Zeeland and its Islands: Cycling + Sailing, Elizabeth

After boarding at 2:00 p.m. in Antwerp, the Elizabeth sets sail for Doel under motor power or—if possible—under sail. During the voyage, you can settle into your cabin and enjoy the passing scenery on deck with the crew and your fellow passengers while sipping your first drink.

After breakfast, a short boat ride will take you to Paal, where your first bike tour begins. As you ride, you’ll cross the border into the Netherlands. The longer route first takes you to Hulst, a particularly well-preserved fortified town whose historic layout is still clearly visible today. From there, you’ll continue cycling to Terneuzen. If you’d like to take it a bit easier, choose the shorter route. At the end of the day, the Elizabeth will be waiting for you in Terneuzen.

Today you’ll explore Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, a Dutch region with a character all its own—shaped by its proximity to Belgium and its location along the water. On your bike tour, you’ll be accompanied by sweeping horizons, dikes, polders, and the unique interplay between land and sea. Afterward, you’ll return to the ship and sail together toward the Zeeland mainland.

Today’s round-trip tour from Middelburg takes you to the Zeeland coast—the very landscape that gives this region its special charm. You’ll first cycle toward Vlissingen and then follow the coastline with its dunes, beaches, and sweeping views of the North Sea. Passing Westkapelle, you’ll eventually make your way back to Middelburg. Look forward to a day filled with sea air, light, and wide-open spaces—and to the relaxed coastal atmosphere for which Zeeland is so popular.

Today, too, you’ll experience Zeeland from a particularly beautiful perspective. Your route first takes you to Veere, one of the region’s most charming historic port towns. With its old harbor, narrow alleys, and numerous buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, the town exudes plenty of charm.
You’ll then cycle on to Neeltje Jans—the journey there alone is an experience, as it takes you across the impressive Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier. This approximately 9-kilometer-long storm surge barrier rests on 65 massive concrete pillars and is considered the most famous structure of the Delta Works. Neeltje Jans was originally built as a work island during the construction of the storm surge barrier and today houses a visitor center dedicated to the Delta Works and flood protection. You’ll then cycle through an open landscape shaped by the water on your way to Kamperland.

Today, the focus is on sailing. Perhaps you’ve already watched the sails being set over the past few days—now you can enjoy this maritime experience even more fully. As you glide through the calm waters around the Zeeland Islands, passing through locks and across vast waterways, you’ll experience the region in a completely relaxed way from the ship.
Since we’ll mostly be sailing in sheltered and relatively calm waters, this day is also perfect for beginners. No prior experience is necessary. If you’d like, the crew can explain the procedures on board and you might even get to help set the sails yourself. At the end of the day, you’ll arrive in Hansweert.

On your final day of cycling, you’ll enjoy another beautiful stage from Hansweert to Zandvliet. There, the bikes will be loaded back on board before you sail back to Antwerp. This brings a varied week to an atmospheric close—with coastal landscapes, historic sites, fresh sea air, and many special experiences as you alternate between cycling and cruising.

Nach dem Frühstück endet die Reise mit der Ausschiffung bis 9:30 Uhr in Antwerpen.

Itinerary and program changes:

The planned route is always subject to possible changes due to nautical, meteorological or organisational reasons. If, for example, a route cannot be travelled due to low water, high water, bad weather or construction work, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety. This is not a legally valid reason for cancelling the trip free of charge. The same applies in the event of officially ordered lock or bridge repairs or in the event of engine or propulsion damage to the ship through no fault of the captain.

As your ship usually sails to the next harbour on the same day, your time frame for your own activities and sightseeing is limited. On some bridges, the clearance height is so low that the sun deck is closed for your safety.

SGR Guaranteefund:

For this trip, there is a fee of 5,00 € per traveller for the SGR guarantee fund. This fee is mandatory for this trip and will be shown separately on the invoice.

Fuel surcharge:

A fuel surcharge, which may apply due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, is not included in the cruise price and must be paid in cash on arrival on board the ship. We will inform you of the amount of the surcharge, if any, approx. 4 weeks before arrival.