Jump to content
Ghent Graslei boats

Flanders

From Brussels to Bruges

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Ghent Graslei boats

Flanders, a paradise of art and culture. The region in the north of Belgium has centuries of tradition and history. The historic art city route takes you to places with breathtaking sights. Brussels, Leuven, Mechelen, Antwerp, Ghent, Kortrijk and Bruges are strung together like pearls. In between you will find picturesque green landscapes with grazing cows, extensive forests and fertile marshland. Historic castles and gardens line the route. The old buildings and monuments you come across have long been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They create an unrivalled atmosphere. In the picturesque landscape around the Leie, you can follow in the footsteps of Flemish painters. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the North Sea. The small rivers, which you often follow, set the direction and promise relaxed cycling pleasure on flat and quiet routes. And there's no shortage of culinary delights either: Flemish specialities include chocolate, waffles, French fries and, of course, Belgium's long brewing tradition. Flanders, a region that has it all.

Book now
To the online version

Itinerary at a glance

Flanders exudes a romance that you will learn to love as you travel past flocks of sheep, tranquil villages and idyllic rivers. With Ghent and Bruges, you will visit two magnificent cities, you will be delighted.

There's always something going on in Brussels. The vibrant metropolis is rich in art and culture and the architecture is inspiring. The Grote Markt, the Atomium and the Manneken Pis statue, which symbolise the Belgian capital, are of course a must-see. The fries stalls are also part of the cityscape - you can find a bag of crispy fries on practically every corner.

After breakfast, there is still time for a tour of the European capital. You can learn all sorts of interesting facts about Central Africa at the Royal Museum in Tervuren. A walk in the adjacent park is particularly beautiful and you can fortify yourself for the next few kilometres with a picnic. The historic art city route quickly takes you to Leuven. The university city is a hive of activity, with students setting the pace in the pedestrianised streets. Following the course of the River Dijle, you reach Mechelen, your destination for the day. The sounds of the famous carillon echo through the narrow streets up to eight times an hour.

Mechelen is a picturesque Flemish jewel. Hundreds of listed buildings, churches and monuments date back to the 16th century. You follow the course of the Beneden-Dijl and Nete rivers on quiet and flat paths. Historic Lier is not just about delicious food: The beguinage and the Belfry, a striking bell tower, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site some time ago. Antwerp is known as an important trading centre for diamonds. Art is not neglected in the harbour metropolis. And shopping fans can let off steam in the upmarket boutiques.

Antwerp is located on the Scheldt and you will be following it all day today. Lush green meadows and grazing cows accompany you on your cycle stage. The idyllic landscape alternates with picturesque Flemish villages. A cup of coffee is a great way to relax. A giant wooden horse symbolises the town of Dendermonde, today's stage destination. The Ross Bayard provides an unrivalled folk festival every ten years. The numerous restaurants on the historic market square will tantalise your taste buds in the evening.

Today you also follow the course of the Scheldt. The flat cycle paths along the banks guarantee a carefree cycling experience. Again and again you pass small Flemish villages, which are perfect for a break. At the end of the stage is Ghent, with its many cultural treasures. In the historic centre, the sights are strung together like pearls. In this trendy city, there is also plenty to enjoy: discover the culinary landscape of Flanders in the evening.

On today's stage, you will immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape around the Leie. This picturesque region has inspired countless artists. The green landscape with its extensive forests is a true natural paradise. Neoclassical castles and small artists' villages line the route. You can admire the works of the painters in the local museums. Your destination Kortrijk has the charm of a big city with the cosiness of a village. Modern architecture, a centuries-old cultural heritage and passionate creativity mingle in the centre.

Don't waste too much time on your last stage, because Bruges awaits you at the end: arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your eyes will be spoilt for choice in this UNESCO World Heritage city. The medieval city centre has hardly changed since the 15th century. The canals guaranteed success and prosperity in the Middle Ages and made Bruges the Venice of the North. A perfect place to end your cycle tour along the historic art cities in beautiful Flanders.

Day
08
Departure or extension

Route information

Easy

Flanders is ideal for cycling. The region has an excellent network of cycle paths. The easy stages are mostly on flat terrain on dedicated cycle paths or side roads with little traffic. Only at the entrances and exits of the towns is there likely to be more traffic. For most of the route, you follow the historic art city route along rivers and canals. The paths are mostly tarmac and the route is well signposted. The local rail network is well developed, so the routes can be shortened by train if necessary. This tour is also suitable for families with children.

Prices and dates

Category:  3***- and 4****-hotels

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 23kg)
  • Printed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return transfer by bike bus from Bruges, Saturday mornings, costs EUR 79 per person, for own bike an additional EUR 39, reservation required, payable in advance.

Arrival / Parking /Departure

  • Brussels train station
  • Brussels airport
  • Hotel garage, costs approx. EUR 25 per day, reservation required, payable on site. Public garage, costs approx. EUR 15,- per day, no reservation possible
  • Good train connections between Bruges and Brussels

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Nicole Maderegger
Nicole Maderegger
Travel specialist
One call to vacation bliss
Monday - Friday: 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Call now
One click to vacation bliss
 
I am looking forward to your message!
Contact form

Other tours that might interest you

from
€979
Book now Book