By Michael: photographer, videographer and traveler
When I took the bike and boat tour from Maastricht to Amsterdam, I wasn’t just looking forward to capturing stunning images – I wanted to experience the journey in full. It turned out to be a week of historic cities, picturesque landscapes, and unforgettable encounters. Here’s my story:
Plan your tripOur tour from Maastricht to Amsterdam
Discovering old & new Maastricht
As a Dutchman, I’ve rarely traveled to the south of the Netherlands, so I had never visited Maastricht before. This tour was the perfect opportunity to explore my own country in a whole new way.
Upon arriving in Maastricht by train, I took a wrong turn despite having GPS in hand. A little embarrassing, but it gave me the chance to walk along both sides of the Maas River. That detour let me experience the contrast between old and new Maastricht.
What struck me most was the sense of space: wide, sandy paths reminiscent of France and a charming city center connected by a footbridge over the railway. My destination, the ship Sarah, was docked by the Wilhelmina Bridge. Onboard, I met the crew: the captain, tour leader Japke, and my fellow travelers—a group of Germans, Americans, and one cheerful Scot.
A slice of France in the Netherlands
After settling into my cozy cabin, we set out for our first test ride. We checked our bikes, adjusted saddles, and tested helmets before heading out into the rolling green landscape under the summer sun. It was stunning. We even crossed the border into Belgium, marked only by small posts along the road. Riding between fields and ancient stone villas, the scenery felt like a slice of France transplanted into the Netherlands.
That evening, after dinner on the ship, Japke led us on a walking tour of Maastricht’s historic old town. We wandered along cobblestone streets, past the iconic Helpoort gate and Roman ruins – a delightful contrast to the bustling modern Market Square we’d cycled through earlier.
Discoveries in Limburg and North Brabant
Limburg and North Brabant showcased their beauty as we biked along the Maas and Roer rivers, crossed waterways on ferries, and took in endless views of the countryside. At Echt-Susteren, we stopped at the narrowest part of the Netherlands, marked by a whimsical chair situated between Belgium and Germany—perfect for a fun photo op!
In Belgium, we witnessed a local celebration in Maaseik, complete with a parade of flags and trumpeters marching past a statue of the Van Eyck brothers, the famous Flemish painters. Another highlight was the town of Thorn, known as “The White City” for its whitewashed houses. We enjoyed a homemade lunch in the former abbey’s peaceful courtyard before exploring the town’s magnificent church. Later, in the monastery village of Steyl, we strolled through serene botanical gardens—a perfect retreat.
History around every corner
Every village had its own story to tell. Churches, windmills, and even open-air museums seemed to pop up at every turn. In Ravenstein, an American fellow traveler asked me to translate an old Dutch poem inscribed on a tablet in the town garden. It felt like I was solving an ancient mystery, unlocking a piece of history hidden in plain sight.
And the sunflower fields! They seemed to stretch forever, with groups of curious horses watching us from their pastures as we cycled by.
Mornings aboard the Sarah
Life on board the Sarah was tranquil. Each morning, breakfast was announced with a ring of the ship’s bell. By then, most of us were already at the buffet, choosing from fresh bread, cheeses, and other delights. Although I don’t speak much German, I found common ground with the Americans – they were always welcoming and a little boisterous in the best way. By midweek, even the Germans were cheerfully waving as I photographed them from the roadside.
The crew was fantastic, always ready with a smile and quick to help with anything. Our chef, a petite young woman from Eastern Europe, impressed us daily with delicious meals prepared with care.
Relaxation on deck
While much of our time was spent cycling, the stretches aboard the Sarah offered a different kind of joy. Some guests napped on deck, while others leaned on the railings, watching trees drift by as we glided along the waterways. Passing through locks, like the one at Lith, was a unique experience: seeing the lock walls rise as the water fell, and then gliding out into the open river again.
The approach to Heusden was unforgettable. As we rounded a wide bend, the town’s iconic windmills came into view. It was a quintessential Dutch scene, and the charming harbor made it even more memorable.
More highlights along the way
I could write endlessly about the journey. From the cannons of Grave, remnants of Napoleon’s era, to the World War II monument at the John S. Thompson Bridge, there was so much to see. We marveled at the gardens of Arcen, wandered through Roermond’s historic square (where the city’s timeline is inscribed in stone), and listened to the carillon atop the town hall.
High above the Maas River in Kessel, we visited Castle de Keverberg, a medieval stronghold once home to the Counts of Kessel. In Cuijk, the riverside church revealed Roman coins, ancient shoes, and vases in its museum. Climbing the church’s narrow spiral stairs, we reached the rooftop for stunning views of the Sarah docked below.
Reaching Amsterdam: The grand finale
As we cycled northward, we passed iconic landmarks like Loevestein Castle and the fortified town of Vianen. Finally, we rode alongside the winding Vecht River, arriving in Amsterdam, the city of canals, museums, and endless charm.
After exploring the beautiful south of the Netherlands, cycling into Amsterdam felt like the triumphant conclusion to an incredible adventure. Covering such a distance by bike was a rewarding achievement, one that left me with memories to last a lifetime.
Inspired to start your own adventure?
Watch the video I created with tour leader Japke below for a glimpse of the journey!
Inspired to Start Your Own Adventure?
Ready to plan your bike and boat vacation? Call us at (203) 814-1249 in the US or +31 (0)20 72 35 400 in the Netherlands. Or email [email protected] if you prefer. Either way we’ll be happy to help. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest tours and special offers!
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