Belgium
North (Flanders)
Wander the Waterways of Bruges
- Take a scenic boat tour along the picturesque canals.
- Climb the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic city views.
- Explore the historic Markt square with its colorful gabled houses.
- Visit the Church of Our Lady to see Michelangelo's Madonna.
- Discover the tranquil Begijnhof, a former convent.
- Visit the De Halve Maan and Bourgogne des Flandres breweries.
- Indulge in delicious Belgian chocolates from local chocolatiers.
Experience the Artistic and Lively Spirit of Ghent
- Visit the imposing Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts).
- Admire the Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) at St. Bavo's Cathedral.
- Wander along the Graslei and Korenlei, the city's historic port.
- Explore the vibrant street art scene and alternative culture.
- Take a boat trip on the Leie River.
- Enjoy the lively atmosphere and student population.
Discover the Cosmopolitan Flair and Diamond Heritage of Antwerp
- Visit the Rubens House, the former home and studio of the famous painter.
- Explore the Diamond District and learn about Antwerp's diamond trade.
- Admire the stunning architecture of the Antwerp Central Station.
- Wander through the historic Grote Markt with its guildhalls.
- Explore the trendy South district (Zuid) with its museums and galleries.
- Enjoy the fashion scene and designer boutiques.
Immerse Yourself in the Capital City of Brussels
- Marvel at the grandeur of the Grand-Place/Grote Markt.
- Visit the iconic Atomium.
- See the Manneken Pis statue.
- Explore the European Quarter and its institutions.
- Discover the diverse museums, including the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
- Visit the many famous breweries in the city and sample the great variety of world class beers found in Belgium.
- Indulge in Belgian waffles and fries.
Enjoy the Coastal Charm and Beaches of the North Sea
- Relax on the sandy beaches of Ostend.
- Explore the art deco architecture of De Haan.
- Visit the casino and promenade in Blankenberge.
- Take a stroll along the pier in Nieuwpoort.
- Enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
Delve into the Art and History of Leuven
- Visit the impressive Town Hall with its intricate facade.
- Explore the historic Groot Begijnhof, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Discover the Stella Artois brewery and learn about Belgian beer culture.
- Wander through the charming streets and squares of this university town.
- Visit St. Peter's Church with its unfinished tower.
Experience the Charm of Mechelen
- Climb St. Rumbold's Tower for stunning views.
- Visit the Kazerne Dossin Memorial, Museum and Documentation Centre on Holocaust, Human Rights and Violence.
- Explore the Toy Museum.
- Take a boat trip on the Dijle River.
- Discover the historic Fish Market.
Explore the Green Heart of the Flemish Ardennes
- Hike or bike through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
- Visit charming villages like Oudenaarde and Ronse.
- Discover historic abbeys and castles.
- Experience the famous Tour of Flanders cycling race routes.
- Enjoy local breweries and regional cuisine.
South (French)
Explore the Historic Heart of Liège
- Visit the Prince-Bishops' Palace and its courtyards.
- Climb the Bueren Mountain staircase for panoramic views.
- Explore the Saint Lambert's Cathedral.
- Wander through the Outremeuse district with its folklore and museums.
- Discover the Curtius Museum showcasing art and history.
- Experience the vibrant Sunday market (La Batte).
Discover the Citadel and Charm of Dinant
- Visit the impressive Citadel overlooking the Meuse River.
- Take a scenic boat trip on the Meuse.
- See the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame with its unique pear-shaped bell tower.
- Explore the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.
- Discover the Grotte La Merveilleuse, a beautiful cave system.
Explore the Natural Beauty of the Belgian Ardennes
- Hike or bike through the vast forests and rolling hills.
- Visit the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse, a stunning natural wonder.
- Explore the wildlife park at Han-sur-Lesse.
- Discover charming villages like La Roche-en-Ardenne with its medieval castle.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and fishing.
Discover the Industrial Heritage of Charleroi
- Explore the Bois du Cazier, a former coal mine and UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Visit the Photography Museum.
- Discover the street art scene.
Experience the Charm of the Semois Valley
- Explore the picturesque town of Bouillon and its castle.
- Hike or kayak along the Semois River.
- Discover charming villages like Herbeumont.
- Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the region.
Discover the Thermal Baths and History of Spa
- Relax and rejuvenate at the Thermes de Spa.
- Explore the historic town center and its elegant architecture.
- Visit the Musée de la Ville d'Eau (Museum of the Water City).
- Stroll through the Parc de Sept Heures.
Explore the Caves and Wildlife of Rochefort
- Visit the Grottes de Rochefort (Lorette-Rochefort caves).
- Explore the Parc des Roches wildlife park.
- Discover the ruins of the Château Comtal.
Delve into the History of Tournai
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Explore the Belfry of Tournai, another UNESCO site.
- Wander through the Grand Place.
- Discover the Musée d'Histoire et d'Archéologie.
Experience the Forests and Lakes of the High Fens (Hautes Fagnes)
- Hike through the unique moorland landscapes.
- Visit Lake Robertville and Lake Bütgenbach.
- Enjoy birdwatching and nature photography.
- Discover the Signal de Botrange, the highest point in Belgium.
Suggested Travel Itinerary
Belgium- 4 Weeks
Week 1: Brussels & Leuven
- Arrive in Brussels. Explore the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, Manneken Pis, and the Atomium.
- Visit the European Quarter and its institutions. Discover diverse museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts.
- Indulge in Belgian waffles, fries, and chocolates. Experience the vibrant beer culture.
- Explore Brussels' Renowned Breweries: Consider visiting Cantillon (for traditional lambics and gueuzes), Brasserie de la Senne (for craft beers with a Brussels twist), or Brussels Beer Project (known for their innovative and experimental brews). You might also check out Moeder Lambic for an extensive selection of Belgian beers.
- Experience the vibrant beer culture in local pubs and bars.
- Day trip to Leuven: Explore the impressive Town Hall and the historic Groot Begijnhof (UNESCO).
- Visit the Stella Artois brewery (optional tour). Wander through the charming university town.
Week 2: Bruges & Ghent
- Travel to Bruges. Wander the medieval waterways with a boat tour.
- Climb the Belfry for panoramic city views. Explore the Markt square and the Begijnhof.
- Visit the Church of Our Lady (Michelangelo's Madonna) and indulge in local chocolates.
- Experience the De Halve Maan Brewery Tour: Take a guided tour of this historic family brewery in the heart of Bruges. Enjoy beers with a fantastic rooftop view of the city.
- Travel to Ghent. Visit the imposing Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts).
- Admire the Ghent Altarpiece at St. Bavo's Cathedral. Explore the Graslei and Korenlei.
- Discover Ghent's street art scene and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
Week 3: Antwerp & Mechelen / Coastal Flanders
- Travel to Antwerp. Visit the Rubens House and explore the Diamond District.
- Admire Antwerp Central Station and wander through the historic Grote Markt.
- Explore the trendy South district (Zuid) and its museums.
- Day trip to Mechelen: Climb St. Rumbold's Tower and visit the Kazerne Dossin Memorial.
- Alternatively, explore Coastal Flanders: Relax on the beaches of Ostend or De Haan. Visit Blankenberge or Nieuwpoort. Enjoy fresh seafood.
Week 4: Wallonia - History & Nature
- Travel to Liège. Visit the Prince-Bishops' Palace and climb the Bueren Mountain.
- Explore the Citadel of Dinant and take a boat trip on the Meuse River.
- Discover the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse and the wildlife park.
- Reflect on history at the Battlefield of Waterloo.
- Alternatively, explore the Ardennes: Hike through forests, visit charming villages like Durbuy or La Roche-en-Ardenne. Consider visiting Spa.