Day-To-Day- Arrival in Roeselare. Optional cycling.
- Roeselare - Kemmel/Ieper, 30 mi.
- Kemmel/Ieper - Diksmuide, 28 mi.
- Diksmuide - Bruges, 28 mi.
- Bruges - Ostend - Bruges, 38/42 mi.
- Bruges - Knokke - Bruges, 37 mi.
- Bruges - Roeselare, 33 mi.
- Optional cycling, 30 mi. Departure from Roeselare.
DAY 1: Arrival & meeting in Roeselare.
Individual arrival in Roeselare. Optional bike ride to the Basilica of Dadizele and around the countryside of Roeselare. Introductory meeting and welcome drink at 6pm along with bicycle pick-up.
DAY 2: Roeselare - Kemmel, 30 mi. (48 km)
Highlights of the day include Tyne Cot Cemetery, the world's largest British graveyard; and Ypres, a Medieval town with imposing Market Halls and an impressive Menin Gate. The route cycles nicely along easy and scenic low hills.
DAY 3: Kemmel - Diksmuide, 28 mi. (44 km)
Today you will encounter the towers of the Medieval town of Poperinge as well as some partake in some beer-tasting in the old St.-Sixtus Abbey. The route follows along the borders of the Yzer River. And last will be the pleasant town of Diksmuide with its historic plaza and the imposing landmark “Yzertoren”.
DAY 4: Diksmuide - Bruges, 35 or 42 mi. (56/69 km)
Today you'll ride through scenic farmland to the lovely old town of Bruges, accurately referred to as the "Venice of the North". Here you will find an abundance of attractions to visit, including a magnificent square with a towering belfry, numerous historical monuments and Cathedrals filled with artistic treasures. Another highlight is the Constant Permeke Museum showcasing renowned paintings and sculptures. From Bruges, you'll next ride towards the sea and Oostende.
DAY 5: Bruges - Oostende - Bruges, 38 or 42 mi. (62/68 km)
Today incorporates a roundtrip tour from Bruges to Oostende back to Bruges, so if you would prefer, you could forego cycling today and spend the day shopping, taking a boat ride on the canals, sightseeing by horseback, climbing the Belfort or partaking on a 15 min. trainride to Oostende, a majestic port town. By bike, you could ride along the canals to the port of Oostende and further to the authentic coastal village of Den Haan. Here you can enjoy a refreshing dive in the Northsea, or relax on the beach.
DAY 6: Bruges - Knokke - Bruges, 36 mi. (58 km)
The day's route starts along picturesque canals towards the painter’s village of Damme. You'll ride along the North Sea and perhaps stop for a drink in the plush coastal towns of Heist or Knokke. Then follows a ride through a landscape of dunes towards the nature-reserve of Het Zwin. Then back to Bruges along the romantic canals.
DAY 7: Bruges - Roeselare, 30 mi. (50 km)
A smooth ride along rural countryside back to Roeselare, admiring the Castles of d'Aertrijcke and Wijnendaele along the way. Other highlights include the National Cyclist Museum of 2x former World Champion Freddy Maertens, and a free visit and tasting at a chocolate manufacturer (except in July).
DAY 8: Departure from Roeselare.
Individual departure from Roeselare following breakfast.
