The historical art route.
Belgium is surprising and beautiful. It is easy to sum up the diverse regions of Flanders and Brussels in a nutshell. Flanders and the European capital of Brussels offer holiday fun for almost everyone: relaxing bike rides in stunning natural landscapes, culinary delights in excellent restaurants, cultural highlights in historic buildings, renowned museums, and of course the vibrant metropolis of Brussels.
Day 1: Arrival in Brussels
Brussels offers a special multi-cultural charm with its squares, facades, galleries, and streets that make up the charm of this city. Discover the Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis and all the other icons of the Belgian capital Brussels which of course every visitor must see. Brussels is also the city of Art Nouveau, which was brought to life by the Brussels architect Victor Horta. You can also visit the René-Magritte Museum, which is dedicated to the surrealist painter who lived in Brussels for a long time.
Day 2: Brussels > Mechelen, ~65 km (40 miles)
The first stage of cycling leads first to Leuven (Louvain), which is not only the oldest university town in Belgium, but also a famous beer town. Before continuing onto Mechelen you should take a walk to the old market and the Begijnhof area. Mechelen, the city on the river Dyle is characterized by historic buildings, which are derived mostly from the time of the Burgundies. Also worth seeing is the toy and clock museum.
Day 3: Mechelen > Bornem/Puurs, ~32/38 km (20-24 miles)
Today's bike ride is a short one. You also have the opportunity to take a trip by train to the city of Antwerp, the home of Rubens. This port is one of the lushest art cities in Europe. Here the Baroque style found in the paintings of the master painter Peter Paul Rubens hits its peak. The wealth of the commercial city is reflected in the magnificent palaces and churches of the city. Then you’re cycling along the rivers Rupel and Schelde to Bornem or Puurs which not only offers many attractions, but also many green spaces to relax.
Day 4: Bornem/Puurs > Ghent, ~65 km (40 miles)
Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, also called the „historic heart of Flanders„, offers a variety of attractions and is dominated by an imposing series of towers, including St. Bavo's cathedral with the world famous painting „The Mystic Lamb„ by Jan van Eyck. In many places the cities well preserved medieval architecture: the old port with the guild houses on the Graslei and Korenlei is just one of the gorgeous views, Ghent has to offer.
Day 5: Ghent > Bruges, ~50 km (31 miles)
The historic center of Bruges is classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon visiting Bruges, you will immediately notice that this city has its architectural and artistic treasures always carefully cherished. Take time to stroll in refreshing parks and quiet, intimate streets with cobblestones. And do not forget to admire besides the dignified manor houses and the humble folk houses.
Day 6: Bruges > De Haan > Bruges, ~55 km (34 miles)
Cycle past the small white village of Lisswegge and continue the beautiful coast of De Haan. There you can swim in the Belgian North Sea or sit on the beach in the sunshine. Or have a day off cycling and enjoy a rest day in Bruges to visit museums or go shopping. Another alternative would be to go and visit Ostend (only 15 minutes by train).
Day 7: Departure or extra nights
Return journey to Brussels by train (~50min) or by pre-reserved private transfer.
