10 Days in Belgium: Ghent, Antwerp and Brussels
Experience Belgium's historic highlights, architectural treasures, and waffle wonderlands on this 10-day tour of Ghent, Antwerp, Bruges, Leuven, and Brussels.
Belgium
10 days / 9 nights
$3,935 /person
$3,935 /person
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Kayaking along Ghent's scenic and historic canals
Biking to Antwerp's most beloved breweries on a guided beer crawl
Satiating your sweet tooth at the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum
Making your own Belgian waffles in an immersive Brussels baking workshop
Visiting Flanders’ oldest university town on a Leuven day trip
Beauty of Bruges: Land of Chocolate, History and Beer
Overview
Today will introduce you to another Belgian city, just about 30 minutes outside of Ghent. After breakfast at your hotel, take the direct train to Bruges for a full day of exploration. Upon arriving here, you’ll have the morning free to stroll through the city's historic center, which displays cobbled streets, charming squares, and countless hidden alleyways. As you walk at your own pace, you'll notice key landmarks, such as the historic Belfry tower, and, of course, ample restaurants that excel in the city’s signature delights. In fact, after exploring the beauty of Bruges, you may start to feel peckish — or maybe that’s just the scent of chocolate in the air. Famous for an arsenal of local chocolate shops, Bruges offers no shortage of the delightful treat, so make sure to both sample and stock up on chocolate today. While you’re at it, you may be ready for a drink, so you'll head to a small, family-run brewery this afternoon. Known as Halve Maan (or similar), the brewery opens for tours of its historic building, during which you'll learn how, exactly, Belgian beer gets made. From there, you're free to continue exploring Bruges, whether you want to snag a pint of Brugse Zot in a historic square or check out the city's famous lace museum. When this full day of new experiences concludes, you'll return to Ghent by train, where you’ll have the rest of the evening to yourself. (Breakfast)
Highlights
Belfry Tower
The most striking tower in all of Bruges, the Belfry dates back to the 13th century and stretches some 83 meters — 272 feet — into the air. While in Bruges today, you'll have the opportunity to visit this 366-step tower, which rewards those who climb with stunning views of the city and its surroundings. On the hike up, you can also stop at the treasury, which held the city’s charters, seals, and coffers during the Middle Ages. A few steps away, you'll also notice the music drum operating the carillon, as well as the keyboard on which the city carilloneur plays the tower’s 47 carillon bells.
Halve Maan (or similar) Brewery Visit and Tour
For a pint of local beer, head to this sixth-generation, family-run brewery, which produces famous beers like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. During today's brewery visit, you'll take a guided tour that begins in the brewing hall, where "the noble wet" is brewed, and continues past the many brewing installations that have been used in recent centuries. Upstairs, you'll also find a unique 360° view over beautiful Bruges, while the tour concludes with an unfiltered tasting of a Brugse Zot Blond, Brugse Zot Dubbel, or Straffe Hendrik Tripel.
Lace Museum (optional)
You haven't visited a museum quite like Bruges' Lace Museum, which presents a one-of-a-kind look into the city's lace legacy. During this optional visit, you'll witness a collection of local lace pieces and learn about the basic techniques and movement of this delicate fabric. In the afternoon, you may also observe demonstrations that elucidate the history, types, and origins of lace, though no matter the timing of your visit, you'll leave this museum with a better understanding of lace's contemporary and international appeal.
Accommodations
Ghent River Hotel (or similar)
Choose the Ghent River Hotel, and you'll be choosing comfort and luxury — with a nod to the past. Favorably located in the bustling center of Ghent, this boutique property overlooks the water of the Leie, thereby positioning guests in the thrum of the city's excitement. Anchored in history, heritage, and heart, the hotel revels in the details, while the hospitable staff welcome travelers with sincere smiles and a local spirit.
Location:
Waaistraat 5, Ghent
Phone:
+3292661010
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Hotels for nine nights, with daily breakfast included
- All meals, activities, tours, and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
- Train tickets: Brussels Zaventem Airport to Ghent in second class
- Ghent: private guided city walk
- Ghent: tickets to Gravensteen Castle
- Ghent: tickets to St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece
- Ghent: Kayak rental
- Train tickets: Ghent to Bruges in second class
- Bruges: tickets to Halve Maan
- Bruges: tickets to Belfry
- Train tickets: Bruges to Antwerp in second class
- Antwerp: private guided city walk
- Antwerp: tickets to Chocolate Nation museum
- Antwerp: tickets to Snijders&Rockox House
- Antwerp: beer and breweries guided cycling tour
- Antwerp: tickets to Underground de Ruien
- Antwerp: tickets to Plantin-Moretus Museum
- Train tickets: Antwerp to Brussels in second class
- Brussels: private guided food tour on foot
- Brussels: small group waffle-making workshop
- Train tickets: Brussels to Leuven in second class
- Leuven: tickets to University Library
- Train tickets: Brussels to Brussels Zaventem Airport in second class
Not included in the final price
- International arrival and departure flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- City tourist taxes (to be paid on the spot)
- Anything not mentioned or cited as optional in the itinerary