Cycling from Brussels to Bruges

Arrive early and head for the Grande Place, the Manneken Pis or one of many other landmarks in this delightful city where culture vultures, shopaholics, gourmets and gourmands all feel at home. Stay at the NH Brussels Grand Place Arenberg with breakfast.

After one last tour of the Grande Place, leave Brussels behind and cycle through the suburbs to Grimbergen, known for its lovely abbey church, a baroque basilica. Ride on tree-lined country lanes, along a river and through meadows to Mechelen, home of the 13th century St Rumbold's Cathedral and its tower with 360-degree views of the city. Stay at the Mercure Hotel Vé with breakfast (B).

On today's route, enjoy the successful blend of Art Nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Empire and Art Deco at the Ursuline Institue of Our Lady of Wavre. Here, the winter garden is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau, an ode to nature, springtime and light! Continue through the countryside to Duffel on the River Nete, Mortsel and Berchem. Visit the island Fort in Mortsel (one of eight Brialmont Forts that made up the defensive line of Antwerp). Discover Antwerp, a city with a long tradition with beer as well as antiques and curios, vintage fashion and diamonds. Stay at the Hampton Antwerp with breakfast (B).

Follow the River Scheldt for most of the route today. Visit 10th century Wissekerk Castle, another of Antwerp's fortifications. Further along the river, cross by ferry, then continue atop the river dike to De Zilverreiger, a regional museum focused on preserving knowledge about local trades and crafts that once flourished: basket weaving, river fishery, cooperage (barrel making), flax processing and clog making. Stay at the Abalona B&B with breakfast (B).

Today's route continues on the Scheldt river banks, cycling past a string of Flemish villages and towns. Laarne Castle is a great place for a break before continuing to Ghent. The Old Town of Ghent is like an open-air museum. It is also a UNESCO Creative City of Music. The music scene here is thriving. Festivals, musical institutions, the carillon, concerts, students of music having a sing-song on the quays. . . music is everywhere. After dark the ambiance is magical, thanks to the town's ingenious street lighting. Stay at the Europahotel with breakfast (B).

Head west and discover the rural Meetjesland region, a cycling paradise with woods, meadowland and vast cropfields. It is easy pedalling through the flat landscape to Eeklo, a small town known for its many sculptures. Then continue through the Het Leen and Drongengoed woods. In the evening, put your feet up in Maldegem. Stay at the Amaryllis Hotel with breakfast (B).

Yet another lovely route through the flat Flemish countryside. After Maldegem, pass through some quiet villages including Knesselare, Maria-Aalter and Moerbrugge. On the last stretch, follow the Ghent-Bruges canal. It dates back to the 14th century and is one of the oldest in the country and together with its towpath verges, it forms a green corridor that is important for biodiversity. Your final destination of Bruges is a truly charming town with its cobbled streets and squares, canals, medieval-looking buildings and a fairytale ambiance. Stay at the Hotel Velotel with breakfast (B).

After breakfast, you depart from Bruges (B).