Belgium
Perched majestically in the north of the European continent, is a cultural powerhouse. Often underestimated for its size, Belgium is not a mere stop over on the European highway. Belgium has been the stage for epoch making events in the bullet riddled European history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of the 20th century superpowers, hiding in the flat landscape the battlefields of Waterloo, Ypres and Passchendale. The nation is an art connosieur’s dream; producing some of the finest renaissance art. Belgium’s art galleries are replete with their fantastic works of artists such as Breughel, Van Dyck and Rubens. Belgium’s architecture is a proof of artistic acumen. Streets of Ghent, Bruges or the capital Brussels are adorned with unparalleled renaissance art and architecture. Steeped in history, its cities also carry distinctly cosmopolitan and modern outlook. Strolling through the streets, it’s hard to ignore the refinement of Belgian culture, a melting pot of French elegance and Dutch devil-may-care attitude. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Brussels’s center where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in a Michelin starred restaurant, or eat a paper cone of fries within yards of each other. Classy coffee joints sit cheek by jowl with dance-clubs. While sipping a hot cappuccino, one can overhear different languages at play. A far cry from its historical roots, Belgium also attracts party animals from across the globe to the worlds largest electronic music festival – Tommorrowland! Hence, while its easy to miss this tiny nation on the map, it’s impossible to forget the memorable Belgian experience.
Perched majestically in the north of the European continent, is a cultural powerhouse. Often underestimated for its size, Belgium is not a mere stop over on the European highway. Belgium has been the stage for epoch making events in the bullet riddled European history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of the 20th century superpowers, hiding in the flat landscape the battlefields of Waterloo, Ypres and Passchendale. The nation is an art connosieur’s dream; producing some of the finest renaissance art. Belgium’s art galleries are replete with their fantastic works of artists such as Breughel, Van Dyck and Rubens. Belgium’s architecture is a proof of artistic acumen. Streets of Ghent, Bruges or the capital Brussels are adorned with unparalleled renaissance art and architecture. Steeped in history, its cities also carry distinctly cosmopolitan and modern outlook. Strolling through the streets, it’s hard to ignore the refinement of Belgian culture, a melting pot of French elegance and Dutch devil-may-care attitude. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Brussels’s center where you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in a Michelin starred restaurant, or eat a paper cone of fries within yards of each other. Classy coffee joints sit cheek by jowl with dance-clubs. While sipping a hot cappuccino, one can overhear different languages at play. A far cry from its historical roots, Belgium also attracts party animals from across the globe to the worlds largest electronic music festival – Tommorrowland! Hence, while its easy to miss this tiny nation on the map, it’s impossible to forget the memorable Belgian experience.
Arrive at Brussels Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Check in at your hotel. Day at Leisure. Overnight in Brussels.
A tour of Brussels is a good introduction to Belgium. Discover the ancient buildings of the city and its splendid modern part on board of our bus. Our tour will begin at the majestic Grand Place from where the coach will take us to Saint-Michael's cathedral. We will visit the widely known Atomium and pass by the Chinese pavilion and Japanese Tower. From the Royal Residence we will return to the city center to visit the Sablon area, with its numerous antique shops, while passing the Palace of Justice and Royal Palace. The next part of our tour covers the district in which you will see the headquarters of the European Parliament and Commission. Overnight in Brussels.
Discover two of Flanders' most enchanting cities and follow our guide back in time! Ghent medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere will impress you as we visit Saint-Bavo's Cathedral, home to famous Mystic Lamb painting (option), and pass by the Castle of the Counts of Flanders the picturesque medieval harbor Graslei and much more. In Bruges, you will enjoy the peaceful Lake of Love and the old beguinage. Furthermore with your guide you discover the city on foot and you also have the option to enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the narrow canals. Do not forget your comfortable shoes to brave the cobbled streets! Overnight in Brussels.
Antwerp, Belgium's second largest city owns some of the greatest harbors in the world. The railway station is one of the most stunning buildings in Europe. Our Lady Cathedral is the largest gothic church in the Lowlands and it boasts countless precious paintings by world class artists of the 17th century. The absolute masterpieces, however, are the Rubens paintings. Our guided walk through the old city starts at the Steen, the impressive 13th century castle that guarded the city and its port. We take you to the gothic guild houses at the Market Square. The river Scheldt is the cradle of Antwerp where the city built the MAS-museum, famous for its spectacular views of the harbor and the old city. In your free time, do enjoy the local beer called a 'Bolleke'. Overnight in Brussels.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Brussels airport.