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Bruges | Kortrijk
Bruges to Netherlands Loop
Approximately 34 miles with 600 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Pand Hotel Bruges at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After your group is gathered, your Spring Classics adventure will begin as your guides introduce you to your Trek bike and ensure a perfect, comfortable fit. Enjoy lunch at a nearby brasserie or take the chance to explore Grote Markt before taking a casual ride this afternoon toward Netherland. Tonight you’ll explore the historic town of Bruges, sip some of the locally brewed beers, and indulge in a bistro meal before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.
Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo (Flanders Citizen Ride)
Approximately 48 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing
Today is one of the biggest cycling events in Belgium. The Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cyclo (Flanders Citizens Ride) is a hard and increasingly popular race that attracts upwards of 15,000 participants. Today, you are one of them! It’s an early morning with a shuttle to the start in Oudenaarde. You can choose between a distance of 134km and 75km. Both courses test your mettle throughout the rolling countryside of west Flanders on the same roads where the pros will do battle tomorrow. Ride the iconic climbs and cobblestone sections of the race like Eikenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg, Valkenberg and Paterberg with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides. Triumphant and tired, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and visit the Ronde van Vlaanderen interactive museum. We will head back to the comforts of our hotel to shower and relax. Tonight you will have a chance to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Live Race Viewing
Tour of Flanders Pro Race
It’s all about race today! Get up close to the action to watch the Pros battle it out and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and festive event as you wait with anticipation for the riders to fly by. This is Belgium, and cycling is not a sport, it’s an obsession! Enjoy Trek Travel VIP viewing right on the course, with catered lunch and drinks. First witness the cyclists in the Elite Women’s Tour of Flanders power over the course before the Elite Men’s peloton charges past. Witness racing history made right in front of you at today’s exciting and dramatic finish. Tonight enjoy your evening in Bruges where you are on your own to explore a quaint restaurant for dinner.
Bruges to Diksmuide Loop
Approximately 50 miles with 500 feet of climbing
Trek-Segafredo Team Access
After all the excitement of the past two days, it's time to discover a softer side of Belgium. We start this morning spinning our wheels along the canal and through enchanting Belgian villages en route toward the town of Diksmuide. On our way we will stop to explore the World War 1 heritage site of De IJzertoren followed by a hearty lunch of local specialties and beer from a local brewery. After, we will make our way back to Bruges. Tonight we will toast to a great Tour of Flanders together and possibly visit the team hotel, meet team representatives and get a tour of the team bus.
Bruges Coastal Loop
Approximately 40 miles with 700 feet of climbing
This morning we will cycle around Bruges and its surroundings, tracing some of the canals that have made the city famous. This afternoon, take the time to explore this unique city. Considered the Venice of the North, Bruges boasts a wide variety of museums, chocolate shops, and pubs. Or you can take a boat ride along the many waterways to see the city from a difference perspective. Tonight, enjoy dinner of your choice in one of the local bistros.
Deinze to Kortrijk
Approximately 20 miles with 400 feet of climbing
Grote Scheldeprijs Race Viewing
Trek-Segafredo Team Service Course Visit
The Grote Scheldeprijs is Flanders oldest classic, first run in 1908. The event is a race for sprinters held on 200 km of flat roads around Antwerp and includes seven cobbled sections. After an incredible race viewing, we will drive to Deinze to visit the Trek-Segafredo Service Course. During our private tour, you will have a chance to see what happens behind the scenes of the Trek-Segafredo team only days before one of its biggest races. Then it's time to move to Kortrijk, a town closer to the French border and your home for second half of the trip. Tonight is yours to explore Kortrijk for dinner.
Gent-Wevelgem Race Loop
Approximately 65 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Today you will ride the historic Gent-Wevelgem race course. You'll surely recognize the names of some of today's climbs, including Kemmelberg or Cassellberg. Take this opportunity to test yourself on the cobbles before the Paris-Roubaix challenge on Saturday. We'll also discover the town of Ypres and its many memorials dedicated to World War I, cross the French border to get some more miles and enjoy a well-earned post-ride beer. Tonight we toast and enjoy a fantastic meal together in a local restaurant.
Kortrijk Countryside Ride
Approximately 40 miles with 870 feet of climbing
Prepare yourself for race-lover’s nirvana as you head out on your Trek bicycle today as we'll be doing a little warm-up before tomorrow. Enjoy a ride in Flemish countryside and feel free to stop for a coffee or beer along the way. In the afternoon you may decide to hit the brand new Wellness Avenue Spa for a massage or relax in the pool. Check in with your guide to discuss final adjustments and fine tuning for your bike to ensure you're completely ready for tomorrow’s epic event. We'll have special tire setups specifically for cobbles riding as well as extra bar tape for additional padding. Dine in the restaurant of your choice before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.
Roubaix Challenge Citizen Ride
Approximately 90 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing
Welcome to the “Hell of the North”. It’s an early start with a morning shuttle to the start of the Roubaix Challenge. Test your mettle on the full (or partial) Paris-Roubaix race course over which the Pros will battle for supremacy tomorrow. You’ll have the chance to experience for yourself the iconic cobblestone sections of the race with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides on amazing Trek bikes - the perfect way to enjoy a ride on one of the oldest and most grueling races on the professional cycling calendar! Traverse legendary sectors such as the infamous Arenberg Forest and Carrefore de l’Arbre. Later you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch near the finish of the ride before heading back to the comforts of our Kortrijk hotel. Shower and relax before sharing race stories and insights tonight during dinner together at another handpicked Belgian bistro.
Paris Roubaix Race Viewing
VIP Access to the Velodrome Finish
Today is Roubaix day, and don't be surprised if you feel the same butterflies as the pros as we prepare for an exciting day of spectating. An early departure will allow you to choose your own vantage point along the course and feel the electric atmosphere of the crowds as you await the first glimpses of the leaders. You’ll have a chance to see some racers flying by before heading to the famed Roubaix Vélodrome to watch the explosive finish from your VIP seats! Tonight, toast to the great riding, new friends, big achievement and unforgettable race experience of your Spring Classics adventure!
Departure
Feel free to sleep in and ease into your day with a warm pain au chocolat and café au lait. You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at Park Hotel before taking the train from Kortrijk to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Breakfast
Bruges to Netherlands Loop
Approximately 34 miles with 600 feet of climbing
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Pand Hotel Bruges at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After your group is gathered, your Spring Classics adventure will begin as your guides introduce you to your Trek bike and ensure a perfect, comfortable fit. Enjoy lunch at a nearby brasserie or take the chance to explore Grote Markt before taking a casual ride this afternoon toward Netherland. Tonight you’ll explore the historic town of Bruges, sip some of the locally brewed beers, and indulge in a bistro meal before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.
Ronde van Vlaanderen Cyclo (Flanders Citizen Ride)
Approximately 78 miles with 4,500 feet of climbing
Today is one of the biggest cycling events in Belgium. The Ronde Van Vlaanderen Cyclo (Flanders Citizens Ride) is a hard and increasingly popular race that attracts upwards of 15,000 participants. Today, you are one of them! It’s an early morning with a shuttle to the start in Oudenaarde. You can choose between a distance of 134km and 75km. Both courses test your mettle throughout the rolling countryside of west Flanders on the same roads where the pros will do battle tomorrow. Ride the iconic climbs and cobblestone sections of the race like Eikenberg, Oude Kwaremont, Koppenberg, Valkenberg and Paterberg with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides. Triumphant and tired, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and visit the Ronde van Vlaanderen interactive museum. We will head back to the comforts of our hotel to shower and relax. Tonight you will have a chance to enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Live Race Viewing
Tour of Flanders Pro Race
It’s all about race today! Get up close to the action to watch the Pros battle it out and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and festive event as you wait with anticipation for the riders to fly by. This is Belgium, and cycling is not a sport, it’s an obsession! Enjoy Trek Travel VIP viewing right on the course, with catered lunch and drinks. First witness the cyclists in the Elite Women’s Tour of Flanders power over the course before the Elite Men’s peloton charges past. Witness racing history made right in front of you at today’s exciting and dramatic finish. Tonight enjoy your evening in Bruges where you are on your own to explore a quaint restaurant for dinner.
Bruges to Diksmuide Loop
Approximately 50 miles with 500 feet of climbing
Trek Segafredo Team Access
After all the excitement of the past two days, it's time to discover a softer side of Belgium. We start this morning spinning our wheels along the canal and through enchanting Belgian villages en route toward the town of Diksmuide. On our way we will stop to explore the World War 1 heritage site of De IJzertoren followed by a hearty lunch of local specialties and beer from a local brewery. After, we will make our way back to Bruges. Tonight we will toast to a great Tour of Flanders together and possibly visit the team hotel, meet team representatives and get a tour of the team bus.
Bruges Canal Loop
Approximately 40 miles with 700 feet of climbing
Departure
Feel free to sleep in and ease into your day with a warm pain au chocolat and café au lait, or choose to enjoy a final spin toward the coast. You'll say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at The Pand Hotel before you take the train from Bruges to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Breakfast
Gent-Wevelgem Race Loop
Approximately 65 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing
Welcome to the heart of the Spring Classics! Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Park Hotel at 9:00 AM and introduce you to the features of your Trek bike before ensuring a comfortable fit. Then it's time to spin your legs through the Flemish countryside and build anticipation for the riding of Paris-Roubaix. Tonight you'll meet the rest of your travel companions and talk about the week ahead with a lively social hour followed by a fantastic meal together in a local restaurant.
Kortrijk Countryside Ride
Approximately 40 miles with 870 feet of climbing
Prepare yourself for race-lover’s nirvana as you head out on your Trek bicycle. Today’s ride will be a little warm-up before tomorrow. Enjoy a ride in Flemish countryside and feel free to stop for a coffee or beer along the way. In the afternoon you may decide to hit the brand new Wellness Avenue Spa for a massage or relax in the pool. Check in with your guide to discuss final adjustments and fine tuning for your bike to ensure you are completely ready for tomorrow’s epic ride. We will have special tire setups specifically for cobbles riding as well as extra bar tape for additional padding. Dine in the restaurant of your choice before heading to bed early in anticipation of an incredible (albeit early) day tomorrow.
Roubaix Challenge Citizen Ride
Approximately 90 miles with 1,700 feet of climbing
Welcome to the “Hell of the North”. It’s an early start with a morning shuttle to the start of the Roubaix Challenge. Test your mettle on the full (or partial) Paris-Roubaix race course over which the pros will battle for supremacy tomorrow. You’ll have the chance to experience for yourself the iconic cobblestone sections of the race with the support, encouragement and expertise of your Trek Travel guides on amazing Trek bikes - the perfect way to enjoy a ride on one of the oldest and most grueling races on the professional cycling calendar! Traverse legendary sectors such as the infamous Arenberg Forest and Carrefore de l’Arbre. Later you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch near the finish of the ride before heading back to the comforts of our Kortrijk hotel. Shower and relax before sharing race stories and insights tonight during dinner together at another handpicked Belgian bistro.
Paris Roubaix Race Viewing
VIP Access to the Velodrome Finish
Today is Roubaix day, and don't be surprised if you feel the same butterflies as the pros as we prepare for an exciting day of spectating. An early departure will allow you to choose your own vantage point along the course and feel the electric atmosphere of the crowds as you await the first glimpses of the leaders. You’ll have a chance to see racers flying by before heading to the famed Roubaix Vélodrome to watch the explosive finish from your VIP seats! Tonight, toast to the great riding, new friends, big achievement and unforgettable race experience of your Spring Classics adventure!
Departure
Feel free to sleep in and ease into your day with a warm pain au chocolat and café au lait. You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at Park Hotel before taking the train from Kortrijk to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Breakfast
Book today for the best savings of the year and the widest availability of dates. Not sure where or when you want to travel?
We don’t charge a fee for changing dates or destinations up to 90 days prior to your trip start.
What is Single Occupancy?
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself.
Every moment of a Trek Travel bike trip has more than you could have ever dreamed. More romance. More scenery. More choice. It's the little additions to every Trek Travel cycling vacation that make it truly special. And that’s how we help you create more memories. See more
Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are not included in your trip price. We recommend tipping 7.5-10% of your trip price for the guide team. Local currency is preferred and unless you want to tip separately, guides will divide tips amongst themselves. Please tip your guides at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest care and service.
Our itineraries are an approximation of our trips. Trek Travel strives to offer each and every guest a vacation of a lifetime on every trip. At times routes, hotels, activities, etc. listed here may change at the discretion of the trip designer or guides to improve the trip experience.
On all of our vacations, Trek Travel strives to find quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region; busy roads are avoided as much as possible. Spring Classics is best suited for our Type 3 Riders, but we can also easily accommodate Type 2 Riders, who seek less mileage or fewer uphills, with a boost in the van. Those who wish to ride every mile but are concerned about their physical ability may want to try our electric bike option–you still get a workout but can climb alongside even the strongest rider. Type 4 Riders will enjoy the extra mileage the avid route options offer. The terrain is varied with rolling plains through Flemish countryside to the challenging famed cobbled climbs of the Ronde van Vlaaderen and long stretches of cobbled roads of Paris-Roubaix. We always look for the quiet, paved secondary roads or bike paths to experience a region. Busy roads are avoided as much as possible.
On most Trek Travel trips, we offer non-riding options for riders who want to take the afternoon off, or travel companions who want to spend little or no time in the saddle. Some of these options may need to be scheduled before your trip–please contact one of our Trip Consultants for more information. Expenses and/or related transportation to these activities may not be included in the trip price. See Included In The Trip Price for more information. Some non-riding options on this trip are:
Spring in Belgium can bring all kind of weather- cold, rain, wind, for or sun, therefore warm layers and a waterproof shell are highly recommended. Daytime temperatures are usually between 30F-60F.
Due to the nature of the roads on this trip, we only offer the new Trek Domane SL 7 road bike. Contact our trip consultants for more details.
When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation letter is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start you will receive an email containing a trip start meeting location reminder and any last minute information that you will need to know before your trip. Once you arrive at your destination Trek Travel staff will brief you on the day-to-day plan for the trip and provide you with daily route guides and a detailed map allowing you to ride with complete confidence and independence.
We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you will find our timeline. If you ever have a question, just give us a call, 866 464 8735. Read our cancellation policy.
Please review our packing list page for more details.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip.
Want to learn more about our race trip difference? Check out our Race FAQs section. You will find answers to all the most common questions that pertain to our race trips.
We suggest that you arrive at least one day prior to the trip start, which will enable you to adjust to the time zone and minimize the risk of missing the trip start due to flight-related delays.
If you are arriving in Brussels for the Ultimate Experience and Flanders trip, we recommend that you fly into Brussels National Airport (BRU). There is frequent bus and train service from the airport to the center of Brussels where you’ll need to catch a train to Bruges. The trip to Bruges from BRU takes approximately 60 minutes. A taxi to the center of Brussels will cost approximately 35 euros. For more information about connections from the airport please consult www.BrusselsAirport.be or for train information www.b-rail.be
If you are arriving in Kortrijk for the Paris-Roubaix trip, we recommend that you fly into Brussels National Airport (BRU). There is frequent bus and train service from the airport to the center of Brussels where you’ll need to catch a train to Kortrijk. The trip to Kortrijk from BRU takes approximately 60 minutes. The train station in Kortrijk is located right across the street of Park Hotel. For more information about connections from the airport please consult www.BrusselsAirport.be or for train information www.b-rail.be
The Pand Hotel | Bruges, Belgium
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at The Pand Hotel (Pandreitje 16 B-8000 Bruges - Belgie) at 10:00 AM on the first day of the trip. There, your Spring Classics adventure begins with an introduction to the features of your Trek bike and a perfect, comfortable fit. Enjoy lunch at a nearby brasserie or take the chance to explore Grote Markt before taking a casual ride this afternoon toward Netherland.
If you will be late for the pick-up or are going to miss it altogether, please inform your guides. You will receive an email a week before the trip start with their names and contact details. If you cannot reach them, please call our first hotel, The Pand Hotel (+32 50 34 06 66), and leave a message with your expected arrival time and contact details.
Pand Hotel | Bruges, Belgium
You will say farewell to your guides at 12:00 PM at The Pand Hotel before you take the train from Bruges to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Park Hotel | Kortrijk, Belgium
Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at Park Hotel (Stationsplein 2, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium) at 9:00 AM on the first day of the trip. After meeting your guides at the hotel, your Spring Classics adventure begins as your guides introduce you to the features of your Trek bike and ensure you a perfect, comfortable fit. Then it's time to spin your legs through the Flemish countryside and build anticipation for the riding Paris-Roubaix.
Park Hotel | Kortrijk, Belgium
You will say farewell to your guides at 10:00 AM at Park Hotel before you take the train from Kortrijk to your final destination. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.
Consider taking time before your trip to explore the charming city of Bruges, with its canals, stone footbridges, gabled buildings, turets and medieval architecture. Be sure to not miss the many bistros on either of the two main squares, the “Market” and the “Burg.” The Burg is home to a 14th-century masterpiece, the town hall. The city boasts numerous museums, with collections ranging from Flemish Primitives to contemporary artists and everything in between. The city is very pedestrian-friendly and you will not be disappointed with a stay here. We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:
Perfectly situated near the Market Place, the four-star boutique Hotel Heritage Relais & Châteaux is within easy walking distance of many of the city’s highlights, including the theater and shopping districts, gourmet restaurants and popular tourist attractions.
Niklaas Desparsstraat 11 | +32 (0)50 444 444 | www.GrandHotelCasselbergh.com| ~$200
This luxurious hotel is situated at the heart of the historical center of Bruges with its wonderful medieval buildings and idyllic canals. It boasts its own spa and gourmet restaurant
Hoogstraat 6 | +32 (0)50 44 65 00 | www.bemanos. com | ~$180
This hotel has elegantly designed rooms and a restaurant serving authentic Brugois cuisine along with endless specialty beers on tap.
Oude Burg 5 | +32 (0)50 44 51 11 | www.Martins-Hotels.com | ~$100
Brussels has many charming and beautiful attractions, with deeply ornate buildings on the Grand Place, and the fish-and-crustacean overdose of St. Catherine’s Square. Stroll along and stop in for a drink at one of the many bars on Place St-Géry, or max out your credit card on the trendy Rue Antoine Dansaert. We recommend the following accommodations for your post-trip hotel:
This hotel is located in the historic center and behind the La Monnaie opera house. The hotel is in a building that dates to the 14th century, and recently underwent a total renovation. It is a beautifully traditional hotel.
25, rue de la Madeleine | +32 0 2 517 17 17 | www.LedixSeptieme.Be | ~$200
This hotel provides an unexpected and wonderful experience of Brussels. It's part of the family-owned hotel chain Manos and is a masterpiece of neo-70’s decor, hidden behind the façade of several 19th century mansions. Located at a stone’s throw from Brussels’ Midi station and its Eurostar terminal, it was listed in the April 2008 Condé Nast Traveler as one of the newest hot hotels in the world. It is a favorite among internationally-known artists.
Square de l’aviation, 23 | +32 0 2 520 65 65 | www.Bemanos.com | ~$260
The White Hotel is ideally located in the upmarket shopping district around the avenue Louise with its luxury shops and trendy restaurants.
Avenue Louise, 212 | +32 0 2 644 29 29 | www.TheWhiteHotel.be | ~$115
