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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 6 Nights |
| Distance: | 35 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Saturdays: Apr 21- Sept 22; Saturdays and Sundays: Jul 1- Aug 19, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €485 |
| Start city: | Brussels, Belgium |
| End city: | Bruges, Belgium |
This tour from Brussels to Bruges cycles through an area that is surprisingly close and surprisingly beautiful. That’s the best way to describe the various regions of Flanders and Brussels that you will cycle through. Flanders and Europe’s capital Brussels offer holiday enjoyment for everybody, with such sites as the market square, Atomium and Manneke Pis. Cycling on lovely bike routes through beautiful landscapes, you will also experience culinary joy in great restaurants, cultural highlights in historical buildings and museums. All this awaits you as you cycle to Bruges, which features a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
This tour from Brussels to Bruges cycles through an area that is surprisingly close and surprisingly beautiful. That’s the best way to describe the various regions of Flanders and Brussels that you will cycle through. Flanders and Europe’s capital Brussels offer holiday enjoyment for everybody, with such sites as the market square, Atomium and Manneke Pis. Cycling on lovely bike routes through beautiful landscapes, you will also experience culinary joy in great restaurants, cultural highlights in historical buildings and museums. All this awaits you as you cycle to Bruges, which features a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Day 1: Arrival in Brussels
Even though Brussels is not a metropolis like Paris, London or Rome, it will certainly fascinate you with its multicultural charm, palaces, galleries and small streets, all of which shape the atmosphere of the city. The market square, the Atomium, Manneke Pis, the icons of the Belgian capital, are a must for every visitor. Moreover, Brussels is also the city of Jugendstil. And of course, there is always a festival, such as 'Couleur Café', a flower carpet ,or an interesting exhibition to add to the experience.
Overnight in Brussels.
Day 2: Brussels - Mechelen (41 miles/65 km)
On the first day, you cycle along to Leuven. This city is not only known as university city, with the oldest Belgian university, but also as a beer city. A walk in Mechelen, city at the River Dijle, will show you all the most important historical buildings that were erected during the time of the great Dukes of Burgundy. You certainly have to visit St. Rombout's Cathedral and the Palaces of Margarete of York and Margarete of Austria, or you can visit the toy museum!
Overnight in Mechelen.
Day 3: Mechelen – Bornem (22 miles/35 km)
Today we cycle along the River Rupel and Schelde on the way to Bornem. Because of the short ride there is plenty of time to take a 15-minute train ride towards the center of Antwerp. Enjoy a stroll on the Meir, have a beer in one of the many plazas or admire the rich architecture and art of the Flemish capital.
Overnight in Bornem.
Day 4: Bornem – Ghent (40 miles/65 km)
Gent, also the historical center of Flanders, offers a variety of places of interest. The city is overseen by lots of towers, including St. Bavo Cathedral that features the world famous painting of Jan van Eyck. The historical heart of the city is well conserved, for example the old port. Nearby, you will find the ‘Gravensteen’, once the medieval castle of the counts of Ghent, which is today one of the most important places of interest.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 5: Ghent - Bruges (31 miles/50 km)
The historical centre of Bruges is part of the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Site list. Those who visits Bruges, will notice it straight away, as this city has always taken care of its architectural and cultural treasures. Take your time and stroll through lovely parks, intimate small streets and ancient market squares. You can also do some shopping, as the shopkeepers will love to explain everything about their Belgian chocolate or beer. You can also simply enjoy 'French fries' in the stunning market square.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 6: Bruges – De Haan – Bruges (38 miles/60 km)
Ride along the canals to the picturesque village of Lissewege and further to the authentic coastal village of De Haan, enjoying a refreshing dive into the North Sea or relaxing at the beach. Or you can also enjoy a free day for shopping, a boat ride on the canals, carriage tour, visit some museums, climb the belfry or take a 15 minute train ride to Ostend, a majestic port town.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 7: Departure after breakfast or extra night in Bruges or Brussels
Back to Brussels by direct train (1 hour ride, with 2 trains departing each hour).
Saturdays: Apr 21- Sept 22, 2012 and Saturdays and Sundays: Jul 1- Aug 19, 2012
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Day 1: NH Hotel du Grand Sablon, Brussels
www.nh-hotels.com
Tucked amid the vibrant squares and medieval streets in the heart of Brussels, NH Hotel du Grand Sablon represents a synthesis of old world charm and modern convenience.
Day 2: Best Western Gulden Anker, Mechelen
www.guldenanker.be
Due to its small structure and engaged staff, you will feel immediately at home at Best Western Gulden Anker.
Day 3: Hotel Secundo, Bornem
www.hotelsecundo.be
A brand new hotel, Hotel Secundo is ideally situated in the rural community of Bornem, in the middle of a picturesque green environment.
Day 4: Aparthotel Castelnou, Gent
www.castelnou.be
Aparthotel Castelnou is centrally located, forming a perfect base to explore Ghent up close with all its cultural treasures.
Day 5 and 6: Apollo Arthotel Bruges, Bruges
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 1: NH Hotel du Grand Sablon, Brussels
www.nh-hotels.com
Tucked amid the vibrant squares and medieval streets in the heart of Brussels, NH Hotel du Grand Sablon represents a synthesis of old world charm and modern convenience.
Day 2: Best Western Gulden Anker, Mechelen
www.guldenanker.be
Due to its small structure and engaged staff, you will feel immediately at home at Best Western Gulden Anker.
Day 3: Hotel Secundo, Bornem
www.hotelsecundo.be
A brand new hotel, Hotel Secundo is ideally situated in the rural community of Bornem, in the middle of a picturesque green environment.
Day 4: Aparthotel Castelnou, Gent
www.castelnou.be
Aparthotel Castelnou is centrally located, forming a perfect base to explore Ghent up close with all its cultural treasures.
Day 5 and 6: Apollo Arthotel Bruges, Bruges
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.
The rental bikes for this tour are 21-speed hybrid bikes. Equipment included: saddle bag, pump, road book holder, lock, repair kit, 1 Odometer per 2 bicycles (but not guaranteed). A 7-speed bikes is available on request.
The rental bikes for this tour are 21-speed hybrid bikes. Equipment included: saddle bag, pump, road book holder, lock, repair kit, 1 Odometer per 2 bicycles (but not guaranteed). A 7-speed bikes is available on request.
The route on this tour follos quiet roads and primarily cycle tracks along the Flanders Cycle Route, 90% of which is signposted. A roadbooks with detailed description in English will be provided.
Approximately 85% of this tour follows dedicated bicycle paths, 9% on quiet roads, 5% on roads shared with traffic and 1% on dirt or gravel roads.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The route on this tour follos quiet roads and primarily cycle tracks along the Flanders Cycle Route, 90% of which is signposted. A roadbooks with detailed description in English will be provided.
Approximately 85% of this tour follows dedicated bicycle paths, 9% on quiet roads, 5% on roads shared with traffic and 1% on dirt or gravel roads.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
"The trip was excellent. We enjoyed cycling in Belgium and are looking forward to another self guided tour soon. Overall, I give high marks to VOS as a tour operator. BikeToursDirect (BTD) has chosen a good quality company with VOS. I appreciate all that BTD did in working with me in making our reservation. I realize there were many changes and I congratulate you on handling them with speed and attention. I will book again with BTD."
- Morry G.
2011
"The trip was excellent. We enjoyed cycling in Belgium and are looking forward to another self guided tour soon. Overall, I give high marks to VOS as a tour operator. BikeToursDirect (BTD) has chosen a good quality company with VOS. I appreciate all that BTD did in working with me in making our reservation. I realize there were many changes and I congratulate you on handling them with speed and attention. I will book again with BTD."
- Morry G.
2011
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Brussels, Belgium
Nearest train station: Brussels, Belgium
The first hotel in Brussels is less than a mile from the train station.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Bruges, Belgium
Nearest train station: Bruges, Belgium.
You can take a direct train to Brussels that takes approximately 1 hour, with 2 trains departing each hour.
A transfer is available from Bruges to Brussels on Fridays, April to June and September and Saturdays in July and August. It costs €40 and takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Brussels, Belgium
Nearest train station: Brussels, Belgium
The first hotel in Brussels is less than a mile from the train station.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Bruges, Belgium
Nearest train station: Bruges, Belgium.
You can take a direct train to Brussels that takes approximately 1 hour, with 2 trains departing each hour.
A transfer is available from Bruges to Brussels on Fridays, April to June and September and Saturdays in July and August. It costs €40 and takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.
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 >
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 >
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.
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.
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.
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.
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