Cycle Through Historic Flanders, from Brussels to Bruges
Discover Flanders by bike, from Brussels to Bruges, passing through historic Mechelen and Ghent before reaching the Belgian coast. Cycle through quiet countryside, canals, castles, abbeys and windmills, with time to explore some of Flanders’ most distinctive cities and coastal towns.
A Relaxed Self-Guided Cycling Holiday
Enjoy the freedom to cycle at your own pace with GPS tracks, prepared route information and luggage transfers. The mostly flat route follows quiet roads and cycle paths, making it an easy way to discover Flanders independently.
ROUTE
The route takes you from Brussels to Bruges, connecting historic Flemish cities with peaceful countryside and the Belgian coast. From Brussels, cycle to Mechelen, continue through the countryside towards Bornem and Ghent, and then head west to Bruges. The final stage takes you from Bruges to the coast at De Haan or Oostende before returning to Bruges.
The tour follows mostly flat, quiet roads, cycle paths and Flemish cycling routes, making it an easy and relaxed way to explore Flanders by bike. As a self-guided trip, you can ride at your own pace, with GPS tracks, route information and luggage transfers taking care of the practical details.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Brussels
Arrive individually in Brussels and take time to discover the character of Belgium’s capital. Its multicultural charm, lively squares, galleries and small streets invite you to explore at your own pace. The Market Square, the Atomium and Manneken Pis are among the city’s must-see icons, while Brussels’ Jugendstil heritage adds another distinctive dimension. Depending on the time of your visit, you may also encounter a festival such as Couleur Café, a flower carpet or an interesting exhibition.
Day 2: Brussels – Mechelen
65 km / 39 miles
Your cycling adventure begins with a ride towards Leuven, a city renowned for its university tradition and its connection with Belgian beer. From here, continue to Mechelen, beautifully situated on the River Dijle. Take time to discover the city’s historic buildings dating from the Burgundian period, including the impressive St. Rombouts Cathedral and the palaces of Margaret of York and Margaret of Austria. You can also visit the Toy Museum.
Day 3: Mechelen – Bornem/Puurs
32–38 km / 20–24 miles
Today’s shorter cycling stage follows the rivers Rupel and Schelde towards Bornem, leaving plenty of time to discover more along the way. You can also take a 15-minute train ride towards the centre of Antwerp. Enjoy a stroll along the Meir, stop for a beer on one of the city’s many plazas, or take in Antwerp’s rich architecture and art before continuing your journey.
Day 4: Bornem/Puurs – Ghent
65 km / 40 miles
Continue cycling towards Ghent, the historical centre of Flanders. The city unfolds beneath its characteristic towers, including the tower of St. Bavo Cathedral, home to Jan van Eyck’s world-famous painting. In Ghent’s beautifully preserved historical heart, discover the old port and the Gravensteen, the former medieval castle of the Counts of Ghent and one of the city’s most important sights.
Take some time to explore the historic centre and the old harbour, or visit the imposing Gravensteen, the medieval Castle of the Counts, located right in the heart of the city.
Day 5: Ghent – Bruges
50 km / 31 miles
Your route continues to Bruges, whose historical centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take your time to experience a city that has carefully preserved its architectural and cultural treasures. Wander through lovely parks, intimate little streets and ancient market squares, or enjoy some shopping while discovering the story of Belgian chocolate and beer. Alternatively, simply settle into the atmosphere of the stunning Market Square with some traditional Belgian fries.
Day 6: Bruges – De Haan – Bruges
Circular ride 55 km / 35 miles
Today’s circular ride takes you along the canals to the picturesque village of Lissewege before continuing to the authentic coastal village of De Haan. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the North Sea or simply relax on the beach. Alternatively, make the most of your day in Bruges with time for shopping, a boat ride on the canals, sightseeing by carriage, a museum visit, a climb of the belfry or a 15-minute train ride to the majestic port of Ostend.
Day 7: Departure from Bruges
After breakfast, your cycling journey comes to an end in Bruges. You can depart from here or extend your trip in Bruges or Brussels. To return to Brussels, a direct train takes approximately 50 minutes, with two trains per hour.
Extend Your Stay
Additional nights can be organized on request.
Getting to Brussels (Departure Point)
By Plane: Brussels Airport (BRU) is the main international gateway. From the airport, Brussels city centre is easily accessible by train.
By Train: Brussels is well connected by train from Belgium and neighbouring countries.
Return Journey
By Train: Bruges railway station offers direct and frequent connections to Brussels and other Belgian cities.
By Transfer: A transfer from Bruges to Brussels is available with a minimum of 2 people.
How to book this tour
We require a deposit of 25% of the tour price per person upon reservation, final payment 6 weeks before tour departure.
Included
- Accommodation in selected hotels
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfer between accommodations,
1 piece up to 15 kilos per person. - Carefully prepared route information
- GPS tracks and Digital travel documents
- Local support during the tour
NOT Included
- Travel to and from the tour
- Bicycle or E-bike rental
- Lunches and dinners and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Entrance fees
- Optional transfers
- Travel insurance
- Any services not mentioned under “Included”
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and start planning your cycling journey.
Check available options
Departures & Prices
Prices are per person in a double room 2026. 2027 available on request.
Saturday departures from May 2 to September 5. Sunday departures from July 5 to August 16.
Regular Season
Outside 6 June–16 August
From
715 €
High Season
6 June – 16 August
From
765 €
Options & Supplements
✓
+315€ Single Room
✓
+50€ 4★ in Bruges – double room
✓
+100€ 4★ in Bruges – Single Room
Accommodation
Carefully selected to ensure comfort, quality, and a relaxing and unforgettable journey.
Accommodation is provided in selected 3- and 4-star hotels along the route, with breakfast included. Overnight stays are arranged in the different locations visited during the tour, including Brussels, Mechelen, Bornem/Temse, Ghent and Bruges.
Additional nights with breakfast*
Prices per person, including breakfast
Bruges – 4★
75 € per person
+60 € Single room supplement
Brussels– 4★
75 € per person
+60 € Single room supplement
Prices valid in weekends (Friday – Sunday) in April, May – June + September – October and every day in July – August
Other days on request.
Please note that if you choose the premium hotel upgrade in Bruges, the price for an extra night will be different.
BIKES
Below you’ll find the essential information for rent options.
21 speed Bike
85€
E-Bike
160€
Kids’ bike
45€
Bike insurance
15€
E-Bike insurance
25€
Child seat
15€
Tandem
150€