Itinerary

With Bike & Barge from Rotterdam to the Province of Zeeland

8 days / 7 nights | MS Normandie | Self-guided cycling tours

The province of Zeeland, also referred to as the „Land in the Sea“is located in the west of the Netherlands and mostly consists of islands and peninsulas. The Eastern and Western Scheldt estuaries reach far inland, thus making Zeeland a paradise for flora and fauna. Cycle with us from the energetic city of Rotterdam – the city stands for easy and relaxed togetherness like no other city in the Netherlands – to the province of Zeeland. Discover the historic towns of Zierikzee and Middelburg and the Delta Works, Holland’s most impressive storm surge barriers. Sample delicious mussels, oysters and Eastern Scheldt Lobster. You should not miss out on a stop in one of the numerous fish restaurants!

Highlights of this bike and boat trip

✔ Marvellous beaches and loving bath resorts

✔ The energetic city of Rotterdam

✔ Historical towns as Zierikzee and Middelburg

✔ The Delta Works, the impressive storm barrier

Day 1: Arrival in Rotterdam, Boat Tour Rotterdam – Dordrecht

Individual arrival in Rotterdam. Embarkation at about 4 p.m. You may have  some time left to see Rotterdam’s stunning Market Hall. The Dutch refer to it as their version of the “Sistine Chapel“. At 6 p.m. sail to Holland’s oldest town, Dordrecht, impressively located on an island between three wide rivers.

Day 2: Dordrecht – Willemstad | Willemstad – Hellevoetsluis (Cycling 45 km / 28 miles)

In the morning, set sail for Willemstad, a small fortified town dating from the 17th-18th century, which is well worth visiting. Here start for your first cycle tour. Cross the inland waters of Haringvliet over the Volkerakdam, and cycle through fields and past storybook villages like Zwartsluis and Goudswaard to the popular water sports center of Hellevoetsluis.

Day 3: Hellevoetsluis – Bruinisse (Cycling 45 km / 28 miles)

With fine weather, it is worth to take a detour to the bathing beach of Rockanje, a wide fine-sandy beach with marvelous dunes, before starting the bike tour. Crossing the Haringvliet again, you pass through small villages like Stellendam with the mill Korenlust, the small water sport village of Herkingen and, continuing along the Grevelingendam, you reach the mussel village of Bruinisse.

Day 4: Bruinisse – Veere (Cycling 46 km / 27 miles)

Today you can visit the “Watersnoodmuesum” during your bike tour. Here you will learn all about the great flood disaster of 1953 and the “drowned” village of Viane, which was flooded and never rebuilt. Continue towards Zierikzee, which is among the 10 most beautiful Dutch national heritage towns. The „fat tower“ rises high above the town. The top of the tower offers marvellous views over the town, the harbour and the island. Continue your tour crossing the Zeelandbrug – an impressive structure 5 km long, built on 54 piers – to your destination of the day – the harbour town of Veere. Where once richly laden ships from Scotland docked, today impressive yachts are moored.

Day 5:  Veere – Neeltje Jans – Veere (Cycling Round Trip 35–55 km / 22–34 miles)

Today you can choose between three different routes, for example the former working island Neeltje Jans, which was created by rising a sand flat to facilitate the construction of the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier, the most impressive construction of the Delta Works. You will have the possibility not only to marvel at the locks from up close but also from the inside. The adjacent amusement park “Deltapark” gives an insight into the life of sea lions and the underwater world of the Oosterschelde (optional).

Day 6: Round Trip Veere / Bout tour Veere – Dordrecht (Cycling approx. 40 km / 25 miles)

The first stop on your cycling tour is Middelburg, the capital of Zeeland. The city looks back on a rich past and was once the most important city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. Numerous stores and cafés invite you to visit. During a city tour (optional) you will have the opportunity to learn all kinds of interesting facts about the charming city. The tour continues through the picturesque, typically Dutch landscape on the Walcheren peninsula. Wide beaches, forests and dunes await you. Nowhere in the Netherlands the sun shine as often and as long as here.

Day 7: Dordrecht – Rotterdam (Cycling approx. 40 km / 25 miles)

On your last stretch, explore the best-known windmills in the Netherlands at Kinderdijk. The 19 windmills, which date back to the 18th century, are beautifully preserved and are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The windmills are well worth a visit! Follow the route along the Maas River up to Rotterdam, one of the largest ports in the world.

Day 8: Departure from Rotterdam

Disembarkation until 09:00am and individual home journey home.

Good to know

  • On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter cycling route. Please note that on the shorter routes you may not be able to visit all the highlights mentioned.
  • If you prefer not to cycle on a particular day, you’re welcome to stay on board and relax while the ship cruises to the next landing place.
  • The tour itinerary and route are subject to possible changes due to nautical, technical or meteorological reasons, or other unforeseen events.
  • Cycle Tours: Individual and self-guided. Daily distances range from 25 – 58 km. All indicated distances are approximate and refer to the recommended cycling tours.
  • Cycle Sections/ Level of Difficulty: Due to its numerous cycle paths, Holland has become a paradise for cyclists. The cycle routes are on flat terrain and are easy to cycle on, strong headwinds possible.
  • Luggage: We recommend quality rain gear, bike helmet, sun hat and trainers
  • Special Dietary Needs: (e.g. lactose-free and gluten-free dietary) possible upon request and for extra charge and must be ordered at least 14 days prior to departure. It might be necessary to bring special dietary products.
  • Travel Documents: EU-citizens (without special situations like dual citizenship, main residence abroad or a limited-validity passport) are required to have a valid passport or ID-card, not expiring within six (6) months of the return of your cruise. We kindly ask non-EU citizens, EU-nationals with multiple citizenship or anybody who has to respect special legal entry requirements for the country to visit, to inform about visa and entry documents at the competent embassy.
  • This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.