Belgium Signature
7 Days
Contact us for pricing
Highlights:
Belgium
(Brussels, Ghent, Bruges)
Trip Start/End:
Brussels
/
Brussels
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).
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Brussels
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (Zaventem) - Vehicle/Driver
- Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Private - 1/2 Day City Tour (3hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Hilton Brussels City (4*) Standard (Mon-Wed) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Brussels
| - Shared - Hop-on Hop-off Tour - Double-decker Bus
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Hilton Brussels City (4*) Standard (Mon-Wed) (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Brussels - Ghent
| - Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Brussels - Ghent [1 hr] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Sightseeing Tour of Ghent - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| NH Ghent Belfort (4*) Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Ghent
| - Self-Guided - Town Hall
- Self-Guided - Korenlei
- Dinner (not included)
| NH Ghent Belfort (4*) Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Ghent - Bruges
| - Transfer - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Train - Ghent - Bruges [30 mins] - 2nd Class Train Ticket
- Transfer - Private - Train Station - Vehicle/Driver
- Private - 1/2 d Walking Tour (4hrs) - Guide
- Lunch and Dinner at leisure - None
| Die Swaene (4*) Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Bruges
| - Day at leisure in Bruges - None
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Die Swaene (4*) Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Bruges
| - 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 Itinerary
Brussels
Hilton Brussels City Hotel
Day 1: 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.
Accommodation: Hilton Brussels City (4*) Situated in the center of downtown Brussels, within yards of Gare du Nord station and in close proximity to the Rue Neuve shopping district and the World Trade Center, the Hilton Brussels City Hotel (4*) is the ideal place to stay when you are visiting Belgium’s capital. All the facilities are in place to allow you to remain productive during your stay.
Statue of Godfrey de Bouillon
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.
Accommodation: Hilton Brussels City (4*)
Ghent
NH Ghent Belfort Hotel
Day 3: Brussels - Ghent
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.
Accommodation: NH Ghent Belfort (4*) Within this charming medieval city, standing in the shadow of the Town Hall, the NH Ghent Belfort Hotel (4*) waits for you to discover the riches it has to offer. The 174 room hotel maintains the ideal proximity to a wide range of architectural highlights and recreational delights for you to enjoy. Begin your day with breakfast at Restaurant De Drake then journey to nearby Belfry tower, St Baafssquare, Gravensteen Castle, Korenmarkt, Designmuseum, or picturesque Graslei harbor—just some of the area attractions within walking distance to the NH Gent Belfort hotel.
Town Hall of Ghent
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.
Accommodation: NH Ghent Belfort (4*)
Bruges
Hotel Die Swaene
Day 5: Ghent - Bruges
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.
Accommodation: Die Swaene (4*) Hotel Die Swaene (4*) overlooks one the most picturesque canals of Bruges. It is considered one of the most romantic hotels in Europe. The rooms are elegantly furnised and all uniquely decorated. The hotel's public areas have an atmosphere of times past. A magnificent new wing, the Canal House, which has been inaugurated, has eight rooms and two suites. The sunny terrace provides spectacular views of the canals and water activities. Die Swaene has everything you need to make your visit unforgettable.
Bruges - Street scene
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.
Accommodation: Die Swaene (4*) Day 7: Bruges
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.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
Hilton Brussels City Hotel
Hilton Brussels City (4*) - Brussels
Situated in the center of downtown Brussels, within yards of Gare du Nord station and in close proximity to the Rue Neuve shopping district and the World Trade Center, the Hilton Brussels City Hotel (4*) is the ideal place to stay when you are visiting Belgium’s capital. All the facilities are in place to allow you to remain productive during your stay.
NH Ghent Belfort Hotel
NH Ghent Belfort (4*) - Ghent
Within this charming medieval city, standing in the shadow of the Town Hall, the NH Ghent Belfort Hotel (4*) waits for you to discover the riches it has to offer. The 174 room hotel maintains the ideal proximity to a wide range of architectural highlights and recreational delights for you to enjoy. Begin your day with breakfast at Restaurant De Drake then journey to nearby Belfry tower, St Baafssquare, Gravensteen Castle, Korenmarkt, Designmuseum, or picturesque Graslei harbor—just some of the area attractions within walking distance to the NH Gent Belfort hotel.
Hotel Die Swaene
Die Swaene (4*) - Bruges
Hotel Die Swaene (4*) overlooks one the most picturesque canals of Bruges. It is considered one of the most romantic hotels in Europe. The rooms are elegantly furnised and all uniquely decorated. The hotel's public areas have an atmosphere of times past. A magnificent new wing, the Canal House, which has been inaugurated, has eight rooms and two suites. The sunny terrace provides spectacular views of the canals and water activities. Die Swaene has everything you need to make your visit unforgettable.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Belgium
VISA/PASSPORT
Belgium is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Belgium for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/belgium.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Brussels.
Government: Constitutional monarchy. The Kingdom of Belgium was established in 1830. In 1993, Belgium became a federal state comprising three autonomous regions.
Language: The official languages are Dutch, French and German. English is widely spoken in the Flemish region.
Religion: Mainly Roman Catholic (75%), with small Protestant and Jewish communities.
Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are of the round two-pin type.
Telephone: Country code +32.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.
Internet: Internet cafes are widely available throughout the country.
What's Included:
- 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
What's not Included:
- 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 $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 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 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- 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.
- 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.
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