In spring Haspengouw comes into bloom as this is a region of orchard farms, which finds itself as its most beautiful from April – May with a wash of gorgeous cherry, apple, or pear blossom. Although we cannot predict exactly when they will flower, if you are lucky enough to see them it will be an experience not worth missing. However, fear not if you can’t make it in spring as Haspengouw is delightful all year round. This route serves low lying-hills, charming castles, luscious agricultural land, woodlands, historical towns, and of course the previously mentioned orchards. This is the largest centre of fruit production in Western Europe due to the moist and fertile soil. For part of the trip, you will see some strikingly different scenery in the Campine Region, an area of marshland and 1001 ponds! Discover the beautiful university town of Hasselt and other towns such as Diest, Sint Truiden and Tienen. If you fancy a taste of beer, you can also visit Hoegaarden brewery! Finally, once in Flanders don’t miss out on “Carbonnade”, a beef and onion stew braised with beer.
Day 1 – Arrival in Hasselt
After making your own way to Hasselt, make your first impressions of this diverse, progressive, and welcoming city; whose ambition is aimed at environmental sustainability. There’s an array of activities for you to do such as the new Town Hall “’t Scheep”, the fashion museum or visit a 19th century liquor distillery in the National Jenever Museum. If you have an interest in contemporary art and design, you can head for Z33. If you fancy some peace before setting off on your adventure, check out the Japanese garden.
Day 2 – Hasselt – Sint Truiden approx. 41km
It’s time to set off from Hasselt and head towards Alken via the valley of the River Mombeek. Before reaching your destination of Sint-Truiden, you’ll make a diversion towards the park of Vinne, which is special for homing the only natural lake in Flanders. Not only does it boast this title, but it’s also on a major bird migration route with an array of birds including the Red-Rumped Swallow, Squacco Heron and Little Bittern. Cycling and birdwatching can be thirsty work, so now is the perfect time for a drink at the alcohol distillery of Wilderen. After your on-route activities, arrive at your stay for the night in Sint Truiden. This town is not shy of religious buildings and monuments from years gone by and it’s the ideal location to eat some fresh fruit in the abundance of shops selling it.
Day 3 – Sint Truiden – Tienen approx. 58km
Kick off the day energetically by climbing the 196 steps to the top of Trudo’s Abbey tour, which provides excellent views of the town. Then it’s time to get back onto the pedals and head onto the rolling roads of Haspengouw, which provide views of the gorgeous fruit-growing region. After lunch you’ll reach Hoegaarden renowned for its brewery, we highly recommend a visit to the interactive visitors’ centre. Before reaching Tienen, we will alter the route slightly to avoid some painful cobbled paths. Enjoy an evening in Tienen.
Day 4 Tienen – Diest approx 51km
Time to depart Tienen and head somewhere with different scenery. You’ll head through wooded country estates and in Tielt-Winge where you’ll visit a very curious viewpoint. This is called Vlooybergtoren, its rusty stairs and precarious angle make it appear it will tumble any given time. As you continue there’s an amazing castle vineyard on the way. You’ll next stop in Scherpenheuvel, which is Belgium’s most important pilgrimage site, and is home to the oldest central-plan domed church in the Low Countries. After day already filled with delights, you’ll achieve one more when you arrive in Dienst. This is considered one of travellers’ best kept secrets as it is yet to be hit by mass tourism. There is a gorgeous and open main square accompanied by cute side roads and alleys. Look at the courtyard beguinage which is one of the oldest, most stunning and intact ones in Europe. The River Demer flows through the town and there are copious ways to enjoy it; the boardwalk, cycling path, steps, and seating. This is a true delight to enjoy as it was previously covered up.
Day 5 – Diest to Geel approx. 53km
It’s time to head through a location that was once visited and resided by very few people due to its boggy and bleak landscape. Today it’s a great tranquil getaway, it is called the Campine region (Kempen). In Zichem climb the 14th-century tower to get a great view of the area from above. Settle down for a small break at Averbode Abbey and then head through Helschot Woods, you may find yourself inspired just as the well-loved Flemish author Wille Elsschot (1882 – 1960) used to be here. Finally, take a stroll in Tichelbroek nature reserve, which is characterised by a lake, marshes, hayfields and woods.
Day 6 – Geel – Hasselt approx. 65km
Spend the whole day in spitting distance from the Grote Nete River that winds through the Campine region. Once past Meerhout, you will lose some distance from the river and enter the mining region of Limburg. Mining completely characterises the landscape here and you can learn more about the history in the mining museum of Beringen. Next, it’s time to head between the trees in Heusden-Zolder and Houthalen-Helchteren. For a last taste of the gorgeous nature around here, discover the land of 1001 Ponds which is the Wijers. Wander around the ponds appreciating the reflections and vibrant plants. After this you will head to your destination of Hasselt.
Day 7 – Departure from Hasselt
Enjoy one last breakfast and then make your way home
Start point: Hasselt
End: Hasselt
Distance: approx. 268km
Mostly flat route with some gentle gradients, low in traffic.
We recommend flying to Brussels 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.
Overnight in 3- and 4 star hotels
Breakfast (buffet)
Routedescription and maps
Luggage transport
Tourist tax
Not Included
Other meals
Bike Rental
Parking
Insurance
About the Rental Bikes
This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Quality Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres are among the components that will ensure you have an enjoyable cycle tour.
You will also receive a handlebar bag and map holder for easy navigation while. Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.
Unisex Bike (Colour may vary)
Rental Bike PLUS
E - Bike (Colour may vary)
Accessories
If you would like GPX files for a suitable device, please request them at the time of booking. Devices are not provided. Please ensure you bring any fittings required to attach the Garmin (or similar) to the handlebars. You might want to download maps onto your phone to avoid data charges when roaming.
All bikes are provided with standard flat pedals. You can bring your own cycling pedals but ensure that you have the correct tools to remove the pedals if the tour does not have a welcome meeting. You may also not be able to travel through airports with the tools if you are carrying hand luggage only.
You can rent a men's bike with a crossbar, unisex/female bike with a sloping tube or an electric bike for a supplement.
Gearing information available on request.
Frame Sizing
When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Unisex frame 21-gears with freewheel. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 / 43 cm. Unisex 7-gears-bikes with back pedalling brake. Sizes: 56 / 51 / 46 cm. Men’s speed bikes 21-gears with free wheel and crossbar. Sizes: 64 / 60 / 56 "sloping" cm. 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!
Bike Hire Insurance
This cycle tour benefits from bike insurance against rental bike theft and damage in the holiday price. Please make sure you lock up the bike, leave it where told by the hotel, and treat your hire bicycle as if the bike was your own. Any negligent treatment of the bike will exempt you from cover. We advise you to ensure that you have adequate travel insurance for your cycling holiday prior to arrival.
Electric Bike Hire
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. They have a range of around 120 km for each full charge.
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.
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 completing a Contact Form or call 0161 703 8161 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date | Prices per person | Arrival Day |
Season 1 | 01.04 – 25.9 | £605 | Saturday |
Single Room Supplement | All | £215 |
Bike Type | Price |
Rental Bike | £100 |
Electric Bike Upgrade | £210 |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Haspengouw | £65 | £95 |
Date From | Date To | Price |
01 April 2022 | 25 September 2022 | £0 |