Traverse four Belgian provinces on this whimsical self-guided cycling tour
Discover the best of Belgium on the 8-day self-guided Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour.
Revel in the excitement of this route, which invites cyclists to take in the most beautiful towns in Belgium while enjoying the remarkable, ever-changing natural landscapes that pave the way.
Each stop on the route is filled with intrigue and surprise, setting the scene for exciting encounters with Belgian art, history, culture, and gastronomy. The tour begins in the exciting capital, Brussels, where you’ll appreciate the Flemish Painters’ masterpieces before riding to the small Flemish town of Mechelen. As you continue the route, overnight stays in Antwerp, Dendermonde, and Ghent provide endless opportunities to explore ancient sites and beautiful pastoral landscapes. Take in the impressive 10th-century Wissekerk Castle near Kruibeke and the ancient convent school of Our Lady Wavre in Sint-Kathelijne, and enjoy scenic trails along the bank of the River Scheldt. Rural Meetjesland then invites you to revel in a true cyclist’s paradise as you pedal alongside woodlands, farms, and meadows to Maldegem. The final stretch to Bruges marks the completion of this incredible cycling journey through the heart of Belgium, and the city of Bruges’ cobbled streets and medieval buildings make for a picture-perfect ending to this tour.
Enjoy excellent accommodations along the route with access to modern amenities and the comforts of home. Centrally located hotels and B&Bs make exploring at each stop along the way easy and convenient.
Encounter the best of Belgium’s unique towns and cities on the Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour and enjoy the freedom and convenience of this route that ensures you won’t miss a thing!
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.
This self-guided cycling tour is run as a fixed departure tour, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.
Prices below are per person:
This tour is based on hotels and one B&B. Hotels on this trip are mostly 3- and 4-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Guests may have access to amenities such as swimming pools, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement of $375USD to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Modern elegance best describes the Grand Place Arenberg hotel located conveniently in the historical center of Brussels. Guests can enjoy several city attractions and a wide range of restaurants nearby.
This unique stay in a converted fish smokehouse dating to 1923 provides guests with an ideal place to unwind after a day of adventure. The hotel, adjacent to the River Dijle, is within walking distance of the famous Grote Markt and St Rumbold’s cathedral.
Modern décor and modern amenities make this comfortable hotel an excellent stay. Enjoy dining in the hotel’s restaurant and bar, which boasts views of the grand Antwerp Central railway station.
This luxurious B&B is located in a gorgeous converted red brick house and offers guests all the comforts of home in an up-scale, contemporary environment.
Set opposite the pretty river Leie, this lovely hotel brings the best of Ghent right to its guests in a charming, warm atmosphere.
This small hotel provides everything guests need for a good night’s rest and offers great dining in the informal restaurant and bar on site.
Centrally located in Bruges, you’ll want for nothing during your stay at the Hotel Velotel. A gym and stylish bar and lounge make for an excellent stay here.
7 breakfasts are included with the option to upgrade to half-board and add 5 dinners to your package.
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour in Brussels and after the tour in Bruges are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Luggage transportation during the tour is included. Your bike rental and airport transfers are not included but can be booked in advance as a supplement.
How hard is the Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour?
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 65 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant ride.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills, and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Do I need a visa to travel to Belgium?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Are meals included on the Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour?
7 breakfasts are included with the option to upgrade to half-board for 175 EUR and add 5 dinners to your package (except in Dendermonde and Brussels).
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Brussels to start this tour?
Fly into Brussels Airport (BRU). You can reach Brussels city center by train, which takes approximately 25 minutes. The first hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Brussels Central Station. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Where does the Brussels to Bruges Cycling Tour end?
The tour ends in Bruges. You can return to Brussels via train, which takes approximately 1 hour to the city center. From the city center, you can take another train to Brussels Airport (BRU), which takes approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to the airport as a supplement in advance or arrange your own private transfer.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are 21-gear hybrid bikes, 27-gear premium bikes (Koga Grand Tourer or similar), race bikes (Montreal 74 Eddy Merckx and Blockhaus 67 Eddy Merckx, tandem bikes, or e-bikes (Batavus Fuze Ego or similar).
What equipment does bike rental include?
All bike rentals come with a chain lock and repair kit. Hybrid bikes and e-bikes also include a saddlebag.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Belgium?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Belgium?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
When is the best time to travel to Belgium for this tour?
The best time to travel to Belgium for this cycling tour is from April to June and September to October when the weather is at an ideal temperature and festivals, and activities are abundant. This tour is available from April to September, allowing you the option to travel during the spring, summer, or early fall. The departures are available on Saturdays.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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4 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
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Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
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Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
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Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
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We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. You should be comfortable cycling distances of up to 65 kilometres in a day, with plenty of opportunities for breaks and refreshments. The terrain is almost entirely flat, making for a pleasant ride.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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