the ship has been completely renovated and since then is operating for Boat Bike Tours.Description of the cabins:
The Fiep has twelve comfortable guest cabins, situated on the lower deck. Ten twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and two twin cabins (8 m² – 86 sq.ft.) with two split level beds. These twins can also be used as singles by folding up the split level bed. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. Windows can be opened and the cabins have central heating and air-conditioning. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.

Description of the cabins
The La Mar has twelve comfortable guest cabins, situated on the lower deck. Ten twin cabins (10 m² – 108 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and two twin cabins (8 m² – 86 sq.ft.) with two split level beds. These twins can also be used as singles by folding up the split level bed. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. Windows can be opened and the cabins have central heating and air-conditioning. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.

Description of the ship:
On the upper deck, there is the air-conditioned lounge, a spacious sitting area with wide screen TV, a cozy bar and a large sundeck. Wi-Fi is available. The sundeck is the ideal place to drink a cup of coffee or an aperitif and to enjoy the scenery while cruising.  The meals of excellent quality are served in the air-conditioned dining room, located on the lower deck.

Facts about the ship
Length: 45 m (148 ft.)
Width: 6,5 m (21 ft.)
Crew: 4
Cabins: 12
Pass: 24 (max.)

Zwaantje
The Zwaantje (little Swan) is a new built passenger barge. Since September 2014, the „Zwaantje“ has new owners and operators: Martijn van Tatenhove and Marjorie Kersten, who have experience as operators of a passenger barge for many years. Martijn is your captain on board; he grew up in a family in the hotel and restaurant business and is also a licensed chef. Marjorie graduated in Tourism at the Breda High School and has been working in public relations. The sympathetic and very motivated couple have restyled the interior of the “Zwaantje” in winter 2014-2015 and have created a warm and cozy atmosphere. The Zwaantje sails under Dutch flag and management and is a very popular small river barge on several tours in The Netherlands, Belgium and France.

Description of the cabins:
On the lower deck, the Zwaantje has twelve comfortable guest cabins. Ten twins (7 m² – 75 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds and two doubles (6 m² – 65 sq.ft.) with one double bed. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have ventilation, central heating, air-conditioning and a window; the windows in the doubles can be opened, the windows in the twins are fixed for safety reasons. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.

Description of the ship:
On the upper deck you will find the nice and cozy salon with heating, air conditioning, large panoramic windows, a restaurant area, lounge corner and a small bar. Wi-Fi is available. The Zwaantje also has a very spacious sun deck with chairs and tables where you can relax, enjoy the scenery while sailing or join the skipper in the wheel house.

Facts about the ship
Length:         40 m (131 ft.)
Width:          5,6 m (18 ft.)
Crew:           4
Cabins:         12
Pass.:           24 (max.)

Premiumship Magnifique I
The new premium barge Magnifique I will join our fleet in 2024. In recent years, experienced ship builder, barge owner and operator Walter van Berkum constructed the barges Magnifique II, III and IV. His newest project is to extend and restyle an existing passenger barge. A new section of 12 meters (almost 40 ft.) will be placed in the ship, making it 57 meters (187 ft.) long and 6.6 meters wide. This size allows the barge to navigate on smaller waterways, and  often moor in the center of towns and cities. The barge will sail under Dutch flag and management on several tours in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

Description of the cabins
The Magnifique I will have a capacity of max. 32 guests in 16 cabins. Twelve twin cabins (approx. 11 m²) with two single beds; four junior suites (approx. 15 m²) have two single beds set next to each other as a hotel style bed.
All beautifully decorated cabins are on lower deck and have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, a mini-safe and a hair-dryer; the windows can not be opened for security reasons.

Description of the ship
The upper deck has a tastefully furnished salon with a restaurant area, a nice bar and a lounge area with sitting corners, air-conditioning, TV and large panoramic windows. Wi-Fi is available. Large glass doors open to the beautiful partially roofed teak wood sundeck with chairs and tables between the salon and the wheelhouse. Bicycles are stored on the front deck.

Facts about the ship
Length:            57 m (187 ft.)
Width:             6.6 m (21.6 ft.)
Crew:              5
Cabins:           16
Pass:              32 (max.)


Premiumship Magnifique II
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 for children up to age 16 (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 air conditioning, 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. In winter ’23/’24, the restaurant and lounge area of the ship will get a makeover with new flooring, furniture and decoration.

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

Premiumship Magnifique III
Our premium ship Magnifique III was launched in 2018. 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 (approx. 7 – 9 m² / 75.3 – 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 for children up to age 16 (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.)

Premiumship Magnifique IV
Following the overwhelming success of our premium barges Magnifique, Magnifique II (2016), and Magnifique III (2018), we are proud to announce the new sister for the family: the Magnifique IV (2020). Master shipbuilder Walter van Berkum is one of the most experienced operators of our fleet, having already converted several former cargo ships into luxury passenger barges. As the proud owner of the Magnifique IV, he is dedicated to ensuring this beautiful ship meets the highest standards of quality and comfort for our bike and barge tours.
The Magnifique IV will sail under the Dutch flag and host several tours in the Netherlands and Belgium. Accommodating no more than 36 passengers plus crew, the vessel is designed to create a welcoming atmosphere and personal experience for everyone on board.

Description of the cabins
In addition to the bar and lounge area, the upper deck houses 10 generous suites, while the lower deck houses eight twin cabins and the dining room. The spacious suites, each measuring 16 m² (172 ft²), have two separate beds, set next to each other as a hotel style bed (200 x 160 cm – 78 x 62 inches), a cozy sitting area, and a large sliding window.The twin cabins below deck, measuring 12 m² (129 ft²) feature two single beds and fixed portholes. All cabins have their own private bathroom with shower, basin and toilet; as well as individually-regulated air-conditioning, flat screen satellite TV, mini safe and hair dryer.

Description of the ship
The Magnifique IV’s upper deck features a spacious and tastefully-decorated salon with air conditioning, a bar and lounge area. Here you will find large panoramic windows, a widescreen TV, and information screens displaying the barge’s real-time location. Wi-Fi is also available. The comfortable and inviting restaurant is separated from the kitchen by a glass wall, so you can see our talented chefs in action. Large glass doors open onto a beautiful partially-covered teak sundeck, furnished with tables and chairs. The front deck has space to accommodate bicycles, while the top deck boasts a hot tub and deckchairs, from which you can enjoy the scenery.The Magnifique IV in numbers
Ship length:        67 m (220 ft)
Ship width:         7.2 m (23.6 ft)
Ship height:        5.9 m (19.4 ft)
Ship depth:        1.5 m (4.9 ft)
Cabins:               18
Passengers:        36 guests (plus crew)
Launch date:      Spring 2020

Boutiqueship Fleur
The Fleur started cruising in 2002. This small, yet very tasteful passenger barge with its sleek lines was built to fit the smaller locks and canals in France and has been cruising the French waters ever since. In 2018 Steffie Kranz and Evert Jan Muurling, took over ownership. Steffie and Evert Jan have been in the business for more than 20 years. These years of experience and commitment are reflected in every detail and guarantee that your vacation will be a pleasant one. Since 2022 27 solar panels on the roof provide a part of the daily used power for all appliances.

Description of the cabins
On the lower deck, the Fleur has ten comfortable guest cabins (9 m² – 97 sq.ft.) with two separate single beds. Each cabin has a private shower, toilet and basin, central heating and air-conditioning; windows are fixed for safety reasons. Furthermore, in each cabin you will find a mini safe and hair dryer.

Description of the ship
On the upper deck, there is a lounge with large windows, a roomy sitting area, a dining area, a cozy bar, central heating and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is available. On the upper deck you will also find the half-covered sun deck, which is the ideal place to drink a cup of coffee or an aperitif and to enjoy the scenery while cruising.

Facts about the ship
Length:     38.7 m (126 ft.)
Width:       5 m (17 ft.)
Crew:        4
Cabins:     10
Pass.:        20 (max.)

If you have special dietary wishes (vegetarian meals, lactose intolerance or gluten-free diet), then please indicate this when you book your tour. Vegetarian meals are always available, but we need to know in advance; in all other cases we will check the possibilities for the tour of your choice. In some cases, a small fee for preparing special meals will be charged. This mainly applies to lactose or gluten-free meals.

Unfortunately, we cannot offer vegan meals. This is because the kitchens in our ships are not large enough to guarantee that the food can be prepared completely vegan. The available space on board is limited, so the chefs cannot store the necessary tools and supplies to prepare vegan food.

Included in this tour:

• 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 (2 tour leaders, 2 groups)
• Some short walking tours
• BBT cycling map (1 per cabin)
• GPS tracks
• Use of a helmet
• Use of a waterproof pannier bag
• Biodegradable water bottle
• Fees for ferries
• Entrance Red Star Line Museum in Antwerp
• Tasting Belgium products
• Canal trip through Ghent
• Wi-Fi
• Carbon offset payment to the non-profit organization Justdiggit

Excluded in this tour:

• 1x dinner (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
• SGR Insolvency protection

2024:

Bicycles: La Mar (Fiep) , Lena Maria / Magnifique II, III & IV

The bicycles on board is a unisex city bike with a low-entry and a riding position that is upright and comfortable. The bike is handmade in the Netherlands by Azor, specially designed by Boat Bike Tours. The bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame and is equipped with responsive roller brakes (handbrake), a Shimano 7 speed nexus drive, Selle-Royal gel saddle (adjustable), an easy to use lock (fixed on frame) and the Schwalbe Marathon anti-puncture tyre. This all results in a lightweight, stable and reliable bike, good for many miles on the saddle.
The E-bike is an Azor Steps with Nexus 7 gears and hand brakes. The crank Shimano motor (400 WH) offers 4 support levels, The E-bikes have a comfortable gel saddle and a lock on the frame (or a comparable brand/model).
Bicycle rent is optional. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles/e-bikes (limited number of parking places available). Guests can book a parking place for a normal bicycle or a parking and charge station for an e-bike for a small additional fee. For safety reasons it is no longer possible to charge the batteries of your own e-bikes in the cabin. The crew will inform you where on deck/ on board you can recharge your battery. However, the crew or tour operators are in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of guests own bicycles or e-bikes.
Prices of other bikes (e.g. children’s bikes, “slip streamers”/tag-a-long, tandem bicycles etc. and child’s saddles (rear) are on request.
 

Zwaantje

Our bikes are modern unisex bikes with 21 gears, an easy and low entry, two handbrakes, a lock and pannier bag.
The E-Bike has hand breaks only, 3 gears and support levels, a lock and pannier bag. (limited available, only on request).
Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike, due to a lack of space on deck.

Rental bicycle Premium: € 96,00 per week (optional)
Rental E-Bike Premium: € 232,00 (only a limited number of electrical bikes available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking own bicycle: €10 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Parking + charge station own E-Bike: €25 per week (only a limited number of parking places available: pref. reservation by booking)
Zwaantje: Parking own bicycle/E-Bike: it is not possible to bring your own bicycle/E-Bike on this ship, due to a lack of space on deck.

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.omio.com or www.trainline.com.It's possible to purchase an optional limitation of liability for damage and loss of your rented bicycle or e-bike: 
Limitation of liability (damage) rental bicycle € 10/tour
Limitation of liability (damage) rental e-bike € 25/tour

This package includes:

• In case of theft of a properly locked bicycle, you are not liable for the loss/cost of the stolen bicycle, as long as you can present the original key of the lock as proof;
• In case of a breakdown, technical failure or flat tire during your tour – but only after you have called and spoken to your tour leader – you can arrange the repair at a local bicycle shop (fietsenmaker). After presenting the receipt, repair costs will be reimbursed;
• In case of damage, no cost for repair will be charged, except when this is a result of your own deliberate or neglectful acting;
• When – as a result of a breakdown, technical failure or damage during your cycling tour – you cannot continue your cycling tour with this bicycle, and after you have spoken with your tour leader, you can safely store and lock the bicycle and travel to your ship by public transportation (if not available: by taxi). After arrival on board travel costs will be reimbursed;
• If necessary and applicable, you can use another bicycle/e-bike for the remaining days of the tour at no extra costs.

**: These arrangements solely apply to and are valid for bicycles and E-bikes that have been rented from Boat Bike Tours. For tours, for which Boat Bike Tours is not the organizing tour operator (but the intermediary), and another partner company is the organizing tour operator, other arrangements may apply.

Please note: For safety reasons, it is not allowed to use the rental (e-) bikes for self-arranged rides in Amsterdam: in these cases, the limitation of liability does not apply.

Almost all of the rental bicycles are traditional touring bicycles (women’s models) with 7 or 8 gears, hand brakes (some with pedal brake) and pannier bags.  E-bikes feature a small electric engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling, but they do not feature autonomous propulsion. It is like having a tailwind, so it is easier, but you still have to pedal.
Please note: all bicycles have normal pedals, no click pedals. So please wear ordinary sporting shoes. Changing pedals is not possible.

Prices for other rental bicycles, like children’s bikes, tandems, trailer bikes (slip streamers), children’s seats, and bike trailers are available on request. Guests are also allowed to bring their own bicycles or E-bikes, please let us know so we can reserve a space on board for you. 
However, the crew or tour operator is in no way responsible for any damage, loss or theft of such bicycles.

Parking in Amsterdam (valet parking): prices and pre-booking on request.
Embarking on a boat bike tour means leaving your worries behind. If you’re arriving for one of our tours by car then you can start your carefree experience immediately thanks to the CentralParking valet service.
With this parking service, you can drive directly to your ship’s departure dock. Arrange a drop-off time in advance and a CentralParking valet driver will be waiting to help you with your luggage. Your valet will then drive your car to a secure garage where it will be parked under 24/7 camera surveillance.
Set a pick-up time with CentralParking for your return and your car will be ready and waiting for you when the ship arrives, so you can set out on the road immediately.