Cycling from Bruges to Brussels

8 Days from

USD 2,049

Cycling

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity :

Cycling

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Group Size :

1 - 12

Ages :

12+

Trip Code :

C07BB

This linear trip takes in some of the most important cities in Belgium - Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels

Starting in the historic centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 with a plethora of landmarks, museums and historical sights, the city has a fairytale atmosphere with its cobbled streets and squares, canals on which you can take boat trips past the traditional houses as well as its medieval architecture. Bruges is also world-famous for its lace production.

On your journey southeast, from the 'Venice of Northern Flanders', follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens with exhibitions and events along the route. You get a chance to visit the iconic cities of Ghent and Antwerp before arriving in Brussels. The Old Town of Ghent is like an open-air museum - it is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music with the music scene here absolutely thriving. Visit forts and castles that made up the fortification line of Antwerp, a city famous for its beer traditions as well as its antiques, home decor curios and diamonds.

Arriving in Belgium's capital city of Brussels, you would be excused if you were to add a few extra nights on to do a city break here after the cycling ends to discover the variety of monuments, historic sites and architecture as well as shopping arcades, parks, gardens, art galleries and museums. Discover why Brussels is famous for its food, comic strips as well as the world-famous Manneken Pis statue, the Atomium and the amazing Grande Place.

Highlights

Visit the iconic cities of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels
Follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens along the route
Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian waffles (gaufres), mussels (moules), triple-fried frites, chocolates and a huge array of beers
Based on our popular 7 night, Cycling from Brussels to Bruges

Key Information

7 nights in good quality hotels, all rooms en suite
6 days hotel to hotel cycling
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and map
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Countries visited: Belgium

What's Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
Luggage transfers
Route notes and maps
Bike Hire Included

What's Not Included

Half board upgrade (5 nights only)
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Arrival & departure transfers

6 Days of Cycling

Terrain:

Cycle paths and tarmac roads

Day 2

54 km / 33.6 miles

Day 3

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 4

46 km / 28.6 miles

Day 5

57 km / 35.4 miles

Day 6

39 km / 24.2 miles

Day 7

65 km / 40.4 miles

Itinerary

Arrive early and head for the enchanting cobbled streets and squares, canals, medieval-looking buildings and its charming ambiance.
Stay at the Hotel Velotel.

Follow the Ghent-Bruges Canal out of town today - it dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in Belgium. Together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that has proved valuable for biodiversity. Cycle through quiet villages such as Moerbrugge, Maria-Aalter and Knesselare and enjoy the flat Flemish countryside on the way to delightful Maldegem. In the evening, put your feet up or stroll round Maldegem.
Stay at the Amaryllis Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you cross the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields. Enjoy the play of light as you ride your bike through the woods of Het Leen and Drongengoed then it's easy-pedalling through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures. Continue on to Ghent, the Old Town of which is like an open-air museum. The city is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music - the music scene here is absolutely thriving with festivals, music institutions, the carillon, concerts and students of music having a singsong on the quays… music is everywhere. After dark, the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town’s ingenious street lighting.
Stay at the Europahotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

For most of the day, the River Scheldt will be your guide - follow it upstream past a string of Flemish villages and towns. The 13th century castle in the village of Laarne is a real eyecatcher and a great place for a break. End the day in Dendermonde and be sure to discover the Town Hall & Belfry and visit the Church of Our Lady that boasts a baptismal font from the 11th century.
Stay at the Abalona B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your way back to the River Scheldt and cycle along the top of the river dike towards Antwerp. De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on preserving knowledge about trades and crafts that once flourished locally such as basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making provides a delightful interlude this morning. After crossing the Scheldt by ferry, you reach Kruibeke, home to Wissekerk Castle, which was a so-called water castle and part of the defense line of Antwerp along the river in the 10th century. Finish the day in Antwerp, a city with a long beer tradition and countless cafes.
Stay at the Hampton Antwerp

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s only a short trip today so you have time to discover the beautiful Old Town of Antwerp or go shopping for antiques and curios, home deco, vintage fashion finds or even diamonds before setting off towards Mechelen. If you are into military heritage, visit Fort no. 4 of the original eight Brialmont Forts (1860-1864) that made up the defensive line of Antwerp. Continue along quiet country lanes and alongside the River Nete to Duffel (yes, this is actually the town where “duffel” originated from). In the 15th century, duffel was produced here and exported all over Europe. In the town of Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, at the Ursuline Institute, the convent/school complex, is a successful blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco. Best of all: the winter garden! Finish your day in Mechelen, home of the 13th century St Rumbold’s Cathedral and its tower with 360-degree views of the city.
Stay at the Mercure Hotel Vé

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle along tree-lined country lanes, past a series of ponds, along a river, around a wood and through meadows and cropfields towards Brussels. Along the way, pass Tervuren, known for the Royal Africa Museum. In Brussels itself, you'll find a cosmopolitan mix of cultures, as can be seen in the streets, the restaurant menus and the people. Make a bee-line for the Grande Place and go for a walk. Not only does Brussels have the Manneken Pis, it also has the most delicious waffles, chocolates and pints of craft beer. This is a city where culture vultures, shopaholics, gourmets & gourmands have the best time!
Stay at the NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you depart from Brussels.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Belgium

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Belgium. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccination

Belgium

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts are included.

There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from Brussels to Bruges with local specialities including moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres (sugar waffles) and beer.

Is this trip for you?

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 53km (33 miles).
No. of days cycling: 6
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows quiet cycling routes and tarmac roads. The terrain is mainly flat which means the distances achieved each day can be longer.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. Your bikes will be delivered to the start hotel, all set up relevant to your height and ready to go. Our local agent will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. Where possible we stick to cycle tracks and quiet roads to make the journeys as pleasant as possible, however, on occasion we have to use busier routes into larger towns and cities.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local agent is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Families
Self-guided cycling holidays are a perfect option for families as they offer the freedom for you to take your holiday at your own pace. You can stop as and when you want and need, at the cafes and restaurants that suit your family and the sites that interest you. We have suggested that 12yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you. The daily distances are all published in the trip notes along with a description of each day's cycling so you have a good idea of what to expect. However, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experts. The principle idea is that these holidays can be as flexible as you like, with logistical support but no group or leader to dictate the daily activities. Please consider the weather when choosing to book, temperatures can be high in the middle of summer.

Covid-19 refund commitment

You will get a refund if you have to cancel your trip due to COVID-19.

Availability

This trip is available on request. Please proceed with your booking online or contact our Sales Team for assistance.

Cycling from Bruges to Brussels

This linear trip takes in some of the most important cities in Belgium - Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels

6 Days of Cycling

Itinerary

Essential Info

Visa

Belgium

Vaccination

Belgium

Eating and Drinking

Is this trip for you?

Hotels

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

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