Arrange for an early arrival and take a moment to settle in, then head for the Grande Place. Meet the Manneken Pis, munch on waffles and chocolate and quench your thirst with a pint. It all comes together in Brussels, a city created specifically for culture vultures and shopaholics, gourmets and gourmands alike!
Take time to see a bit more of the Grande Place, then set off for Tervuren, known for the Royal Aftica Museum. Rolling along tree-lined country lanes, you pedal past ponds and parallel the river. Woodlands, meadows and farmed fields lead to Mechelen, one of the smaller Flemish towns, yet large on beauty.
Stop in Sint-Kathelijne-Waver for an exquisite surprise. The convent-school of Our Lady of Wavre sports a successful blend of architectural styles: art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and art deco. Plus the wonderful winter garden, an ode to nature, springtime and light! Cycle onward via Duffel, situated on the River Nete. Pause for a bit of military heritage at Mortsel’s 19th-century brick-and-sandstone Fort no. 4. Crown your day in Antwerp with a wander around the city. Shop for antiques or vintage fashion finds and drink in the traditional brews, whether coffee or beer!
Let the River Scheldt lead you to an encounter with the 10th-century Wissekerk Castle near Kruibeke. Further ahead, ford the river by ferry and pedal along the dike to De Zilverreiger, the regional museum depicting local trades and crafts, such as basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making.
Back on the banks of the Scheldt, cruise past a string of Flemish sites. Take a break in Dendermonde, with its town hall, belfry and church with an 11th-century baptismal font. Linger at Laarne Castle then continue on to Ghent, a veritable open-air museum and UNESCO Creative City of Music. The thriving local scene includes concerts, festivals, a carillon and singing in the streets… music is absolutely everywhere. After dark, Ghent glows with a magical ambience thanks to its ingenious lighting plan.
Head west into rural Meetjesland, a cyclist’s paradise of woodlands, meadows and farmed fields. Enjoy easy pedalling across flat landscapes, and stretch your legs with a stroll round the sculptures in Eeklo. The Het Leen and Drongengoed forests await. If you have extra energy at the end, take a sign-posted walk among the heather in Maldegemveld nature reserve.
Cut across the flat Flemish countryside and glide through quiet villages such as Knesselare, Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. On the last stretch, marvel at one of Belgium’s oldest waterways, the 14th-century Ghent-Bruges canal. This green corridor together with its towpath verges provide habitat vital to preserving biodiversity. Top off the week with an evening in Bruges, a Belgian jewel of medieval facades, cobbled lanes and a fairy-tale atmosphere.
After breakfast this morning, your holiday comes to an end and it’s time to return home.