Sailing the Delta: Antwerp – Rotterdam

A week of slow travel through the Zeeland Delta, from Antwerp to Rotterdam, on board the Bonnefooi, a sailing ship some 130 years old. Along the way historic towns such as Goes and Zierikzee, fresh mussels, nights at anchor in nature and a free day in Rotterdam.

THE TRIP AT A GLANCE

Route: Antwerp – Goes – Zierikzee – Bruinisse – Haringvliet – Rotterdam
Departures: 23 – 30 May 2027 and 8 – 15 August 2027; boarding at 20:00 in Antwerp, disembarking at 10:00 in Rotterdam
Duration: 7 nights
Ship: Bonnefooi, historic sailing ship (around 130 years old)

Prices per person

Four-berth cabin: € 800
Two-berth cabin: € 970

Lowest price from € 800 per person in a four-berth cabin (one way). Breakfast and lunch are included, as are coffee, tea, water and lemonade.

FROM CITY TO CITY UNDER SAIL

Slow travel is the motto of this trip. Instead of an hour on the motorway, you take a week to travel between Antwerp and Rotterdam, at the pace of a historic sailing ship.

Along the way the Zeeland Delta shows its best side: oysters, mussels and samphire, picturesque towns and beautiful anchorages. In Rotterdam the ship is your hotel, right in the city centre.

THE ROUTE

Antwerp

You board in the evening, with homemade pizza to get acquainted. Cabins are allocated.

Goes and Zierikzee

After breakfast on the water the ship sails to Goes. The next day comes Zierikzee, with more monuments per inhabitant than almost any other Dutch town, and a bird reserve nearby. Binoculars and a bird guide are on board.

Bruinisse and the Haringvliet

In Bruinisse you visit a salt works that harvests salt from the Oosterschelde, and fresh mussels are bought for dinner. Then the ship anchors in nature on the Haringvliet, with swimming in fresh water and a starry sky.

Rotterdam

On the last sailing day the Bonnefooi sails up the Maas through the port to the city centre. You have a free day to explore the city and disembark the morning after.

EXTRA INFORMATION

LIFE ON BOARD

The Bonnefooi is a historic sailing ship some 130 years old, built for inland waters and the delta. On board there are cabins for two and for four people. The ship is your hotel, even when moored in the city, and the skipper and hostess tell you about what you see along the way and give tips for outings ashore. The skipper decides on the stops according to wind, weather and tide. Anyone who wants can help on deck; those who prefer to read a book are just as welcome. Meals are mostly vegetarian.

WHO IS THIS VOYAGE FOR

For those who want to slow down, love good food and nature, and want to travel sustainably. No sailing experience is needed.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Breakfast and lunch are included daily; dinner is on board or ashore together, depending on the location.
• Alcoholic drinks are not included.
• The trip can also be booked in the opposite direction, from Rotterdam to Antwerp.
• Travel insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is required; cancellation insurance is recommended.
• Travel to the port of departure and home from the port of arrival is not included.
• Ideally arrive a day before departure: the ship cannot wait for late arrivals.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need sailing experience?

No. You are welcome to help, but you do not have to.

How do I get to Antwerp and home from Rotterdam?

Both cities are on the international rail network; the train between Rotterdam and Antwerp takes about an hour.

Can I eat vegetarian?

Yes, meals are mostly vegetarian and fully vegetarian on request.

How do I book this trip?

Send us a request through the booking form on this page. Together we will check availability, your choice of cabin and the next steps.

The trip description and route are indicative. The programme depends on weather, wind and sea conditions; the captain has the final say on the route and ports.

All services that make up your trip are provided by independent suppliers. When you book, you enter into a contract directly with the supplier, the ship, under the booking conditions of that ship. As an agent, our service consists of promoting the trips offered by the supplier and acting as a facilitator in obtaining a booking agreement between the customer and the supplier. In doing so, we are always at your disposal with our experience and service.