What's it really like to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges — and sleep in your luxury floating hotel along the way?
In this episode, we dive into the unforgettable Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge tour, one of Europe's most relaxing active adventures. Pedal flat scenic routes through the Netherlands…What's it really like to cycle from Amsterdam to Bruges — and sleep in your luxury floating hotel along the way?
In this episode, we dive into the unforgettable Amsterdam to Bruges bike and barge tour, one of Europe's most relaxing active adventures. Pedal flat scenic routes through the Netherlands and Belgium, cruise past windmills and riverside villages, and explore iconic cities like Amsterdam, Ghent, and Bruges — all while unpacking just once.
We cover the daily mileage, difficulty level, what life aboard the barge is really like, and who this tour is perfect for (hint: you definitely don't have to be a hardcore cyclist - it's FLAT!!!).
If you love active travel with comfort, culture, and incredible scenery — this one's for you. And if you've been trying to get your partner to join you on an adventure, this is the PERFECT vacation that allows for differing physical abilities and desires - just like with our guest today!
Press play and let's ride through Holland and Belgium. 🚲🛥️
You'll discover:
• What it's really like to live aboard a bike and barge
• How difficult (or easy!) the cycling actually is
• Who this tour is perfect for — and who might want an e-bike
• The highlights of riding through Amsterdam, Antwerp, Ghent, and the fairytale canals of Bruges
• Why boat and bike tours are one of the best ways to experience Europe
If you love active travel but prefer comfort over camping… if you enjoy cultural immersion without exhausting logistics… and if the idea of pedaling flat scenic paths through Holland and Belgium sounds like your kind of adventure — this episode is for you.
By the end, you may just find yourself planning your own Amsterdam to Bruges bike & barge adventure.
Take advantage of an exclusive Active Travel Adventures BoatBikeTours.com discount - email me for the current Boat Bike Tours promo code!
COMPLETE SHOW NOTES See important links for planning your European adventure, photos plus more cool info about today's show.
Get FREE Travel Planners, Checklists and Packing Lists for ATA adventures (plus each month you will get an email from Kit with links to all future Travel Planners (no spam promise!). Get the monthly newsletter here.
CONTACT KIT
Resources
RECOMMENDED TOUR COMPANIES
******* EMAIL ME FOR PROMO DISCOUNT CODES*****
Travel Insurance: Quickly and easily compare rates and policies from different companies - no need to give any identifying information unless you decide to buy! The best way to find the right policy for your adventures.
Saily Affordable eSIM Overseas Mobile Phone Plans - No need to insert a physical SIM card when you travel. Buy just the data you need to avoid expensive roaming charges. Use Promo Code SPECIAL5 to save 5%
High Altitude Travel Insurance: Most insurance policies do NOT cover high altitude adventures. Check out Rise & Shield for your next mega adventure!
Train For Your Adventure Ask Becki at Trailblazer Wellness to customize an at home, online personal training program for your upcoming adventure using whatever equipment you already have! You'll get phone consultations, instruction videos and a plan to give you the best chance of success. Becki offers a FREE initial phone consultation to see if you are a good fit. AND she offers ATA listeners a 10% discount!
Buy Me a Beer Want to support the program? You can always buy me a coffee or beer - thanks!
Tinggly: Give Gift Experiences instead of stuff (plus your loved one gets to choose)! Promo Code ACTIVETRAVEL saves up up to 20%
Amazon Kit's Picks Please use my Amazon link to access your Amazon account. Even if you don't purchase any of my recommendations, I get credit for anything you DO purchase - at no additional cost to you, you'll be helping to support the show and keeping it AD FREE:)
SUBSCRIBE to Active Travel Adventures (fantastic adventure destinations)
Join the Active Travel Adventures Facebook Group
Follow ATA on Instagram
Follow ATA on Pinterest
(C) Active Travel Adventures, LLC - All Rights Reserved
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes switched long stay locations from the Canary Islands to Sicily this week so Onanta will join us from Ortigia, Sicily to give us her first impressions of Sicily. Then we'll keep with a European theme and head to Bruges, Belgium and talk with the founder of…Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes switched long stay locations from the Canary Islands to Sicily this week so Onanta will join us from Ortigia, Sicily to give us her first impressions of Sicily. Then we'll keep with a European theme and head to Bruges, Belgium and talk with the founder of Brugge Tours to find out everything there is to know about spending some time in Bruges. Support the showmore
🎙️ In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, we are sharing the story of a very personal journey—a 2-week family bike trip through Northern France, Belgium and Netherlands. Joined by my wife, who was taking on her first loaded bike tour, and our young daughter, we set out to explore the co…🎙️ In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, we are sharing the story of a very personal journey—a 2-week family bike trip through Northern France, Belgium and Netherlands. Joined by my wife, who was taking on her first loaded bike tour, and our young daughter, we set out to explore the coastal charm, rich culture, and world-class cycling infrastructure of northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Over the course of this episode, we'll walk you through the planning, gear choices, and daily rhythms of traveling as a family by bike. We'll reflect on what it was like to parent on the move, how we kept our child engaged, and how we adjusted our pace to match the needs of the whole crew.
Along the way, we discovered vibrant cities like Bruges, The Hague, Breda, Antwerp and Ghent, stumbled into memorable meals, and met locals who reminded us why bike touring is such a powerful way to connect with the world. Whether you’re planning your first family tour or just curious about what it’s like to ride with a toddler in tow, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and a few laughs from the road.
To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:
Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles
Find me at…
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.
Redshift Sports --> Redshift have focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.
Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been tested in every way imaginable.
Full Cycle Ottawa --> Full Cycle has been a staple in the Ottawa biking community since it opened its doors in 1994. Known for their passion for cycling, the team at Full Cycle isn’t just about selling bikes—they’re also avid riders themselves. They live by the motto "we ride what we sell and sell what we ride,".
BarYak Bikepacking --> BarYak was designed in 2012 to solve the problem of bikepacking bags and systems that interfered with braking and shifting performance. Where will Your BarYak Take You?
The Bert Shoe --> The pre and post activity shoe for bike-packers, hikers and other free spirits. Their shoe soles, crafted from recycled rubber, represent a harmonious blend of sustainability and social responsibility.
Ride With GPS --> Driven by pursuit of a better riding experience, founders Zack Ham and Cullen King set out to redefine the way cyclists create, navigate, and share routes.more
Bruges is a gorgeous Medieval city in Belgium. Besides the centuries old site, we learn about the best eats and drinks from Patrick Verleye, a foodie from Tour in Bruges. He talks about how to find a great chocolate shop, why you should get mayo with your fries, lace cookies, and the best hot chocol…Bruges is a gorgeous Medieval city in Belgium. Besides the centuries old site, we learn about the best eats and drinks from Patrick Verleye, a foodie from Tour in Bruges. He talks about how to find a great chocolate shop, why you should get mayo with your fries, lace cookies, and the best hot chocolate. Plus, lots of Belgian beer talk and several different kinds of waffles! [Ep 352]
Show Notes:
Destination Eat Drink foodie travel guides at Buy Me a Coffee
This is the fourth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be li…This is the fourth part of a monthly, six-episode series celebrating the fact that exactly 40 years ago this year, my family and I spent six months in a striped motorhome travelling around Europe. I was nine years old and yes, this trip had an enormous impact on my life - I'm sure you wouldn't be listening to this podcast today if Van Life 1985 hadn't taken place! Throughout the series, I'll include chats recorded with my Dad this year, extracts from my late Mum's travel diary from 1985, and of course my own memories and thoughts.
In this episode, we move on to spend time in Germany, a country that would become very important in my future life. We bypassed Munich, visited the Black Forest, Baden Baden and Heidelberg, and spent time staying with friends near Frankfurt, where my sister and I especially enjoyed the flying fox play equipment in a local path. Belgium featured very briefly in our trip and we then carried on to the Netherlands, enjoying a cheese market in Alkmaar and a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
A big thanks to Context Travel for sponsoring this series, and an even bigger thanks to my Dad for agreeing to be part of it.
Links:
• Context Travel - https://bit.ly/contexttravel - use the code THOUGHTFULTRAVEL to get 15% off any online booking. Context Travel operate walking tours in cities around the world, and have interesting and qualified subject-matter experts leading your walk
• Listen to Part 1 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 348 - https://notaballerina.com/348
• Listen to Part 2 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 351 - https://notaballerina.com/351
• Listen to Part 3 of Van Life Diaries: Episode 355 - https://notaballerina.com/355
• Join our Facebook group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thoughtfultravellers
• Join our LinkedIn group for Thoughtful Travellers - https://notaballerina.com/linkedin
• Sign up for the Thoughtful Travellers newsletter at Substack - https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com
• Show notes: https://notaballerina.com/359 Support the show: https://thoughtfultravel.substack.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.more
In this episode, my friend Stephanie from @thebackpackingmom and I recount our adventurous trip to Belgium and Amsterdam, highlighting our experiences traveling with kids, managing illness, and exploring beautiful cities like Bruges and Ghent.
Things you'll hear about in this episode:
• Travel…In this episode, my friend Stephanie from @thebackpackingmom and I recount our adventurous trip to Belgium and Amsterdam, highlighting our experiences traveling with kids, managing illness, and exploring beautiful cities like Bruges and Ghent.
Things you'll hear about in this episode:
• Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but flexibility is key.
• Bruges feels like a fairy tale town, perfect for wandering.
• Ghent offers a more medieval vibe compared to Bruges.
• Managing a sick child while traveling requires patience and adaptability.
• Amsterdam is a very walkable city with beautiful sights.
• Booking attractions in advance can save time and hassle.
• Traveling with a friend can make the experience more enjoyable.
• Kids can surprise you with their adaptability while traveling.
• Food is an essential part of the travel experience, especially local treats.
• Every trip has its challenges, but they often lead to the best memories.
• Find yourself a mom friend to travel with! Resources + Links:
Find Stephanie on Instagram at @thebackpackingmom
Blog Post: Belgium, Amsterdam, and Luxembourg 7 Day Itinerary
In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Vincent Nadon discusses his journey and experiences in the world of ultra-distance cycling. Vincent shares how he discovered his passion for cycling during his time in Belgium and how it has evolved over the years. He describes his challenges bala…In this episode of the Bikepack Adventures Podcast, Vincent Nadon discusses his journey and experiences in the world of ultra-distance cycling. Vincent shares how he discovered his passion for cycling during his time in Belgium and how it has evolved over the years. He describes his challenges balancing home renovations and cycling and his determination to integrate cycling into his life.
Vincent recounts his significant achievements, including a cross Canada trip to raise funds for Crohn's and colitis research after his diagnosis with Crohn's disease. He talks about racing the Canadian Shield Bikepacking Route, setting an FKT, as well as participating in the Transcontinental Race (TCR), his learnings and insights about route planning, and gear setups. Vincent emphasizes the importance of mindset, especially during challenging moments in races, and also discusses his favorite gear, including his preferred saddles and the benefits of the Redshift suspension stem. Looking forward, Vincent talks about his desire to bike pack in Japan, as well as other ultra distance races, all the while reflecting on his continual motivation derived from exploration and competition.
RideWithGPS Holiday Giveback Campaign
To support the Bike Tour Adventures podcast, follow the links below:
Use these affiliate links to help cover the costs of running the show.
Redshift Sports
Panorama Cycles
Find them at:
Instagram: Vincent Nadon
Facebook: The Velocity Nerd
Website: The Velocity Nerd
Find me at…
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
ITUNES
Show Sponsors
Panorama Cycles --> They believe that cycling is a catalyst for adventures, no matter how small they can be. No need to travel across the world or to be a seasoned athlete to live epic outdoors adventures.
Redshift Sports --> Founded in 2013 by a team of mechanical engineers who also happen to be avid cyclists, they've focused on taking a different approach to product development - drawing on their own experiences and needs to create components that make a meaningful difference to the riding experience. Use code BPA15 to save 15% at checkout.
Tailfin Cycling --> Tailfin Cycling is a technical bikepacking equipment company that really thinks outside the box when creating new bikepacking gear. They create long-lasting products that have been testing in every way imaginable.
RaceDay Fuel --> RacedayFuel’s mission is to ensure that you consume the very best and appropriate food or beverage for the task at hand - whether you are golfing, cycling, skiing, running a marathon, or scuba diving in the Red Sea. Use the code BPA10 to save 10% at checkout.
Monton Sports Canada --> Monton clothing and accessories provide exceptional performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of what the bigger companies are selling their products for. Made with the same attention to detail and quality, Monton Sports Canada is aiming to make your cycling experience as enjoyable as possible.more
A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then an expert in public green spaces recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And a writer who was raised way off the grid in northwe…A native-born Belgian shares what delights him most about his small, but justifiably proud country. Then an expert in public green spaces recommends some of her favorite gardens around the world — plus the most enticing ones she's yet to visit. And a writer who was raised way off the grid in northwest Alaska alerts us to the increasing threats to the people and wildlife of the Alaskan Arctic.more
We discuss the many, very accessible charms of the small country that is becoming a surprise travel hit. With thanks to Vonne of Brasserie Vonne in Balham, South London, for joining us. brasserievonne.co.uk
