Spring Classics & WW1

BELGIUM & Northern FRANCE

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31 March - 13 April 2027 (14 Days / 13 Nights) | SOLD OUT (Waitlist Welcome)

We all know about the Spring Classics. They’re right up there with Tour de France. What may come as a surprise is that during World War 1 a small number of Kiwis and Aussies operated as the Anzac Cyclist Battalion, mainly in Northern France and Belgium.

We’ve found the perfect mix between the Spring Classics alongside honouring those who rode before us. We'll visit towns that the Anzac cyclists stayed in, visit some of the main memorial sites and even mirror some of their rides. This includes Le Quesnoy, the network of the Arras Tunnels in Northern France and the Menin Gate Memorial.

This trip starts and finishes in Brussels. Making it easy for you to fly in and out. It also includes both the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix sportives.

There’s also a V.I.P. experience at the Roubaix velodrome - life is short and you deserve it.

It's the perfect tour for combining the cycling passion that Belgium offers along with the magnificent beauty of Northern France. We take time to relax and explore the Champagne region, and we'll be dining in Reims, one of the most beautiful cities in France.

We welcome Team Macchiato (non-riders) to join us. They will have their own guide and separate itinerary.

This really is an extraordinary trip. We look forward to sharing it with you.

See you in Brussels.  

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Overview of the Tour




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Tour Details

Tour Inclusions

  • Entry to both the Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders sportives.
  • V.I.P. experience at the Roubaix velodrome.
  • Choice of 2 to 3 rides daily.
  • Visit to Moet and Chandon for an amazing wine tasting.
  • Visit Le Quesnoy, the WW1 Arras Tunnels, and the Menin Gate Memorial.
  • 13 nights' accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels.
  • Meals as per the itinerary, cycling nutrition also included.
  • 7 - 8 staff including non-riding guide.
  • Souvenir booklet, itinerary included.
  • Ride Holidays cycling jersey (special ANZAC WW1 version).
  • Local guides for various visits, especially for Team Mac.
  • Champagne, beer and chocolate tasting.

    The Tour Price Excludes

    • Airfares and extra accommodation
    • Travel Insurance
    • Meals and alcohol not indicated in itinerary
      The Tour Cost (per person, New Zealand Dollars)
      • NZD$12500.00 per person (Twin Share)
      • NZD$1800.00 single room supplement
      • NZD$1500.00 to $2500.00 bike hire. To be confirmed closer to the time.
      • E-bikes – at time of writing we aren’t sure of the exact models on offer. Possible mix of standard e-Road and e-Gravel bikes.

      Deposit – the initial deposit is only NZD$200.00. 12 months out from departure we will ask for an additional NZD$2500.00. Full balance is due 90 days prior to departure.

        Please note: The cost of the tour is subject to change - mainly because of exchange rate fluctuations.




        Spring Classics cycling tours and holidays, northern Europe cycling tours and holidays, cycling tours and holidays, bike tours and holidays Europe, spring classics bike tours

        Spring Classics cycling tours and holidays, northern Europe cycling tours and holidays, cycling tours and holidays, bike tours and holidays Europe, spring classics bike tours
        Spring Classics cycling tours and holidays, northern Europe cycling tours and holidays, cycling tours and holidays, bike tours and holidays Europe, spring classics bike tours

        Spring Classics & WW1 Itinerary

        Day 1, Wednesday 31 March,

        Brussels, Belgium

        Welcome to the home of cycling. 

        On arrival in Brussels, customs are more likely to ask you what cycle team you support than what’s in your bags. To say they’re passionate about their cycling is an understatement. You’ll see that in the next 2 weeks.

        We would encourage you to arrive a day or 2 early (we’ll book your extra accommodation). The agenda is full and missing a couple of days with jetlag wouldn’t be great. 

        Today is easy, our hotel is located at the airport. We'll help you put all the bikes together. If you have hired a bike, then we'll make sure you are comfortable.

        Tonight, we drive into Brussels for a quick walk through the old town, before sitting down for a fantastic feast, supplemented by Belgian beer and Belgium chocolates. This trip is no weight-loss program. We'll introduce the team and talk through the next two weeks.

        / Meals included - Dinner
        / Hotel - Brussels Airport


        Day 02, Thursday 1 April

        Oudenaarde, Belgium

        It's all about the cobbles. We start with a tour highlight. On past tours we found a cycling shop that is simply the best in the world. They even put on free coffee for us. We spent an hour there and the only complaint was that it wasn't long enough. It really is a must and a great way to start our trip together.

        After the bike shop, we head to the Ronde van Vlaanderen Centre. An interactive cycling-themed museum devoted to the Tour of Flanders. You simply can't go to this part of the world without visiting. It has its own café and even the sugar comes in UCI World Champion colours.

        This afternoon is all about getting on that bike for a leisurely ride of 50km. We'll target some of the Tour of Flanders Sportive course so there will be plenty of cobbles to practice on. The cobbles in Belgium are nice when compared with France (hmm).

        Team Macchiato (non-riders) - we won't make you follow us to a bike shop. You visit the world-famous Atomium, and what is considered one of the most beautiful medieval squares in Europe, the ornate Grand Place. It’s the centre of Brussels, where many historic buildings dating from the 17th century are located.

        Our next four nights are spent in the magnificent city of Bruges. If you like chocolate and beer, then you are in luck. Bruges is quite possibly the most beautiful city we visit on any of our tours. Can't wait to get back there.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel – Bruges


        Day 3, Friday 02 April

        Exploring Bruges

        Today, we spend some quality time in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Bruges.

        Yes, we'd like to get a good ride under our belts. The plan is to ride along the canal which features many WW1 bunkers. A new experience for a lot of us. We can pretty much turn around when you've had enough.

        Team Mac - embarks on a journey through the Belgian countryside to Ghent. Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit St. Bavo Cathedral, home to the world-famous Mystic Lamb painting, and take a walking tour of Ghent's churches and castles, including Gravensteen Castle. You then join the cyclists back in Bruges. 

        If you wanted to design a fairy-tale medieval town, it would be hard to improve on central Bruges (Brugge in Dutch). Picturesque, cobbled lanes and dreamy canals link photogenic market squares lined with soaring towers, historic churches and old whitewashed houses.

        This afternoon, we've booked two local walking guides to show us around and we also hop on a canal boat. There will also be plenty of time to visit one of many breweries on offer. Dinner is back at the hotel as we prepare for tomorrow's adventure.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel – Bruges

        PS, at some stage we will need to sign on for the Fondo tomorrow. It’s also a good chance to pick up souvenir t-shirts, etc.


        Day 4, Saturday 03 April

        Tour of Flanders Sportive

        Tomorrow sees the 111th edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). Possibly the most famous of cycling's legendary monuments.

        The day before the pros battle it out, a sportive is held to allow weekend warriors to share the experience of riding the famous cobbles. There are a variety of distances to choose from.

        230km is the big dog and that starts in Brugge (near our hotel) and finishes in Oudenaarde. There’s also a more social 80 to 160km which starts and finishes in Oudenaarde. Totally up to you. You choose and we’ll make it happen.

        Offering a smorgasbord of cyclists from all over the world - it's more than just a bike ride. We encourage you to meet as many cyclists as you possibly can. Spain, Japan, Italy, Russia and Canada - you name it. Shake a hand, kiss a baby and then let's have a beer together at the finish. All 14000 riders will be there.

        Team Mac - today you head for the coastal city of Ostend. The central city is gorgeous; however, most people visit this region to see the Atlantic WW1 Wall museums. There are also markets, plazas and, of course, tall ships like the Mercator. You certainly won't be bored. Or, if you decide that you want to be at the finish line to support your loved one then we can easily make that happen. Flexibility is the key.

        / Meals included - Breakfast (Lunch and Dinner are own arrangements)
        / Hotel – Bruges


        Day 5, Sunday 04 April

        Tour of Flanders Spring Classic

        Simply put - a special day. 

        We'll head off early on the bus as we want you to experience the race start in Antwerp. It's a must and a very rare occasion that you can get up close and personal with the professional teams before they set off on a hectic 260km. You can certainly see how nervous they are. With a valid reason.

        We’ll then have a cunning plan to get you as close as possible to one of Belgium’s famous bergs. Sit back and relax for the rest of the afternoon as you watch the race unfold. There are numerous big screens, beer and, of course, the cobbles will be only metres away.

        We’ll probably finish up in Oudenaarde, which is where the race winners’ presentations are made. To say it’s a party is an understatement.   

        Yes, a big day, but I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed. It's our last night in Bruges. We suggest walking into the old part of town for dinner (that’s if we don’t stay in Oudenaarde).

        / Meals included – Breakfast and Lunch (Dinner is own arrangements)
        / Hotel - Bruges



        France and the Champagne Region

        3 days for you to explore and enjoy Northern France







        Day 6, Monday 05 April

        Northern France and Moet et Chandon

        We leave our Belgium home this morning and travel to the Champagne region in Northern France.

        The last few days will have been pretty full on so let’s sleep in. We depart at 6am. Nah, let's make it 7am.

        Seriously though, after a leisurely breakfast we will get on the road. The great thing about this part of the world is that everything is close by. We could easily visit 3 to 4 countries by lunch. But we won't.

        Our bike ride includes the Marfaux British Cemetery where many New Zealand and Australian soldiers are buried. There’s a memorial commemorating the ANZAC Cyclist Battalion who were killed in July 1918 and have no known grave.

        There are literally thousands of graves. Particularly moving for me was the German Cemetery, which is in the field next door. Their crosses are grey (and the grounds not so manicured), which offers quite the contrast to the British Cemetery. It told quite the story. 

        Team Mac - will join us this afternoon as we visit Moet and Chandon for a unique wine tasting. The ANZAC Cycle Corps visited here in 1919, so there certainly is some WW1 relevance.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel - Champagne Region


        Day 7 & 8 (06 & 07 April)

        Time to explore the Champagne region

        Feedback from earlier trips is that there could have been a couple of days which offered bigger mileage. Well, we've listened and picked one of the most beautiful regions in France. Today and tomorrow, we’ll offer rides up past the three digits. There will obviously be shorter rides for those not wanting to go long.

        Team Mac - you pretty much have two days to explore. You will be in the van rather than on a bike. There's the fantastic Montagne de Reims Regional Park where the cyclists will be. We will also visit the Lighthouse of Verzenay. From the top, it’s a 360-degree view. What of? Champagne Vineyards. Speaking of, as we don't have any WW1 visits, there's plenty of time to visit one of the many Grand Champagne Houses.

        Both cyclists and Team Mac visit Hautvillers. One of the most beautiful villages in the area. Here we will find the famous Church of Hautvillers where it is said that the Abbot Dom Pérignon discovered the process of fermenting and how to make a drink with bubbles.

        On one of the evenings, we’ll dine in Reims. One of the most beautiful cities in France and capital city of the Champagne region.

        / Meals included - Breakfast (Dinner own arrangements on both nights)
        / Hotel - Champagne Region


        Northeast France and Lille

        Key historical sites from World War 1

        Spring Classics cycling tours and holidays, northern Europe cycling tours and holidays, cycling tours and holidays, bike tours and holidays Europe, spring classics bike tours

        Day 9, Thursday 08 April

        Le Quesnoy, Arras tunnels and Menin Gate Memorial

        After 250km in the past 3 days, we're looking at the next couple of days as a taper. Today's focus is purely on WW1.

        First stop is - Le Quesnoy. Just a week before the end of the First World War in November 1918, the New Zealand Division captured the French town of Le Quesnoy. The Kiwis scaled a ladder set against the ancient walls of the town and took the remaining Germans as prisoners. The liberation of Le Quesnoy was just one of the many campaigns that New Zealanders fought on the Western Front, the line that stretched across Northern France and Belgium.

        We then drive the short distance over to the tunnels at Arras. The museum, visitor centre and tour thereafter are fantastic, and a uniquely ANZAC story. The network of tunnels remains one of the best-preserved traces of the ANZAC’s contribution to the First World War in Europe. The remarkable efforts of the men who built this system have been commemorated with the opening of the Arras Tunnel beneath the new National War Memorial Park in Wellington.

        And tonight at 8pm, we attend the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, which is a war memorial in Ypres, dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient and whose graves are unknown.

        Our home for the next four nights is Lille. 19km from our hotel is a certain famous velodrome.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel - Lille, Roubaix region


        Day 10, Friday 09 April

        Paris-Roubaix Sportive registration & exhibition

        Yesterday was busy, so let's just relax a bit today. It's all about tomorrow's event.

        Let's keep the legs turning over. Nothing too serious but we will get to check out the French Cobbles. Maybe a quick preview of the Forest of Arenburg perhaps? It's likely we'll see some pro teams out riding the course too.

        This afternoon, we head to the Paris-Roubaix Sportive registration and exhibition. A visit to the famous Velodrome, those showers and the Roubaix Museum. It's certainly your best chance to buy souvenirs.

        Team Mac - there's absolutely nothing exciting for you to do at the Fondo registration.  We'd like to take you to Le Tri Postal. Initially devoted to sorting mail, it was transformed at the Lille 2004 European Capital of Culture to be now a must for contemporary art. Perhaps a cooking class or a guided hop-on hop-off bus tour? The Team Mac guide will show you plenty of options.

        There are lots of questions prior to the Paris-Roubaix Sportive. Let's meet for a drink prior to dinner where we'll talk about the day.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel - Lille

        Day 11, Saturday 10 April

        Paris-Roubaix Sportive - 70, 145 or 172km?

        It's important to remember that this is a holiday (of sorts) and because of that we are suggesting that you choose one of the shorter Fondo options. Both the 70 and 145km start and finish at the Roubaix Velodrome. Both include cobbles, although it is certainly more of a ride than a race. Whatever you choose, this is a bucket-list ride that will be the envy of all your friends back home.

        You'll get a chance to ride with over 5000 other cyclists today. If it's the mystic Forest of Arenberg that you want, then you'll need to pick the 145km option. Certainly, you'll be fit enough by now. Let's hope for good weather.

        Team Mac - wave us off then tour the highlights of Lille, an historic French city on the Belgian border. Learn more about the history of Lille, founded in the 11th century and influenced by several cultures over the centuries before at last becoming French. See the evidence the Flemish, Burgundian and Spanish left on the city in Lille's varied architectural styles, among other things. Lille's top sights include the Old City, the Grand Palace, the Town Hall and Belfry.

        Team Mac - we simply need you at the finish. Yes, some of us will be hurting. You'll be required for support as well as a few hugs.

        Tonight, we dine together and discuss the plan for tomorrow. The pros will be anxious.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and Dinner
        / Hotel – Lille


        Day 12, Sunday 11 April

        Paris - Roubaix Grandstand view (V.I.P)

        The plan for today is to change nothing from previous tours. It's simply a fantastic day watching the sport we love. There's no point in heading to the race start. It's a 3-hour drive away and you would have seen the Flanders start.

        Our plan is to drive to the first of the cobble sections. The pros will have been riding for 100km before they see their first bit of pave. It's an awesome atmosphere as we join a few thousand French in a tiny town. Back on the coach please - just in time for happy hour. It's only a short 90min drive to the most famous velodrome in the whole world.

        We've booked the same velodrome seats as previous years. Which are literally on the finish line. You've got a big screen and, of course, liquid refreshments to enjoy. I will never ever forget Peter Sagan winning in 2018. He crossed the line only 5 metres from where we were sitting.

        Same again please, MVDP.

        / Meals included - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
        / Hotel - Lille








        Back to Belgium | All Good things Must Come to an End


        Day 13, Monday 12 April

        Our last full day on tour

        We really want to finish with a nice bike ride. We spend the day in the Brabantse Pijl region, which is only about 30km away from the big city of Brussels but literally could be on the other side of the country. The ride will be around the 75km mark.

        This afternoon we pack down the bikes. Our French guides leave us. Job well done. Thanks guys.

        Team Mac - a visit to Leuven, with the grandiose Town Hall, and the home to many unique and beautiful buildings that surround this Grand Square. Often described as "gothic intimacy" with gorgeous buildings at every corner.

        We've planned something special for our last night. Let's celebrate what a fantastic two weeks we've spent together. We'll even crack open some champagne. Oh, and eat chocolate and chips.

        / Meals included - Breakfast and farewell Dinner
        / Hotel – Brussels Airport


        Day 14, Tuesday 13 April

        Time to say au revoir

        Our tour finishes after breakfast. Our hotel has an airport shuttle.

        For some it's time to head home, while others will take some time in Brussels or head off to explore other parts of Europe.

        Thank you for joining us on the adventure of a lifetime.

        Safe travels for the remainder of your journey.





         

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