Belgium Cycle - Bruges to Brussels Tour by Utracks

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Bruges, Belgium

Ends

Brussels, Belgium

Highlights

Discovering the Art cities of Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels

Sampling the exquisite chocolates, waffles and beer in atmospheric cafes and bars

Exploring the picturesque, quiet Flemish countryside

Cycling at your own pace on a relaxed self guided itinerary

Itinerary

From the cobbled lanes of Bruges to the cosmopolitan heart of Brussels, the "Belgium Cycle - Bruges to Brussels" trip invites you on an 8-day exploration of Belgium’s cultural and scenic highlights. Designed for experienced travelers and seniors comfortable with a moderate cycling pace, this self-guided bicycle tour weaves through Antwerp, Ghent, Maldegem, and four other captivating destinations.

Follow in the footsteps of the Flemish Masters as you glide along riverbanks and through peaceful forests, connecting some of Belgium’s most beautiful towns. Cultural treasures await at every stop: marvel at masterpieces in the Old Masters Museum in Brussels, explore the majestic St. Bavo Cathedral in Ghent, and uncover artistic heritage at Antwerp’s KMKSA and Rubens House. The Groeninge Museum in Bruges and St. John’s Church in Mechelen round out a rich itinerary of art and architecture.

Much of the journey follows flat, scenic paths—ideal for leisurely pedaling with time to pause and enjoy local specialties like Belgian beer, mussels, and chocolate. Comfortable hotels provide a warm welcome each evening, ensuring restful nights after days of cultural and natural discovery.

The highlight of this tour package is its seamless blend of art, history, and gentle cycling through charming landscapes, making it an ideal choice for those who cherish both cultural enrichment and active travel.

day 1 - Arrive Bruges

UNESCO World Heritage listed Bruges is a feast for the eyes. Known as the 'Pearl of Flanders' it is truly enchanting and well worth spending more time here if you can. With most of its medieval architecture intact, it remains exceptionally well preserved. With its favourable location and connection with the sea, Bruges flourished in the early Middle Ages, becoming an international and industrious port and trading city. Flemish cloth production provided an economic boost from the 11th century to the 15th century. Today it is a vibrant city with lots to see and do. After checking in to your hotel, we recommend heading to the Markt for some delicious waffles, chocolates or beer, and exploring on foot.

day 2 - Cycle along the Ghent-Bruges canal to Maldegem (54km/33.5mi)

This morning you begin your cycle by following the canal out of town. The Ghent-Bruges Canal dates from the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the country. Together with its towpaths, it forms a green corridor that has proved valuable for biodiversity. Past quiet villages such as Moerbrugge, Maria-Aalter and Knesselare, you will cycle through the flat Flemish countryside to Maldegem. In the evening, put your feet up in Maldegem.

Meals:Breakfast

day 3 - Continue through the rural Meetjesland region to Ghent (57km/35.5mi)

Today you traverse 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. After, it is easy-pedalling through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures. Then proceed 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 thrives, with festivals, music institutions, the carillon, concerts, students of music having a singsong on the quays… music is everywhere. After dark the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town’s ingenious light plan.

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Follow the River Scheldt to Dendermonde (46km/29mi)

For the main part of the day, the River Scheldt will be your guide. Follow it upstream past a string of Flemish villages and towns. A 13th-century castle is an eyecatcher in the village of Laarne: a great place for a break. End the day in Dendermonde with its impressive Town Hall & Belfry. After checking in to your hotel, take some time to visit the Church of Our Lady boasting a baptismal font from the 11th century and/or visit one of the local breweries.

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Cycle to Antwerp (57km/35.5mi)

This morning you make your way back to the Scheldt and cycle atop the river dike towards Antwerp. A delightful interlude: De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on preserving knowledge about trades and crafts that once flourished locally: basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making. After crossing the Scheldt by ferry, you will reach Kruibeke, home to Wissekerk Castle. In the 10th century this was a so-called water castle and part of the defence line of Antwerp along the river. Finish your day in Antwerp, a city with a long beer tradition and countless cafes. Discover the beautiful Old Town or go shopping for antiques and curios, vintage clothing or diamonds.

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Continue to Mechelen (45km/28mi)

It’s only a short ride today so you have time to explore Antwerp some more before setting off towards Mechelen. If you are into military heritage, stop off in Mortsel to visit Fort no. 4 of the originally eight Brialmont Forts (1860-1864) that made up the defensive line of Antwerp. It is built in brick with sandstone decorations and stands on an island surrounded by a ditch. Then continue along quiet country lanes and alongside the River Nete to Duffel. And, yes! This is actually the town where “duffel” originated from: the heavy, woolly material used initially for bags and later for duffle coats, made popular by the British Royal Navy and still trendy today. In the 15th century, duffel was produced here and exported all over Europe: a profitable business for then-prosperous Duffel. In the town of Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, at the Ursuline Institute, a boarding school run by nuns, an exquisite surprise awaits. The convent/school complex, Our Lady of Wavre, is a successful blend of art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco. Best of all: the winter garden! Feast your eyes on a masterpiece of art nouveau, an ode to nature, springtime and light. Top off your day in Mechelen, small but attractive.

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Cycle via meadows and cropfields to Brussels (65km/40mi)

Cycle today on tree-lined country lanes, past a series of ponds, along a river, around a wood and through meadows and cropfields to Brussels. Along the way you'll pass Tervuren, known for the Royal Africa Museum. In Brussels you will find a mix of cultures, as can be seen in the streets, menus and people. Head for the Grote Markt (Grand Place) with its opulent guildhalls and town hall and the nearby landmark Manneken Pis. Other attractions include Atomium and the Art Nouveau Horta Museum, and try some local specialties - delicious waffles, chocolates and beer. It's a city where culture vultures, shopaholics and gourmands make merry.

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast. Brussels has a lot to offer - we can assist with booking extra nights on request, please ask for our rates.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

7 nights in 3-4 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities

Meals

7 breakfasts: Breakfasts are buffet style and will usually consist of breads, cheese, ham, tea, coffee & juices

Others

Information pack including route notes, maps and GPS Tracks per room booked, plus navigational appLuggage transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg per person, supplement applies for excessHybrid rental bike with helmet, pannier, repair kit and lock (e-bikes available - supplement applies)Tourist taxEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

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