Historic Art Cities Route: Brussels to Bruges

Brussels is the capital of Europe and the 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 in 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 a 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 the 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 proudly 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 curios, home decor, 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 defence 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 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 part to the town’s ingenious light plan.

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

Don’t waste too much time on your last stage, because Bruges awaits you at the end: arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Your eyes will be spoiled for choice in this UNESCO World Heritage city. The medieval city centre has hardly changed since the 15th century. The canals guaranteed success and prosperity in the Middle Ages and made Bruges the Venice of the North. A perfect place to end your cycle tour along the historic art cities in beautiful Flanders.

Departure from Bruges or spend extra nights in the city or the surrounding region.

Arrival: Brussels

Departure: Bruges

Nearest arrival airport(s): Brussels or Charleroi

Nearest departure airport(s): Charleroi or Brussels

We also recommend travelling by train to all of our cycling holiday starting and departure points. We can help you plan your journey to Brussels by rail.

Car parking is available on all tours at the first hotel or a nearby public parking location. Full details are available on request. Please do not book travel until an official invoice confirms the cycling holiday.