Bruges and Flanders Fields Belgium: Self-Guided Biking Explore Flanders, the northwest part of Belgium, over 8 days and 7 nights. The pleasing Flemish countryside is painted with green hills, winding roads, rustic farms, peaceful canals, and bustling villages. The gently rolling hills make for relatively easy cycling from one town to the next, and there's plenty of time for sightseeing - especially in the Flemish capital of Bruges, where you’ll lodge comfortably for three nights. Your cycle tour will commence in Roeselare, easily reached by train from the Brussels Airport. You’ll visit medieval Ypres, known for its WWI battles, the Tyne Cot Cemetery, and the world-famous Menin Gate. You’ll be able to sample some beer in the Saint-Sixtus Abbey before cycling along the borders of the River Yzer to Diksmuide with its historic plaza. Next is splendid Bruges. Over the years, this medieval canal city has gone by many names: City of Romance, Venice of the North, the City That Time Forgot, and Cultural Capital of Europe. However, none of these titles accurately capture the enchantment of Bruges. With the city center closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored by foot, canal boat, or horse-drawn carriage along cobblestone streets. From Bruges you’ll make two circular rides. The first is to the authentic coastal village of De Haan, the second to the seaside at Knokke. You can stroll along the town's new promenade, sunbathe on its broad sandy beach, or wander through its exclusive shopping boulevards. Finally, on your way back to Roeselare, there are opportunities to visit a chocolate manufacturer and the National Cyclist Museum. Included in the Tour Price • Accommodations in 3- and 4-star hotels; all rooms with private facilities • Daily breakfast • Detailed route descriptions, tourist information, and maps • Entrance Flanders Fields Museum in Ypres • Emergency service phone number 7 days a week • Daily luggage transportation (limited to one suitcase or bag per person not heavier than 20 kilos. A second bag is possible but we need to know this ahead of time.) Daily Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Roeselare You will arrive in Roeselare with time time to explore this city and its appealing market square. The rococo town hall is definitely worth a look. Day 2: Roeselare – Ypres (Ieper) - 19 miles (31 km) Today our cycling will start along easy and scenic low hills. First you’ll encounter the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the resting place of nearly 12,000 British soldiers who died in World War I. Next Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] is Ypres, a city that was in the middle of the frontline between the German and Allied Forces during the war. It was mostly destroyed in 1908. Today though, Ypres (also known in Flemish as Ieper) is a quiet and lovely provincial town. Ypres's gigantic clothmakers’ hall overlooking the market square is an especially noteworthy site in this beautifully restored medieval town. You can also visit the impressive Menin Gate, a British War Memorial built on the site of the former city gate. Day 3: Ypres – Diksmuide – 28 or 37 miles (45 or 60 km) After a pleasant cycle along the Yzer River in the morning, you’ll soon notice the towers of the medieval town Poperinge, famous for its fine lace production and hops - in fact, Poperinge is home to the National Hop Museum. There are over 800 beers brewed in Belgium, and one of the famous local beers, “Westvleteren,” has been voted the best beer in the world. It's brewed about 4 kilometers northwest in Saint-Sixtus Abbey. Make sure to reserve your free tasting! In the late afternoon you’ll reach Diksmuide, a charming town with a historic plaza and the imposing monument Yzertoren. This new 85 meter high "Iron Tower" was constructed from 1951 to 1965 with the inscription "No More War" in four languages. While you're here, you can also explore the beautiful market place. Day 4: Diksmuide – Bruges - 38 miles (61 km) Today you’ll cycle through scenic farmland to Bruges, the "Venice of the North." This splendid medieval city is often considered the most beautiful of all Flemish towns. Its historic center dates from the Middle Ages and is almost completely intact. At that time Bruges was a thriving metropolis and bustling hub of trade and art. Today there are still magnificent art collections and architectural treasures to appreciate. Take your time to stroll through lovely parks, intimate streets, and ancient market squares. There’s also great shopping and the shopkeepers love to go into detail about their exquisite Belgian chocolates and hearty Belgian beer. Day 5: Bruges – Knokke – Bruges - 37 miles (59 km) Today’s cycling itinerary is a round trip along picturesque canals to the artist’s village of Damme. Your route follows the coastal path along the North Sea, so bring your swimsuit! Also plan on a stop for a drink or a gastronomic meal in the plush coastal town of Knokke. Afterwards, you can stroll along the new promenade, sunbathe on the gorgeous sandy beach, or wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards before your ride back to Bruges through the dunes and the nature reserve of Het Zwin. Day 6: Bruges – De Haan – Bruges - 32 miles (52 km) This morning you will cycle along lively canals and through peaceful farmland to the coast. Your destination is the well preserved coastal village of De Haan, famous for its many buildings in the Belle Epoque style. Here, weather permitting, you can enjoy a stimulating dive into the North Sea or relax at the beach before you return to Bruges. You always knew that Belgian beer was special, but here you'll have another opportunity to sample some tasty Belgian cuisine! Day 7: Bruges – Roeselare - 37 miles (59 km) Today you'll have a smooth ride along quiet rural roads back to Roeselare, passing by the castles of d'Aertrijcke and Wijnendaele. You could take an optional visit to the National Cyclist Museum, which offers an overview of bicycle evolution from its early beginnings to the present day. Day 8: Tour Ends Today your tour ends, with departure from your hotel after breakfast. Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] Starting Point Your tour starts in Roeselare. From the Brussels Airport there's a direct airport train to Roeselare (1 ½ hour). From the train station you can walk to your hotel. Level of Difficulty This tour is rated “easy” for its flat terrain and low mileage. The Bicycles Included in the tour price are very well maintained 21-speed women’s and men’s bikes, equipped with panniers, pump, repair kit, and lock. Not included in the tour • Air fare • Entrance fees to the various mentioned attractions • Beverages • Lunches and dinners Van Gogh Tours Inc. • (781)-646-0096 • [email protected] .