bruges to the ardennes 2013 · 2019. 4. 10. · on our bruges to the ardennes trip, you’ll...

TREK TRAVELCYCLING VACATIONS OF A LIFETIME

613 Williamson St., Ste. 207Madison, WI 53703 USA

866.464.8735 | trektravel.com | [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Welcome & Map vItinerary v

Trip Accommodations vArriving & Departing v

Before & After Recommendations vWhat’s Included v

Essential Travel Guide v

Welcome to Belgium! This delightful country awaits you. It is truly the setting for the vacation of a lifetime. We start in Bruges: this inviting city’s historical center is a lovely patchwork of canals, bridges, medieval and gothic architecture that offers great food, art, architecture and shopping. You will find a haute cuisine scene and the mainstays of “moules et frites” and the best chocolate in the world! At the Groening museum, see one of the finest collections of Flemish Primitives in the world, as well as an excellent contemporary collection. If shopping is what you want, from exquisite Belgian lace to the most avant-garde fashion, Bruges will not disappoint. After you hop on your bike and head into the countryside, you will find winding roads where today’s wheeled warriors vie in races like the famous Liège-Bastogne-Liège, an important precursor to the Tour de France. On our journey, you will experience all that is wonderful about this land. I look forward to welcoming you to Belgium, to share in an adventure that will enchant and leave you thirsting for more.

• Ride legendary Tour de France and Liège-Bastogne-Liège race routes

• Enjoy a tour and tasting at a family-run artisanal brewery

• Stay in a sumptuous 19th century château

• Visit some of the most important American WW2 monuments in the Ardennes

• Pay tribute to living legend Eddie Merckx’s statueTot straks/à bientôt!

Penny GatwardBruges to the Ardennes Trip Expert

BRUGES TO THE ARDENNES 2013Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

Germany

Netherlands

atlanticocean

Brussels

Brugge

CreppeFrance

BELGIUM

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Personal Cycling Gear:

On your trip Trek Travel provides a helmet, flat or caged pedals & a Bontrager saddle.

Beyond what is provided on your trip,

you are welcome to bring your own gear: a helmet, seat, pedals, shoes, etc. Just label and pack it in a separate, easily

accessible bag.

Remember also to bring spare cleats for your clipless pedals, as

replacements during your trip are difficult to find.

To Book this Trek Travel biking trip Today, Call our trip consultants at 866.464.8735.

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To see more amazing trips, visit trektravel.com or contact us at [email protected]

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Soc ia l ize wi th us :

DAY 1: Basic Option: Loop ride around Bruges Approximately 20 miles with feet of climbing

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Bruges Central train station (Stationsplein, 8000 Bruges) at 2:30 PM on the first day of the trip. After you arrive in the charming city of Bruges, your guides will spend some time fitting and familiarizing you with your bike for the week. Then, we take to the road for a warm-up ride along the quaint streets outside of town exploring the Flemish architecture and interesting canals spread along the route. This evening, the group will gather for a dinner of local fare complemented by locally crafted beer as we toast to the exciting week ahead. Enjoy dinner with the group at a lively local bistro to end the day. Before turning in, consider a walk around this picturesque city, with its stone footbridges, gabled buildings, turrets and medieval architecture.

Hotel | Hotel De Orangerie | www.HotelOrangerie.be/

DAY 2: Basic Option: Flanders Countryside Approximately 70-80 miles with feet of climbing

Today make sure to bring your camera as you’ll want to capture some photos of the gorgeous Flanders countryside. Learn firsthand why Pro racers cherish this region for the Spring Classics races like Ronde van Vlanderen and Paris-Roubaix: rich in history, the preserved (and highly challenging!) cobblestone roads are unique to this region. Enjoy riding on quiet roads along peaceful canals, through picturesque villages until we reach the coast. Enjoy a lunch of your choice before heading back to Bruges where you’ll gather with the group for a walking tour and indulge in some locally made chocolate, which is known throughout Belgium and the world. This evening take advantage of the myriad of innovative dining opportunities in this city!

Hotel | Hotel De Orangerie | www.HotelOrangerie.be/

ITINERARYBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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DAY 3: Basic Option: Durbuy to Esneux to Creppe Approximately 51 miles with 4,293 feet of climbing

Today we board a private shuttle and transfer approximately 2 hours into the Belgian Ardennes. After a lunch of your choice in a small cafe or bistro, you can choose to test your legs on climbs from the famous Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, pedaling through charming villages of the Ardennes countryside and really get a feeling for the Flemish way of life on the way to our iconic hotel, Le Manoir de Lébioles. This evening we’ll have the chance to discover Spa, the famed city, on your own. Renowned for its healing hot springs, people have come to Spa since the 14th century to partake of the waters. The name is now used to describe any place offering a natural water source that is believed to possess special therapeutic and health-enhancing properties, and you have the chance to see the original! Well dine at an excellent bistro in town and sample the local flavor of Spa.

Hotel | Le Manoir de Lébioles | www.ManoirDeLebioles.com

DAY 4: Basic Option: Creppe to Robertville Return Approximately 41 miles with 2,900 feet of climbing

Avid Option: Creppe to Robertville to Faymonville Return Approximately 56 miles with 3,800 feet of climbing

Medieval hamlets and châteaux in the Amblève valley line today’s ride into the high Fens, Belgium’s largest nature reserve and near the highest point in the country. Climb to the summits of the cols in this enchanting area or wander through the cobblestone streets of the many towns and villages that dot the area—the choice is yours. A highlight of today is a private tour of Château Reinhardstein, a beautifully restored historic building that dates to the 14th century. This evening we will take a short 30 minute shuttle to the Brasserie de Bellevaux, where Carla and Wil Schuwer welcome us to their family brewery. You will taste some of the finest Belgian beers in the Ardennes and learn the finer points of brewing an artisanal beer before dining at their family table. An impeccable dinner caps a fine peek into the history and traditions of some of Belgium’s most famous beer.


Rider Level:

Rider Type: 3

Terrain hilly

Average: Daily Distance:

45 miles

Average: Daily Climbing

3,900 feet





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Thank Your Guides, By Tipping:

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are

not included inyour trip price. Industry

standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your

guide team. Please tip your guides

at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest

care and service.

DAY 5: Basic Option: Creppe to Stavelot Loop Approximately 45 miles with 3,500 feet of climbing

Avid Option: Creppe to Stavelot loop with Eddy Merckx option Approximately 53 miles with 4,300 feet of climbing

Short Option: Creppe to La Gleize Loop Approximately 31 miles with 3,200 feet of climbing

This morning you’ll ride the quiet roads that skirt the Ardennes forest. Cascading waterfalls and the winding Amblève river offer picturesque scenes for your ride. The town of Stavelot is part of the original course of the “Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps” and the venue of the Formula One Belgium Grand Prix. After lunch in one of the vibrant local brasseries, visit the December 1944 WWII museum which commemorates the lives of American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Ardennes. Or, you can choose to tackle the challenging ascent of the Côte de Stockeu which was featured in the 2010 Tour de France and take a breather at the summit at the Eddie Merckx memorial. A more relaxing option is to enjoy an afternoon at the spa or wandering the grounds of our sumptuous château. This evening, with a glass of bubbly held high, your Trek Travel guides will propose a toast to a wonderful week of riding before we gather a final time for a decadent gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Olivier Tucki.


DAY 6: Basic Option: Creppe to Cokaifagne Loop Approximately 19 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing

Soak up one more morning by enjoying an easy cool-down ride or, if you are content with the week of riding already completed, feel free to sleep in and ease into your day with a warm pain au chocolat and café au lait. You’ll say farewell to your guides at 11:30 AM at the Hotel Le Manoir de Lébioles. You’ll then shuttle 90 minutes to Brussels arriving at approximately 1:00 PM. Please allow adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.








Trip Changes:

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.



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LODGING

In every region we travel, we uncover the area’s best, and most delightful accommodations. On our Bruges to the Ardennes trip, you will stay in two outstanding hotels, including a boutique hotel in a 13th century village and an elegant château in the Ardennes forest.

Hotel De Orangerie | Bruges, Belgium

This former 15th-century convent has been converted into a romantic luxury boutique hotel in the historic

and cultural heart of Bruges. Enjoy an aperitif on the terrace overlooking the picturesque “Den Dyver” canal

or enjoy a traditional high tea!

Kartuizerinnenstraat,10 | + 32 (0)50 341 649 | www.HotelOrangerie.be/

Le Manoir de Lébioles| Creppe, Belgium

This beautiful 19th century château has been described as “a small Versailles of Ardennes.” The hotel is nestled

majestically in the Ardennes forest and welcomes guests with pristine nature, discreet luxury and first class

service.

Domaine de Lébioles 1/5 | +32 0 87 79 19 00 | www.ManoirDeLebioles.com

DINING

Trek Travel scopes out unique and delicious dining locations, and we usually leave at least one meal

for you to explore on your own. If you have any special dietary preferences, be sure that you have

informed your Trek Travel Trip Consultant before you leave for your trip. We will do our best to

accommodate your dietary requests.

On our Bruges to the Ardennes trip, you’ll experience the best of Belgian cuisine: a blend of French and German cooking drawing on the abundant local produce, cheese, moules-frites (steamed mussels and the ubiquitous Belgian fries), Belgian waffles, chocolate and of course beer. These are just some of the local specialties you will taste! We will savor the delights of local bistros and enjoy evenings dining in the region’s most renowned restaurants.

ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALSBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







Enjoy our Travel Agent

Services!

For a nominal fee, our dedicated Travel Agent

can reserve air travel, hotels, rental cars, train tickets and additional tours and sightseeing before or after your trip. Call

Trek Travel at 866 464 8735 and choose option #2 to speak with our in

house Travel Agent.



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HOW TO GET THERE

Flights | 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. We recommend that you fly into Brussels (BRU). There is frequent bus and train service from the airport to the center of Brussels which cost 3-8 euros and take approximately 30 minutes. A taxi to the city center will cost approximately 35 euros. For more information please consult www.BrusselsAirport.be. Trains from Brussels to Bruges run every hour and take about 60 mins. Please consult www.B-Rail.be for more information

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION

Bruges Central train station | Brugess, Belgium

Your Trek Travel guides will meet you at the Bruges Central train station (Stationsplein, 8000 Brugess) at 2:30 PM on the first day of the trip. Your Trek Travel guides will ensure your high-end Trek bike fits you perfectly, and prepare you for the week ahead. Please have you cycling clothes for the first day and riding gear easily accessible, separate from your luggage. You’ll begin your ride through the charming roads around Bruges.

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, Hotel De Orangerie (+ 32 (0)50 341 649), and leave a message

with your expected arrival time and contact details. You can arrange for a taxi service to bring you

to the hotel.

DEPARTING TIME AND LOCATION

Hotel Le Manoir de Lébioles | Brussels, Belgium

You will say farewell to your guides at 11:30 AM at the Hotel Le Manoir de Lébioles. You’ll then

shuttle 90 minutes to the Brussels Midi train station arriving at approximately 1:00 PM. Please allow

adequate connection time for a flight or train to accommodate possible traffic delays.

ARRIVING & DEPARTINGBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







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Last minute question?

Your guides will be available 24 hours

before the start of your trip. You’ll receive

their mobile numbers in an e-mail one week

before the trip start date. In the event you

don’t receive this email, please contact

our sales team: [email protected]

or 866.464.8735.

BRUGESBruge’s historical center is a lovely patchwork of canals, medieval architecture and offers great food, art, architecture, shopping and dont forget the best chocolate and beer in the world! We recommend the following accommodations for your pre-trip hotel:

Hotel Heritage Bruges | Niklaas Desparsstraat 11 | +32 (0)50 444 444 | www.Hotel-Heritage.com | ~$200

Perfectly situated near the Market Place, the four star boutique Hotel Heritage Relais & Châteaux is within walking distance of the city’s most desirable sites, including the theatre district, shopping district, gourmet restaurants, and popular tourist attractions.

Grand Hotel Casselburgh | Hoogstraat 6 | +32 (0)50 44 65 00 | www.GrandHotelCasselbergh.com | ~$180

This luxurious hotel is situated at the heart of the historical centre of Bruges with its wonderful medieval buildings and idyllic canals. It boasts its own spa and gastronomic restaurant

Martins Bruges | Oude Burg 5 | +32 (0)50 44 51 11 | www.Martins-Hotels.com| ~$100

This hotel has elegantly designed rooms and a restaurant serving authentic Brugois cuisine along with endless specialty beers on tap.

BEFOREBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS









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Thank Your Guides, By Tipping:

Gratuities for your Trek Travel guides are

not included inyour trip price. Industry

standard is 5-10% of the trip price which will be divided by your

guide team. Please tip your guides

at your discretion, based on their level of professionalism, guest

care and service.

“To call the trip anything short of

amazing is an understatement.

Everything was as promised and the

surprises that were thrown in along

the way put it right over the top.”

— Jim

BRUSSELS

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:

Le Dixseptième | 25, rue de la Madeleine | +32 0 2 517 17 17 | www.LedixSeptieme.Be | ~$$200

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.

Hotel Be Manos | Square de l’aviation, 23 | +32 0 2 520 65 65 | www.Bemanos.com | ~$260

The hotel is 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, this amazing hotel 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. This hotel provides an unexpected but wonderful experience of Brussels.

The White Hotel | Avenue Louise, 212 | +32 0 2 644 29 29 | www.TheWhiteHotel.be | ~$115

The White Hotel is ideally located in the upmarket shopping district around the avenue Louise with its luxury shops and trendy restaurants.

AFTERBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







The Best Bikes, Period:

Bike vacations are more fun when bikes

ride and fit well. With the best in the industry and our knowledgeable

and well trained guides our bikes always fit and ride smoothly.

Enjoy $300 off a select Trek bike after you

travel with us.



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INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICE

Dining & Lodging• Unique accommodations during the Bruges to the Ardennes trip• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches, social hour on some evenings, 4 dinners, and all snacks and drinks for

each day’s ride

Support• Dedicated Trip Consultants to answer all of your questions and aid you in choosing a vacation

that suits you• Email sent to you one week prior to your trip with guide contact details, meet time & location

and any final information • The knowledge, support and camaraderie of experienced guides• Daily route support, detailed route guide, highlighted map, van support• All transportation and luggage transfers during the trip

Gear• The use of a Trek Domane™ 5.9 carbon road bike, or Trek Domane™ 5.9 Women’s Specific

Design carbon road bike (limited selection), or Trek 7.6 FX™ hybrid bike (visit www.trektravel.com/ridethebest.php for more details)

• Complimentary Trek Travel merchandise• Bike computer, a map case, and stocked seat pack for use during your trip• Two Trek Travel water bottles for you to keep• Choice of multiple stem lengths, seat posts and saddles for a custom fit

Activities• Gratuities for all scheduled restaurants, hotels, local guides and transportation during your trip.• Private guided tour and tasting at a family run artisanal brewery• Private Châteaux tour

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare and transportation to and from the trip pick-up/drop-off locations• Lodging before and after the trip• Personal items purchased during the trip• Optional activities not scheduled by Trek Travel• On select trips some meals are not included. On these trips, Trek Travel invites you to explore

the local cuisine at your leisure.• Gratuities for your Trek Travel Guides may be given at your discretion in response to their

professionalism and leadership.Industry standard is for each individual guest to tip the guide team 5-10% of the trip price.

WHAT’S INCLUDEDBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS







UPGRADES

Upgrade to the Trek Madone 6.5 road bike, electric assist bikes, carbon wheels and Garmins.

TRIP INSURANCE

Protecting your trip investment from unforeseen circumstances that might affect your trip.

IN HOUSE TRAVEL AGENT

Allow us to arrange your pre and post trip hotels, air travel, trains and other activities for a nominal fee.

TRAINING

Our partner, Vision Quest Training, offers custom training programs to prepare any rider for their trip.

RIDER LEVEL

We have trips for every type of rider. Find the best fit with our “rider type explained” section.

CONNECTIONS CLUB

Our Connections Club rewards repeat guests with trip discounts, complimentary upgrades and more!

CYCLING GEAR TO PACK

Use this comprehensive packing list to make sure you bring just what you need for on and off the bike.

OFF THE BIKE APPAREL

With your bike fashion covered, here are suggestions for off the bike apparel for your trip.

FAQS

Read a lot of great information about your bike tour in our easy to navigate FAQ section.

REFERRAL REWARDS

Bring a friend on your Trek Travel cycling vacation and earn a $200 referral bonus each time!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Be informed rather than surprised. Trip cancellation policies differ so take a moment to look yours over.

WHAT’S NEXT?If you are ready to book call at 866-464-8735 or fill out on our online booking form. If you already booked, there is a lot of great information below regarding getting ready

for your trip and things like upgrade bikes, trip insurance and housekeeping items that you’ll want to ensure are completed on time.

THE ESSENTIAL LINKS

CancellationPolicy:

If you must cancel your trip more than 90 days prior to departure, there is a cancellation fee of $100; between 61 – 90 days prior to departure

there is a cancellation fee of 25% of the original

trip price; between 31 – 60 days prior to departure there is a

cancellation fee of 50% of the original trip price;

there is no refund for cancelling a trip less than 30 days prior

to departure.

If you choose to change your trip more than

90 days prior to departure, you may do so with no fee.

From 61 – 90 days, there will be a $1,000

administrative fee. If you choose to change your trip within 60 days of the original trip start, the cancellation policy

outlined above will apply. Please be aware that it is only possible to move to another trip within one year of the original trip departure

date.



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ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDEBruges to the Ardennes 2013 | Luxury | 6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

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bruges to the ardennes 2013 · 2019. 4. 10. · on our bruges to the ardennes trip, you’ll...

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