Cycling from Bruges to Brussels

Cycling from Bruges to Brussels

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Cycling from Bruges to Brussels

8 Days Starting in Bruges and ending in Brussels

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

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

C07BB

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

12 to 99

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Starting in the historic centre of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000 with a plethora of landmarks, museums and historical sights, the city 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. Bruges is also world-famous for its lace production.On your journey southeast, from the 'Venice of Northern Flanders', follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens with exhibitions and events during 2021 along the route. You get a chance to visit the iconic cities of Ghent and Antwerp before arriving in Brussels. 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. 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 diamonds.

Highlights

  • Visit the iconic cities of Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels

  • Prepare your tastebuds for world-famous Belgian waffles (gaufres), mussels (moules), triple-fried frites, chocolates and a huge array of beers

  • Follow the artwork of the Flemish Masters - Van Eyck, Bruegel and Rubens with exhibitions and events during 2021 along the route

  • Based on our popular 7 night, Cycling from Brussels to Bruges

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Bruges

Location: Bruges

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Velotel

Meals Included: No Meals

Arrive early and head for the enchanting cobbled streets and squares, canals,
medieval-looking buildings and its charming ambiance.

Day 2 : Bruges To Maldegem 

Location: Bruges, Maldegem

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Amaryllis Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow the Ghent-Bruges Canal out of town today - it dates back to the 14th
century and is one of the oldest in Belgium. Together with its towpath
verges, it forms a green corridor that has proved valuable for biodiversity.
Cycle through quiet villages such as Moerbrugge, Maria-Aalter and Knesselare
and enjoy the flat Flemish countryside on the way to delightful Maldegem. In
the evening, put your feet up or stroll round Maldegem.

Day 3 : Maldegem To Ghent

Location: Maldegem, Ghent

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Europahotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you cross the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods,
meadowland and vast cropfields. Enjoy the play of light as you ride your bike
through the woods of Het Leen and Drongengoed then it's easy-pedalling
through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many
sculptures. Continue on to Ghent, the Old Town of which is like an open-air
museum. The city is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music - the music scene
here is absolutely thriving with festivals, music institutions, the carillon,
concerts and students of music having a singsong on the quays… music is
everywhere. After dark, the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town’s
ingenious street lighting.

Day 4 : Ghent To Dendermonde

Location: Ghent, Dendermonde

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Abalona B&B

Meals Included: Breakfast

For most of the day, the River Scheldt will be your guide - follow it
upstream past a string of Flemish villages and towns. The 13th century castle
in the village of Laarne is a real eyecatcher and a great place for a break.
End the day in Dendermonde and be sure to discover the Town Hall & Belfry and
visit the Church of Our Lady that boasts a baptismal font from the 11th
century.

Day 5 : Dendermonde To Antwerp 

Location: Dendermonde, Antwerp

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hampton Antwerp

Meals Included: Breakfast

Make your way back to the River Scheldt and cycle along the top of the river
dike towards Antwerp. De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on
preserving knowledge about trades and crafts that once flourished locally
such as basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax
processing and clog making provides a delightful interlude this morning.
After crossing the Scheldt by ferry, you reach Kruibeke, home to Wissekerk
Castle, which was a so-called water castle and part of the defense line of
Antwerp along the river in the 10th century. Finish the day in Antwerp, a
city with a long beer tradition and countless cafes.

Day 6 : Antwerp To Mechelen 

Location: Antwerp, Mechelen

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mercure Hotel Vé

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s only a short trip today so you have time to discover the beautiful Old
Town of Antwerp or go shopping for antiques and curios, home deco, vintage
fashion finds or even diamonds before setting off towards Mechelen. If you
are into military heritage, visit Fort no. 4 of the original eight Brialmont
Forts (1860-1864) that made up the defensive line of Antwerp. Continue along
quiet country lanes and alongside the River Nete to Duffel (yes, this is
actually the town where “duffel” originated from). In the 15th century,
duffel was produced here and exported all over Europe. In the town of
Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, at the Ursuline Institute, the convent/school complex,
is a successful blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco.
Best of all: the winter garden! Finish your day in Mechelen, home of the 13th
century St Rumbold’s Cathedral and its tower with 360-degree views of the
city.

Day 7 : Mechelen To Brussels 

Location: Mechelen, Brussels

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle along tree-lined country lanes, past a series of ponds, along a river,
around a wood and through meadows and cropfields towards Brussels. Along the
way, pass Tervuren, known for the Royal Africa Museum. In Brussels itself,
you'll find a cosmopolitan mix of cultures, as can be seen in the streets,
the restaurant menus and the people. Make a bee-line for the Grande Place and
go for a walk. Not only does Brussels have the Manneken Pis, it also has the
most delicious waffles, chocolates and pints of craft beer. This is a city
where culture vultures, shopaholics, gourmets & gourmands have the best time!
Stay at the NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg

Day 8 : Leave Brussels

Location: Brussels

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you depart from Brussels.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts

  • Luggage transfers

  • Route notes and maps

  • All accommodation (see accommodation section)

  • Local bike hire

What's Not Included

  • Optional electric bikes

  • Half board upgrade (5 nights only)

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Arrival & departure transfers

Food

All breakfasts are included. There are plenty of treats to be tried during your trip from Brussels to Bruges with local specialities including moules & frites, luxury praline chocolates, gaufres (sugar waffles) and beer.

Accommodation

Hotels and Guesthouses Your accommodation during this trip is in a high quality B&B to three and four star hotels. The hotels are a mix of traditional and contemporary buildings and all offer excellent facilities and ensuite bathrooms. Should the named accommodation on the itinerary details not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used.

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

    Three and four star hotels.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    12+ age people can go on this tour.

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    Only Luggage transfers

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

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

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