Tour of Flanders

Your tour of Flanders begins in Mechelen. Arrive early and discover the small town in the heart of the Flemish Region. Stroll through the cozy alleyways and across the Grote Markt to the Sint-Rombouts cathedral. From the unfinished tower of the building, which was begun around 1200, you have a beautiful view over the city and the surrounding countryside. At the end of the day, treat yourself to a delicious Belgian beer and sample the varied Flemish cuisine.

The first stage of your tour of Flanders takes you to the small town of Lier on cycle paths with virtually no inclines. Visit Begijnhof, which comprises several alleyways and buildings, before cycling towards your stage destination of Antwerp. The former most important trading metropolis in Europe offers a wealth of art and architectural monuments, which you can discover on a walk. In addition to the world-famous diamond trade, the city once established itself as a cultural center. The baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens worked in the city for many years. His home and workshop is now a museum well worth a visit.

After you have left the hustle and bustle of Antwerp behind you, you cycle in a relaxed manner towards the east. First you cycle along the almost dead straight Albert Canal. It was inaugurated in 1939 and connects Antwerp with Liège. You reach Herentals. Visit the richly decorated church of St. Waltraud, which, like the Sint-Rombouts-Kathedraal in Mechelen, was built in the Brabant Gothic style. A few kilometers away is Geel, which is famous for its Zeunt beer. Spend the night in Herentals or Geel.

Today you can relax on the tour of Flanders along many bodies of water in the wide Flemish lowlands and in the Gerhagen nature reserve. You reach the small town of Diest via Meerhout, Schoot and Engsbergen. Visit the Begijnhof. Enjoy the peace and quiet in this small district, which was founded in the middle of the 13th century. Just a stone's throw away, you can stroll across the town's former defenses, which were built in the 19th century.

At the start of today's stage of your tour of Flanders, it is worth making a stopover in Scherpenheuvel. The basilica there is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Belgium. Back on your bike, you will pass Zichem, one of the most beautiful Flemish villages. From the Maagdentoren you have a beautiful view of the surrounding area. Continue to the old university town of Leuven, your destination for today. Discover an abundance of beautiful buildings such as the Gothic town hall in the car-free city center and spend the evening in one of the many restaurants on the Oude Markt.

Today you cycle through a slightly hilly landscape to the capital of Belgium. Diverse Brussels offers everything a cyclist's heart desires: medieval architecture, charming cafés and a lively atmosphere. Visit one of Brussels' landmarks, the Manneken Pis. The small bronze figure has its origins in the 17th century. It is dressed up for special occasions. Just outside the city center, you can visit the Atomium. Built for the 1958 World Expo, it was a symbol of progress and scientific research at the time.

The last stage takes you back to the starting point of your tour of Flanders. You cycle through the suburbs of Brussels and through a varied landscape to Mechelen. Leave your bike on arrival and explore the small town on foot. How about a walk along the River Dijle or through the extensive Vrijbroekpark? You can also sample the delicacies of the local cuisine once again before setting off on your journey home tomorrow.

After breakfast, your tour of Flanders comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night.