4 Days through the Heart of Flanders past - 209 Miles

Heading 6

Join Adventure Velo on an unforgettable journey through times and terrain as we cycle across the poignant landscape of Flanders, tracing the footsteps of soldiers, poets and heroes from the Great War. This immersive four day tour blends breathtaking rides, cultural stops and deeply moving historical experiences.

The 3 night, 4 day tour is fully supported by the AV team with Crew van to carry luggage and tired riders, plus 2 guides making sure everyone stays on track - add in great routes, accommodation and food for the perfect cycling adventure!

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - After arriving at Dover Cyclists will be met by a member of the AV team who will guide you through check in and onto the Ferry. Once on the ferry riders will make their way to the Premier lounge for food, drinks and an Adventure Velo briefing.

DAY 1 - Cobblestones and Courage - 50 miles and 1225ft of climbing - Dunkerque to Ypres. Your journey begins with a warm welcome in loon - Place before we saddle up for our first ride - a true taste of Flanders with a cobbled climb to the historic hilltop town of Cassel - WW1 British Command Centre. After lunch by Cassel Castle we cross into Belgium to visit the Talbot House in Poperinge, a haven of hope and rest for WW1 soldiers. Then we descend into the shadows of the Town Hall Death Cells, a sobering reminder of wartime justice.

From here we roll onward to Ypres, where we will have the afternoon to explore the rebuilt medieval town and the powerful exhibits at the In Flanders Field Museum. As dusk falls we gather at the Menin Gate for the hauntingly beautiful Last Post Ceremony - a timeless tribute to the fallen.

DAY 2 - Sacrifice and Remembrance - 55 miles - 900ft of climbing - Ypres to Ghent After breakfast we shall return for our bikes and hit the road. We begin the day with a ride to Hill 62, preserved Canadian trenches offering a stark window into life on the front line.

Then it's onto the serene expanses of Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War cemetery in the world. At the Passchendale Memorial Museum, history comes alive through immersive exhibits and reconstructed dugouts.

By evening we cycle into the vibrant city of Ghent, resting in the peaceful setting of Het Rustpunt Monastery. Take time to explore the historic heart of Ghent, including the imposing Gravensteen Castle, once a stronghold of medieval power.

Day 3 - Castles, Canals and Culinary Delights - 50 miles - 875ft of climbing - Ghent to Poelkapelle. We depart Ghent cycling alongside tranquil canals toward the elegant Castle Ooidonk, a true Flemish Renaissance gem. This scenic day includes a stop at De Oude Kaasmakerij for artisanal cheese and beer tasting—a well-earned treat for body and soul.

Our day ends in the rural charm of Poelkapelle, surrounded by the silent fields that's once echoed with artillery fire and now bloom with poppies. If time allows there is an optional visit to Guynemer Pavilion that explains the role, evolution and importance of aircraft during WW1

DAY 4 - Legacy and liberation - 48 miles - 450ft - Poelkapelle to Dunkerque. Our final day leads us north to Diksmuide, where we ascend the IJzertoren (Yser Tower) for sweeping views over the former front lines. This powerful peace monument tells the story of the Belgian resistance and the enduring call of "No More War."

We continue into France, cycling through Dunkirk, where WWII history intertwines with our WWI reflections. Our tour concludes at the serene Plage de Malo-les-Bains, a beach once marked by evacuation and now known for reflection and renewal. ( We then have a short ride back to the port)

RIDER EXPECTATIONS

WHATS INCLUDED

Return ferry crossing from Dover to Dunkirk
Premier lounge on the ferry (including breakfast, tea, coffee)
3 nights accommodation in hotels and guest houses
3 x breakfasts
Selection of ride snacks and drinks
Support vehicle for luggage and tired riders.
gpx route files
2 Adventure Velo guides to show you the way
Entry into Talbot House, Passchendaele Memorial and Yser Tower
Cheese and Beer tasting in Poelkapelle
Lunch on day 2 and 4
Full tour profile
Tour medal
Optional tour jersey ( additional cost)

EXCLUSIONS

You will notice only 2 lunches are included and no evening meals. We like to give everyone the opportunity the spend their free time as they wish. We are always happy to offer recomendations and of course you are welcome to join the AV team.

It is the riders responsibility to get to and from Dover - we can recommend parking and accommodation if needed the night before.

You will need your own bike. You will be boarding the ferry as a foot passenger with your bike - ideally a gravel bike or road bike with chunkier tyres.

You will need to provide your own travel insurance for the trip

RIDER EXPECTATIONS

Please be aware departure from Dover is early on the 15th May - 6am so overnight accommodation will be needed in Dover the night before unless you live close by. The return ferry on 18th May is 6pm - however there is an option for an earlier ferry if we arrive in time.

Full instructions will be given on the best Dover Hotel, parking and meeting points. A full interactive tour guide is provided nearer to departure.

Please note we class this ride as a moderate ride. The route does have some elevation and small climbs we are also covering 50 miles per day, therefore you must be comfortable for long days in the saddle. We ask riders to be able to cover an average of 12 MPH - some sections will be slower below 12 and some sections faster above 12 but an average of 12 MPH is expected.

The route covers a mix of terrain - roads, cycle paths, canals paths and forrest trails ( non technical) we there for recommend a slightly larger tyres with a bit of bobble and not skinny 23/25's.

Rooms are allocated on a Twin basis - if you are travelling alone you will be paired with another rider of the same sex.

COSTS

We like to keep our tour sizes low so everyone can have the best experience possible. This tour is limited to 14 spaces - Total cost for the tour is £900PP based on a twin room ( if you are travelling alone you will be paired with another rider) Single rooms are available at a supplement.

If you would like to book a space on this amazing tour please hit book now below. We require a £150 non refundable deposit ( would be refunded if trip does not run) at the time of booking. The balance is then due 60 days before departure. Please pay attention to our terms and conditions at checkout!

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