Belgium Beer, Bikes and Boats

Tour Description

Bicycles, beer, Belgium and a barge is a recipe for a perfect Belgian holiday. We are excited to pair up with barge owners Olga, Noty & Maurits. Together they captain, cook and relax on a 1924 cargo ship that has been reimagined and converted into a passenger ship. Staying true to our beer and bike heritage we will cycle between breweries while our barge floats along and is waiting for us at the end of each ride with cold beers and a warm bed. We have two trips for 2023. An 8 day trip from Oudenaarde to Bruges and an 8 day trip from Bruges to Oudenaarde. This trip is great for the cyclist who also wants to relax and enjoy the best of Belgium or the beer enthusiast who wants to enjoy the Belgian countryside by bicycle. 

Oudenaarde to Bruges Beer & Bike Adventure

We will sail and cycle from Oudenaarde to Bruges via Deinze and Ghent. Cycling unburdened between these towns as our luggage floats downstream, we will be free to explore the smaller roads and paths between the breweries along the way. In the evenings we will enjoy the local pubs, “brown” bars and Belgian cuisine that is so much more than just frites and beer. The views from the barge are perfect for bird watching and calm days reading a book while the cycling will take you through farmland and small villages. This trump has options for everyone.

Our boat will moor at each town for 2 nights giving us some extra time to explore and absorb each location.

• Day 1 Oudenaarde

Tonight we will gather in Oudenaarde and have a welcome dinner and beer tasting on the barge. A tour of Liefman’s Brewery is available as well.

• Day 2 Oudenaarde

The options of cycling distances, breweries and food choices will exceed any traveler's expectations and satisfy all preferences. We will enjoy the best of Belgium. 

• Day 3 Deinze 

Ride or float between Oudenaarde and Deinze. You may choose to ride on the boat or on a bicycle today. If you choose the cycling option we will be visiting a brewery along the way and have a picnic lunch. The ride is about 15-20 miles.

• Day 4 Deinze

Cycle out to a brewery about 7-10 miles each way for a brewery visit. Brewery options include Sint Canarus, Verzet, Huisbrouwerij Klondiker and more.

• Day 5 Ghent ~12-15 miles

Ride into Ghent from Deinze and visit a wonderful small brewery and take in the university city of Ghent. Shortest ride option is about 12 miles. Today's boat ride is also wonderful. Watching Olga and Maurits navigate the small streams and waterways is a lot of fun.  Tonight we will have a beer and chocolate pairing on the boat before visiting a couple wonderful pubs. 

• Ghent is one of Owner Bob’s Favorite cities. He is constantly trying to figure out an excuse to move here. 

• Day 6 Ghent

Visit the Belgian Family Brewery Huyghe, we know them as Delirium, and have more time to relax and enjoy the medieval city of Ghent. This day is left open for you to visit the sites in Ghent.

• Day 7 Bruges ~ 30 miles

Cycle along the canal between Ghent and Brugge laughing and telling stories before finishing in one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. There are many beers to be had in Brugge while enjoying the magnificent scenery. There is a reason Brugge is a top travel destination in Europe.

• Ask Bob to take you to his favorite beer bar or bike shop. Brugge has both!

• Day 8 Bruges

After breakfast we will say our good-byes and head on to the next adventure. If you would like to stay an extra day or two in Belgium we are available to help you with your travel planning.

Price Includes

• Breakfast on the boat each morning and a box lunch for the ride

• 2 dinners on the boat

• Guided routes

• GPS, Cue Sheets and ride information

• Expert Beer & Bike Guide

• Bicycle and panniers

  • Bicycles are typical Belgium trekking bikes

  • Performance road bicycles are also available at an additional cost

• Lodging on De 4 Vaargetijden barge

• Brewery visits and tastings

• Beer & Chocolate pairing on the boat

Price Does Not Include

• Transportation to and from the start of the tour

• Additional drinks beyond what is included

• Helmets are available

• Single supplement if you would like to have your own room.

Participant Requirements

• Cycle the distance selected each day

• 18 years of age to drink beer

Available Dates

We will not have a barge trip in 2024. We are planning a new adventure for 2025.

Congratulations to our Barge owners Olga & Maurits on sailing into the sunset.