Boat and bike from Amsterdam to Brügge with the MS Magnifique

Guided Premium-Tour from 22.08. to 29.08.2020

After a very difficult season, which demanded a lot from us at Rückenwind Reisen and also from our customers regarding cancellations and rebookings, I have decided to make a trip again. I was convinced by the Corona safety concept on the MS Magnifique, which I watched on video in advanced. It would be my first bike and boat trip and I was really excited if I would like this kind of travelform.

I am really happy to document my experiences! The only point is that the route had to be adjusted a little, as Antwerp was currently not allowed to be approached, but this did not affect the trip.

Anke Tammen

+49 (0)441 485 97 15

anke.tammen@rueckenwind.de

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Itinerary

Day 1: Amsterdam – Vianen (NL)We start this tour in Amsterdam, where the tour guides Arie and Jens welcome us on the MS Magnifique at 1 p.m. The ship belongs to the Magnifique fleet, which covers the premium sector in the bicycle and ship sector. If you want to make a luxury boat and bike trip all the Magnfiqiue vessels are really high standard. A complete renovated ship with elegant and modern design awaits you, which offers a relaxed feel-good atmosphere. The currently necessary Corona requirements are being implemented optimally. Marked one-way roads, markings for distance and disinfection stations were clearly visibly attached and immediately you get a warm feeling and sence of responsibility.

After the cabins have been corvered (16 at max. 35 guests) who are comfortable, amazingly spacious and well equipped, the crew introduces themselves with a welcome drink and explains the boarding rules and procedures. For the meal time for breakfast and dinner, the guests are devided into two groups according to the distance specifications. There will be no usual buffets, but service at the table.

At 2 p.m. the boat departs and we glide past magnificent coutry houses and along gentle, green landscapes. Meanwhile, the rain has turned into sunshine and the good mood is visible to all guests. After arriving in Vianen, we try our bikes and take a small round trip through the small village located at the small river Lek. We get a first impression of Dutch architecture and the lovingly maintained houses.

Our first dinner is served and we are delighted by the cooking skills of our New Zealand chef Russel. The 3-course menu surpasses all our expectations and increases the anticipation of further culinary delights.

Day 2: Vianen (NL) – Schoonhoven – Kinderdijk – Dordrecht (NL)After a delicious breakfast we pack our lunch packages and we go on the first bike tour. Along the Vecht we cycle a beautiful route on flat paths and see impressive country houses. Pure idyll and soon we reach the old silver city of Schoonhoven; a city in which since the 17th in the 19th century many talented silversmiths were established. Here we take a break and walk through the picturesque town.

Later we follow the Lek, then cross the Alblasserwaard Polder and reach Kinderdijk, certainly the highlight of the day. Kinderdijk is famous for the impressive 19 windmills in a row and is an UNESCO World Heritage site. We take the last route with the "Waterbus" in approx. 10 minutes we drive from Alblasserdam (near Kinderdijk) to our destination Dordrecht, one of the oldest cities in Holland. The MS Magnifique awaits us and after dinner we take an interesting city tour through Dordrecht. Maritime flair and an extensive old town characterize the image of one of the most beautiful places in Holland.

Day 3: Dordrecht (NL) – Tholen – Bergen op Zoom (NL) (instead of Antwerp, which was not allowed to start due to Corona)

During breakfast, the boat goes from Dordrecht through the Rhine-Maas-Delat with its enchanting water landscapes to Willemstad, where we take a short bike tour through the delightful place and then set off for the next bike tour. The day is sunny and we cycle through the province of Zeeland to de Heen, which is already located in the province of North Brabant. Here we take our lunch break and watch the ships and boats on the water. The route leads us to Tholen, once an island in the middle of the great river of the province Zeeland, which was often flooded. Today Tholen is connected to the mainland, but still a picturesque town. In the afternoon we are back on board and the Magnifique takes us to Bergen op Zoom.

Day 4: Bergen op Zoom (NL)
Because we are not allowed to land in Antwerp or cycle in the area due to Corona, we have landed in Bergen op Zoom. The picturesque town is located on the "Binnenschelde" and we start the day with a guided sightseeing tour. We admire the listed facades, many small shops, which have a nice atmosphere with flowers and learn to lot about the city´s history. Afterwards we relay on the boat and start today´s cycling tour through a large nature reserve with pronounced health and dune landscapes in the afternoon.

Day 5: Bergen op Zoom (NL) – Dendermonde (BE)
The Magnifique starts early in the morning towards Dendermonde. We enjoy the gentle slope and the idyllic scenery. At noon we go by bike to our daily cycling tour. Even though the weather is covered and a strong wind is blowing, it is a lot of fun to cycle in the group. We often take a photo break or treat ourselves to coffee and cake. In the late afternoon we reach the former clothmaking city of Dendermonde in the Belgian province the East Flanders. The city is located in the mouth of Dender and Shelde and here again we see a well-preserved old town centre. After a short tour we look forward to our ship, which has landed at a distance of 5 km.

Tag 6: Dendermonde (BE) – Gent (BE)

Today we are lucky again: bright sunshine accompanies us on our way through flower-decorated villages and past flowering bogania fields. At noon we reach the village of Laare where we take a long lunch break and try the famous Belgian fries. We make one more stop at the majestic castle and then we are already in Gent. A ctiy walk and a guided canal trip explain a lot about the lively university town, which have wonderful medieval charm.

Day 7: Gent (BE) – Brügge (BE)

Today we cycle through the enchanting Flemish landscape of West Flanders to Bruges. Forests alternating with extensive pasture landscapes make our last bike tour one of the many highlights of this trip. Bruges, also called the "Venice of the North", attracts more than two million visitors every year, who cannot escape the flair of this cultural city. The atmosphere of this unique and unforgettably beautiful city awakens the desire to come back here again to take a look at the city at their leisure.

Day 8: Bruges - Disembarkation and return trip
We enjoy our last breakfast on board and say good bye to the crew with a champagne. It was a fanstastic journey and it was really sadness that is is already over.

Thanks a lot to the crew and the tour guides, who have prepared us a wonderful week.

Conclusion MS Magnifique:

Part of the premium - Magnifique - Fleet: comfortable and tasteful atmosphere
Excellent cuisine (delicious, fresh breakfast at the table with plenty of choise, packed lunches for the bike trips, 3-course dinners of the extra class, water and coffee specialities always available free of charge)
Extremely helpful and friendly crew and tour guide

Conclusion cycling trip:

Very well prepared route, usually with a choice between short or longer routes
Good tour guides with a lot of knowledge of the region and local tips
very good bike paths, almost away from traffic. Also easy to cycle individually guidance
perfect match of places, cities and interesting points
TOP - rental bikes, new and well maintained

Conclusion overall:

Beautiful route with a first class ship and best service: absolutely recommended!