Gems of Brussels
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Grand Place, Brussels ©PT Wilding
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Atomium in Heysel Park, Brussels (7117) ©VisitBrussels - Global View - S. Schmitt ©Waterkeyn 1958
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Manneken Pis in costume ©visit.brussels, Eric Danhier
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Christmas Market on Markt and Simon Stevin Square ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan Darthet
The capital of Belgium and a city of many contrasts offering something for everyone. Brussels is at the centre of European culture with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, fascinating walks and trendy restaurants and bars. Explore the beautiful area of Laeken, Brussels’ Royal district or visit the futuristic Atomium.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Brussels
Take the short sea ferry crossing from Dover to Calais or Dunkirk and continue to Brussels for 3 nights. After check in, the rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2
Discover Brussels on foot
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour to discover the sights. Undoubtedly, the highlight is the spectacular Grande Place which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the 1990’s. Admire the architecture of the stunning medieval buildings dominated by the imposing Gothic City Hall and opulent guildhalls.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Grand Place are the Royal Galleries, one of the oldest covered galleries in Europe, as beautiful by day as by night. A key aspect of any trip to Brussels is meeting Mannekin Pis. This amusing fountain of a little boy is the city’s mascot. On special occasions the flow of water may turn to beer and he is dressed in a variety of costumes on special occasions or events.
Brussels is also well renowned for its abundance of retail establishments including souvenir, designer and chocolate shops amongst others. It is also well known for it’s gastronomy and beer. We can arrange a group visit to a local brewery including a tasting, a chocolate making demonstration or a group meal together in a local restaurant where you may like to try the local Mussels from Brussels!
Day 3
Panoramic Brussels (half-day guided tour by coach)
Accompanied by a local guide, we drive to the outskirts of the city towards Laeken to see the world famous Atomium, built for the 1958 World Fair. It is an international tourist attraction and the views from one of it’s nine spheres are superb. Each sphere represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times and are accessed by lift or elevator. There will be some time to admire the exterior of the structure and take some photographs. (Entrance optional and cost not included). Only a short walk away is Mini-Europe where you can see all of Europe’s wonders in miniature. (Entrance optional and cost not included).
On the tour other attractions and sights may include the Castle of Schonenberg in Laeken, the Koekelberg Basilica, one of the largest art-deco churches in the world, the triumphal Cinquantinaire arch, which marks the entrance to a magnificent park with gardens, monuments, sculptures and museums, the European Quarter, and the Palace of Justice.
Back in the city centre, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore further.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais or Dunkirk for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day
Bruges, Antwerp or Ghent
Why not explore Belgium further with a day trip to one of the above, all easily accessible from Brussels. We can provide information, suggested excursions, visits and guide services if required.
Suggested hotels:
4* NH Collection Brussels Centre
Located within 800 meters of the Grand Place and the Manneken Pis Statue and a 12-minute walk from Brussels Central Train Station, the NH Collection Brussels Centre hotel offers a top-floor breakfast room and a summer roof-top terrace (Open in July and August) with a panoramic view of Brussels. Free WiFi is available. The air-conditioned rooms are decorated and furnished with parquet floors and blackout curtains. The rooms also include tea and coffee facilities.
4* Thon EU Hotel, Brussels****
On site coach parking
3* Bedford Hotel, Brussels***
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single supplement |
On request |
Price on request | Price on request |
