Overview
A seven day, self-guided holiday cycling from Ghent to Bruges, two of Belgium’s most famous, historic but also happening cities. In between, you get to explore Belgium’s flat but fascinating area of wetlands and creeks, with laid back cycling to the wooded trails of Drongengoed Forest or along the Bruges–Ostend Canal. With two nights in Bruges in the middle of the tour, you cycle back to Ghent following a different route via Aalter, stopping at Castle Park Bulskampveld and Kasteel van Loppem en route, natural and cultural beauties in their own right. E-bikes are available on this tour.
- Ghent
- Bruges
- Maldegemveld Nature Reserve
- Bruges–Ostend Canal
- Sluis
- Kasteel van Loppem
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Ghent
Welcome to Ghent. Explore Graslei and Korenlei Quays on the Lys River or spend the evening wandering the streets of the Old Town, taking in many aspects of Flemish culture.
- Accommodation: Hotel Orion or similar in Ghent
Day 2: Ghent – Maldegem | 57km
Heading west from Ghent, cycle through the woodlands and wetlands of the Meetjesland region. Continue through the flat landscape toward Eeklo, before heading through Drongengoed Forest to reach Maldegemveld Nature Reserve, where you can enjoy an optional 3.5km walk. After an active day, spend the evening relaxing in Maldegem.
- Accommodation: Amaryllis Hotel or similar in Maldegem
- Cycling for the day: 57km
Day 3: Maldegem – Bruges | 53km
From Maldegem, cycle through the Flemish countryside passing Knesselare, Sint-Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. The last section of the day follows the Bruges–Ostend Canal to reach Bruges’ historical centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Accommodation: NH Brugge or similar in Bruges
- Cycling for the day: 53km
Day 4: Bruges circular route | 60km
Today can either be spent exploring the magnificent, medieval city of Bruges or going on circular cycle through the landscapes and villages that surround the city. The cycle begins through the meadows in the north of Bruges, before following the Damse Vaart Canal into the Netherlands and the fortified town of Sluis. Stop to explore the town before following a route around the historical walls that surround Sluis. Heading back into Belgium, the route leads to another fortified town of Damme. The final section of today’s route follows the Damse Vaart Canal back into Bruges.
- Accommodation: NH Brugge or similar in Bruges
- Cycling for the day: 60km
Day 5: Bruges – Aalter | 53km
Leaving Bruges behind, cycle through Natuurcentrum Beisbroek, before following the trail to Kasteel van Loppem. After exploring the castle, continue past Oostkamp and Hertsberge, to reach Castle Park Bulskampveld, and then cycling through shaded woodland to eventually reach Aalter.
- Accommodation: Apollonia B&B or similar in Aalter
- Cycling for the day: 53km
Day 6: Aalter – Ghent | 54km
Today’s route follows narrow, low-traffic roads, passing Deinze on the River Leie to reach Sint-Martens-Latem. Stop to visit Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens and admire the works of many of the artists who were inspired by the River Leie, which you then follow back to Ghent.
- Accommodation: Hotel Orion or similar in Ghent
- Cycling for the day: 54km
Day 7: Departure
The tour concludes after breakfast.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour includes a mix of mostly small, locally-owned hotels, B&Bs and traditional guesthouses. They have been carefully selected based on a variety of criteria including their location, warm hospitality, fine local food or commitment to responsible tourism. All rooms have en-suite or private bathrooms.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Orion (Ghent)
- Amaryllis Hotel (Maldegem)
- NH Brugge (Bruges)
- Apollonia B&B (Aalter)
Hotels are subject to availability. In the event of a particular hotel being fully booked for your chosen dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
Breakfast is included each day. For lunch and dinner, restaurants and shops are available en route and in the areas you stay.
Difficulty and terrain
This tour is rated easy with the route mainly being on quiet roads and paths. Some parts of the route are slightly windier, but as most of the route is on relatively flat terrain, this tour is deemed suitable for people who have a little cycling experience. Daily cycling distances range from 53-60km (read more about difficulty grades).
We strongly advise you to only follow marked trails and never shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime.
When to go
This trip is available to begin every Saturday from 1 April until 23 September.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended airport for this tour is Antwerp.
By train or bus
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights in hotels as listed in the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between hotels (one piece of 20kg per person)
- Detailed travel information including maps, route notes and important telephone numbers
- Tourist tax
- 24/7 phone support by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own
- We regret that this tour is not open to solo travellers
- Bike or e-bike rental
Bike rental
All bikes come with a bike lock, pannier, repair kit, extra inner tube, chain rivet extractor, hand pump and first aid kit. Sample pictures attached below, note that the exact models may differ depending on availability, but the standard will be the same.
Hybrid Bikes
- 27-gears
- Assembly: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Shimano V Brakes
- Tyres: Schwalbe Marathon
- Saddle: Selle Royal Freedom
- Pedals: flat pedals (XLC)
- Weight: 16.5kg
E-bikes
- Assembly: Shimano Nexus eight gears
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic discbrakes
- Handlebars: Adjustable
- Tyres: Continental
- Pedals: Flat pedals
- Saddle: Velo Comfort
- Battery range: 100km (with normal use)
- Weight: 25kg
Gallery
