Antwerp: The City of Diamonds
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Diamond District in Antwerp ©Stad Antwerpen, Photo Jonas Roosens
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Grote Markt - Central Square of Antwerp ©SigridSpinnox.com
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Antwerpen Central Station ©www.woodmonkey.be
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MAS Museum de Stroom in Antwerp ©Gianni Camilleri www.woodmonkey.be , Neutelings Riedijk Architecten
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De Koninck - Antwerp City Brewery ©De Koninck, Stillmation.photography
Antwerp is Belgium’s second-biggest city boasting a lovely historic city centre and is well-known across the world for its fashion sector, it’s port which is Europe’s second-biggest, and is the “world’s premier diamond metropolis,” with more than 70% of all diamonds traded there. Also on offer are world class museums, beautiful architecture and great food and drink.
Dates
On request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Antwerp
Take the short sea crossing from Dover to Calais or Dunkerque and continue into Belgium and on to Antwerp for 3 nights. After check-in at the hotel and relax before dinner this evening.
Day 2
City Tour, Cruise and Port Tour
Discover the city of Antwerp with a guided tour that reveals the beautiful gabled buildings around the cobbled Grote Markt square and China Town. See the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, the tallest Gothic building in the Low Countries which houses many of Ruben’s paintings. The tour also includes a visit to the magnificent Central Station widely regarded as the finest example of railway architecture in Belgium, likened to the interior of a cathedral, and which became a protected monument in 1975.
After the tour and time to get some lunch, discover the port of Antwerp and its huge docks from the water on a round trip cruise on the Scheldt. Sail past famous landmarks to the heart of the seaport and see impressive container ships in their docks.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Antwerp further.
Day 3
Diamond Museum and Antwerp at Leisure
On a guided tour of the DIVA Museum marvel at the beauty of diamonds, jewellery and silver and discover the different stages of a piece of jewellery or silverware, from the mine to the finished product. See how diamonds are mined, how silversmiths work, and learn more about the art and uses of these beautiful objects with the option to make some purchases at the on-site shop. After the visit, you will be able to explore more of the city at leisure.
For beer lovers why not visit the De Koninck Brewery and sample one of Belgium’s delights – beer. Those with an interest in art may prefer to visit Ruben’s house where he painted most of his masterpieces. One of the more recent attractions is the MAS Museum where you can discover the history of Antwerp and from where you can also get great views of the city from the 10th floor!
In addition to these wonderful attractions, a stroll around the city is easy and remarkable in itself. The old town features charming gabled buildings and a beautiful Gothic cathedral. During the weekend, Antwerp’s famous markets take place so be sure to stop by and browse the stalls. It is also a shopaholic’s paradise from souvenir shops to high-end designer shops.
(Note: The DIVA Museum is closed on Wednesdays. Guided tours available.)
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais or Dunkerque for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Suggested hotels
Hotel Mercure Antwerp City South ****
Adjacent to Hertoghe Park, this upscale hotel in the business district is a 6-minute walk from the deSingel International Arts Centre and 3 minutes away on foot from the nearest tram stop. Warmly furnished rooms provide Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, in addition to minifridges, tea and coffeemaking facilities, and safes. Room service is available. There’s a restaurant/bar, and a terrace with park views. Other amenities include a gym, a sauna and on-site coach parking.
Maek Hotel Antwerp Central (Handwritten Collection)****
One of the most ideally located hotels in Antwerp, an artistic oasis in the city centre near the train station and the Antwerp Zoo. An 11-minute walk will bring you into the creative atmosphere of the Rubens House, with works by the great painter. The MoMu Fashion Museum and the Gothic-inspired Cathedral of Our Lady with its characteristic spire are both about a 20-minute walk away.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 2026 and 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
