When people talk about Belgium, they of course talk about good food, champion road cyclists and the Flemish masters of the 15th and 16th century, but also… beer!
In Belgium, there are about 400 kinds of beer, an enormous variety for such a small country. Therefore, we couldn't wait to create a tour with Belgian beer as the central theme.
Enjoy cycling through authentic Flanders, but especially the breaks in cosy cafés, with a refreshing beer!
Day 1: Arrival in Mechelen
Tonight you will be staying in Mechelen.
A walk in Mechelen city at the river Dijle will show you all the most important historical buildings which were erected in the time of the Burgundians. Mechelen was one of the main political centres of the low countries during the 16th century and has over 300 historic and protected buildings its glorious past!
Highlights to visit include the St. Rombouts-cathedral, which gives a superb view of the surrounding region, the palaces of Margarete of York and Margarete of Austria, the market square and the beguinage.
The most famous beers in Mechelen are the 'Maneblusser' and the 'Gouden Carolus'. These beers are produced in the brewery 'Het Anker', definitely a stopping point to note down!
Day 2: Mechelen to Antwerp, 53km
We leave Mechelen along the green borders of the wiggling river 'Nete' to the town of Lier.
Lier is known in Belgium as the 'Pallieterstad'. Pallieter is the key person in the Flemish novel 'Pallieter' from the writer Felix Timmermans, who was born in Lier. This character enjoys life like no other, and that is exactly what you can do in Lier: take a rest in a local pub and enjoy the local beers like 'de strooien hoed'or the famous cake 'Liers vlaaike'. There are also ther great sights including the beguinage, the 'Zimmertoren' and the market square.
After Lier, we cycle further to the famous town of Antwerp, also named 'koekenstad' (biscuit town). Along the tour to Antwerp you will see some fortifications from the First World War.
Day 3: Circular ride to Westmalle, 62km
Today we will discover Trappist beer!
The route brings us through the green landscape of the 'Kempen' region to the famous Westmalle abbey. The abbey was founded in 1794 by French monks seeking refuge from France. The Bishop from Antwerp gave them a farm so that they could earn a living and they started brewing the Westmalle beer around 1850. The abbey itself cannot be visited but there is a pub near the abbey where you can taste the superb Trappist Westmalle beer and the local traditionally produced cheese.
Day 4: Circular ride in Antwerp (23 or 30km)
Today we will discover the historic town centre of the artists' city of Antwerp and its surroundings.
Visit the famous brewery and beer museum (included as part of your holiday!).
Enjoy the beer tasting at the brewery! Antwerp has one of the largest harbours in Europe, and is also the home town of the painter Rubens, fashion houses and jewellery shops.
Antwerp is a multi-faceted city where tradition and modernity go hand in hand! Most buildings in the historic town centre date back to the 16th and 17th century. There are many museums (like the MAS, museum aan de stroom) and monuments to be visited. The town hall and the central station are perfect examples of the beauty and variety in the architecture of Antwerp.
If you want to go shopping, you can stop by the Nationalestraat and in the Meir!
Day 5: Antwerp to Bornem, 56km
From Antwerp, we go along the Schelde river to Bornem. When you have left the centre of Antwerp you can admire the landscape of the 'Hobokense Polder' a surprisingly tranquil area so close to the centre of a major city!
On the road to Bornem you can visit the abbey of Hemiksem. You will also pass the brewery 'Bosteels' where they brew the famous 'Karmeliet', 'Kwak' and 'Malheur'.
Day 6: Bornem to Mechelen, 46km
Today we go back to Mechelen where we started the tour.
On the ride through the authentic flat Flemish landschape, you will pass the 'Palm' brewery in Steenhuffel and the brewery of the very famous beer 'Duvel' in Puurs.
For those who want to learn more about brewing techniques, or exactly have to serve a Duvel, it is essential to visit the Duvel brewery! You can also have a break in cafe 'den Triest' in Kapelle op den Bos!
Day 7: Circular ride to Leuven, 66km
Today we will visit another art city, and also the 'beer capital' of Belgium: Leuven.
Around this city, there are 5 breweries that produce a wide range of notable beers.
The Stella Artois brewery is the biggest brewery in Europe! It is said that the biggest bars in the world can be found in Leuven. Leuven also has the oldest university in the low countries, established in 1425.
Leuven is not only known for its beer, it is also a city with treasures like the beguinage and the exceptional gothic town hall. After this splendid tour, we are back in Mechelen for the last night of our tour.
Day 8: Departure
Departure or extend your holiday!
The routes are 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.
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 Voyages SNCF 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 0800 755 5385 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 Belgian Beer Trail 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 +44 (0) 800 7555385.
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 +44 (0) 800 7555385 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 0800 755 5385 to speak to one of the team.
Season | Date Band | Arrival Day |
Season 1: | 27.04. – 28.06.2019 | 24.08. – 14.09.2019 | Saturday |
Season 2: | 29.06. – 24.08.2019 | Saturday |
Season | Prices per person including bike hire |
Season 1: | £559 |
Season 2: | £609 |
Single Room Supplement: | £229 |
Half Board Supplement: | £159 |
Electric Bike Upgrade: | £99 |
Category Type | Accommodation Overview |
Category A: | 3* / 4* hotels |
Location | Price DBL/BB | Single Supplement Price SGL/BB |
Antwerp: | £99 | £30 |
Date From | Date To |
---|---|
27 April 2019 | 14 September 2019 |