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This cycling holiday of Bruges and West Flanders offers an appealing mix of history, culture, scenic countryside and some tasty treats. Visit Flanders Fields and Ypres, scene of some of the fiercest battles of World War I. Stay in the historic city of Bruges and cycle to the sand dunes of the coast through a unique polder landscape.
This cycling holiday takes you to Ypres, scene of some of the fiercest battles of World War I. The many museums, memorials and cemeteries tell the story of those tumultuous days in 1916.
Menin Gate Memorial - Ypres
In the tiny hamlet of Westvleteren you can visit the Abbey of Saint Sixtus and purchase what many consider to be the world’s finest beer (prior appointment necessary).
Then it’s on to the small and historic city of Bruges to explore its museums, charming squares, canals and narrow lanes. Belgium chocolate is definitely on the agenda here and with more than 40 chocolate shops in town you will be spoilt for choice.
Cycle out to the coast along serene canals through scenic polder landscapes to follow cycle paths through the quiet and peaceful dunes.
This is an easy cycle tour on flat terrain along quiet roads and cycle paths.
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.
On this tour you can choose between a regular bike or an electric bike.
Regular bike: Is an alloy framed unisex model with 21 speeds and a comfortable, relaxed riding position, perfect for a leisure cycling holiday. Male specific frames with a crossbar are available from a height of 170cm. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and repair kit.
Electric bikes: These unisex/step through electric bikes are a popular option on this route and ensure riders can enjoy the scenery along the way, whilst not working too hard at the climbs. Bikes come equipped with a pannier, lock and repair kit.
Helmets are not supplied, so you will need to bring your own.
Below you will find examples of the types of accommodation typically used on this tour. Please note that the hotels we book for you may differ slightly from those described but they will certainly be of a similar standard.
Superior: Good quality hotels and guesthouses.
Roeselare: Parkhotel
Ypres: Hotel O Ieper
Diksmuide: Hotel ‘t Withuis
Bruges: Velotel
Local taxes: Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. The fee varies and is frequently changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €2-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Brussels or take the Eurostar. From there, take the train via Bruges to Roeselare. Approx 1.45 hours
Research flights from UK airports.
Research Eurostar from UK.
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