This route takes you around the lovely central part of Flanders. We have selected a string of beautiful and historically rich towns for you to visit. Everybody knows Brussels, of course, with its grand market square, but have you ever been to Ghent? The heart of historical Ghent, especially around the quays on the River Leie, is like a picture from a book of fairytales. We also want to surprise you with lovely Sint Niklaas and Aalst. In Oudenaarde you may like to visit a museum dedicated to the Tour of Flanders, a tough road-cycling race which has been held every spring since 1919.
The cobbled classic is known for its tough climbs. But, don't worry, that's nothing like our route! The first part of this route is flat and provides the opportunity to enjoy your, predominantly pastoral, surroundings in a state of perfect relaxation. On days five and six, however, the route will undulate somewhat, and you will encounter some short but vigorous climbs. Although, you will mostly stay well-away from the arduous ascents and uncomfortable cobbles the Flemish Hills are notorious for. In short, this is a laidback cycling holiday with many cultural highlights.
Day 1: Arrival in Mechelen
Organize your own transport into Mechelen. We reccomend that you arrive early to allow time to check out the compact and charming historical town center, with its famous lace and tapestry shops..
Day 2: Mechelen - Antwerp (39km or 57km)
There are 2 route options today, with the shorter route allowing you more time to explore Antwerp and its wide selction of shops, cafes and bars. The routes split after you reach Sint-Kathelijne-Waver, and its convent school with a mixture of art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco styles. The shorter route passes Mortsel, where you can see one of the 8 Brialmon Forts built between 1860 and 1864 to defend Antwerp. On the longer route, we reccomend a brief stop in Lier to visit the newly renovated art museum.
Day 3: Antwerp - Herentals or Geel (59km)
On the outskirts of Antwerp, you'll pass through the Rivierenhof Park, with not one, but two castles! The route then follows the Albert Canal path to Herentals. You will either stay in Herentals, or in Geel, further along the Herentals-Bocholt Canal.
Day 4: Herentals or Geel - Diest (41km)
Today, the route meanders through the Flandrian countryside, through picturesque villages like Meerhout, Schoot and Engsbergen. You'll then reach the Gerhagen Nature Reserve, where it's worth climbing the 19m panorama tower to enjoy the view from the top! Diest's beguinage, a type of religious commune, is one of Europe's oldest and best-preserved. Diest is also a haven for cyclists and pedestrians.
Day 5: Diest - Leuven (61km)
Leaving Dienst, you pass by the Basilica of Our Lady of Scherpenheuvel, a place of pilgrimage. You'll notice a recurring theme of 7 in the design. The next town is Zichem, where the 14th Century Maagdentoren tower offers an unbroken view over the surrounding area. Then, in Aarschot, the town's brewery is an ideal spot for a break and some refreshment. Today ends in the vibrant university town of Leuven.
Day 6: Leuven - Brussels (39km)
For centuries this was one of the wealthiest hop farming regions in Europe. You will pass Afflichem Abbey, where the famous beer was once brewed. Today the beer is brewed elsewhere but the monks’ old recipe is still strictly followed. Rolling country roads lead you to the capital of Europe and Belgium, Brussels. Be sure to leave enough time for sightseeing because besides having Manneken Pis, the most delicious waffles, chocolates and pints of famous beer, Brussels also happens to be the city where culture vultures, shopaholics, and gourmets and gourmands make merry.
Day 7: Brussels - Mechelen (44km)
After one last tour of the Grande Place it’s time to leave the city behind. Cycle through the suburbs to Grimbergen, known for its abbey. The baroque basilica of the abbey was never completed. A sequence of diverse landscapes will pass you by; trees, water and vast cropfields. Finally, you will reach the town where you started this cycling holiday a week ago: Mechelen.
Day 8: Departure
Departure or extend your holiday!
The routes are generally flat and easy on well signposted and well maintained routes.
Cycling is a very common mode of transport in Belgium and locals are accommodating of cyclists.
Route Map (For guidance only):
Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.
Total distance cycled: 280 km
Start of the cycling holiday: Mechelen
We recommend flying to Brussels Zaventum or Brussels Charleroi airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.
Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.
We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.
Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.
You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.
Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
The Around Flanders cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.
Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
Not Included
This cycling holiday uses hybrid bikes with gearing suitable for the local terrain. All bikes are regularly maintained and offer comfort along with good quality components.
You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a good capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump. When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly.
Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.
E-Bike Upgrades:
Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each E-Bike features an LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 120 km for each full charge depending on usage.
E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.
TOWN | HOTEL |
mechelen | MERCURE HOTEL VE 4* |
ANTWERP | HAMPTON ANTWERP 3* |
HERENTALS | HOTEL KARMEL 4* |
DIEST | HOTEL DE FRANSE KROON 3* |
LEUVEN | PARK INN LEUVEN 3* |
BRUSSELS | NH BRUSSELS GRAND PLACE 4* |
MECHELEN | MERCURE HOTEL VE 4* |
Please note that the above list may change, subject to availability.
This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.
You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.
You can find out more about this cycling holiday by calling 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 06.04. – 21.09.2021 | Saturdays |
Room | Prices per person |
Sharing a Double Room: | £705 |
Single Room Supplement: | £355 |
Half Board Supplement (6 dinners): | £200 |
Bike Rental: | £145 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £65 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* / 4* hotels |
Location | Sharing a Double Room | Single Room Supplement |
Mechelen: | £65 | £30 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
06 April 2021 | 21 September 2021 |