Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour

Your cycling adventure begins in the dazzling capital of Brussels, located in north-central Belgium. After settling into your hotel, head out on your first adventure to take in the sights and sounds of this remarkable city.

The Grand Place, Brussels’ heart and soul, is the perfect place to begin—enjoy some time at this central square, revelling in the guild houses and the Maison du Roi that surround it. Tomorrow marks your first ride to Mechelen, so rest well and get ready to ride.

If you didn’t have a chance to visit the Grand Palace yesterday, be sure to steal away this morning and head there for a truly authentic Belgian experience, then set off for Grimbergen.

After taking in the stunning Baroque basilica at today’s first stop, continue to Mechelen, enjoying a serene route via quiet country lanes flanked by age-old trees. Meadows, woods, and farm pastures pave the rest of the way to Mechelen, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodations. Enjoy an evening at your leisure in this small and incredibly charming Flemish town.

With your sights set on Sint-Kathelijne this morning, you’ll depart after breakfast. Upon arrival, you’ll have a chance to take in the Our Lady of Wavre convent, which boasts a magnificent blend of architecture, including art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire, and art deco.

Continue along the pretty banks of the River Nete, first through Duffel, and final on to Antwerp. Spend the evening unwinding here after an exciting day of cycling, taking in the city’s impressive collection of antique shops and traditional breweries.

This morning, following the first stretch of the route, you’ll arrive at the enchanting 10th-century Wissekerk Castle, found near Kruibeke. Spend some time taking in this delightful encounter with Belgian history, then catch a ferry before pedalling the dike to De Zilverreiger, a regional museum where you can enjoy a glimpse into local crafts and trades—from fishery to clog making.

Arrive in the small city of Dendermonde, where you’ll find tonight’s accommodation.

Rise this morning, ready to return to the scenic route along the Scheldt, but not before taking in Dendermonde’s town hall and 11th-century church, if you haven’t already done so.

Then, en route to Ghent, you’ll pause in Laarne to take in the impressive 11th-century moated castle before finishing today’s ride in the “creative city of music.” Ghent is home to a vibrant music and festival scene, making it a perfect place to catch a live show following dinner this evening.

A cyclist’s paradise paves the way to Maldegem today. Following breakfast, set out west into the spellbinding landscapes of rural Meetjesland. The route is enveloped in dense woodlands and swaying meadows, and the flat nature of this stretch allows ample opportunities to soak in the scenery while enjoying a pleasant, easy ride.

Hop off your bike in Eeklo to look at the sculptures found here, then continue via the Het Leen and Drongengoed forests to Maldegem.

Your final ride guides you through the beautiful Flemish countryside today, where you’ll pass through several charming villages such as Knesselare, Maria-Aalter, and Moerbrugge along the way.

On the final stretch, admire one of Belgium’s oldest waterways at the 14th-century Ghent-Bruges canal.

Then, arrive in Bruges, a whimsical world of medieval facades, cobblestone streets, and fairy-tale ambience. Soak up your final evening of the tour in beautiful Bruges. Walk off dinner with a peruse of the central Burg square, where you’re sure to feel the heartbeat of this bourgeois city, known as “the Venice of the north.”

Your adventure comes to an end this morning following a final breakfast in Bruges. Enjoy your final morning here before checking out to depart.