self-guided
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Tour Description: Guided
(View Self-guided)
This is a unique cycling tour through the historic heart of Flanders!
You start in Ghent, ‘the city of Artevelde’ and the hippest city in the country. A ‘center cycling trip’ leads you through its ancient medieval center and to many sights and museums. In the afternoon you linger around at the quays and in the small cobblestoned alleys or you enjoy some of the famous, genuine Belgian beers on one of the many inviting terraces next to the water.
The next day you go looking for famous painters and poets in the natural valley of the Lys river. On you way to the city of Bruges, that other cultural highlight, you’ll enjoy the easy cycling through Flanders nature of fields, meadows, rivers and canals.
And than you will discover the proud city of Bruges, the "Venice of the North." Besides the tourist highlights of the famous city center, you’ll pass by bike along the less well known, but no less beautiful parts of Bruges.
In addition, you can relax in “posh” Knokke at our Belgian coast or visit the Zwin nature reserve, before returning to Ghent.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Tour Description: Self-guided
This is a unique cycling tour through the historic heart of Flanders!
You start in Ghent, ‘the city of Artevelde’ and the hippest city in the country. A ‘center cycling trip’ leads you through its ancient medieval center and to many sights and museums. In the afternoon you linger around at the quays and in the small cobblestoned alleys or you enjoy some of the famous, genuine Belgian beers on one of the many inviting terraces next to the water.
The next day you go looking for famous painters and poets in the natural valley of the Lys river. On you way to the city of Bruges, that other cultural highlight, you’ll enjoy the easy cycling through Flanders nature of fields, meadows, rivers and canals.
And than you will discover the proud city of Bruges, the "Venice of the North." Besides the tourist highlights of the famous city center, you’ll pass by bike along the less well known, but no less beautiful parts of Bruges.
In addition, you can relax in “posh” Knokke at our Belgian coast or visit the Zwin nature reserve, before returning to Ghent.
Learn more about self-guided tours.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Highlights: Guided
(View Self-guided)
- Historic centers of Ghent and Bruges
- St. Bavo Cathedral
- Patershoi, Ghent's oldest and best known area
- Artists' village of Sint-Martens-Latern
- Canal Bruges Vaart
- Knokke, the fashionable seaside town on the North Sea coast
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Highlights: Self-guided
- Historic centers of Ghent and Bruges
- St. Bavo Cathedral
- Patershoi, Ghent's oldest and best known area
- Artists' village of Sint-Martens-Latern
- Canal Bruges Vaart
- Knokke, the fashionable seaside town on the North Sea coast
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Daily Program: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Daily Program: Self-guided
Day 1: Arrival in Ghent
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 2: City exploration by bike (14 miles/23 km)
In the historic center, including its stately bell tower, the famous St. Bavo Cathedral, and the warm Graslei and Korenlei, you feel like you are in the Middle Ages. You ride to the St Bavo Abbey and the beguinage, followed by St. Peter's Abbey and on to the Citadel Park, the museum hub of the city. Along the beautiful Bijlokesite and the leafy Coupure you cycle back to the center. Next to the Castle of the Counts you enter the small cobbled streets of the Patershol, Ghent's oldest and probably best known area. Through some of the smallest and most particular alleys of Ghent you arrive at the belfry again.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 3: Loop tour around Ghent (46 miles/74 km)
The ‘Leie’ river leads you to the artists' village of Sint-Martens-Latem, the cradle of Flemish expressionism and Deurle, the prettiest village in East Flanders. You could visit the museum of Gustave de Smet and Gevaert-Minne. Continuation towards Deinze with its Museum of the Leie and Machelen-aan-de-Leie where the museum of Raveel, one of Belgium’s most important living artists, is waiting for you. If you don’t visit the museum, you will be happy to spend some time in the small nature reserve Machelenput or on the banks of the Leie river. Following the Leie river and through the moorlands you cycle back to Ghent.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 4: Ghent – Bruges (40 miles/65 km)
The canal Brugse Vaart leads you completely flat to Flanders other highlight, Bruges. On a regular basis the route will divert from the canal to wander off into the beautiful nature of moors, fields and forests or to go and discover particular sights and hidden pearls.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 5: Bruges (6-9 miles/10-15 km)
This short tour leads you through the center of this magnificent medieval town, probably the highlight of your trip. You will discover the small alleys, the cobblestones, the canals, the ancient buildings, but also the green cycle routes and modern squares. The rest of the day you can visit the Venice of the North by foot at your own pace.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 6: Loop tour to coast and ‘t Zwin nature reserve (25-40 miles/40- 65 km)
The canal Damse Vaart takes you to the small medieval town of Damme. You cycle onward to Knokke, the fashionable seaside town on the North Sea coast. From there it’s not far to the nature reserve ‘t Zwin, famous for it’s dunes and salt lakes and a popular breeding spot for numerous birds of passage. Through the friendly village of Sluis you return to Bruges.
Overnight in Bruges.
Day 7: Bruges – Ghent (40 miles/65 km)
Historical polder landscapes and mysterious bushes and forests interchange with each other on your way back to Ghent.
Overnight in Ghent.
Day 8: Departure or extension
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Dates: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Dates: Self-guided
Fridays, Saturdays: Mar 22 - Oct 26, 2013.
No arrival possible on May 4, Oct 12; and between Jul 12-29, 2013.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Packages and Prices: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Packages and Prices: Self-guided
| Tour package (self-guided) |
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|
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| |
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| Per person, double occupancy |
€798 |
| Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) |
€460 |
| Hybrid rental bike (7-gears) |
€80 |
| Rental bike additional day |
€12 |
| Per person, double occupancy |
€99 |
| Single room supplement (1 person/1 room) |
€75 |
|
*The dollar amount is based on today's exchange rate and is subject to currency fluctuation.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Included Services: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Included Services: Self-guided
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Breakfast buffet
- Ghent City Card 2 days
- Bruges City Card 3 days
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- Best elaborated route
- One set of detailed travel documents (maps, route description, places of interest, telephone numbers) per booked room
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Hotels: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Accommodations include 7 nights in two 4-star hotels in or very near the historical city center on B&B basis.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Hotels: Self-guided
Accommodations include 7 nights in two 4-star hotels in or very near the historical city center on B&B basis.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Bike Rentals: Guided
(View Self-guided)
The tour company offers men's, women's and unisex hybrid bicycles with at least 7 gears. Included for free with the bike rental is a pump, repair kit, lock, and 1 bag.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Bike Rentals: Self-guided
The tour company offers men's, women's and unisex hybrid bicycles with at least 7 gears. Included for free with the bike rental is a pump, repair kit, lock, and 1 bag.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Surface and Terrain: Guided
(View Self-guided)
This tour features mainly flat terrain and with some small but very short hills.
The tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Surface and Terrain: Self-guided
This tour features mainly flat terrain and with some small but very short hills.
The tour is rated leisurely and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
How To Get There: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Ghent, Belgium
Nearest train station: Ghent-Sint-Pieters
Tips on getting to and from your tour
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
How To Get There: Self-guided
Tour start and end
Nearest airport: Ghent, Belgium
Nearest train station: Ghent-Sint-Pieters
Tips on getting to and from your tour
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Weather: Guided
(View 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.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
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.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Tour Company Background: Belgian Biking: Guided
(View Self-guided)
Belgian Biking ® is a fully licensed Belgian tour operator specialized in self guided cycle tours all over Europe.
Established in the early nineties Belgian Biking became one of the leading cycling operators in Belgium and Holland, with nowadays about 5000 clients a year Compared to other cycling operators a lot of attention is paid to good quality hotel accommodation with a gourmet touch and detailed road books.
Our customers mainly book our tours as a couple or in small parties of friends and families. From now on our incoming department also offers a small selection of high quality self guided tours in Flanders.
Although part of the bigger ZuiDERHuiS-group, the Belgian Biking-team consists of 6 dedicated cycling enthusiasts that still add a personal touch to all our tours.
Belgian Biking is licensed by Toerisme Vlaanderen as a tour operator (lic A 5039) and contributes to the Belgian Garantiefonds Reizen, which gives customers the best possible legal protection.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Tour Company Background: Belgian Biking: Self-guided
Belgian Biking ® is a fully licensed Belgian tour operator specialized in self guided cycle tours all over Europe.
Established in the early nineties Belgian Biking became one of the leading cycling operators in Belgium and Holland, with nowadays about 5000 clients a year Compared to other cycling operators a lot of attention is paid to good quality hotel accommodation with a gourmet touch and detailed road books.
Our customers mainly book our tours as a couple or in small parties of friends and families. From now on our incoming department also offers a small selection of high quality self guided tours in Flanders.
Although part of the bigger ZuiDERHuiS-group, the Belgian Biking-team consists of 6 dedicated cycling enthusiasts that still add a personal touch to all our tours.
Belgian Biking is licensed by Toerisme Vlaanderen as a tour operator (lic A 5039) and contributes to the Belgian Garantiefonds Reizen, which gives customers the best possible legal protection.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Terms and Conditions: Belgian Biking: Guided
(View 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% (minimum € 50)
Cancellation up to 4 weeks before departure: 50%
Cancellation until 2 weeks before departure: 80%
Cancellation 1 week before departure and no show: 100%
This risk can be covered by a cancellation insurance.
Cancellation or modification of the contract by Belgian Biking.
Belgian Biking reserves the right to cancel the whole or a part of the holiday, in case of exceptional circumstances. The participant receives the already paid amount back. Belgian Biking may change a program after confirmation or make a change in accommodation. These changes will be reported to the clients.
Fare
The published prices are per person in EURO and include VAT. They were calculated in good faith on November 1, 2012 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 Belgian Biking (lic A5039) is insured by Garantiefonds Reizen 14, 1000 Brussels to fulfill his obligations to the travellers in case of financial insolvency.
Changes by the participant
A participant may apply to be replaced by another person, provided he reimburses costs incurred by the replacement (usually € 30 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 € 50.
Flights and trains
Belgian Biking can not be held responsible for changes / cancellations (and the costs and consequences) of flights or trains booked by the customer.
Documents
The passenger needs to be in possession of the necessary travel documents (passports, visa ) upon departure and during the trip. If a clients is denied entry to Belgium due to not complying with Belgian entry laws there will be no reimbursement of any kind. Please contact the nearest Belgium Embassy or Consulate.
Travel Documents
One set of travel documents/ road book/ maps per room is provided. All road books are made in good faith and Belgian Biking cannot be held responsible for changes in cycling routes due to unexpected circumstances: roadblocks, traffic works, local circumstances as festivals, etc...
Luggage
In case your luggage is transported by Belgian Biking or by one of his subcontractors, you will get clear information on where and when your luggage shall be delivered. Please use the luggage tags you will receive from Belgian Biking and follow the guidelines of the accommodation provider about where to leave your luggage for pickup. We use a 1 piece of luggage concept per person.
Complaints
Complaints during the execution of the contract need to be reported to the accommodation provider and Belgian Biking as soon as possible on site and in writing. We normally can find a solution for most problems.
After the trip - without being informed during the holiday – complaints are not accepted anymore.
If a complaint was not sufficiently resolved, the client can send a complaint by registered letter up to one month after the holiday.
The Historic Heart of Flanders
Ghent and Bruges
Terms and Conditions: Belgian Biking: 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% (minimum € 50)
Cancellation up to 4 weeks before departure: 50%
Cancellation until 2 weeks before departure: 80%
Cancellation 1 week before departure and no show: 100%
This risk can be covered by a cancellation insurance.
Cancellation or modification of the contract by Belgian Biking.
Belgian Biking reserves the right to cancel the whole or a part of the holiday, in case of exceptional circumstances. The participant receives the already paid amount back. Belgian Biking may change a program after confirmation or make a change in accommodation. These changes will be reported to the clients.
Fare
The published prices are per person in EURO and include VAT. They were calculated in good faith on November 1, 2012 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 Belgian Biking (lic A5039) is insured by Garantiefonds Reizen 14, 1000 Brussels to fulfill his obligations to the travellers in case of financial insolvency.
Changes by the participant
A participant may apply to be replaced by another person, provided he reimburses costs incurred by the replacement (usually € 30 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 € 50.
Flights and trains
Belgian Biking can not be held responsible for changes / cancellations (and the costs and consequences) of flights or trains booked by the customer.
Documents
The passenger needs to be in possession of the necessary travel documents (passports, visa ) upon departure and during the trip. If a clients is denied entry to Belgium due to not complying with Belgian entry laws there will be no reimbursement of any kind. Please contact the nearest Belgium Embassy or Consulate.
Travel Documents
One set of travel documents/ road book/ maps per room is provided. All road books are made in good faith and Belgian Biking cannot be held responsible for changes in cycling routes due to unexpected circumstances: roadblocks, traffic works, local circumstances as festivals, etc...
Luggage
In case your luggage is transported by Belgian Biking or by one of his subcontractors, you will get clear information on where and when your luggage shall be delivered. Please use the luggage tags you will receive from Belgian Biking and follow the guidelines of the accommodation provider about where to leave your luggage for pickup. We use a 1 piece of luggage concept per person.
Complaints
Complaints during the execution of the contract need to be reported to the accommodation provider and Belgian Biking as soon as possible on site and in writing. We normally can find a solution for most problems.
After the trip - without being informed during the holiday – complaints are not accepted anymore.
If a complaint was not sufficiently resolved, the client can send a complaint by registered letter up to one month after the holiday.
