Cycling from Brussels to Bruges

Cycling from Brussels to Bruges Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: Belgium
Programmes: Cycling
Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
8 Days: Flight Inclusive
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 12+
Trip Code: C07BE

Trip Overview

Starting in Belgium’s capital city of Brussels, we highly recommend adding a few extra nights for a city break here before the cycling starts to explore 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.

On your journey northwest, 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 Antwerp and Ghent before arriving in the ‘Venice of Northern Flanders’, Bruges. 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 and diamonds. 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.

Bruges 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. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 and has a plethora of landmarks, museums and historical sights. The city is also world-famous for its lace production.

At a Glance

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

Highlights

Visit the iconic cities of Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges
Follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens with exhibitions and events along the route
Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian beer, triple-fried frites, chocolates and waffles (gaufres)

Is This Trip for You?

Cycling Conditions
Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance: 55km (34 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. Alternative shorter routes are available on some days (days 6 & 7) and are detailed in the route notes.

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.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be 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.

Adult min age: 12

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Brussels
End City: Bruges

Land Only Itinerary

Arrive early and head for the Grande Place, the Manneken Pis or one of many other landmarks in this delightful city where culture vultures, shopaholics, gourmets and gourmands all feel at home.

Overnight Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 4*, Brussels.

After one last tour of the Grande Place, leave Brussels behind and cycle on an easterly route through the southeast suburbs of Tervuren and the famous Aftrikamuseum to Erps, Kampenhout and on to Mechelen, home of the 13th century St Rumbold’s Cathedral and its tower with 360-degree views of the city. Ride on tree-lined country lanes, along a river and through meadows.

Overnight Hotel Ve 4*, Mechelen.

Distance covered: 40mi (65km)

Meals included: Breakfast

On today’s route, enjoy the successful blend of Art Nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and Art Deco at the Ursuline Institute of Our Lady of Wavre. Here, the winter garden is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau, an ode to nature, springtime and light! Continue through the countryside to Duffel on the River Nete, Mortsel and Berchem. Visit the island Fort in Mortsel (one of eight Brialmont Forts that made up the defensive line of Antwerp). Discover Antwerp, a city with a long tradition with beer as well as antiques and curios, vintage fashion and diamonds.

Overnight Park Inn by Radisson 3*, Antwerp.

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Follow the River Scheldt for most of the route today. Visit 10th century Wissekerk Castle, another of Antwerp’s fortifications. Further along the river, cross by ferry, then continue atop the river dike to De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on preserving knowledge about local trades and crafts that once flourished: basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making.

Overnight Abalona B&B 4*, Demdermonde.

Distance covered: 34mi (55km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s route continues 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 sing-song on the quays… music is everywhere. After dark the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town’s ingenious street lighting.

Overnight Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel 4*, Ghent.

Distance covered: 28mi (45km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will immerse yourself in the beautiful landscape around the river Leie. The picturesque region’s green landscape with its extensive forests is a true natural paradise and has inspired countless artists. Neoclassical castles and small artists’ villages line the way, and you can also admire the works of the painters in the local museums. Your stage destination Kortrijk has the charm of a big city with the cosiness of a village. In the centre, you will find a mix of modern architecture, centuries-old cultural heritage and passionate creativity.

Overnight Parkhotel 4*, Kortrijk.

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast

Yet another lovely route through the flat Flemish countryside. On the last stretch, follow the Ghent-Bruges canal. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the country and together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that is important for biodiversity. Your final destination of Bruges is a truly charming town with its cobbled streets and squares, canals, medieval-looking buildings and a fairy-tale ambiance.

Overnight Dukes Hotel Academie 4*, Bruges.

Distance covered: 37mi (60km)

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, wave goodbye to Bruges.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 4*, Brussels.

All rooms are designed with comfort and convenience in mind at this eco-friendly hotel in Brussels. Located in the heart of the European Quarter and near the vibrant city centre, the hotel has convenient access to the Grand Place, Magritte Museum, European Commission, and Brussels International Airport.