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Bruges and Coast

Freedom Holiday Self Guided Grading Level 1
8 days/7 nights Price - £460pp Tour Code BE001
 

This tour is based in the northern part of Belgium known as Flanders. The scenic Flemish countryside is painted with soft green hills and winding roads dotted by black heather bordered by proud farms and peaceful canals. This is mainly flat and easy, suitable for most people and in particular families with children who are able to cycle approximately 30 miles.The routes follow quiet, mostly paved backroads and cycling lanes.

Bruges

Starting in Roeselare the cycling is easy as you thread your way through the low but scenic hills. You will be able to visit the medieval town of Ypres with the world famous Menin gate. With time for some beer tasting in the St.-Sixtusabbey, you will cycle along the borders of the river Yzer towards Diksmuide with the historic plaza. Over the years the medieval canal city of Bruges has gone by many names: City of Romance, Venice of the North, the City That Time Forgot, and Cultural Capital of Europe back in 2002. However, none of these titles accurately capture the enchanting city of Bruges. With the city centre closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, by a boat along quiet canals, or by horse-drawn carriage among cobblestone streets. From bruges there are two circular rides. The first is to Ostend and then onto the coastal village of Den Haan. The second is to Knokke-Heist where you can stroll along the new promenade, sunbathe on the broad sandy beach, or wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards. Finally, on your way back to Roeselare, there is a visit to a chocolate manufacturer!

 

Includes

  • 7 nights in 3 or 4 star hotels (based on 2 people sharing)
  • 7 x breakfast
  • Use of sauna in the 4* hotel in Bruges
  • Visit to national cycling museum
  • Bike hire
  • Luggage transfer
  • Maps and route information

Excludes

  • Flights
  • Cycling Helmets

Optional extras

  • Insurance £22pp
  • Half board £125pp
  • Single supplement £140
  • Reductions for children (with 2 adults in one room)
    Children 0-2 years: 100% (except additional costs for a cot or breakfast payable on site in the hotel.)
    3-6 years: 50%
    7-12 years: 25%
  • Reductions for 3rd person in double room: 10%
  • Extra night in Roeselare £45pp B&B (Single £65)

How to get there

  • Fly to Charleroi with Ryanair and then a train to Roeselare (1.5 hrs)
  • Fly to Brussels and then a train to Roeselare (1 hr)
  • Ferry to Zeebrugge, Dunkirk, Ostend or Calais. Your car can be left at the free car park.
 

Departure Dates 2010

March 0
0
0
27
0
April
3
10
17
24
0
May
1
8
16
22
29
June
5
12
19
26
0
July
3
10
17
24
31
August
8*
14
21
28
0
September
4
11
18
25
0
October
2
9
16
23
0

* Starts Sunday due to annual Folk Festival in Dranouter

 
To book this holiday CLICK HERE
 
Daily Itinerary
 

Day 1 Saturday: Arrive Roeselare.

Depending upon the time that you arrive there is an optional ride to the Basilica of Dadizele and the countryside around Roeselare.

Day 2 Sunday: Roeselare to Kemmel, 30 miles (48km).

The cycling starts among easy and scenic low hills. Highlights of today include a visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery - the world largest British graveyard and to Ypres, a medieval town with imposing market halls and the impressive Menin Gate.

DiksmuideDay 3 Monday: Kemmel to Diksmuide, 30 miles (49km).

Today there is nice cycling along the borders of the river Yzer. Sights to look out for are the towers of the Medieval town of Poperinge. The town of Poperinge is situated about 8 miles to the west of Ypres and the region is famous for growing hops. Poperinge is home to the national hop museum. There are over 800 different types of beer in Belgium. One of the famous local beers is Sixtus, which is brewed in the St. Sixtus Abbey near Proven, about 4 kilometres north-west of Poperinge. Don't forget to call in for your free tasting! Diksmuide is a pleasant town with an historic plaza and the imposing landmark "Yzertoren". This new 85 meter high "Ijzer" Tower was constructed from 1951 to 1965. The slogan "no more war" was added in four languages.

Day 4 Tuesday: Diksmuide to Bruges, 39 miles (63km).

You cycle through farmland towards the "Venice of the North", Bruges. This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels. In no other European city the feel and the look of medieval times are so present as here in this city close to the North Sea.

Day 5 Wednesday: Bruges to Ostend to Bruges, 40 miles (65km).

Today you have a choice of things to do. You can cycle along the canals to the port of Ostend and further to the authentic coastal village of Den Haan. There you can enjoy a refreshing dive into the North Sea or just relax on the beach. If you don't want to go cycling but would rather have a free day in Bruges you could go shopping, take a boat trip along the canals or even go sightseeing by horse and carriage. There is much to see and do in this enchanting city.

Day 6 Thursday: Bruges to Knokke to Bruges, 36 miles (58km).

A circular ride today alongside picturesque canals to the artist’s village of Damme. The route follows the coastal path alongside the North Sea so you may like to take your swimming gear. After your swim you should treat yourself to a gastronomic meal overlooking the sea at Knokke-Heist. Afterwards stroll along the new promenade, sunbathe on the broad sandy beach, or wander through the exclusive shopping boulevards. Afterwards you cycle through the dunes to the nature reserve of "Het Zwin" before making your way back alongside the canals to Bruges.

Day 7 Friday: Bruges to Roeselare, 37 miles (59km).

Today it is cycling along the quiet rural roads backtracking to Roeselare while admiring the castles of d'Aertrijcke and Wijnendaele en route. A highlight will be a free visit to a local chocolate manufacturer (not open in July) and a visit to the national cyclist museum.

Day 8 Saturday: Depart from Roeselare.

Tour ends after breakfast. Extra nights can be added in Roeselare.

 

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