The Haspengouw region is lovely all year round! In this paradise for cyclists, you will find low hills, romantic castles, fertile farmland, woods, historical towns and of course orchards. Thanks to its moist, clay-rich soil, this is reputedly the largest centre of fruit production in Western Europe.
For some very different scenery you will briefly ride into the Campine region which still boasts some marshy areas and heath and into the 'Land of 1001 Ponds'.
On this tour, the roads and paths are flat to gently sloping and low in traffic. The start and finish of the holiday is in the friendly university town of Hasselt. Other towns you will discover are lovely Diest, Sint Truiden and Tienen.
Beer enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Hoegaarden Brewery. Talking of beer, when in Flanders, don’t miss the opportunity to dine out on their famous beef and onion stew made with beer as the braising liquid. The dish is called Carbonnade. This is a holiday with something for everyone!
Day 1: Arrival in Hasselt
Arrange your own transport into Hasselt. This friendly and progressive city has a very international outlook and an ambition for environmental sustainability. It will be hard to miss the new and ultra modern Town Hall: ‘t Scheep. There's loads to do in this vibrant city, to name but a selection; fashionistas could pop into the fashion museum, or you could visit a 19th - century liquor distillery in the National Jenever Museum.
If contemporary art and design is more to your taste, head for Z33. Alternatively if you want some peace, tranquility and quiet, after your journey, calm down in the Japanese garden.
Day 2: Hasselt – Sint Truiden (approx. 40 km)
Once you leave Hasselt you will progress through the valley of the River Mombeek to Alken. Just before you reach Sint-Truiden, make a detour towards the Vinne. Here you will find the largest natural lake in Flanders. The lake is located along an important bird migration route. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Squacco Heron, Red-Rumped Swallow and Little Bittern. After that, you may just be able to find time for a drink at the distillery of Wilderen.
End the day in the town of Sint-Truiden, packed with historical religious buildings and monuments. The courtyard beguinage and the belfry are all UNESCO world heritage sites. The shops are well known for their fresh fruit products; and if strawberries are in season, treat yourself to some!
Day 3: Sint Truiden – Tienen (approx. 59 km)
Early in the morning, bright and full of energy, climb the 196 steps to the top of Saint Trudo’s Abbey tower, and enjoy an impressive view of the town. Afterwards, it is time to set out on the gently rolling roads of Haspengouw and discover all the prettiest places in this fruity region. This afternoon, you will reach Hoegaarden. We recommend a visit to the interactive visitors’ center at the local brewery. Finally, after a small detour, to avoid some uncomfortable cobbled lanes, put your feet up in the town of Tienen.
Day 4: Tienen- Diest (approx. 59 km)
Sonn after you leave Tienen you will enter lovely, leafy country estates and woods. When you reach Tielt-Winge you will find Vlooybergtoren, a viewpoint with a difference: a rusty flight of stairs that ends in mid-air and looks like it will topple over at any minute. Farther on, you’ll find an authentic castle vineyard. The next stop is Scherpenheuvel, Belgium’s most important pilgrimage site,which boasts the oldest centralplan domed church in the Low Countries. Bring your day to a fantastic finish in Diest, our secret gem, the biggest surprise of this holiday, as yet undiscovered by mass tourism.
Explore the welcoming main square and the surrounding roads and alleys. Have a peek into the courtyard beguinage, one of the oldest, most beautiful and best preserved in Europe. Amble along the River Demer which flows through the heart of the town,having recently been uncovered. A boardwalk, a cycling path, steps and seating invite the townspeople to spend time by the water.
Day 5: Diest – Geel (approx. 40 km)
Today’s ride takes you through the Campine region (Kempen. Historically a sparsely populated, soggy and desolate place; today tourists go there seeking peace and quiet.
A 14th -century tower, in Zichem, offers great views of the area. Take a break at Averbode Abbey, before cycling through Helschot woods, where the well-loved Flemish author Willem Elsschot (1882-1960) used to go in search of inspiration. Finish your day in Tichelbroek nature reserve. Enjoy a peaceful wander with highlights including a lake, marshes, hayfields and woods.
Day 6: Geel – Hasselt (approx. 71 km)
Today will be spent close to the banks of the Grote Nete river that meanders through the Campine region. Just beyond Meerhout, you will veer away from the river and move into the mining region of Limburg. The mining museum in Beringen has all the stories. Mining has changed the landscape forever. Next, explore the woody surroundings of Heusden-Zolder and Houthalen-Helchteren.
The final treat on the tour is totally unique! Discover the Wijers, Land of 1001 Ponds. Slalom your way around the ponds, marveling at the reflections and colourful vegetation. By the end of the day, you will arrive back in Hasselt, where your adventure began.
Day 7: Departure from Hasselt
Your holiday has come to an end. After breakfast, it's time to return home.
On this tour, the roads and paths are flat to gently sloping; and low in traffic. The start and finish of the holiday is in the friendly university town of Hasselt.
Starting point of the cycling holiday: Hasselt
Total distance cycled: 269 km
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.
We recommend flying to Cologne, 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.
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 +44 (0) 800 703 8161.
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.
The hotel list below is subject to change and should be used as a guide. We will confirm the exact hotels prior to arrival.
Cycling AROUND the Haspengouw | Sample Hotel List |
Hasselt | Holiday Inn Hasselt |
Sint-Truiden | Belle Vie |
Tienen | Alpha Hotel |
Diest | Hotel de Franse Kroon |
Geel | Hotel Roosendaelhof |
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 completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 04.04. - 19.09.2021 | Saturdays |
Season | Prices per person |
Season 1: | £595 |
Rental Bike: | £100 |
E-Bike: | £165 |
Single Supplement Upgrade: | £250 |
Half Board Upgrade: | £165 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3 / 4* Hotels |
Location | Prices from (DBL/BB) |
Hasselt: | £65 |
Location | Prices from (SGL/BB) |
Hasselt: | £95 |
Date From | Date To |
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04 April 2021 | 19 September 2021 |