Belgium: 2 Day Cycling tour to Liege, Roubaix and Flanders

If you’re passionate about professional cycling or simply love experiencing iconic routes, this 2-day cycling tour in Belgium offers an unbeatable way to get close to the action. Covering the famous northern cycling monuments — Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Paris-Roubaix, and the Tour of Flanders — this adventure promises a combination of scenic riding, historic roads, and a deep dive into the heart of one of Europe’s most celebrated cycling regions.

What makes this tour stand out? It’s the chance to pedal through the key sectors of renowned races with expert guidance, all in just two days. Plus, the inclusion of logistics like train rides simplifies the experience, allowing you to focus solely on the riding and the scenery.

However, it’s worth noting that this experience doesn’t include accommodations, so travelers should plan accordingly. It’s best suited for those with a good level of cycling fitness and a love for racing history. If you’re looking for an active, immersive, and genuinely authentic Belgian cycling experience, this tour could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Authentic race experience: Ride through the actual sectors used in historic races like Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders.
• All-inclusive logistics: Bikes, helmets, pedals, train rides, and food are included, making the trip smooth and hassle-free.
• Flexible schedule: Start times are available daily, and the tour operates as a private group, ensuring personalized attention.
• Cultural immersion: Combines scenic rides through Wallonia, Flanders, and the Ardennes with stops at iconic race locations.
• No accommodations included: Travelers need to arrange their own overnight stays, but recommendations can be provided.
• Ideal for cycling enthusiasts: Requires a good fitness level to handle long days of riding and train transfers.

This 2-day cycling adventure expertly blends classic race routes with scenic landscapes, making it a real treat for serious cyclists and race fans who want to walk in the footsteps of legends.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Day 1: Liège and the Ardennes

The tour kicks off with a morning train from Brussels (roughly an hour), heading to Liège, the starting point for the legendary Liège-Bastogne-Liège race. The actual ride begins in Liège, where you’ll start your exploration of the Ardennes region—a landscape famous for its challenging climbs and lush greenery.

You’ll cycle through the key sectors of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, experiencing the decisive kilometers that make this race a favorite among cycling purists. The routes are designed to give you a taste of the grit and grandeur of the race, with a focus on the most iconic climbs and sections.

The ride lasts about six hours, offering a challenging but rewarding experience. The route is optimized based on extensive local knowledge, ensuring you hit the most important parts of the race while enjoying the scenery and the thrill of riding on real race roads.

The Scenic Breaks and Views

Along the way, there are opportunities for scenic stops — around 20-minute segments that allow you to soak in the picturesque views of the Ardennes. These moments are perfect for catching your breath or snapping some photos of the rugged terrain.

After completing the ride, you’ll take a train back to Brussels, giving you time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventure.

Day 2: Roubaix and Flanders

Day two begins with an early train across the border into France, heading toward Roubaix. This is where the magic of Paris-Roubaix comes alive. You’ll cycle through all the major cobblestone sectors used in the race, feeling the historic grit under your wheels.

The famous Roubaix Velodrome marks the finish of the day’s ride, a site that every cycling lover recognizes instantly. After a quick lunch, the tour continues into Belgium’s Flanders region, where you’ll tackle some of the most iconic climbs of the Tour of Flanders.

The route through Flanders is carefully crafted to include the most significant climbs and sectors, giving you a real sense of what the racers endure each spring. The day concludes at the Ronde van Vlaanderen Museum in Oudenaarde, a perfect spot for those interested in race history and culture.

Following the ride, you’ll catch a train back to Brussels. The entire second day is packed with cycling through legendary roads — cobbles, climbs, and scenic countryside — all designed to give a comprehensive taste of the Northern Classics.

The tour delivers an authentic racing feel with the convenience of train logistics, which is a major plus. The bikes are Ritchey Logic models, known for their durability and comfort, fitted with helmets and pedals, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Food and hydration are covered during the ride, with energy bars, sports drinks, and coffee breaks helping you keep your energy high through the long hours on the saddle. This is especially valuable given the physically demanding route.

A key aspect of this tour is that it’s designed as a private group experience, meaning you’ll receive personalized guidance tailored to your riding level and interests. The guides speak multiple languages (English, Finnish, French, German), making communication smooth and engaging.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour spans two full days, incorporating multiple train rides (roughly 55 minutes each way), which helps cover the extensive route efficiently. The total riding time across the two days sums to roughly 13 hours, so a good level of fitness is essential.

Price point at $1,367 may seem steep, but when you factor in bike rentals, logistics, food, and expert guidance, it’s a well-rounded value for those seeking an all-in-one racing pilgrimage.

Considerations and Tips

Since accommodations aren’t included, travelers should plan their overnight stays in Brussels or nearby towns. The tour operator is happy to recommend options, which is helpful for planning.

Weather can vary in Belgium and northern France, so packing rain gear and layered clothing is wise. The routes involve cobblestones and climbs, so comfortable, protective cycling gear is recommended.

What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to cycle through actual race sectors, not just see them from afar. Several reviewers have pointed out that the experience “feels very real,” with some describing the cobbles of Roubaix as “rough but exhilarating,” and the climbs in Flanders as “challenging but so rewarding.”

One rider shared that the guides’ knowledge added a lot to the experience — sharing stories about the races, pointing out famous landmarks, and helping riders understand the race tactics. Their familiarity with the terrain offers a depth that self-guided tours can’t match.

The inclusion of food during the ride was also appreciated, especially since many felt the day’s effort was well-supported by energy bars and coffee breaks, keeping everyone fueled.

Who Is This Tour For?

This experience is best suited for cycling enthusiasts with a decent fitness level, eager to experience the race routes firsthand. It’s also perfect for travelers who want a guided, organized adventure without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. Race fans will love seeing the sectors they’ve watched on TV, and those interested in the sport’s culture and history will find plenty to enjoy.

However, since the ride involves long hours and some challenging terrain, it might not be suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back or health issues. A good basic cycling ability is a must to fully enjoy the experience.

This Belgium 2-day cycling tour offers a rare blend of adventure, history, and scenery for those who love bikes and races. It’s a chance to ride where champions have competed and see firsthand some of the most famous sectors and climbs in pro cycling.

The logistics are well thought out, and the inclusion of food, gear, and expert guidance makes it a solid value for serious riders. The private group format ensures personalized attention, making the experience both enriching and comfortable.

While accommodations aren’t included, the tour’s focus on cycling and race immersion makes it worthwhile for anyone looking to deepen their connection to the sport. It’s a memorable way to spend two days in Belgium and northern France, with plenty of stories to tell long after you’ve finished.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This tour requires a good level of fitness because of the long riding hours and challenging routes. It’s best suited for experienced cyclists comfortable with long-distance rides and cobblestones.

Are the bikes suitable for all riders?
Yes, the bikes are Ritchey Logic models, known for their reliability and comfort, and come with helmets and pedals included. The guides can help with adjustments if needed.

How many people will be in the private group?
The experience is designed as a private group, so the size can vary but generally offers a more personalized, less crowded atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, snacks, water, rain gear, cycling clothing, and a helmet. Weather can change quickly, so packing layers is wise.

Are meals included?
Yes, energy bars, sports drinks, and lunch during each riding day are provided. However, breakfast and dinner are not included.

Can I customize the start times?
Yes, the tour has flexible start times — check availability when booking. The experience runs daily, so you can choose what suits your schedule.

Is transportation to and from Brussels arranged?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at designated locations in Brussels are included, with the entire logistics covered, making the experience seamless.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, active tour that combines racing history with scenic cycling, this Belgium adventure offers a comprehensive and well-organized option that’ll leave you with lasting memories and a new appreciation for these legendary races.