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	Belgium

	Tour of Flanders

	* . 8 days . hotel . round trip . code: BVL



	Made for cyclists A cyling trip through a distinctive region whose praises the singer Jacques Brel sang in his worldfamous chanson ‘Marieke’. Bubbling Abdij beer flows from the tap here and you cycle through an original farming landscape, where the streets have names (in translation) like ‘Blind Donkey Street’, ‘Fib street’ and ‘Lies Tree Street’. Where cycle touring flourishes and where the cradle of many a top cyclist has stood. It is an exotic destination, only a few hours away: it is the original Flemish area south of Bruges. If you want to alternate between culture and nature on an exciting but not too demanding bicycle trip, then you really should consider this destination. Belgium is also ideal for people who want to experience the special character of a bike trip for the first time. Relaxed and contented you cycle from hotel to hotel, unburdened by any bothersome luggage. You can choose from accommodation based on bed and breakfast or half board. After arriving, possibly after a round trip and a night in Roeselare, the first stage will take you to Kemmel. On your way you pass by an impressive war cemetery, where thousands of British soldiers lie buried. You will come across more reminders of the First World War in Ypres, with its impressive gateway. The first cycling day goes through the hill country and is the most difficult day. For the rest of the trip you will mainly ride on flat, rural country roads past farmsteads and countless Maria chapels. On your way to Dismuide you ride for a while along the Yzer, with the medieval town of Poperinge providing the obvious place for a coffee break. You get to Bruges via country roads. You will stay three nights in this Burgundian town, and you won’t have any trouble enjoying the beautiful medieval buildings, the canal way and the sidewalk cafes that create the couleur locale to the fullest. From Bruges you ride a lovely round trip to the seaside resort of Knokke and nature reserve of het Zwin. A different route takes you to the ‘queen of resorts’ Oostende and the cheerful De Haan. Then you cycle to Roeselare, where a visit to the Cycling Museum of the former world champion cyclist Freddy Maertens forms a sporting conclusion to this last cycling day. If you would like to finish off your holiday in a literally tasteful atmosphere, you are more than welcome to a chocolate factory (except for July).

+ day to day

1 Arrival in Roeselare and possible round trip with own bike, 45 km.
2 Roeselare - Kemmel/Ieper, 48 km.
3 Kemmel/Ieper - Diksmuide, 44 km.
4 Diksmuide - Bruges, 56 km.
5 Bruges, round trip Oostende, 66 km.
6 Bruges, round trip Knokke, 59 km.
7 Bruges - Roeselare, 53 km.
8 Departure.

+ tour prices

In 2008:
€ 765 per person
* Surcharge single room € 130 per room

* Additional night Roeselare (half board) in a 2-person room € 80 per person
* Surcharge single room € 35 per room per night

Travel dates
Every Saturday, from March 29 up to and including October 25.

+ included

* 7 nights in 3 and 4 star hotels based on 2-person room with shower/lavatory
* Complimentary welcome drink
* Dinner and breakfast: from dinner on day of arrival up to and including breakfast on day of derpature
* Transport of luggage (1 suitcase per person)
* Detailed description of routes and maps
* Entrance to Cycling Museum
* Visit to chocolate factory (not in July and 1st week in August).
* 7-speed bicycle with saddle bag, repair kit

+ special details

Reservation charges € 17,50 per booking

• Departure Saturday 2 August has been replaced by Sunday 3 August
• From 20 through 27 July the night in Kemmel is replaced by a night in Ypres/Zillebeke
• Dinners are not always in the hotel.

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