Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

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8 Days From

$1314

Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

8 Days Starting in Brussels, Belgium and ending in Bruges, Belgium

Visiting: Brussels, Mechelen, Antwerp, Dendermonde, Ghent, Meetjesland, Bruges

Tour operator:

UTracks

Tour code:

BUB

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

moderate

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $1314

NB: Prices correct on 16-Sep-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating self-guided cycling adventure from Brussels to Bruges, exploring Belgium's iconic art cities including Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Savor exquisite chocolates, waffles, and beer in charming cafes, and traverse the serene Flemish countryside at your own pace. Stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels, with your luggage conveniently transferred between stops. Enjoy a well-planned route with detailed maps and an emergency hotline for peace of mind. This moderate-level tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty, making it ideal for competent cyclists seeking a unique and enriching experience.

Highlights

  • Discovering the Art cities of Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels

  • Sampling the exquisite chocolates, waffles and beer in atmospheric cafes and bars

  • Exploring the picturesque, quiet Flemish countryside

  • Cycling at your own pace on a relaxed self guided itinerary

  • Visiting the Ursuline Institute in Sint-Kathelijne-Waver with its blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic and art deco

  • Following the River Scheldt to Dendermonde and visiting Wissekerk Castle

  • Exploring the Old Town of Ghent, a UNESCO Creative City of Music

  • Cycling through the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive Brussels

Location: Brussels

Accommodation Name: hotel

On arrival in Brussels, make your way to the joining hotel for check in. We suggest heading out to explore the Grande Place. Not only does Brussels have Manneken Pis, it also has the most delicious waffles, chocolates and pints. This is a city where culture vultures, shopaholics, and gourmets & gourmands will thrive.

Day 2 : Cycle To Mechelen (66Km/40.5Mi)

Location: Mechelen

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After one last tour of the Grande Place it’s time to leave the city behind. Cycle through the suburbs to Grimbergen, known for its lovely abbey church, a baroque basilica. Then continue on tree-lined country lanes, past a series of ponds, along a river, around a wood and through meadows and cropfields to Mechelen: not as large as the other Flemish towns but just as nice.

Day 3 : Cycle Via Duffel On The River Nete To Antwerp (45Km/28Mi)

Location: Antwerp

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In the town of Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, at the Ursuline Institute, a boarding school run by nuns, an exquisite surprise awaits. The convent/school complex, Our Lady of Wavre, is a successful blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic and art deco. Best of all, the winter garden. Feast your eyes on a masterpiece of art nouveau, an ode to nature, springtime and light. Back outside, continue through the countryside to Duffel on the River Nete. And, yes! This is actually the town where “duffel” originated from: the heavy, woolly material used initially for bags and later for duffle coats, made popular by the British Royal Navy and still trendy today. In the 15th century, duffel was produced here and exported all over Europe: a profitable business for then-prosperous Duffel. The route continues past Mortsel and Berchem. If you are into military heritage, stop off in Mortsel to visit Fort no. 4 of the originally eight Brialmont Forts (1860-1864) that made up the defensive line of Antwerp. It is built in brick with sandstone decorations and stands on an island surrounded by a ditch. Finish your day in Antwerp, a city with a long beer tradition and countless cafes. Discover the beautiful Old Town or go shopping for antiques and curio’s, home deco, vintage fashion finds or diamonds.

Day 4 : Follow The River Scheldt To Dendermonde (61Km/38Mi)

Location: Dendermonde

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

During most of today’s route, the River Scheldt will show you the way. Near Kruibeke, you will find Wissekerk Castle. In the 10th century this was a so-called water castle and part of the defense line of Antwerp along the River. A little farther on, cross the Scheldt by ferry. Then proceed atop the river dike to De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on preserving knowledge about trades and crafts that once flourished locally: basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making. End the day in Dendermonde with its impressive Town Hall & Belfry. After checking in to your hotel, take some time to visit the Church of Our Lady boasting a baptismal font from the 11th century.

Day 5 : Continue Along The Scheldt River To Ghent (47Km/29Mi)

Location: Ghent

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You will soon be back on the Scheldt river banks, cycling past a string of Flemish villages and towns. Laarne Castle is a great place for a break before continuing to Ghent. The Old Town of Ghent is like an open-air museum. It is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The music scene here is thriving. Festivals, musical institutions, the carillon, concerts, students of music having a singsong on the quays… music is everywhere. After dark the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town’s ingenious lighting.

Day 6 : Discover The Rural Meetjesland Region En Route To Maldegem Or Lembeke (57Km/35.5Mi)

Location: Meetjesland

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Head west and discover the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields. It is an easy ride through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures. Continue through the Het Leen and Drongengoed woods. In the evening, put your feet up in Maldegem or Lembeke.

Day 7 : Pass Through Flat Flemish Countryside To Arrive In Bruges (54Km/33.5Mi)

Location: Bruges

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Yet another lovely route through the flat Flemish countryside. After Maldegem you will pass some quiet villages such as Knesselare, Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. On the last stretch, follow the Ghent-Bruges canal which dates from the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the country. Together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that is important for biodiversity. Your destination Bruges is a true gem, known as the 'Pearl of Flanders'. It is a truly enchanting town that has been welcoming tourists for about 150 years. With most of its medieval architecture intact, you have a sense of times gone by when the town was at the centre of the European wool and cloth trade. After checking in to your hotel, we recommend heading to the Markt for some delicious waffles, chocolates or beer.

Day 8 : Trip Concludes

Location: Bruges

Meals Included: Breakfast

Arrangements conclude in Bruges after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights accommodation if you'd like to stay longer in Bruges - please ask for our rates.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    hotels

  • 7 breakfasts

    Breakfasts are continental style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices.

  • 7 nights in 3-4 star hotels

    Accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.

  • Information pack

    Includes route notes, maps, and tourist information per room booked. GPS tracks are available on request.

  • Emergency hotline

    Access to an emergency hotline for assistance.

  • Luggage transfer

    Luggage transfer between hotels, limited to 1 piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg.

  • 21 speed rental bike

    Includes pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock. E-bikes are available for an additional supplement.

  • Tourist tax

    Tourist tax is included in the package.

  • Travel to Brussels and from Bruges

    Travel arrangements to Brussels and from Bruges are included.

What's Not Included

  • Travel to and from Bruges / Brussels

    Travel arrangements to and from Bruges / Brussels are not included.

  • All drinks, lunches and dinners

    Meals not listed as included and drinks are not covered.

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees to attractions are not included unless specified.

  • Guide

    This is a self-guided tour, so no guide is provided.

  • Transfers

    Transfers are not included unless specified.

  • Excess luggage

    A supplement applies for excess luggage.

    Each piece of extra luggage will be charged a supplement and cannot be heavier than 20kg due to work safety rules.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.

  • E-bike

    E-bikes are available for an additional supplement.

  • Solo traveler supplement

    A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • Transfers by taxi or public transport

    Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.

  • Ferries

    Ferries are not included.

    Allow approximately 1-4 EUR per ferry.

  • Handlebar phone holder

    We recommend bringing a handlebar phone holder to follow the route more easily using the GPS tracks.

  • Items of a personal nature

    Items of a personal nature are not included.

Accommodation

During the trip we use a combination of 3 and 4 star hotels chosen for their comfort and convenience to the cycle route.

Grading

This trip involves 6 days cycling between 34 and 65km / 21 and 40mi per day, usually along paved cycle paths and quiet county roads across generally flat terrain. The well-posted cycle route is generally low traffic and often car-free. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera
ain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels/inns. The trip is graded moderate and is considered suitable for competent cyclists with a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list and we do provide one for each client.

What You Carry

During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

Mode of Transport

Travel to Brussels and from Bruges is included, with cycling routes between cities and luggage transfer between hotels.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    During the trip, you will stay in a combination of 3 and 4 star hotels chosen for their comfort and convenience to the cycle route.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, which are continental style and usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee, and juices.

  • Is luggage transfer provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfer between hotels is provided, limited to one piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 20kg.

  • What kind of bike is provided for the tour?

    A 21-speed rental bike with a pannier, helmet, repair kit, and lock is provided. E-bikes are also available for an additional supplement.

  • Is this a guided or self-guided tour?

    This is a self-guided cycling holiday.

  • What should I carry during the cycling day?

    During the cycle day, you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.

  • What is the difficulty level of the cycling routes?

    The trip is graded moderate and is considered suitable for competent cyclists with a good level of fitness. The routes are generally flat and well-posted, often car-free, but there will be some traffic in and out of the cities.

  • Are helmets provided and are they mandatory?

    Yes, helmets are provided and are a compulsory item on your equipment list for safety reasons.

  • What happens if I need to skip a stage of the cycling route?

    Transfers by taxi or public transport are available if you need to skip a stage, but these are not included in the tour price.

  • Are there any additional costs for solo travelers?

    Yes, a supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.

  • How fit do I have to be?

    Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.

  • What happens if something goes wrong?

    On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.

  • I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?

    Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

C. Fuller(Berwick, Australia)  

Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

11 Jul 2023

It did take us a day or two to work out the cycle route markers but once we had it was relatively smooth sailing. There were some gaps but by then we were confident to go “off piste”! The hotels selected were mainly very good & when we decided to exchange a manual bike for an e-bike, we were lucky enough to get one straight away after a phone call. Our luggage arrived promptly every afternoon. We are in our 70’s & can highly recommend this tour.

Toni Mitchell(Oxley Island, NSW, Australia)  

Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

19 Jun 2024

A wonderful intro to cruising. Very special and memorable.

Philip Thornton(Oxley Island, NSW, Australia)  

Belgium Cycle - Brussels to Bruges

19 Jun 2024

Loved the route. A mix of everything

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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