Flanders:Brussels-Bruges

Don't hesitate to arrive early; the citys multicultural charm expressed in its squares, facades, galleries and little streets will work up your enthusiasm. It is possible to fly to Charleroi (Brussels South) with Ryanair.

The bikes are handed over in the morning. Now it is time to swing on the bikes! You will arrive in Leuwen, the city of a wonderful beer with Belgiums oldest university shaping the citys unique character, in no time. Be looking forward to the days final destination; Mechelen is called the city of chimes and religious capital of Belgium with artwork by Rubens and van Dyck.

Take a look at the picturesque Mechelen with its listed buildings, churches and monuments. Afterwards you cycle on quiet, flat paths along the rivers Beneden-Dijl and Nete. On the way you will pass through Lier with the Beguinage and the Belfry, a striking bell tower, both of which have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites for quite some time. You will reach Antwerp, your destination for the day.  You will be amazed by one of Europes richest cities considering artwork, and flattered by the citys richness displayed in numerous magnificent castles. Walk through the famous diamond district and don't wear your purse too loosely on the impressive shopping mall: The "Meir" extends from the train station to the cathedral. On your bikes you will role along the channel and the little river Rupel to Bornem.

Today you cycle on flat cycle paths along the river Scheldt through the idyllic landscape with green meadows and cows on pasture, which alternates with Flemish, picturesque villages. You will reach your destination for today, Dendermonde, with its giant wooden horse, the symbol of the town. In honor of the horse Bayard, there is a folk festival every 10 years and the wooden horse is carried in a procession through Dendermonde. Dendermonde also has other highlights to offer: the Cloth Hall and the Meat House (Vleeshuis) or de Belfry, a bell tower with 49 bells. Also the physical well-being does not come too briefly, because in one of the numerous restaurants at the historical market place you can end the evening relaxed.

Today you will continue on the flat bike paths along the banks of the Scheldt River to Ghent. On the way, the small Flemish Dörder invite you to take a break. The historic center of Ghent awaits you with a variety of sights. The St. Nicholas Church, the old harbor with the guild houses, the Belfry with its bell tower and the St. Bavo Cathedral with the world famous painting "The Ghent Altar" by Jan van Eyck.

On today's tour you will explore the beautiful landscape around the river Leie, which accompanies you on today's stage. The picturesque landscape with its extensive forests has served as a source of inspiration for numerous artists. Again and again you will come across neoclassical castles and small artist villages along the way. Admire the works of local artists in one of the museums. At your destination, the Gothic town hall, the Belfry and the Theater Square (Schouwburgplein) with the municipal theater and historic houses await you.

Today your bike route will take you from Kortrijk to Bruges. You should hurry, because Bruges has a lot to offer. You can easily visit the compact center with its sights on foot. It is nice that the tour of the city centre can pleasantly be made by foot. The Church of Our Lady and the Beguinage will amaze you and climbing the Belfry (366 steps) will be rewarded with a fantastic view. Above all, Bruges is a shopping paradise for laces, beer and chocolates!

If you have more time we recommand you to extend your bike trip in Bruges.