Spring Classics, Northern Europe and WWI

For many, we all know about the Spring Classics bike races. And the Classics are right up there with the 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.

Our plan is find the perfect mix between the Spring Classics bike races along with 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 tour blends the love of cycling with the Spring Classics and Ronde van Vlaanderen (aka Tour of Flanders in English). To help you get a feel of what we offer, it's all about 2 key regions…Belgium and north east France. It's the perfect tour for combining the spectacular beauty that Belgium offers (Brussels, Bruges and Oudenaarde), along with the magnificent beauty of northern France. What's not to like here, so we take some time to relax and explore the Champagne region, and we'll be dining in Reims, one of the most beautiful cities in France.

Our cycling tour incorporates some amazing and heart pumping cycling throughout the region. You don't just get to see the local countryside; you'll get to experience aspects of the Tour of Flanders. And for those who joined us on our 2018 trip, you'll know this region truly offers an unforgettable experience.

What's more, this tour isn't just about the cycling. While we are in this region we visit some key historical World War 1 sites. This includes Le Quesnoy, the network of the Arras Tunnels in Northern France, and the Menin Gate Memorial. Be assured we welcome your partners and non-riders to join us (which we fondly referred to as Team Macchiato); they will have their own guide and tour itinerary.

Highlight #1: The chance to ride both the Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders Sportive. Highlight #2: The tour includes a V.I.P. experience for the Tour of Flanders. New for this 2023 cycling tour.