BELGIAN BIKE TOURS - EMAIL: [email protected] - TELEPHONE +31(0)24-3244712 - FAX +31(0)24-3608454 - WWW.DUTCH-BIKETOURS.NL The Flemish Beer route 8 days, € 669 Introduction Belgium is famous worldwide for its many different beers, with a brewing tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. Centuries ago, even children were given a bit of brew to avoid the undependable drinking water. Nowadays over 200 breweries operate here, creating a variety of styles from refreshing white ale to bolder tripels and quadrupels. On this cycling holiday, discover the origin of several of Belgium’s best beers and marvel at the lovely surroundings that produce them! Pedal into woodlands in the Campine, roll past the renowned Achelse Kluis abbey and cross the Dutch border into Noord Brabant. Explore the world playing card capital of Turnhout and go mad in Antwerp trying to see everything on your list. The friendly university town of Leuven lives up to its reputation and your week ends with a fun and quirky highlight: cycling through water! Day to Day Day 1 Arrival Genk Make your way to Genk today, receive a friendly welcome at your hotel and wander through delightful Molenvijver Park before dinner. Day 2 Genk - Heeze 75 km Kick off your tour riding quiet roads to Bocholt, home to Europe’s largest beer brewery museum. Breathe in the aroma and discover the steps leading up to a perfectly poured pint. The nature reserve at Beverbeekse Heide is a world of wetlands, woods and patches of heath. Pause in Achelse Kluis to see the abbey and adjacent brewery, shop, gallery and inn. St. Benedict’s is one of the few places in the world where Trappist beer is still brewed, under the strict supervision of two Cistercian monks. After a well-earned Tripel on the sunny terrace, cycle onward through Leenderbossen Forest and Leende, then stretch your legs in Heeze with a pleasant walk on the castle grounds. Day 3 Heeze - Turnhout 64 km Dip into Holland and dabble in the beauty of the Brabant Campine-Kempen region. Roll along through peaceful woodlands and fields of heather, especially lovely during the August bloom. Get a better feel for the place, stopping off in traditional towns like Valkenswaard and Bergeijk, then zip back into Belgium for a visit to Postel Abbey, where beer has been brewed since 1611. Take a break in Arendonk before ending your day in historic Turnhout, with its curious Playing Card Museum. Day 4 Turnhout - Antwerp 69 km Venture out to picturesque Merksplas and pop in at the visitors’ centre to learn about former prisioners’ colony where farming skills were taught and practised out in the fields. Pass Oostmalle and Malle on your way to Westmalle, to savour a well-deserved Trappist beer at the café opposite the abbey. Then zoom onward to the cosmopolitan city of Antwerp. Day 5 Antwerp - Leuven 63 km The city hubbub comes to a hush as you glide into quieter, greener surroundings. Check out a bit of military heritage at Mortsel’s brick-and-sandstone Fort no. 4, one of the eight original Brialmont Forts (1860-1864) on Antwerp’s defensive line. Sail onward toward Leuven to spy the festival grounds where the 4-day Rock Werchter is celebrated each summer. Then test your legs a bit when you encounter a few gentle slopes! The welcoming university town of Leuven offers a taste of the good life, shared with local bon-vivants, and traditional architecture at the Groot Begijnhof, a residence for the “Begines”, a 13th-16th century semi-monastic order for lay women. Day 6 Leuven - Diest 44 km Cycle a superb stage, stopping first at the Vlooybergtoren in Tielt-Winge. Clamber up the rusty steps and take in the panorama from this unique, and seemingly precarious, vista point. Further on, Haksberg Castle nestles amid 3.6 hectares of vineyards, where local wines are named after the bird species of Hageland. Make time to stop at Belgium’s most important pilgrimage site, Scherpenheuvel with the Low Countries’ oldest central-plan domed church. Top your day off in the gorgeous town of Diest, with its historic ties to the Royal House of Orange. This as yet 'undiscovered' destination adds a welcome surprise and the chance to amble along the River Demer. Day 7 Diest - Genk 58 km Today’s flat roads will not leave you breathless, but the scenery most certainly will! Ride first to the Schulensmeer, with its array of water sports, then dive into De Weijers, the “Land of 1001 Ponds”. Slalom your way past man-made fishing ponds, marvel at colourful vegetation and keep an eye out for unique fauna. In Bokrijk, an open-air museum depicts early 20th-century country life and a chance to try your hand at traditional skills and crafts. Finally, brace yourself for a bizarre experience as you cycle a 200- metre path right through a natural lake, skimming along in harmony with the ducks. Day 8 Departure from Genk After one final hotel buffet breakfast, your cycling holiday comes to an end and it’s time to make your way home. Prices, Data, Booking Starting dates: Saturdays from April 3rd to September 25th. Accommodation Genk - Hotel Zuid*** Heeze - Kapellerput Hotel**** Turnhout - Best Western Plus Turnhout City**** Antwerp - Hampton Antwerp*** Leuven - Park Inn Leuven*** Diest - Hotel de Franse Kroon*** Practical Info 7 nights included 3/4 star hotels Breakfast included, half board optional Tourist information on all the places of interest Rental bikes available 7-day service hotline Luggage transport to your next hotel Genk Parking available at the hotel GPS-tracks available Ferry crossings are not included.