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.