Group tour operator for holidays to Belgium
The Bluebells of Belgium
See the Bluebells of the Hallerbos forest and enjoy a brewery tour in Brussels
Just a short way outside of Brussels, an iconic, bustling centre of culture, is an enchanting forest. A sea of blue washes across the Hallerbos forest each spring, as the bluebells burst into bloom. The timing of the blooms can be a little bit unpredictable. This fleeting spectacle of nature is present for just a few weeks each April. It’s well worth a visit to catch a glimpse of the forest bathed in violet. There are plenty of paths to follow for a tranquil stroll amidst the bluebells. Then, explore the grounds of the stunning Château de La Hulpe, set in 220 hectares abundant with flowers. Although the castle itself is not open to the public, the gardens cover a vast area and there’s plenty to explore.
Discover the Treasures of Brussels
These beautiful wonders are just outside of Brussels, a fantastic, fascinating city. Take in the wonderful architecture in the Grand Place, taste authentic Belgian chocolates and indulge in local beers, which come in a variety of assortments and flavours. In addition to the wonderful old buildings, there’s some brilliant modern architecture to be enjoyed, namely the Atomium. This distinctive science-themed build housed a museum as well as a viewpoint over Brussels. It’s also just next door to Miniature Europe, an attraction which reproduces the highlights of Europe in miniature, enabling visitors to see countless iconic landmarks in a day!
Why not visit Brussels by Eurostar and enjoy a relaxing convenient way to see the Belgian capital.
Dates
April 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Arrive in Brussels
Travel to Dover for your ferry crossing to Calais. From there, continue through France into Belgium. Arrive in Brussels and if time permits, take this opportunity to explore a bit of the city.
Day 2
Brussels
Welcome to Brussels, the capital of Belgium, a centre of European culture with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, fascinating walks and trendy restaurants and bars. Best known for being the home of many European institutions, the Belgian capital of Brussels has an Old Town full of architectural wonders. During your trip, visit the majestic Grand Place, one of the most magnificent city squares in the world. Admire the opulent guild houses which line the square. Once you’ve taken in these architectural beauties, the next must-see is Mannekin Pis. This amusing statue of a little boy has a vast wardrobe of costumes. Why not pass by a couple of time during your visit to try and spot different outfits? Although small, he draws a big crowd and this quirky little attractions show that the Belgians don’t take themselves too seriously!
Day 3
Bluebells and Chateau de la Hulpe
Begin your day by flocking to the forest, just outside Brussels, to witness a breathtaking natural spectacle. Here, you can witness the Hallerbos bluebells transform the green landscape into a sea of blue. As you pass through the forest your senses will tingle as a sweet aroma will waft towards you, long before you see the first bluebell.
As well as this, you will spend the afternoon travelling to visit one of Belgium’s great showcases, the Château de La Hulpe in the region of Domain Solvay. Located 12 km south-east of Brussels, this region is known for its great woodland area that once stretched from the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Germany to the North Sea. Thousands of people visit Domain Solvay each year, picnicking on the grass or admiring the Château de La Hulpe. Yet much of the 220 hectares of the grounds remains unvisited, so take this time to explore the area and you may see the wild flowers along the edge of the lake, lily of the valley, wood anemone, bugle, wild sage, marsh marigold, self-heal, ground ivy and dog violet.
Return to Brussels, where we will enjoy a beer tasting. Learn all about the beers you sample and, with so many varieties and flavours, you may even discover a new favourite.
Day 4
Depart
Today it’s time to return home. If time permits, enjoy some final sightseeing in Brussels before retracing your steps to Calais for a return ferry crossing back to the UK.
Suggested Hotels
Hotel Expo Brussels ***
Hotel Expo offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen cable TV in the north of Brussels, a 5-minute walk from Roi Baudouin metro station. A fitness room is available free of charge. The rooms have a work desk plus tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom with a shower. The Atomium is only a 10 minute walk away.
Ibis Brussels City Centre ***
Ibis Brussels City Centre is located in the city centre of Brussels, just around the corner from the Grand Place, the famous Manneken Pis, museums and popular shopping areas. The hotel offers free WiFi, air conditioning and a bar. The air conditioned rooms all have desks, telephones, flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms with hairdryers.
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4 days / 3 nights | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
April 2024 | Price on request | Price on request |
Please note: The bloom of the bluebells depends on nature’s timing and cannot be guaranteed.