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, Belgium’s second largest city
Known as the “City of Diamonds” and Europe’s second largest seaport, Antwerp was also home to the Flemish painter Rubens. Many sights around the city feature his works and you can also visit his home. Now a museum about the artist, it boasts a large collection and fascinating temporary exhibitions.
Antwerp is also all about fashion, and has one of the world’s leading fashion academies and the internationally renowned Fashion Museum.
Dates
2024 and 2025
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Antwerp
Take the short sea crossing from Dover to Calais and continue into Belgium and on to Antwerp for 3 nights.
Day 2
Sightseeing, 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.
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
Diamonds and Free time
Find out more about the famous diamond production on a visit to Diamondland, a free to enter attraction. See exclusive collections and learn about valuation and the 4 Cs. Furthermore, you can also watch the diamond polishers and goldsmiths at work. In the Diamond Quarter there are many shops selling the precious stones.
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 this wonderful attractions, a stroll around the city is 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.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Suggested hotels:
Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City-North ***
The Holiday Inn Express Antwerp is located in the fashionable Eilandje neighborhood and is 2 km from both the Antwerp-Central train station and the Meir shopping street. The modern rooms feature flat-screens, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffeemakers. There is a lounge area, a self-service snack bar and a 24-hour bar with marina views.
Ramada Plaza Antwerp ****
The Ramada Plaza Antwerp is a modern hotel conveniently located in the heart of the business district and just a ten minutes drive (2km) from the historic city centre. The tram stops just in front of our hotel and journey time to the city centre is just 10 minutes. The hotel offers 210 en-suite bedrooms and 1000m² conference space, divided over 13 multifunctional meeting rooms for events up to 500 people. Sample international gourmet-style cuisine in Hugo’s Restaurant or snacks and great range of Belgian beers and whiskey’s in Gozo Bar. In warmer months sit out on the terrace and enjoy the view of Hertoghe Park.
Ibis Antwerpen Centrum ***
The modern Ibis Antwerpen Centrum is located 250 yards from the Meir Shopping District and about 15 minutes walk from Antwerp Central Station. The air conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and work desks. Amenities include a 24-hour bar serving snacks and drinks, lift, safe and 24-hour front desk.
Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen ***
The Leonardo Hotel Antwerpen is situated opposite the Antwerpen-Centraal railway station. It is a 7-minute walk from the shops of the Meir and 12 minutes’ walk from ZOO Antwerp. The modern rooms contain flat-screen TVs, minifridges and desks. There is a casual bar and a lounge, lift and business centre.
Van der Valk Antwerpen ****
The Van der Valk Antwerpen is located about 10 minutes drive from Deurne Airport and Antwerp’s city centre. The air-conditioned rooms contain a desk and TV and the bathrooms include a bath or shower and free toiletries. The restaurant has a terrace and serves international and local dishes and there is a bar serving drinks. Other facilities include a gym, swimming pool and sauna.
See more of Belgium:
| 4 days | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| 2024 and 2025 | Price on request | Price on request |
