Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Quasimodo Countryside Tours
This company offers those with extra time two entertaining, all-day, English-only bus tours
through the rarely visited Flemish countryside. The “Flanders Fields” tour concentrates on
WWI battlefields, trenches, memorials, and poppy-splattered fields (Tue-Sun at 9:15, no
tours Mon or in Jan, 8 hours, visit to In Flanders Fields Museum not included). The other
tour, “Triple Treat,” focuses on Flanders' medieval past and rich culture, with tastes of
chocolate, waffles, and beer (departs Mon, Wed, and Fri at 9:15, 8 hours). Be ready for lots
of walking.
Tours cost €63, or €53 if you're under 26 (cash preferred, €10 discount on second tour
if you've taken the other, includes sandwich lunch, 9- or 30-seat bus depending on demand,
non-smoking, reservations required—call 050-370-470,
www.quasimodo.be
). After making
a few big-hotel pickups, the buses leave town from the Park Hotel on 't Zand Square (ar-
range for pickup when you reserve).
Bike Tours
QuasiMundo Bike Tours,
which runs bike tours around Bruges (listed earlier), also offers
a daily “Border by Bike” tour through the nearby countryside to Damme (€25, €3 discount
with this topic, March-Oct, departs at 13:00, 15 miles, 4 hours, tel. 050-330-775,
www.quasimundo.com
)
. Both their city and border tours include bike rental, a light raincoat
(if necessary), water, and a drink in a local café. Meet at the metal “car wash” fountain on
BurgSquare10minutesbeforedeparture.Ifyoualreadyhaveabike,you'rewelcometojoin
either tour for €15. Jos, who leads most departures, is a high-energy and entertaining guide.
Charming Mieke of
Pink Bear Bike Tours
takes small groups on an easy and delightful
3.5-hour guided pedal along a canal to the historic town of Damme and back, finishing
with a brief tour of Bruges. English tours go daily through peak season and nearly daily
the rest of the year (€23, €2 discount with this topic, €16 if you already have a bike,
meet at 10:25 under bell tower on the Markt, tel. 050-616-686, mobile 0476-744-525,
