Rotterdam - Antwerp

A tale of two cities

This summer, the Bonnefooi will sail back and forth between Rotterdam and Antwerp. Step aboard for a one-way trip or sail back and forth.

Along the way, we will explore the Zeeland delta, where we will make stops and also spend the night. Be surprised by the wealth of this area: from oysters, mussels and salty vegetables to picturesque towns and picturesque anchorages.

“Slow traveling” is the motto of this ferry service. Experience the space between these two port cities together with the other passengers. Join in the appropriate speed of sailing with the Bonnefooi, a 130-year-old ship. With this form of travel, there is time to relax, read a book and unwind along the way. There is no better way to get to your destination.

This is the most fun way to visit a city because we plan a few days in Rotterdam and Antwerp before casting off again. The Bonnefooi moors in the city center and is your hotel there.

Example of an itinerary

This is a detailed example of the daily schedule of one of the stages. Depending on the weather, wind and tide, the travel program can always be deviated from. We respond to the circumstances and make it the best possible trip together!

Day 1: Arrival on board in Antwerp
Time: 20:00 – Welcome on board! We sign on, the berths are assigned, bags are unpacked, this is your first introduction to the ship. We show you where everything is. We provide homemade pizza and a welcome drink for everyone who feels like it. We welcome everyone and give a short explanation, but we save the rest for tomorrow morning!

Day 2: Eating mussels in Yerseke
We leave early and have breakfast on the water! We sail down the Scheldt with the tide, we see the futuristic shapes and hear the associated sounds as we sail through the Antwerp port area. Anna and Paul provide information about what we see, water purification plants, unmanned container robots and the Doel nuclear power plant. Then all of this suddenly makes way for the Drowned Land of Saeftinghe, a nature reserve on the border. We sail through the canal to the Oosterschelde and moor in Yerseke, known for its mussels and oysters. Along the way you will learn more about sailing, and anyone who wants to can help on deck. Around noon we will have lunch on board and in the evening we must of course taste the famous Zeeland mussels in Yerseke!

Day 3: Yerseke - Bommenede
This will be a longer sailing day over the Oosterschelde and Grevelingen national parks. An area where Anna and Paul feel right at home, whether it is a sporty day of cruising, or sailing quietly with the current, it is always an adventure. We have a chance to spot seals or porpoises and there are always different types of birds to see. While we sail along the impressive nature of these waters, you will have plenty of opportunity to relax and enjoy the view, or to actively help with the sailing. We will spend the night near Bommenede, where the peace of nature surrounds us. Here on the Grevelingen there is an opportunity to take an evening walk or a refreshing dip. We will spend the night in the peace of this natural place.

Day 4: Bommenede - Bruinisse
In the morning, after one last dip in the clear salty water of the Grevelingen, we set course for Bruinisse for a special excursion. We will visit the saltworks Zeeuwse Zoute, where you will learn more about the production process of artisanal Zeeland sea salt and the history of the seedling in the region. Of course there is also an opportunity to explore the village further.

Day 5: Bruinisse - Haringvliet (anchorage)
Today we sail further to the Haringvliet and look for a beautiful anchorage. Here we lie under the starry sky, where you can enjoy the silence and the view of the water. We light the barbecue and try out the different types of salt that we brought from Bruinisse!

Day 6: Haringvliet - Rotterdam
After a relaxed breakfast we set course for Rotterdam. As we approach the hustle and bustle of the city, there is a last opportunity to enjoy sailing. Upon arrival we moor at the ferry port, where you can explore Rotterdam from the water.

Day 7: A day in Rotterdam
A free day to explore the city! We offer an extensive breakfast where you can also put together a packed lunch. With this you can go into the city, for example to the Markthallen, past the cube houses, and through the Wittedewithstraat. If you have not had enough of the nautical theme, you can visit the maritime museum. Of course, there is also the opportunity to spend some time on board.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Rotterdam
Time: 10:00 – We will have breakfast together on board one last time with a Sunday breakfast and then say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place at 10:00. The end of a journey from city to nature and back to the city.