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7 Day Belgium Signature
Highlights: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges
Trip start: Brussels
Trip end: Bruges
* USD per person based on 2-4 people, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.

National Geographic Adventure Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth '98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'

Winner National Geographic 'Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth'
2008 & 2009

Trip Summary
Map of Itinerary
Expand [+]

Belgium is one of the gems of Europe that gets little press or publicity. Unfairly, it is a destination that may not come to mind at first (or second) when one is considering a trip to the continent. And perhaps that’s exactly as the locals would have it. Unassuming, friendly, and sophisticated without an ounce of snobbery, the Belgians live life to the fullest, surrounded by magnificent architecture spanning over millennia (Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau), enjoy incredible cuisine, all the while immersed in a wealth of culture. With a private airport transfer at both ends of your trip, and 1st class train rides from city to city, this 6 day Premium tour offers you a balance of being shown all of the highlights of Brussels, Ghent and Bruges while having enough time to explore by yourself (with some suggestions of things to do).

Day Activities Hotel
Day 1
Brussels
  • Brussels: Transfer - Private - Airport (Zaventem) - Vehicle/Driver
  • Welcome Package
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Private - 1/2 d City Tour (3hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
  • Dinner (not included)
Hilton Brussels City (4*) (B)
Day 2
Brussels
  • Shared - Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Double-decker Bus
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Hilton Brussels City (4*) (B)
Day 3
Ghent
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Brussels - Ghent [1 hr] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
  • Ghent: Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Sightseeing Tour of Ghent - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
  • Dinner (not included)
Nh Ghent Belfort (4*) (B)
Day 4
Ghent
  • Self-Guided - Town Hall
  • Self-Guided - Korenlei
  • Dinner (not included)
Nh Ghent Belfort (4*) (B)
Day 5
Bruges
  • Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Ghent - Bruges [30 mins] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
  • Bruges: Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (4hrs) - Guide
  • Lunch and Dinner at leisure - None
Die Swaene (4*) (B)
Day 6
Bruges
  • Day at leisure in Bruges - None
  • Lunch (not included)
  • Dinner (not included)
Die Swaene (4*) (B)
Day 7
Bruges - Brussels
  • Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
  • Train - Bruges - Brussels [2 hrs] - 1st Class Train Ticket
Depart (Int`l Airport) 
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive

Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.

Itinerary

Day 1 Brussels

The City of Brussels is the largest municipality and the official capital of Belgium. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Laken Castle with its large greenhouses. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. Brussels is known for its local waffle, chocolate, french fries and numerous types of beers. In addition to the regular selection of Belgian beer, the famous lambic style of beer is only brewed in and around Brussels.

Airport (Zaventem) transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy a half day private sightseeing tour of Brussels with your English speaking guide. Begin your visit with a short stroll in the old city centre. Stroll through the world-famous Grand Place with its unique city hall and splendid guild houses before continuing by vehicle to the magnificent St. Michaels Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Heizel district with the renowned Atomium, the remarkable Chinese pavilion and the Japanese tower. Drive back to the centre via the Palace of Laken. After the impressive Court of Justice and the elegant Louiza Square, drive to the stately Place Royale, the Royal Palace and the old Palace of the Nations which is now the home of Parliament. Around the corner, the heart of Europe beats: the buildings of the Commission, the Council of Ministers and the Place Royale.

Located on the Place Rogier, the Hilton Brussels City (4*) is a short walk from the Grand Place and the Bourse and across the road from the main pedestrian shopping district. Quite unique, with plenty of original pieces of furniture and artifacts, different to the usual Hilton product. With its perfect location, this property comes very highly recommended. Amenities include a fitness centre, solarium, and sauna.

Overnight at Hilton Brussels City (4*).


Brussels
Brussels
Place Royale
Place Royale
Hilton Brussels City
Hilton Brussels City
Day 2 Brussels

Visit the sites that are of personal interest to you and get around the easy way by availing of the hop-on hop-off bus goes around the city. With this hop-on hop-off tour you can get on and off at any stop an unlimited number of times for a full day's sightseeing. The coach passes all the main sights in the city, including St Michael Cathedral, the Congress Column, the Atomium, Grand Place, Palace of Justice, the Royal Museum of Art and History and the Royal Palace, so you'll be able to see as much as you like in your own time. With bus departures every 30 minutes and tickets valid for 24 hours after first use, this is the perfect way to orientate yourself with Belgium's capital.

Overnight at Hilton Brussels City (4*).


Statue of Godfrey de Bouillon
Statue of Godfrey de Bouillon
Day 3 Ghent

Ghent is located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. Much of the city's medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved. Highlights include the Saint Bavo Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, the Belfry, the Gravensteen castle, and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. The beguinages, as well as the belfry and adjacent cloth hall, were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy your train ride from Brussels to Ghent with an intercity train. The journey takes approximately one hour.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy the afternoon exploring the city of Ghent with your own English speaking Guide including a visit to St. Bavo's Cathedral, home of the world famous 'Mystic Lamb' painting, the important buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the Belfry, St Nicholas' Church and the Earl's Castle.

Situated in a traditional building, in keepting with the surrounding area, the NH Ghent Belfort (4*) is located in the heart of the the old medievel town centre, close to the cathedral and the town hall. Ammenities at this hotel include a gymnasium and a sauna well as an on-site restaurant.

Overnight at Nh Ghent Belfort (4*).


Ghent
Ghent
St. Bavo's Cathedral
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Ghent Belfort Hotel
Ghent Belfort Hotel
Day 4 Ghent

Enjoy some time at leisure today and visit the stunning Town Hall. It was built for the town and guild's representatives who met here in the 15th century. It is constructed in late-gothic and Renaissance style. The black pillars and golden ornaments make it very special.

This street on the other side of the Leie opposite to the Graslei and this whole area is beautiful to visit. Don't miss it! You can sit along the waterfront or have a drink or meal at one of the many restaurants or terrasses here.

Overnight at Nh Ghent Belfort (4*).


Town Hall of Ghent
Town Hall of Ghent
Korenlei
Korenlei
Day 5 Bruges

Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is egg-shaped and about 430 hectares in size. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire, at 122m, makes it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges also has a very fine collection of medieval and early modern art, including the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy your train journey from Ghent to Bruges. The ride takes approximately thirty minutes.

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Bruges is the most romantic city in Belgium and maybe in the whole of Europe with medieval bridges spanning meandering canals. Discover the 'Venice of the North' with your own English speaking guide as you walk through the city. Your guide will introduce you to the main sights and give you the history of the town as you stroll by the artistic wealth of the innumerable monuments, historical buildings and churches.  You will also get the chance to admire the marvelous market square, city hall, the belfry and its halls and the numerous canals and the typical God houses (late medieval-looking houses bearing a name and a year on the outside wall) which can be seen everywhere in the city. (The city centre is car free allowing for a pleasant, trafic-free walking tour). (No transportation included).

Enjoy lunch and dinner at leisure in Bruges.

Along one of Brugge's most picturesque canals you will find one of the most romantic hotels in the city. Die Swaene (4*) is an outstanding hotel with a cosy bar and a lounge that dates from the 18th century. The original paintings on the ceiling and around the doorpanneling in the property offer an insight into the city's historical past and are protected heritage. The property has a canalside restaurant which is featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant guide and offers excellent quality dishes at reasonable prices in a wonderful setting. The property features an indoor swimming pool and sauna and spa treatments are also available.

Overnight at Die Swaene (4*).


Bruges
Bruges
Jan Van Eyck statue
Jan Van Eyck statue
Die Swaene Exterior
Die Swaene Exterior
Day 6 Bruges

Enjoy the day at leisure. You may like to check out the fish market, take a stroll through the Botanical gardens, visit the Guido Museum, and take a peek inside the Jerusalem Church, all of which are worthwhile. Alternatively, you could hop in a boat and tour the city by the canal network. An absolute must is the Memling museum housed in the 12th century Hospital of St, John. Other options include a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Blood, the Town Hall, the Groeninghe Museum, and a climb up the the Belfry. Bruges is known for its quality lace - you may want to purchase some in one for the lace shops in town.

Overnight at Die Swaene (4*).


Bruges - Street scene
Bruges - Street scene
Day 7 Bruges - Brussels

Train station transfer with private vehicle and English speaking Driver.

Enjoy your train ride from Bruges to Brussels. The journey will be done with an intercity train and will take approximately 2 hours.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).



Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.