Whether you want to enjoy a luxury barge cruise, rent a self-drive boat or experience a mixture of comfort and exercise on a boat & bike tour, it is all possible while drifting through the beautiful landscape of Belgium.

Belgium's waterways offer the great advantage that the pleasure of enjoying a boat trip can be combined with sightseeing great historic cities, as well as exploring the rustic countryside. The Lys (Leie) gives easy access to the beautiful cities of Bruges and Ghent, The Escaut River (Schelde) brings you to Tournai, Bossuit and Ghent or near the coast, the Meuse (Maas) and Sambre in the south let you visit Namur and Liege and the Willebroek-Charleroi Canals let you experience the Boatlift (lock-gate) of Ronquière.

Various pleasant and affordable boat trips along Belgium's waterways are departing from easily accessible locations in several cities. Enjoy historic city sights; the countryside; combine a canal trip with a brewery visit or even experience going through a boat lift. If you are planning to visit one of the cities or regions below, a boat trip can certainly be part of your itinerary!

Holland America

Large ship cruising with three cruises that include Belgium: European Tapestry

 

Jerry Van Dyke

This family owned & operated river cruise tour operator out of Canada offers deluxe river cruises aboard their ship, The Elegant Lady. Itineraries are inclusive of air, meals and shore excursions.

 

Le Boat

Enjoy the charm and intimacy of a luxury barge cruise on the historic rivers and canals of Belgium. Visit several cities in northern Belgium and the Netherlands.  If you are more adventurous, you can rent a self-drive boat from the base at Nieuwpoort, near the seacoast and cruise to Bruges, whose canals and arched bridge give it the name of "Venice of the North".  Ghent, Diksmuide and Veurne are all nearby and can be explored on your trip starting in Nieuwpoort.

 

Lindblad Expeditions

Sail to ports in seven countries including Bruges and Oostende in Belgium aboard the Sea Cloud II. See dramatic coastlines and tuck into harbors not accessible to larger ships. Throughout the voyage there are plenty of opportunities to explore on your own.

 

Maupintour

Tulip-time is a wonderful time to discover Holland and Belgium. Charming harbor towns introduce you to the Dutch and Flemish people. In Belgium, appreciate the medieval beauty of Ghent, sample tempting pastries and eat luscious chocolates.

Overseas Adventure Travel

Barging in Belgium and Holland. Specializing in small groups, never more than 16-24 travelers at a time.

 

Sea Cloud Cruises

Whether on Dutch or Belgian waterways, you’ll discover the heart of Europe from a new vantage point, the waterways.

 

Tauck World Discovery

Springtime riverboat cruises through Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time of 10 days. Discover a vast array of cultural treasures, from the arts to nature, in picturesque villages and towns nestled along storied shores.

 

Trafalgar Tours

Poets, painters, musicians and artists still find inspiration along the banks of romantic rivers. Sail by many castles, more than any other river valley in the world.

 

Uniworld

A cruise along the Dutch and Belgian waterways is even more vibrant in spring. Enjoy the colorful landscape with newly blooming tulips. Explore Bruges, the medieval gem of Belgium or Antwerp, another sparkling diamond!

 

Vantage Travel

There is no other experience that compares to river cruising. Discover charming canal-laced Dutch and Flemish towns in two tours: Highlights of Holland & Belgium and the Annual President's Deluxe River Cruise.

 

Viking River Cruises

Windmills, tulips and picturesque harbor villages will warmly welcome you to Holland and Belgium. In this land of rich history, you’ll explore Brugge, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, and Brussels, with its beautiful Grand Palace town square.

 

BrusselsByWater

Valid only in July & August. Short summer cruises lasting 45 minutes. Trips start from right in the heart of the city.

 

De 4 Vaargetijden

"Barge & Bike" tours throughout Belgium. No need to pack your luggage every night, by the time you cycled to your day's destination, your barge is awaiting you with a strengthening dinner. You can bring your own bike or rent one. A selection of biking tours are available on the barge.  If you want to register as an individual, you can book a cabin on one of the prescheduled routes.

 

De Buck Incentives

De Buck is # 1 in Belgium when it comes to the organization of shore excursions for cruise vessels. For several years, all major cruise companies have been relying on De Buck for their stops in Antwerp, Ghent, Ostend, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.

 

Dutch Paradise

Barging on Belgian waterways for 25 years. Experience Belgium, Flanders and Wallonia along the river Meuse. Combination of river cruising and biking is also available.

 

Blue Water Holidays

Visit Ghent, Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp in Belgium along with beautiful gardens in Holland during the spring on a 10-day cruise.

 

Golden Odyssey

Extensive canal cruising from Medieval Mechelen via Ghent to Bruges.

 

Boat Trips in the Center of Ghent

A boat tour operator in Ghent offering daily guided trips along the canals of this charming medieval city. Upon special request groups can enjoy an aperitif and snacks. The average ride is 50 minutes. Company: Rederij De Gentenaer.

 

Rivertours

A boat carries a captive audience, one that is relaxed while enjoying the passing countryside of southern Belgium. From the discreet to the dazzling, the boats of Rivertours can be adapted to your requirements and your budget.

 

Bruges-Ghent-Bruges

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour trip along a historic canal through the beautiful Flemish countryside in an interesting paddle-steamer. Daily from March to November. You can also try the package tour: 45 min. boat trip + visit to a brewery where you can try the blond "Straffe Hendrik".

Learn more: The Old Piper.

 

Ghent and the Lys

Rent a yacht in Ghent for one hour or one day and travel along St. Martens Latem and Deurle.  No license or experience required. From Easter through October.

Learn more:  minervaboten. Boat trips on the Lys between Ghent and Bruges or Sint-Martens-Latem through a picturesque countryside.  Also arrangements available for parties on luxury boats. From May to September .

 

Ghent

Boat trips of 1.5 hours in the historic inner city along monuments to the Canal linking Lys and Scheldt (advance reservations required) or tourist sightseeing through the heart of Ghent.  Party arrangements are also available with advance reservations. All year . Learn more: Gent Watertoerist.

Choose from a selection of historical excursions through the medieval center of Ghent according to the time you have (40 min. to 90 min.) or use the "Ring-a-boat service" and "Taxi-boat" for groups. March to Mid-November.

Learn more: De bootjes van Gent