Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. January to December
6 days from $4995.00Arrive Brussels, Belgium
Upon arrival you are escorted to your luxury accommodations in beautiful Brussels, a trendy city that is full of history.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure; your hotel is close to the famous Manneken Pis (Peeing Boy) Statue, and a 15-minute walk from the Magritte Museum and the Le Sablon antiques area.
Brussels Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a guided tour of the city that reveals its thousand years of history and architectural beauty. Begin with a scenic drive past St. Michael's Cathedral, and the Congress column to the Heyseldistrict with the world famous Atomium, a replica of an iron atom enlarged 165 billion times. Marvel at the sight of the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese Tower, and then continue to the Sablon district known for its countless antique shops. Stop at a traditional lace workshop to learn about Brussels’ world famous lace production.
Next, drive by the magnificent Palace of Justice, fashionable Louise Square, stately Royal Square, the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The Triumphal Arch, exceptional museums and splendid Art Nouveau houses are the highlights of this district of the city. View the imposing EU buildings housing the European Commission and European Parliament before ending your tour at the delicately sculpted 15th century Grand Place, where each building represents a phase of Belgium’s history. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city more on your own. (B)
Brussels Sightseeing
Get your taste buds ready for a delicious morning tour – a four hour guided walking tour that follows the trail of Brussels’ top chocolate shops. View historic landmarks such as the iconic 17th century Brussels statue by Jerome Duquesnoy, as your expert guide relates the history of Brussels, and why it is famous for such mouth-watering chocolate.
Savor samples and tastings of delectable Belgian chocolates, and learn to make real Belgian pralines yourself in a fun workshop with a "Master Chocolatier". Orangettes, pralines, Easter eggs... these chocolates are made with real cream or alcoholic filling. You also explore the historic old town and the Royal Galleries, site of Neuhaus, Belgium’s oldest chocolaterie (chocolate shop). Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to pursue your own interests. (B)
Brussels to Bruges
Late morning, depart Brussels on a one-hour drive to Bruges, in the Flanders section of Belgium. Arrive at your hotel located in the heart of the historic old city center.
Discover the Bruges’ beauty and 500 years of history this afternoon on a walking tour with a local guide. Visit Our Lady's Church, with its Madonna statue by Michelangelo, and the Grote Market and Belfry. Climb the 366 steps to the top of the 275-foot tower for excellent views of the city. See the Town Hall square (Burg) with the Gothic-styled Basilica of the Holy Blood, housing a vial of blood said to be from Jesus.
After exploring through the cobblestone streets, enjoy a boat tour around the canals to admire the city from the waterside. (B)
Bruges & Antwerp
Take a leisurely hour drive with your local guide to Antwerp, known as a center for culture, art, and the diamond trade. Bruges was also home to Flemish Baroque painter Rubens, and your first stop is at the palatial Rubenshuis museum, where the artist lived and entertained Europe’s nobility and royalty. You also visit the Mayer van den Berg museum, with its large collection of Renaissance period paintings including Dulle Griet (Mad Meg), painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in 1562.
Tour the highlights of this city laced with beautiful green areas and graced with outstanding museums, picturesque galleries, sculpted streets and architectural gems. This port city (the second largest port in Europe) also offers world-class shopping, including the world’s largest diamond market. Return to Bruges in the late afternoon. (B)
Depart Bruges
You are at leisure in Bruges until you are taken to the airport for your departing flight. (B)
Hotel Amigo, Brussels
In a city full of stories, our hotel has one all of its own. In 1522, the city council bought the building and turned it into a prison. The Spanish rulers mistook its Flemish name ‘Vrunt’ to mean ‘Vriend’ or ‘amigo’ and the name stuck. In 1957, the building became a hotel. Today it’s the finest of all the 5-star hotels in Brussels. A place where traditional tapestries sit alongside Tintin memorabilia, and where you can sip the perfect Martini overlooking the classic cobbled streets of the city. Although much has changed, we remain true to our name — our team are friendly, warm and waiting to greet you. A 2015 Travel+Leisure World's Best Hotel
Kempinski Hotel Dukes' Palace, Bruges
Hotel Dukes’ Palace, former residence of the Burgundian aristocracy, is the perfect location in the heart of UNESCO World Heritage city of Bruges. The 94 rooms, of which 25 suites, are all unique and combine contemporary comfort with authentic elegance of the 15th century. The 3000 m² garden, the terrace, the bar and beautiful lounges are the ideal place to enjoy. You can relax in The Spa with sauna, hammam and gym. The hotel also features a spacious garage.