Cycling along the coast of Belgium

Bruges and the Belgian Coast

Tour Description: Guided

On this tour, Bruges and the Belgian Coast, you will cycle along the coast of Belgium, exploring fields, canals and dunes. Enjoy the rich architecture of medieval towns such as Ieper and Bruges, stroll through quaint coastal villages and visit the National Cycling Museum in Roeselare. The West-Flanders region offers the ideal mix of culture and nature. It is one of those unique places, where you can enjoy silence along canals and open landscapes, but where culture is never far away. Along the tour, you can discover the history of World War I, in Ieper and Diksmuide, and spend time in Bruges, the famous historic town with its wonderful cultural heritage that is certainly the most interesting town on this tour. 

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Tour Description: Self-guided

On this tour, Bruges and the Belgian Coast, you will cycle along the coast of Belgium, exploring fields, canals and dunes. Enjoy the rich architecture of medieval towns such as Ieper and Bruges, stroll through quaint coastal villages and visit the National Cycling Museum in Roeselare. The West-Flanders region offers the ideal mix of culture and nature. It is one of those unique places, where you can enjoy silence along canals and open landscapes, but where culture is never far away. Along the tour, you can discover the history of World War I, in Ieper and Diksmuide, and spend time in Bruges, the famous historic town with its wonderful cultural heritage that is certainly the most interesting town on this tour. 

Learn more about self-guided tours. 

Highlights: Guided

• Nice cycling along fields, canals, dunes and the coast
• Architecture of monasteries, windmills and castles
• Medieval towns Ieper, Poperinge, Diksmuide and Bruges
• Coastal towns of De Haan, Heist and Knokke
• Burgundy atmosphere in pubs and restaurants and of course chocolate, waffles and French fries

Highlights: Self-guided

• Nice cycling along fields, canals, dunes and the coast
• Architecture of monasteries, windmills and castles
• Medieval towns Ieper, Poperinge, Diksmuide and Bruges
• Coastal towns of De Haan, Heist and Knokke
• Burgundy atmosphere in pubs and restaurants and of course chocolate, waffles and French fries

Daily Program: Guided

Daily Program: Self-guided

Day 1: Arrival and meeting in Roeselare
After the arrival in Roeselare, we offer a welcome drink. Those who want to, can make a small tour to the basilica of Dadizele, and discover the landscape around Roeselare.
Overnight in Roeselare.  

Day 2: Roeselare – Ieper/Kemmel (25 miles/40 km)
Our first cycling tour will bring us to Ieper, a beautiful medieval town with a stunning market place and  the famous town-gate ‘Menenpoort’. We will also pass the Tyne Cot cemetery, the biggest churchyard for English soldiers all over the world. Cycling around Ieper is a nice experience, especially passing the charming hills. 
Overnight in Ieper/Kemmel.  

Day 3: Ieper/Kemmel – Diksmuide (31 miles/49 km)
On this tour, we will pass another nice medieval town: Poperinge, popular because of the ‘hoppe’ cultivated in this area. But, certainly also very interesting is the abbey of Saint Sixtus, where the best beer in the world is brewed. We will cycle further along the banks of the ‚Yzer‘ to Diksmuide, where the ‚Yzertoren‘, a well-known monument of World War I, can be visited. You can also enjoy the beauty of the historic market place.
Overnight in Diksmuide.  

Day 4: Diksmuide – Bruges (39 miles/63 km)
It is almost unbelievable how many cultural heritage can be discovered in such a rural region. Indeed, the destination we are all excited about is of course Bruges, with its historic town center and the stunning belfry.
Overnight in Bruges.  

Day 5: Bruges – Knokke – Bruges (37 miles/59 km)
The fifth day, we will explore the area between Bruges and Knokke, the most mondain village of the Belgian coast. It will again be an unforgettable trip, through the polder landscapes and the dunes. The main sight of this tour is the nature reserve ‘Het Zwin’ and the picturesque village Damme. Or, when it is warm enough, you can go swimming in the sea! 
Overnight in Bruges.  

Day 6: Bruges – De Haan – Bruges (33 miles/52 km)
This day will again be an exciting day, as we will visit another nice place on the Belgian coast. De Haan is a village which has protected very well the ‚Belle Epoque‘ style (19th century).
Overnight in Bruges.  

Day 7: Bruges – Roeselare (37 miles/59 km)
Our last cycling tour will bring us back to Roeselare. This tour passes two nice castles, d’Aertrycke and Wijnendaele. They are both really worth a visit! After arrival in Roeselare, it is possible to visit the national cyclist museum. 
Overnight in Roeselare.  

Day 8: Check-out after breakfast or extra night in Roeselare

Dates: Guided

Dates: Self-guided

Route Map: Guided

Route Map: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Tour package (self-guided)
Per person, double occupancy €475 Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) €160 Optional evening dinner plan €145 Bike rentals Hybrid touring bike, 7-speed €60 Tour package, third person sharing room with two adults Adults and children ages 13 and over €428 Children 7-12 €356 Children 3-6 €238 Children 2 and under €0

Included Services: Guided

Included Services: Self-guided

• 7 nights in 3-and 4-star hotels
• Rooms with shower/bath and toilet
• 7x breakfast buffet
• Luggage transfer(1 item per person, up to 44 lbs/20 kg)
• Map, touristic information and road description in English 
• Ticket for national cyclist museum 
• Museum discount card in Bruges
• Personal meeting with VOS Travel representative and welcome drink
• Service hotline available in case of problems or questin (also available during weekends)
• Optional evening dinner plan, with a minimum 3-course dinner

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hostellerie Vijfwegen, Roeselare
www.hotel-vijfwegen.be
Hostellerie Vijfwegen offers relaxation and care in a pleasant environment near the Sterrebos woods, the green heart of Roeselare.  

Day 2: Gasthof 't Zweerd, Ieper
www.gasthof-tzweerd.be/ 
At the Gasthof 't Zweerd, you can enjoy a good night's sleep in comfortable rooms.  

Or: Hostellerie Kemmelberg, Kemmel
www.kemmelberg.be
Hostellerie Kemmelberg is situated at the highest point in Flanders, with commanding views over the 'Schreve', featuring 16 comfortable rooms. 

Day 3: Hotel de Vrede, Diksmuide
www.hoteldevrede.be 
Hotel de Vrede is located at the lovely market square in Diksmuide, featuring comfortable rooms, as well as an attractive restaurant, pleasant bistro and covered terrace. 

Day 4, 5 and 6: Apollo Arthotel, Brugge
www.apollohotelsresorts.com
Bruges Apollo Arhotel is located in a rustic setting in a beautiful part just a 5-minute drive from the city center. 

Day 7: Hostellerie Vijfwegen, Roeselare

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability. 

Day 1: Hostellerie Vijfwegen, Roeselare
www.hotel-vijfwegen.be
Hostellerie Vijfwegen offers relaxation and care in a pleasant environment near the Sterrebos woods, the green heart of Roeselare.  

Day 2: Gasthof 't Zweerd, Ieper
www.gasthof-tzweerd.be/ 
At the Gasthof 't Zweerd, you can enjoy a good night's sleep in comfortable rooms.  

Or: Hostellerie Kemmelberg, Kemmel
www.kemmelberg.be
Hostellerie Kemmelberg is situated at the highest point in Flanders, with commanding views over the 'Schreve', featuring 16 comfortable rooms. 

Day 3: Hotel de Vrede, Diksmuide
www.hoteldevrede.be 
Hotel de Vrede is located at the lovely market square in Diksmuide, featuring comfortable rooms, as well as an attractive restaurant, pleasant bistro and covered terrace. 

Day 4, 5 and 6: Apollo Arthotel, Brugge
www.apollohotelsresorts.com
Bruges Apollo Arhotel is located in a rustic setting in a beautiful part just a 5-minute drive from the city center. 

Day 7: Hostellerie Vijfwegen, Roeselare

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

The rental bikes on this tour are 7-speed hybrid bikes. Equipment includes gel seat, road book holder, saddle bag, lock, repair kit, pump, spare inner tube and 1 odometer per 2 bikes.

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

The rental bikes on this tour are 7-speed hybrid bikes. Equipment includes gel seat, road book holder, saddle bag, lock, repair kit, pump, spare inner tube and 1 odometer per 2 bikes.

Surface and Terrain: Guided

This tour is easy and flat, suitable for all cyclists and families with children. It follows quiet roads and cycling paths along a signposted network. 

Approximately 80% of the tour is on dedicated bicycle paths, 16% on quiet roads, 2% on roads shared with traffic and 2% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 164 feet (50 m)

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

This tour is easy and flat, suitable for all cyclists and families with children. It follows quiet roads and cycling paths along a signposted network. 

Approximately 80% of the tour is on dedicated bicycle paths, 16% on quiet roads, 2% on roads shared with traffic and 2% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 164 feet (50 m)

This tour is rated Leisurely and is for cyclists in average condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Brussels, Belgium or Ryanair flight to Charleroi (Brussels South)
Nearest train station: Roeselare, Belgium

The train to Roeselare takes approximately one and a half hours. Available trains:

- to Knokke/Blankenberge/Oostende + change trains in Bruges
- to Kortrijk + change in kortrijk
- to De Panne + change in Lichtervelde

Free pick-up at the railway station in Roeselare (be sure to tell us when your train arrives). 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Brussels, Belgium or Ryanair flight to Charleroi (Brussels South)
Nearest train station: Roeselare, Belgium

The train to Roeselare takes approximately one and a half hours. Available trains:

- to Knokke/Blankenberge/Oostende + change trains in Bruges
- to Kortrijk + change in kortrijk
- to De Panne + change in Lichtervelde

Free pick-up at the railway station in Roeselare (be sure to tell us when your train arrives). 

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns.

Get weather information.

More about Belgium: Guided

Belgium is a fascinating place to visit with its diversity of culture and language. Distinct regions have emerged that reflect the language of their respective border countries. It’s an unusual experience to travel within one small country and witness the diverse influences of the French, Germans, and Dutch across Belgium.

Brussels houses some of the most important museums, art galleries, and collections in the world. World-class shopping and exciting nightlife are also attractions of Brussels. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is popular for its charming canals and intact medieval architecture. Outside of its cities, Belgium boasts pastoral landscapes crossed by rivers and canals leading to the sea. The dune-lined Belgian coast is home to quaint, historic port towns with a cozy atmosphere and cobblestone streets.

As the headquarters of many international organizations like NATO and the EU, Belgium is a significant player in international affairs. Its significant international population has led to a diverse cuisine scene. It’s most famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but the paper cones of fries and (optional) mayonnaise sold by street vendors are always a favorite for visitors.

More on bicycling in Belgium > 

View all Belgium bike tours >

More about Belgium: Self-guided

Belgium is a fascinating place to visit with its diversity of culture and language. Distinct regions have emerged that reflect the language of their respective border countries. It’s an unusual experience to travel within one small country and witness the diverse influences of the French, Germans, and Dutch across Belgium.

Brussels houses some of the most important museums, art galleries, and collections in the world. World-class shopping and exciting nightlife are also attractions of Brussels. Known as the "Venice of the North," Bruges is popular for its charming canals and intact medieval architecture. Outside of its cities, Belgium boasts pastoral landscapes crossed by rivers and canals leading to the sea. The dune-lined Belgian coast is home to quaint, historic port towns with a cozy atmosphere and cobblestone streets.

As the headquarters of many international organizations like NATO and the EU, Belgium is a significant player in international affairs. Its significant international population has led to a diverse cuisine scene. It’s most famous for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, but the paper cones of fries and (optional) mayonnaise sold by street vendors are always a favorite for visitors.

More on bicycling in Belgium > 

View all Belgium bike tours >

Tour Company Background: VOS Travel: Guided

VOS Travel is a Belgian tour operator that specializing in active holidays and, more specifically, cycling holidays. With 20 years experience in quality cycling holidays, VOS Travel leads tours all over Europe and, since 2008, they also have a branch in Holland. 

Tour Company Background: VOS Travel: Self-guided

VOS Travel is a Belgian tour operator that specializing in active holidays and, more specifically, cycling holidays. With 20 years experience in quality cycling holidays, VOS Travel leads tours all over Europe and, since 2008, they also have a branch in Holland. 

Terms and Conditions: VOS Travel: Guided

Cancellation by the participant 
If a registration is canceled, following cancellation fees will be charged: 

Cancellation up to 8 weeks before departure: 10% 
Cancellation up to 4 weeks before departure: 50% 
Cancellation until 24 hours before departure: 80% 
Cancellation <24 hours before departure: 100% 

This risk can be covered by a cancellation insurance. 

Cancellation or modification of the contract by VOS Travel Ltd. 
VOS Travel Ltd. reserves the right to cancel the whole or a part of the holiday, in case of exceptional circumstances, (circumstances that VOS Travel Ltd. , when selling the trip, could not know and if they were known, the trip would not have gone ahead). The participant receives the already paid amount back. VOS Travel Ltd. may change after the confirmation a holiday program or make a change in accommodation, but this change is to be reported directly to the clients. 

Registration and payment of the holiday
A registration is done by signing the registration form and paying a deposit. The advances and balance invoice will be sent to confirm the reservation. The fact that the participant does not pay the balance, does not mean that the contract is canceled. When the client cancels, cancellation fees are to be paid. The balance is in any case to be paid not later than 30 days before departure. Who registers under his or her signature additional participants, is responsible for meeting the obligations of all those people. Each participant should know that he acts at his own risk.

Fare 
The published prices are per person and include VAT. They were calculated in good faith on November 1, 2011 under the then prevailing rates. We reserve the right to adjust prices according to changes in exchange rates. If the overall price increases more than 10%, the participant may cancel his contract without penalty and is entitled to reimbursement of all advances already paid. Such cancellation must be written to us within 8 days after receiving our notice of price increase. 

"A statutory bail in the amount of € 30,000 will cover our commitments according to the conditions of the Royal Decree of 30 June 1996 conditions." According to Art. 36 of the law governing the contract between the tour operator and travel agency and to the decree of 04.01.1994 and 04.25.1997 VOS Travel Ltd. (lic A5423) is insured by European Goods and Luggage Insurance Company NV., Tweekerkenstraat 14, 1000 Brussels to follow his obligations to the traveler in case of financial insolvency. This warranty statement is accompanied by ‘Vlaamse Solidariteit Reisgelden’, a division of the Association of Travel Agents. 

Changes by the participant 
A participant may apply to be replaced by another person, provided he reimburses costs incurred by the replacement (usually € 20 per participant). When significant changes are requested by the participant (date of departure or destination, change of program) there is also a charge of at least € 20. 

Flights and trains 
VOS Travel Ltd. can not be held responsible for changes / cancellations (and the costs and consequences) of flights or trains ordered by the customer. 

Late payment 
If the amount on the due date is not settled, there is automatically and without any formal notice a fee of 1% per month, starting from the invoice date. Each new month will be counted as a full month. 

Documents 
The passenger needs to be in possession of the necessary documents upon departure and during the trip. All the consequences of non-compliance with local instructions and the associated costs are to be paid by him. One set of documents per room is provided. 

Complaints 
Complaints during the execution of the contract need to be reported to VOS Travel as soon as possible on site and in writing, so a solution can immediately be sought.Therefore the client needs - in the following order – to contact the hotel, the travel agent  and finally directly VOS Travel Ltd. 

In any case, the client needs to give VOS Travel Ltd. the chance to remedy a possible failure during the trip. After the trip - without being informed during the holiday – complaints are not accepted anymore. All road books are made in good faith. 

If a complaint was not sufficiently resolved, the client can send a complaint with a registered letter up to one month after the holiday.

Terms and Conditions: VOS Travel: Self-guided

Cancellation by the participant 
If a registration is canceled, following cancellation fees will be charged: 

Cancellation up to 8 weeks before departure: 10% 
Cancellation up to 4 weeks before departure: 50% 
Cancellation until 24 hours before departure: 80% 
Cancellation <24 hours before departure: 100% 

This risk can be covered by a cancellation insurance. 

Cancellation or modification of the contract by VOS Travel Ltd. 
VOS Travel Ltd. reserves the right to cancel the whole or a part of the holiday, in case of exceptional circumstances, (circumstances that VOS Travel Ltd. , when selling the trip, could not know and if they were known, the trip would not have gone ahead). The participant receives the already paid amount back. VOS Travel Ltd. may change after the confirmation a holiday program or make a change in accommodation, but this change is to be reported directly to the clients. 

Registration and payment of the holiday
A registration is done by signing the registration form and paying a deposit. The advances and balance invoice will be sent to confirm the reservation. The fact that the participant does not pay the balance, does not mean that the contract is canceled. When the client cancels, cancellation fees are to be paid. The balance is in any case to be paid not later than 30 days before departure. Who registers under his or her signature additional participants, is responsible for meeting the obligations of all those people. Each participant should know that he acts at his own risk.

Fare 
The published prices are per person and include VAT. They were calculated in good faith on November 1, 2011 under the then prevailing rates. We reserve the right to adjust prices according to changes in exchange rates. If the overall price increases more than 10%, the participant may cancel his contract without penalty and is entitled to reimbursement of all advances already paid. Such cancellation must be written to us within 8 days after receiving our notice of price increase. 

"A statutory bail in the amount of € 30,000 will cover our commitments according to the conditions of the Royal Decree of 30 June 1996 conditions." According to Art. 36 of the law governing the contract between the tour operator and travel agency and to the decree of 04.01.1994 and 04.25.1997 VOS Travel Ltd. (lic A5423) is insured by European Goods and Luggage Insurance Company NV., Tweekerkenstraat 14, 1000 Brussels to follow his obligations to the traveler in case of financial insolvency. This warranty statement is accompanied by ‘Vlaamse Solidariteit Reisgelden’, a division of the Association of Travel Agents. 

Changes by the participant 
A participant may apply to be replaced by another person, provided he reimburses costs incurred by the replacement (usually € 20 per participant). When significant changes are requested by the participant (date of departure or destination, change of program) there is also a charge of at least € 20. 

Flights and trains 
VOS Travel Ltd. can not be held responsible for changes / cancellations (and the costs and consequences) of flights or trains ordered by the customer. 

Late payment 
If the amount on the due date is not settled, there is automatically and without any formal notice a fee of 1% per month, starting from the invoice date. Each new month will be counted as a full month. 

Documents 
The passenger needs to be in possession of the necessary documents upon departure and during the trip. All the consequences of non-compliance with local instructions and the associated costs are to be paid by him. One set of documents per room is provided. 

Complaints 
Complaints during the execution of the contract need to be reported to VOS Travel as soon as possible on site and in writing, so a solution can immediately be sought.Therefore the client needs - in the following order – to contact the hotel, the travel agent  and finally directly VOS Travel Ltd. 

In any case, the client needs to give VOS Travel Ltd. the chance to remedy a possible failure during the trip. After the trip - without being informed during the holiday – complaints are not accepted anymore. All road books are made in good faith. 

If a complaint was not sufficiently resolved, the client can send a complaint with a registered letter up to one month after the holiday.