Trip code: C07BE 4 (2 reviews)
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
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 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.
No journey through Belgium would be complete without indulging in its culinary delights. Pause at local cafes to savour crispy Belgian waffles, adorned with powdered sugar or fresh fruits. Visit artisanal chocolatiers to sample pralines and truffles, each a testament to Belgium's rich chocolate heritage. In the evenings, unwind with a glass of Belgian ale, perhaps a Trappist beer, renowned for its complex flavours and brewing traditions.
Bruges has a fairy-tale 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.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary blends cultural immersion with gentle cycling, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with the seasoned traveller.
On this cycling trip from Brussels to Bruges, you'll mostly ride on flat, well-maintained cycle paths and quiet roads, making for an easy ride. The route takes you through both charming cities and peaceful countryside, offering a relaxed and enjoyable cycling experience.
Arrive early and take time to explore Brussels, a city where grand architecture meets relaxed cafe culture.
Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Grand Place, visit the quirky Manneken Pis, or enjoy one of the many excellent museums nearby.
Whether you're a culture lover, history enthusiast, or simply enjoy good food and people-watching, Brussels has something to offer from the very start.
You stay at Courtyard by Marriott Hotel 4*.
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TV
Minibar
Aircon
Tea/coffee
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.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Hotel V?ɬ� 4*.
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This 4* design hotel sits on the cosiest little square in Mechelen - the Vismarkt - and is located in a former fish smokehouse and cigar factory. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and a wellness area with swimming pool, hammam, jacuzzi and two saunas (wellness facilities are at an extra cost per person, payable locally).
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Park Inn Hotel by Radisson 3*.
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Just 10 minutes from Antwerp's central station, this hotel is designed with a contemporary touch for modern travellers. Guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the on-site RBG restaurant, or sit back with a good book in the cosy lobby.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Abalona B&B 4*.
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The Abalona luxury B&B, located just 1.9km from Dendermonde's market square, offers contemporary and very comfortable accommodation. As well as its own vineyard, the property offers a lounge area with a bar, a tranquil garden space with a koi carp pond and outdoor seating with parasols.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used
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.
You stay at Ghent River Hotel 4*.
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Blending industrial history with elegant and modern facilities, this hotel occupies several former factory buildings. Boasting a sauna, gym and riverside terrace, this is a great location to enjoy the sites of Ghent.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at Parkhotel 4*.
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Parkhotel offers 155 comfortable rooms, a lovely terrace bar and bistro with an extensive menu. Guests can enjoy the wellness area with indoor swimming pool, gym, and sauna.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
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.
You stay at NH Hotel Bruges 4*.
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Set within a former monastery just across from the Concert Hall, this hotel offers elegant accommodation with a warm country decor. Guests can enjoy the garden space and outdoor terrace before having a traditional Belgan beer at the hotel bar.
Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bruges, a city steeped in medieval charm and peaceful canals. If time permits, visit the Groeninge Art Museum or the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Whether heading home or continuing your journey, you'll leave with cherished memories of Belgium's beauty, rich culture, and leisurely cycling trails.
These tour prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £430.
We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.
If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Brussels airport. We can provide transfers from the airport, please contact us for details and prices.
We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.
Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.
Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment.
Self-guided cycling
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
Flights
available
11.0Kg CO2e
Navigation App
