Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and board the IRIS barge around 1:00 p.m. (luggage drop-off starts at 9:15 a.m. if you get there early). After settling in, there's a short introductory bike ride along the River Vecht to get oriented. Later in the evening, the boat heads toward Vianen with a sailing dinner on board, and you can take an optional walk through town if you'd like.
- Start point
- Oosterdok 4, 1011 VX Amsterdam, Netherlands (Hotelboat IRIS, 12:30 - 13:00)
- Meals
- Dinner (Sailing dinner from Breukelen)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Short introductory bike ride along the River Vecht
- Sailing dinner from Breukelen
- Short walk through Vianen historic center (optional)
Optional Activities
- Explore Amsterdam canals, museums, and cafés before boarding (pre-tour)
- Early morning exploration of nearby harbor area
Landmarks River Vecht Breukelen Vianen - Day 2
Schoonhoven - Kinderdijk - Dordrecht
You'll cycle through the Dutch countryside to Schoonhoven, known as the Silver City, where there's time for a relaxed lunch. From there, you continue to Kinderdijk to see the 19 historic windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat then sails to Dordrecht, the oldest city in the Netherlands, and you'll have the chance to walk around its charming bridges and canals.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Cycling through Dutch countryside with farms, meadows, and windmills
- Visit to Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 historic windmills
- Optional tour inside a windmill at Kinderdijk
- Sailing to Dordrecht
Optional Activities
- Relaxed lunch in Schoonhoven
- Browse shops in Schoonhoven
- Coffee overlooking Kinderdijk panorama
Landmarks Schoonhoven Kinderdijk Dordrecht - Day 3
Willemstad - Tholen - Antwerp
This morning starts with a sailing breakfast as the IRIS heads to Willemstad, a perfectly preserved star-shaped fortified town where you can stroll through its historic streets. After that, you'll cycle along the Volkerak locks to Tholen, then return to the boat for an afternoon sail toward Antwerp. Dinner's on board as the city skyline comes into view.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sailing breakfast), Dinner (Dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Sailing breakfast
- Short stroll through Willemstad
- Cycling along Volkerak locks to Tholen
- Afternoon sail and dinner on board toward Antwerp
- Evening stroll or nightcap in Antwerp (optional)
Optional Activities
- Evening stroll through Antwerp
- Nightcap ashore in Antwerp
Landmarks Willemstad Tholen Volkerak locks Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp - Day 4
St. Amands or Dendermonde
You have morning time to explore Antwerp, famous for diamonds and the works of painter Peter Paul Rubens. Later you'll cross the River Scheldt through an iconic cyclist tunnel with vintage wooden elevators, then cycle along the winding river through castles, meadows, and wetlands. Lunch happens in the garden of Castle Wisselkerke before reaching St. Amands or Dendermonde. Back on board, there's a Belgian beer tasting in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in the garden of Castle Wisselkerke)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Exploration time in Antwerp
- Cycling through the Scheldt tunnel with vintage wooden elevators
- Cycling along the River Scheldt through castles, meadows, and bird-filled wetlands
- Lunch in the garden of Castle Wisselkerke
- Belgian beer tasting on board
Landmarks Antwerp River Scheldt Castle Wisselkerke St. Amands Dendermonde - Day 5
Gent
You'll cycle along Belgian country roads through small towns, lakes, and castles to reach Gent, a lively university city mixing medieval charm with modern life. The afternoon is free to explore the historic canals, stone bridges, and gabled houses. There's an optional guided walking tour available if you want to see cultural treasures like the Van Eyck brothers' masterpiece.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Cycling from St. Amands or Dendermonde to Gent through Belgian countryside
Optional Activities
- Explore Gent's lively streets and shops
- Relax at cafés along the canals
- Guided walking tour of Gent's cultural treasures
- Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eyck brothers
Landmarks Gent St. Bavo's Cathedral - Day 6
Bruges
You have extra time this morning exploring Gent before cycling through serene woodlands to an old estate for a leisurely lunch. After that, there's a charming rail-to-trail path that takes you straight into Bruges. The boat docks at the city centre, giving you access to the picturesque canals and medieval alleys. You can choose a romantic or lively dinner along the canal in the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Leisurely lunch at an old estate in the woodlands)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Cycling through woodlands from Gent to an old estate
- Leisurely lunch at an old estate
- Cycling along rail-to-trail path to Bruges
- Access to Bruges canals and medieval alleys
Optional Activities
- Explore more of Gent before departure
- Romantic dinner for two along the canal
- Lively meal with friends in Bruges
Landmarks Bruges - Day 7
Blankenberge
You'll cycle through Belgian countryside toward the North Sea coast to reach Blankenberge, a charming beach town where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and sandy shore. Alternatively, you can stay on board and explore more of Bruges' medieval architecture and hidden courtyards. There's a farewell IRIS dinner on board in the evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell IRIS dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Premium Hotelboat IRIS)
Included Activities
- Cycling through Belgian countryside to Blankenberge
- Beach time at Blankenberge
- Farewell IRIS dinner on board
Optional Activities
- Stay on board and continue exploring Bruges
- Visit iconic Belfry in Bruges
- Explore Markt square in Bruges
- Walk through cobblestone streets and medieval architecture in Bruges
Landmarks Blankenberge Belfry of Bruges Markt Square - Day 8
Paris
You'll depart the IRIS and transfer to Paris by private bus or minivan, then check into a 4-star hotel in the heart of the city. Later, there's a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine where you'll pass illuminated bridges and historic landmarks. The hotel provides a shuttle if you need a connection to the airport.
- Meals
- Dinner (Romantic dinner cruise along the Seine with exquisite cuisine)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (4 star hotel in Paris)
Included Activities
- Private transfer by bus or minivan from IRIS to Paris
- Romantic dinner cruise along the Seine
- Guide accompaniment on dinner cruise
Optional Activities
- Stroll past Notre Dame
- Visit Sacré-Cœur
- Walk along charming boulevards and hidden corners of Paris
Landmarks Notre-Dame Cathedral Sacré-Cœur River Seine - Day 9
Paris Departure
You'll depart Paris using the hotel airport shuttle to Charles de Gaulle Airport for your flight home. If you'd prefer to stay longer, you can book additional nights at your own expense and use the shuttle on your actual departure date.
- End point
- Paris, France (Hotel Adress will follow, 12:00)
Optional Activities
- Airport shuttle to Charles de Gaulle Airport
Landmarks Charles de Gaulle Airport
