Small country, extraordinary depth: Cycle through Belgium’s history and hidden gems, beer culture and wine country

From the cobbled canals of Bruges to the forested valleys of the Ardennes, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/belgium">Belgium</a> rewards those who look beyond its famous beer and chocolate. Nobody knows this better than <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/mario-koch">Mario Koch</a>, our Experience Designer and the architect of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/from-flanders-to-the-ardennes-belgium-by-bike-beyond">From Flanders to the Ardennes: Belgium by Bike &amp; Beyond</a>. Crossing four countries by bike, on foot, by private yacht and even by an original Second World War jeep, travellers on this trip will trace medieval trading routes through Ghent and Bruges, stand at the Menin Gate for the Last Post ceremony—sounded every evening since 1928—and go deep into the Battle of the Bulge with Belgium's foremost historians. Here, Mario takes us behind the scenes of how this trip was designed and what he's most excited for travellers to discover.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Why Belgium?&nbsp;</h3>For many travellers, Belgium is always treated as an appendix to the Netherlands, but we really wanted to dive deeper into the country. Belgium, because it was on the forefront in two world wars, has a lot of war history. It's super small country with three official languages, Flemish, German, French. It’s a country with completely distinct topography as well, kind of along the language lines. The French part is much more rolling and hilly, while the Dutch part is canals, wide open fields, while the South is much more what you would associate with very Western Germany or very northern France. There’s an incredible amount of diversity within Belgium, from landscape, language, social strata.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Given its small size, how is Belgium different from its neighbouring countries?&nbsp;</h3>A two-hour drive gets you into a different language, completely different topography, different look and feel. It’s that diversity that really sets the country apart. The country’s cities also set it apart. Brussels is a super international capital, the seed of many EU institutions. It’s also a very diverse city—you have African quarters, Arab quarters. Then you have the centre of Bruges, which is very medieval with its cobblestone market square and historic trading buildings.&nbsp;

<h3>What are some of the highlights of the trip that you’re excited for travellers to experience?&nbsp;</h3>Our travellers are going to meet a lot of locals. One I’m particularly excited about is Joris Nieuwint, who is a leading Second World War historian in Bastogne. He has written several books about the Battle of the Bulge and about the Bastogne area. The day that we’re with him is designed around Second World War history, and he shared some creative input that helped shape the day. Along with his stories, he has access to great places. We'll even enjoy lunch on that day in a former chateau—it was also a military hospital for the Americans during the Second World War—that is not open to the public.&nbsp;&nbsp;The towns of Bruges and Ghent were amongst the most important trading ports in medieval Europe. You can see that in the glorious buildings that were built with the money they made with their strategic locations on the rivers between bigger ports.&nbsp;&nbsp;And my personal highlight is the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers in Ghent’s Saint Bavo Cathedral. This is one of the most stunning works from the 1400s that I've ever seen. They've restored it to such beauty. It's unbelievable. It's so detailed, so full of metaphors, so full of storytelling. I've seen it at least five times, and there's always something new, something I've never seen, that I've never thought about in that way.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>For those who’ve seen the popular and traditional destinations in Europe, Belgium seems like it’s full of hidden gems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>History is such an integral part of Belgium as is the chocolate and the beers, the chats and the canals on which we take a yacht. We make use of all the country is known for. But we also spend a day in Ypres, which is rich in beautiful Flemish landscapes and not that well known, and discover the hills and woods of Ardennes. &nbsp;&nbsp;Along with that we bike into the Netherlands, walk into Germany and sleep in Luxembourg. So, on one trip you can add four countries to your list of visited countries. Come on!&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>And when it comes to the cycling, what can our guests expect?&nbsp;</h3>The routes are easy-going, with distances ranging from 15 to 40 km, and optional rides of 50 to 100km, too, for those who want more time in the saddle. For the first part of the trip, rides are generally flat, with terrain that is made for cycling. Our two days in Ardennes are a bit more demanding, moving from Level 1 rides to Level 2 or 3. But it’s always up and down.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Explore and book your post on our<a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/from-flanders-to-the-ardennes-belgium-by-bike-beyond"> Limited Edition From Flanders to the Ardennes: Belgium by Bike &amp; Beyond here</a>.&nbsp;

From Bruges's medieval canals to Bastogne's battlefields from the Second World War, discover Belgium's extraordinary diversity of landscape, history and culture by bike in this Butterfield & Robinson Limited Edition Small Group trip.

Cycling Belgium: Bruges, Ardennes, WWII Sites & Hidden Gems

Belgium is a gem of refined culture and charm, where medieval towns, elegant art, and world-renowned cuisine converge. From the cobbled streets of Bruges to the vibrant energy of Brussels, Belgium offers a mix of old-world allure and modern energy. Imagine cycling through scenic countryside dotted with storybook villages, tasting artisanal chocolates, or exploring grand cathedrals and galleries filled with Flemish masterpieces. With Butterfield &amp; Robinson, uncover the layers of Belgium’s history, savour its culinary treasures, and experience a journey that is both elegant and inviting, capturing the essence of this captivating country.

History, art, culture and more 

Cycle Flanders' canals and medieval towns on a luxury guided Belgium bike tour. Bruges, Ghent, flat terrain—designed for discerning active travellers.

Luxury Biking, Hiking & Private Tours in Belgium

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And pedal into Belgium to visit our favourite family of chocolatiers.

Incredible Rides

Insider Access

Unique Gastronomy

Pedal from Holland’s blooming bulb fields to Belgium’s chocolate-scented streets, where windmills spin, oysters chill, and jenever flows. Cruise past North Sea dunes, tranquil lakes, and through Het Zwin’s wild beauty. In Bruges, meet our favourite chocolatiers (and your sweet tooth's new favourite people). With pancake stops and postcard views, this ride proves flat terrain can still bring major highs.

See what inspired the Dutch masters

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designers

Tilt at windmills as you pedal the picturesque coast that inspired the Dutch Masters. Not many get to ride in Zeeland! Savour fresh oysters at a picnic aboard a fishing boat. Drool over traditional savoury&nbsp;pannekoeken&nbsp;(pancakes). Soak up the local&nbsp;jenever&nbsp;(gin). And stay at the 12-room Manoir Inter Scaldes (replete with a 3 Michelin-star restaurant). *Descriptions below are based on our spring departures. For details on fall and summer departures, please download the corresponding detailed itinerary.&nbsp;

Spend 6 nights cycling the Netherlands on this small group tour. Tulip fields, North Sea dunes and windmill-lined waterways from The Hague to the coast.

Netherlands Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Local Connections

Great Walks

Stroll your way from tulip fields to Flemish fairytales, pausing for oysters, Old Masters, and the occasional wedge of Gouda. Wander The Hague’s arty side, stroll canal-laced towns, and dive into Bruges’ medieval charm. Along the way, meet our friends—cheesemakers, bulb whisperers, art buffs—who turn every step into a story. Walking shoes required, wanderlust guaranteed.

Windmills and flower fields

Strolling is the perfect pace for those who want to stop and smell the tulips, or wander Holland’s bucolic countryside, historic cities, and tranquil canals. Experience UNESCO Kinderdijik’s 19 windmills, taste the fare at a local oyster farm and hit the museum to marvel at the Dutch masters.

Historial Immersion

Diverse Landscapes

Cycle Flanders’ canals, glide along the Lys River and wander the Ardennes’ forested valleys as you trace the layers of Belgium’s past. From World War I battlefields in Ypres to the WWII landscapes of Bastogne, history is vividly brought to life by those who know it best. Discover centuries of culture, conflict and artistry as you roam medieval streets and uncover secret corners tucked away from the crowds. Along the way, moments of reflection give way to private château lunches, after-hours art and hidden gardens that make the journey as indulgent as it is unforgettable.

Cycle through Belgium’s rich history from Flanders to the Ardennes. Explore WWI and WWII sites, medieval cities, and hidden corners on this immersive luxury bike tour.

Luxury Belgium Bike Tour: Flanders, Ardennes & Beyond

A Sweet Escape

Exclusive Access

In the Netherlands and Belgium, flat roads lead to big adventures—through tulip fields, designer cities, cobbled towns and canals. Bike past windmills, sip Trappist beer in medieval squares and snack your way from stroopwafel to moules-frites. With world-class cycling, rich culture and the best fries on Earth, this duo punches way above its weight.

Bike from Amsterdam to the Belgian Ardennes on a custom itinerary. Flemish art, world-class beer and coastlines most visitors never find. Entirely yours.