Brussels to Bruges via Ghent

Brussels, the capital of Europe and hub of art, culture and politics. This is where your tour begins, take advantage of your time in this wonderful metropolis.

Brussels is one of the greenest cities of Europe; discover its historical beauty, galleries, small streets and multicultural soul. A must for every visitor is the great market square, the Atomium, the Parlamentarium, Manneken Pis and Art Nouveau buildings, the icons of the city. Brussels is a city full of hidden treasures.

The first day of riding will bring you to Leuven. This city is not only known as university city, home to the oldest university in Belgium, but also as a beer city.

A walk in Mechelen, a city on the river Dijle, will show you all the most important historical buildings. These were erected during the time of the Burgunds. St. Rombouts-cathedral, is certainly worth a visit, as are the palaces of Margarete of York and Margarete of Austria. You can also visit Kazerne Dorsin from WW2, or the toys’ museum, in this varied and interesting city.

There are many surprises and treats in store on today’s ride. In the town of Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, at the Ursuline Institute, you will find an exquisite blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco. Best of all has to be the winter garden! Feast your eyes on this masterpiece of art nouveau style! Back outside, you will continue through countryside to Duffel, on the River Nete, then to Mortsel and Berchem. If you are into military heritage, stop off in Mortsel to visit Fort no. 4 (of originally eight Brialmont Forts (1860-1864)) of the defensive line of Antwerp. It is built in brick with sandstone decorations and stands proud on an island. Your day will come to an end in Antwerp, a city with a long beer tradition and countless charming cafes. Discover the beautiful Old Town or go shopping. You will find plenty of places to pick up antiques and curio’s, home deco, vintage fashion finds, or even diamonds!

For most of your ride today, the River Scheldt will show you the way. Near Kruibeke, you will find Wissekerk Castle. Way back in the 10th century this would have been known as a ‘water castle’ and served as part of the defense line of Antwerp. A little farther on, you will cross the Scheldt by ferry, before proceeding, atop the river dike, to De Zilverreiger. Here, you will find a regional museum dedicated to preserving knowledge about former local trades such as, basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making.

Today, you will find yourself soon returning to the river banks of the Scheldt.  You will ride past a string of traditional Flemish villages and towns. Laarne Castle is a great place to take a short break, before continuing on to Ghent. The Old Town of Ghent is like an open-air museum. This UNESCO designated Creative City of Music has a thriving culture of arts and music. Festivals, musical institutions, the carillon, concerts, students of music having a singsong on the quays… music is in the air of the very city. In the evenings the atmosphere is magical, thanks, in some part to the town’s ingenious light plan.

As you head west, you will discover the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields. The ride through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures, is pleasant and easy. You can then cycle through the Het Leen and Drongengoed woods. This evening, its time to realx and put your feet up in Maldegem.

Today will offer you another lovely route, as you head through the flat Flemish countryside. After Maldegem you will pass some quiet villages including Knesselare, Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. Later in the ride, you will follow the Ghent-Bruges canal. Dating back to the 14th century, its is one of the oldest in the country. Together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that is vital to the area’s biodiversity. Your destination Bruges is a true gem for Belgium. The charming town has cobbled roads, medieval-looking buildings and a fairytale ambiance.

All good things must come to an end. Check out of the hotel, after breakfast today. Your holiday has come to an end.