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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.
 Day 3 Monday: Kemmel to Diksmuide, 27 miles (43km).
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, 35 miles (56km).
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, 38 miles (62km).
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, 33 miles (53km).
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. |
Freedom Holiday 
