5 days by bike around romantic Bruges:
Canals, beaches, and medieval towns

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in Bruges

Take the opportunity to start exploring the city, which has so much to offer! Our roadbook, which you will receive at the hotel reception upon arrival, will give you plenty of options to suit all your interests!

Day 2: Loop to the North Sea

59 km | +20 m | ⏱︎ 3h37

This first excursion takes you to the vast sandy beaches of the North Sea, stretching along the entire Belgian coast. You reach them mainly via canals, in the shade of elegant poplars. You are in the famous polders, lands gradually reclaimed from the sea during the Middle Ages. Below sea level, they were flooded during the First World War, creating a vast muddy expanse that halted the German advance and froze the front for the rest of the war. Today, the polders form a maze of small canals, with cycle paths along the edges for your enjoyment.
Along the way, you pass charming villages such as Damme, Oostkerke, and Sluis (in the Netherlands, with its iconic windmill). On reaching the coast, you first cross the Zwin nature reserve, a miniature Baie de Somme, where seasonal birdwatching is possible. You then arrive at the seaside resort of Knokke Le Zoute, the Saint-Tropez of Belgium, offering sea swims, sunbathing, and ice creams on the promenade…
You continue along the dyke before turning south, returning to Bruges via various canals.

Day 3: The Castle Tour

59 km | +140 m | ⏱︎ 4h09

The outskirts of Bruges hide numerous castles. From medieval castles to neo-Gothic estates, all eras are represented. You will pass by the castles of Tilleghem, Tudor, Aertrycke, Wynendaele – where Mary of Burgundy died in 1482 after a horse fall – and Loppem, a splendid neo-Gothic castle that hosted the Belgian royal family during the First World War. The castles are not open for visits, but you will see them up close!

Day 4: Excursion to Ghent

55 km | +120 m | ⏱︎ 3h59

You leave one gem to reach another: at the end of the stage, you arrive in Ghent! You cycle between the two cities through landscapes that are sometimes rural, sometimes wooded, and sometimes along a canal towpath. Along the way, admire Ryckevelde Castle.

You then reach Ghent. A prosperous medieval cloth town, it is considered by many to be as beautiful as Bruges, though its old town is smaller. Numerous canals crisscross the city, giving it a peaceful character despite its economic dynamism. Shadowed by its bigger sister Bruges, Ghent is far less touristy, far from a museum-like town. Authentic and lively, it has a large student population that animates its streets and cafes.

Its attractions are numerous: the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts of Flanders), the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the famous Ghent Altarpiece (also called the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by Jan van Eyck), the belfry, and the quays of Graslei and Korenlei with medieval houses featuring splendid gabled facades reflecting in the Lys. Don’t miss tasting Cuberdons, the violet sweets typical of Ghent!

Day 5: Loop to De Haan and Ostend

61 km | +30 m | ⏱︎ 3h34

For the final stage, we suggest returning to the long North Sea beaches, exploring the seaside resorts of De Haan (locally known as Le Coq) and Ostend. De Haan is known for its relaxed, slightly retro atmosphere. It is far from the crowds of busier resorts like Knokke. It has several traditional buildings and seaside-style hotels from its tourist development era. Ostend, the port city, is nicknamed the "Queen of the Coasts" due to its historical prominence as a popular seaside destination. It combines a rich maritime history, Belle Époque architecture, and lively beaches. It is also the city of painter James Ensor.

From Ostend, just follow the canal back to Bruges! The trip ends upon arrival. You can, of course, opt for additional nights in Bruges.

ACCOMMODATION

Whatever level of comfort you choose, we prioritise authentic, human-scale lodgings that inspire comfort, conviviality and well-being. All our partner hotels are located in Bruges’ historic centre.

AVAILABLE COMFORT LEVELS

Photos provided as examples to illustrate the type of accommodation in each category.

Always included:

• Breakfast
• Private bathroom
• Bike storage
• Restaurants within walking distance
• Convenient location

CHOICE OF BIKE

Whether you choose a hire bike or bring your own, it is essential to have a bike that suits both the needs of the route and your personal requirements.

RENTAL BIKES

We offer high-quality trekking bikes and/or electric bikes, equipped with all essential accessories. Children’s equipment is also available. However, we do not recommend this trip for children under 12, as some stages exceed 50 km.

Photos for illustrative purposes. Bikes are subject to availability.

Included Accessories:

• Smartphone holder (1 per bike)
• Waterproof rear bag (1 per bike)
• Lock
• Repair kit
• Helmet(s) on request

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE

Before departure, thoroughly check the condition of your bike: brakes, tyres, cogs, derailleur, chain…
You could be far from help if something goes wrong mechanically!

Which bikes are suitable?

• Hybrid/Trekking bike
• City bike
• Mountain bike
• Gravel bike
• Electric bike with good range

• Road bike

LEVEL

Our trips prioritise discovery and relaxation over exertion.
We try to adjust stage lengths according to the type of path and points of interest so that each day remains balanced, enjoyable, and flexible.

Some days include a “relaxed” option, which you can choose on the day. These options still cover all key sights.

STAGE LENGTH: STANDARD ℹ️ ➡️ Average of 40–60 km/day

➡️ Around 3–4 hours cycling per day, maximum 5.

➡️ A pace suitable for most people: combines pleasure of cycling with sightseeing.

RELIEF: GENTLE ℹ️ ➡️ Average elevation gain: less than 200 m/day.

➡️ The route is mostly flat and accessible to all. Some gentle inclines may occur but will not be an obstacle, even without training.

The route is generally very flat, with only the occasional gentle rise.

TYPE OF PATHS:

Over 60% of the route follows towpaths along canals and dedicated cycle paths. The rest is quiet country lanes with minimal traffic.

More than 95% of the route is tarmacked, though there are some short sections on compact gravel. No technical difficulties to report.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

⏱️ DURATION

5 days and 4 nights, including arrival day. 4 days of cycling.

📅 AVAILABLE DEPARTURE DAYS

Daily from April to October

🗺️ ROUTE TYPE

Petal itinerary ("hub and spoke"): you stay at the same accommodation each night.

📍 START AND FINISH POINT

Start: Bruges
Finish: Bruges

🌦️ BEST TIME TO GO

Weather is generally favourable from April to October.

The best period is May to September, when temperatures are most pleasant and sunny days predominate. Note that July and August can be busy in some tourist hotspots.

In April and October, temperatures are usually comfortable, but occasional cold snaps may occur.

🍽️ MEALS

Breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners are at your own discretion.

During the day, you can eat at local restaurants (you will recommendations in our roadbook) or have a picnic using supplies from local shops.

For dinner, there are always several restaurants within walking distance from your hotel.

🚩 ARRIVAL

BY TRAIN

Bruges is served by a train line.

From Brussels-South, it takes 59 minutes (direct train), and about 1h45 from Lille (1 train every 2 hours, 1 change at Kortrijk).

More information on train schedules is available on the SNCB website.

BY CAR

Our partner hotels have private parking (paid), around €20/day.
Otherwise, our roadbook provides details of public parking (outside the centre, some free) where you can leave your car for the week.

📑 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

To make the most of your adventure, we provide practical and easy-to-use support materials:

• A roadbook (A5 booklet) prepared by us, including:

• Practical information
• Route description
• All necessary tourist information
• Restaurant suggestions
• Places to get supplies
• Cultural information and anecdotes
• List of bike repair shops near the route



• A map of the route




• Our navigation app (with your GPS tracks)

• Easy-to-use app (a short tutorial will be sent if needed)
• Satellite navigation (works in airplane mode)
• Customised tracks between each accommodation
• Voice guidance

📞 INDEPENDENCE AND ASSISTANCE

You travel independently (unaccompanied), with 7-day-a-week phone assistance in case of problems.

🛡️ INSURANCE

To cover cancellation fees or issues on site, you can take out cancellation insurance (CAP Explorer Cancellation) or assistance insurance (CAP Explorer Assistance). Learn more about our insurances (proposed by our partner Chapka Assurances).

🎒 EQUIPMENT TO BRING

A helmet, lock, repair kit, phone holder, and waterproof rear bag form the basic equipment. If you hire a bike, these are included (helmet only on request).
For added comfort, we recommend also bringing the following specific accessories:

PRICES 2026

The price is calculated based on a stay for two in a double/twin room. All rates are per person and subject to availability of the chosen room type.

BASE PRICE INCLUDES

• Overnight stays in hotels of the chosen comfort category
• Breakfasts at your hotel
• A detailed roadbook (A5 booklet + PDF), prepared by us during our reconnaissance trip
• GPS tracks of the route via our navigation app
• A map of the circuit
• 7-day-a-week phone assistance
• Booking fees

OPTIONS

• Bike rental(s)
• Single room supplement
• Extra night(s) in Bruges
• Optional insurance: cancellation and/or assistance

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Return travel to Bruges
• Tourist taxes
• Lunches and dinners
• Entrance fees and other personal expenses
• Anything not listed under “BASE PRICE INCLUDES”

SPECIAL CASES

• If you carry your own luggage, a discount is applied (see booking form). An extra pannier is provided if you rent a bike.
• Solo travellers: a logistical supplement is added to the single room supplement.

REVIEWS

This tour is new and has not yet received any reviews!

See all reviews or leave us a review.