After check in at your hotel you are free to relax or explore this fascinating city. Perhaps consider a visit to the basilica of Dadizele, where the stunning stained glass windows will certainly take your breath away! The local beer is revered around the world so a tasting session could also be on the agenda!

This is quite a poignant day as you visit Ypres, home to the Menin Gate Memorial and also Flanders Fields where some of the most ferocious fighting of the first World War took place. There is an opportunity to visit the Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial near Passendale, the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world. At Flanders Fields Museum you can learn more about the momentous events that took place in this region. The area surrounding Ypres is very peaceful and perfect for exploring by bike. The town itself was totally destroyed during the War but has been meticulously reconstructed.

Today you cycle through the medieval town of Poperinge. For those who have an interest in WWI, it is also home to Talbot House, which was a refuge from the respite of the front line for all allied soldiers no matter what rank. Here soldiers could switch off and forget about the rigours of war, if only temporarily.

Just north of the town, in the tiny hamlet of Westvleteren, is the Abbey of Saint Sixtus. The abbey is home to an order of Trappist monks who produce ‘Westvleteren 12‘, a beer revered by many as one of the ‘best beers in the world’. Cycle on along the canal, passing the monument of Yzertoren, to Diksmuide where you can visit a very interesting WWI Museum.

Cycle through open farmland and past the villages of Keiem, Leke and Gistel to Bruges, which will be your home for the next three nights. Bruges is a very picturesque city with a history stretching back to the Vikings. A network of cobbled streets and canals, lined with wonderful old townhouses criss-cross the city. Quaint squares accommodate wonderful old churches and museums. Of course the Belgians are master chocolatiers and Bruges offers an abundance of chocolate shops!

Today you explore the surrounding region with a round trip to the Flemish seaside village of Knokke. Cycle through the polder landscape and coastal sand dunes of the Het Zwin nature reserve. On your way back we recommend stopping for a break in the pretty village of Damme.

Another exciting day, as you cycle along the coast. En route you will pass through Lissewege, a charming village divided by a picturesque canal. Then onto De Haan, a village, which has preserved a Belle Epoque‘ style thanks to the many typical 19th century houses.

Your last day of cycling will take you back through open countryside to Roeselare passing d’Aertrycke and Wijnendaele castles on the way. We recommend a visit to the national cycling museum in Roeselare, which charts the history of the bike and cycling culture in Belgium.

After breakfast it’s time to check-out and head for home or your next adventure.