1. Trappist Beers

Belgium boasts six officially recognized Trappist breweries: Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, Westvleteren, and Achel. These beers are brewed within Trappist monasteries under the supervision of monks, with profits supporting the monastery or charitable causes. Trappist beers include various styles such as:

• Dubbel: Rich and malty with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spices.
• Tripel: Lighter in color but stronger in alcohol, with fruity and spicy aromas and a dry finish.
• Quadrupel: Full-bodied, with complex flavors of dried fruit, toffee, and warming alcohol.

2. Abbey Beers

Similar to Trappist beers, but not brewed by monks, Abbey beers are often inspired by monastic brewing traditions. They include many of the same styles, offering rich, flavorful brews ranging from Dubbels and Tripels to lighter blond ales. Examples include Leffe and Grimbergen.

3. Lambics

Lambics are wild-fermented beers made using spontaneous fermentation, which relies on natural yeasts and bacteria in the air. Unique to Belgium, these beers have a distinct tartness and complex character. Lambics often serve as a base for other styles like:

• Gueuze: A blend of young and aged Lambics, resulting in a sparkling, tangy beer.
• Kriek: Lambic fermented with cherries, offering a fruity and sour profile.
• Framboise: Similar to Kriek but made with raspberries, for a vibrant berry flavor.

4. Saison

Originating in the farms of Wallonia, Saisons were traditionally brewed for farmworkers. These beers are known for their dry, refreshing character and earthy, spicy, and sometimes citrusy flavors. Saison Dupont is one of the most famous examples of this style.

5. Witbier (White Beer)

Belgian Witbiers are light, cloudy ales brewed with wheat, often flavored with spices like coriander and orange peel. These beers are refreshing and slightly sweet, making them a great choice for summer sipping. Hoegaarden is a classic Witbier that’s recognized worldwide.

6. Blonde Ales

Smooth and easy-drinking, Belgian Blonde Ales are golden in color with a subtle sweetness, balanced bitterness, and fruity yeast character. They are perfect for those who enjoy approachable yet flavorful beers.

7. Strong Golden Ales

These beers are deceptively smooth despite their high alcohol content, often exceeding 8%. They are typically pale in color with a dry finish and fruity, spicy yeast aromas. Duvel is a world-famous example of this style.

8. Flemish Red and Oud Bruin

These are sour ales fermented with wild yeasts and aged in wooden barrels:

• Flemish Red Ale: Known for its deep red color and tangy, fruity flavors with notes of cherries and balsamic vinegar (e.g., Rodenbach).
• Oud Bruin (Old Brown): Similar but darker, with rich caramel and toffee notes balancing its sourness.

9. Belgian Pale Ale

These beers are milder and less fruity than other Belgian styles, with a balance of malt sweetness and hop bitterness. They are a great introduction to Belgian beer for those who prefer more restrained flavors.

Explore Belgium by Bike: The Perfect Way to Taste and Discover

Cycling through Belgium offers the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the country’s beer culture. On a self-guided bike tour, you can navigate scenic routes that take you from bustling cities to tranquil villages, stopping at iconic breweries and quaint beer cafes along the way. The compact size of Belgium makes it easy to explore diverse regions on two wheels, whether you’re sampling Trappist ales near a monastery or enjoying a Lambic beer in the Pajottenland countryside. With the freedom to ride at your own pace, you can truly savor the landscapes, history, and flavors that make Belgium one of the most exciting destinations for beer lovers.

Here are our Top 2 Belgium Bike & Beer Tours:

Belgium – Flanders Short Bike and Beer Tour

This 4-night self-guided bike tour immerses you in the essence of Belgium, combining idyllic countryside rides with stops in its most iconic cities. Starting in Bruges, the “Venice of the North,” you’ll pedal through medieval streets, past canals, and alongside picturesque windmills. The journey takes you to other charming towns such as Ghent, a vibrant city with a rich history and lively atmosphere, and Antwerp, known for its art, culture, and gourmet delights. Along the way, you’ll explore breathtaking castles, tranquil farmlands, and cobblestone streets, all while savoring Belgium’s famed chocolates, waffles, and beer. The carefully planned route ensures you experience the highlights of Belgium in a way that’s both active and leisurely.

Belgium – Flanders Beer and Bike Tour

For history enthusiasts, this 7-night self-guided bike tour offers a deeply moving experience through the battlefields and memorials of World War I. This Belgium self-guided bike tour takes you on a journey through the countryside of West Flanders, visiting significant landmarks such as the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Menin Gate, and the In Flanders Fields Museum. Alongside its historical significance, this tour also introduces you to the charming villages and serene landscapes that make the region so unique. Perfectly suited for cyclists seeking both reflection and discovery, the Flanders Fields Bike Tour combines poignant history with the natural beauty of Belgium.

Why Choose a Self-Guided Bike Tour in Belgium?

With a self-guided bike tour, you have the freedom to tailor each day to your preferences. Want to linger in a quaint village or enjoy an extra beer at a local brewery? The choice is yours! We provide detailed route maps, expert recommendations, and emergency support along the way, ensuring you have all the tools you need to explore Belgium at your own pace.

Whether you’re tracing history through the fields of Flanders or marveling at the architectural wonders of Bruges and Ghent, our Belgium bike tours offer a seamless blend of culture, history, and adventure. Ready to embark on a journey filled with iconic sights, delicious flavors, and unforgettable memories? Don’t delay – Belgium is calling!

Visit Pure Adventures to learn more and plan your perfect Belgium self-guided beer bike tour. Cheers!🚴‍♀️🍻

For more on our Belgium bike tours, click here!

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No tour of Belgium would be complete without indulging in its world-renowned cheese, chocolate, and beer. As you cycle through the region, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample artisanal cheeses crafted with centuries-old techniques, offering a taste of Belgium’s rich dairy heritage. Treat yourself to decadent chocolates from local chocolatiers, where every bite reflects Belgium’s iconic reputation as a chocolate paradise. And, of course, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a refreshing pint of Belgium’s legendary beer—from Trappist ales brewed in monasteries to craft beers bursting with unique flavors. These culinary delights perfectly complement your journey, adding delicious memories to your cycling adventure!

Belgium – Flanders Short Bike and Beer Tour

This 4-night self-guided bike tour immerses you in the essence of Belgium, combining idyllic countryside rides with stops in its most iconic cities. Starting in Bruges, the “Venice of the North,” you’ll pedal through medieval streets, past canals, and alongside picturesque windmills. The journey takes you to other charming towns such as Ghent, a vibrant city with a rich history and lively atmosphere, and Antwerp, known for its art, culture, and gourmet delights. Along the way, you’ll explore breathtaking castles, tranquil farmlands, and cobblestone streets, all while savoring Belgium’s famed chocolates, waffles, and beer. The carefully planned route ensures you experience the highlights of Belgium in a way that’s both active and leisurely.

Belgium – Flanders Beer and Bike Tour

For history enthusiasts, this 7-night self-guided bike tour offers a deeply moving experience through the battlefields and memorials of World War I. This Belgium self-guided bike tour takes you on a journey through the countryside of West Flanders, visiting significant landmarks such as the Tyne Cot Cemetery, the Menin Gate, and the In Flanders Fields Museum. Alongside its historical significance, this tour also introduces you to the charming villages and serene landscapes that make the region so unique. Perfectly suited for cyclists seeking both reflection and discovery, the Flanders Fields Bike Tour combines poignant history with the natural beauty of Belgium.

Why Choose a Self-Guided Bike Tour in Belgium?

With a self-guided bike tour, you have the freedom to tailor each day to your preferences. Want to linger in a quaint village or enjoy an extra beer at a local brewery? The choice is yours! We provide detailed route maps, expert recommendations, and emergency support along the way, ensuring you have all the tools you need to explore Belgium at your own pace.

Whether you’re tracing history through the fields of Flanders or marveling at the architectural wonders of Bruges and Ghent, our Belgium bike tours offer a seamless blend of culture, history, and adventure. Ready to embark on a journey filled with iconic sights, delicious flavors, and unforgettable memories? Don’t delay – Belgium is calling!

Click HERE to learn more and plan your perfect self-guided Belgium cycling escape. 🚴‍♀️

Want to learn more about why Belgium is a Beer Lover’s Paradise? Click here to get the full pint!

The post Explore Belgium at Your Own Pace: Two Unforgettable Self-Guided Bike Tours appeared first on Pure Adventures.

For travelling cyclists, Austria and the Czech Republic offer something for everyone. Austria’s bike-friendly Danube cycle path is paved and well marked, winding trails through the mountains offer a challenge to fit cyclists, the breathtaking architecture and scenery provides a memorable backdrop for tourists, and of course, beer to quench your thirst after a day in the saddle. If you’re planning a self-guided cycling trip to Austria or the Czech Republic, Pure Adventures suggests checking out these bike trails and brew pubs.

České Budějovice

Did you know that České Budějovice is home to the original Budweiser, having been brewed here for more than 700 years? There are a handful of brewpubs in this small city and two breweries, Měšťanský Pivovar and Budějovický Budvar. Calling their beers The Original Budweiser, Budějovický Budvar is a state-owned brewery with it’s drafts available in all the local pubs. Budvarka Pivnice is regularly packed with locals, but for a trendy European style experience, you may want to head to Potrefená Husa. The city also boasts nine paved and well marked paths which take you through picturesque parks and across bridges. All the bike paths in České Budějovice are interconnected, so zipping through the city to shop or dine is a breeze.

Linz
The historic city of Linz is undergoing a transformation and has come a long way since the Iron Curtain was lifted 25 years ago. Festivals, food and of course cycling, have helped Linz flourish. The Schwemmland – the wetland around Linz harbor – are a hidden gems for nature lovers. Klosterhof is by far the largest pub in Linz, but centuries old Wirt auf der Wies deserves a visit as well.

Vienna
Vienna is a vibrant, beautiful city with many things to do including seeing the cathedral and the amazingly designed Hundertwasser House, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1985. There are 745 miles of bike baths throughout Vienna, including the Ringstrasse, a paved route circling the city and taking in its most beloved sights. Most hotels are famously bike-friendly as are the public trains. Vienna’s lively beer scene offers everything from Irish-style pubs with extensive whisky selections (Bockshorn Irish Pub), Fischer Bräu which was recently named Austria’s best brewpub and 1516 Brewing Company, which boasts two of Austria’s best beers and their burgers were named among the best in the world by Matador.

Salzburg
This impressive town, situated on the banks of the Salzach River, is where the composer Mozart was born and raised. With Pure Adventures, you spend a day riding along along the Mozart cycling path, winding  through beautiful Alpine countryside, the Salzkammergut, along the Mondsee and Wolfgangsee lakes to St. Gilgen. Within Salzburg’s city center, there are over 105 kilometers bike paths with 900 signs, 23 scenic bicycle routes, ingenious self-service stations offering free tools, bike stands, lubricating oil and compressed air for emergencies and a website dedicated to helping you find the most direct cycling route through Salzburg. No wonder it’s Austria’s number 1 cycle city! As for beer and brewpubs, numerous options await in this regions, which has been producing beer for more than 500 years. Stiegl, Austria’s leading family-owned brewery can be found in Salzburg, produces more than 20 varieties in their state-of-the-art facility. Augustiner Braustubl is a hidden gem of adored by locals. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, it’s also ranked the best brew pub by tourists for its food, atmosphere and of course, beer.

Pure Adventures offers three unique self-guided cycling vacations in Austria. Starting at € 1051 Euros, our self-guided bicycle tours include hybrid bike rental, flexible start dates, accommodations, route maps, daily breakfasts, luggage transfers and local support. Contact us for more information or for your free Austria destination guide.

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After a day on the desert single track eating only trail mix, the occasional granola bar and lukewarm energy drinks, food is top of mind for all cyclists and hikers on our new Arizona tours. If it’s your first time visiting Pure Adventure’s home state, you’re in for a gastronomic treat – Arizona is just as well known for its grand dining as it is the Grand Canyon.

We turned to our friends at AOA and Pure Adventures staff for their recommendations as to where to stop for the best brewpubs and burger joints in the state.

Four Peaks Brewing Company

Loren Siekman, Pure Adventures’ founder and Brian Jump, AOA’s Director of Multi-Day Tours both list Tempe’s Four Peaks Brewing as Arizona’s best place for a pint. With 8 mainstays on tap and countless seasonal beers to choose from any other time of the year, Four Peaks is also one of the top ranked pubs on Yelp and TripAdvisor. The Peach Ale is a perennial favorite, but their cask conditioned beers deserve a nod, too. Be warned that parking is tricky and getting a table between Thursday and Saturday can take a while. Travel Tip: stop in mid-week after your ride to avoid the crowds or visit one of their other locations in the valley.  Note, you can find their beer on tap in restaurants all over the state.

FnB

Intimate and affordable, Scottsdale’s FnB not only tops our list, but Food + Wine magazine and New York Times names the trendy gastropub as a must try. “FnB uses as much local ingredients as they can and has a awesome wine list featuring a lot of excellent Arizona wines,” says Jump. Think the praise for FnB is just hype? Foodies on Yelp rave about every dish served up at FnB, with the Reuben being a lunch favorite and Jidori chicken the top dinner pick. Travel Tip: make your reservation as soon as your book your vacation.

Elote Cafe

The menu at Sedona’s Elota Cafe was inspired by Chef Jeff Smedstad’s travels throughout Mexico. Signature appetizers and melt in your mouth lamb are recommended by Yelp users, and naturally the margarita tops everyone’s drink list. Easily, this is the best Mexican food you’ll find in all of Arizona. Reservations aren’t accepted at this local favorite, so plan to either arrive early (well before doors open at 5:00 pm), or leave your name with the door staff and window shop while you wait.  Travel Tip: If you’re from out of town, pick up a copy of the Elota Cafe Cookbook on your way out and make your favorite dishes at home.

Diablo Burger

Chances are that you rode your bike further in one day than any of the ingredients in your meal at Diablo Burger – every ingredient travels less than 250 miles before it reaches your plate. The beef is sourced from the Diablo Trust Ranges, and 100%  open range-raised, antibiotic-free and growth-hormone free. Fresh greens, double-fried French fries and an extensive local beer and wine menu make this consistently top the list of best burger joints in both Flagstaff and Tucson. It’s cash only at this burger joint, and be prepared to shell out at least $20 for a meal (which is still a bargain in our opinion). Not ready to take our word for it? Fresno-based food blogger James Collier names Diablo’s Wrigley Field burger as the best he’s ever eaten. Travel tip: The burgers are incredibly lean,  so don’t be alarmed if they look pink in the center after that first bite.

Did we miss a place? Leave a comment or connect with us on Facebook and tell us where you love to eat in Arizona.

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1 – Carnival of Binche

“There is no place like Binche in the world”, so goes the famous quote and you are apt to agree if taking part in the Carnival of Binche in Belgium. While the origins of the carnival are mysterious, the legend of a Gille descendant from the Incas dressing in an elaborate costume in the days leading up to Lent has survived centuries. As one of Europe’s oldest street festivals, Carnival of Binche is a part of UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the parades, musicians’ costumes,and most importantly, the folklore of this event will astound you. The next Carnival of Binche is in March.

2 – International Regatta of Bathtubs

Aspiring bathtub captains rejoice! The International Regatta of Bathtubs, running since 1982, pits creative sailors against each other to see who can build the best boat out of – you guessed it – a bathtub. Originally dreamed up as a gimmick to drive tourists to the sleepy town of Dinant, an hour away from Brussels, the International Regatta of Bathtubs is a race known more for elaborate bathtubs boats and costumes than speed, since no motors are permitted. Grab a famous Belgium beer or coffee and join thousands of spectators for the off-beat festival.

3 – Christmas Beer Festival

It’s a bucket list item for any beer lover – Belgium’s Christmas Beer Festival! With over 170 bottled beers and 20 draught beers to sample, the Objective Beer Tasters Essen Region hosts nearly 3000 visitors each Christmas in Essen, Belgium. Sure, the glasses you drink from are returnable, but we think keeping one or two as a souvenir is a good idea. Named one of the top beer festivals in the world by Pure Travel, the next Christmas Beer Festival Essen takes place in December.

4 – Tour of Flanders

From its humble beginnings in 1913 as a race intended to boost the circulation of the sports-focused newspaper Sportwereld to today’s epic bicycling race, the Tour of Flanders celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2023. Definitively Belgium’s most important cycling race and the most important held on a single day, Tour of Flanders organizers go above and beyond to hold a world-class event just as thrilling for spectators as it is for the pro-riders who participate. Held in early April, we think it’s worth taking the money you saved by booking a self-guided vacation and splurging on one of of the VIP spectator packages – like the lavish 3X Oude Kwaremont VIP-lunch or breakfast at Belfry Halls.

View our self-guided Belgium bike tours here.

Join the conversation! Tell us on Facebook about a bizarre festival you have attended!

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