Flanders historic sites by bike, Brussels to Bruges

Saturday day 1: Individual arrival in Brussels

It’s not a metropolis like Paris, London or Rome, but she will certainly seduce you with her multicultural charm and with place, galleries, small streets, which enrich the power of the city. The market square, the Atomium, Manneke Pis, the icons of the Belgian capital are a must for every visitor of Brussels. Moreover, Brussels is also the city of Jugendstil. And of course, there is always a festival as ‘Couleur Café’, a flower carpet or an interesting exhibiton.

Sunday day 2: Brussels – Mechelen 65 km / 39 miles

On the first day, we cycle along Leuven. This city is not only known for as university town – with the oldest Belgian university -, but also as a beer city. A walk in Mechelen, city at the river Dijle, will show you all the most important historical buildings, which were erected in the time of the Burgundy. You certainly have to visit the St. Rombouts-cathedral, the palaces of Margarete of York and Margarete of Austria. Or you can also visit the toy’s museum!

Monday day 3: Mechelen – Bornem – 30 km / 20miles

Today we cycle along the river Rupel and Schelde to Bornem. Because of the short ride there is plenty of time to take a 15-minute trainride towards the centre of Antwerp: enjoy a stroll on the Meir, have a beer on one of the many plazas or admire the rich architecture and art of this Metropolis.

Tuesday day 4: Bornem – Ghent – 65 km / 42 miles

Gent, also the hisorical centre fo Flanders, offers a variety of places of interest and is overseen by lots of towers, for example the one of the St. Bavo cathedral with the world famous painting of Jan van Eyck. The historical heart of the city is well conserved: you can for example visit the old port. Nearby, you will find the ‘Gravensteen’, once the medieval castle of the counts of Gent, today one of the most important places of interest.

Wednesday day 5: Ghent – Bruges – 50 km / 30 miles

The historical centre of Bruges is part of the world famous Unesco world heritage site list. Who visits Bruges, will notice it straight away: this city has always taken care of its architectural and cultural treasures. Take your time and stroll along lovely parks, intimate little streets and ancient market squares. You can also do some shopping: the shopkeepers will love to explain you everything about our Belgian chocolate or beer. Or simple enjoy ‘French’ fries on the stunning market square.

Thursday day 6: Circular ride Bruges – De Haan – Bruges – 55 km / 35 miles

Ride along the canals to the picturesque village of Lissewege and continue to the authentic coastal village of De Haan, enjoying a refreshing dive into the North sea or relaxing at the beach. Or you can also enjoy a free day for shopping, a boat ride on the canals, sightseeing by carriage, visiting some museums, climbing the belfry or a 15 min. train ride to the majestic port of Ostend.

Friday day 7: Bruges: Departure after breakfast or extension of your trip in Bruges or Brussels

Back to Brussels by direct train 1 hour journey 2 trains per hour.