Group Tour Operator for holidays to Ghent & Antwerp, Belgium
Ghent & Antwerp: Beer, Chocolate and Diamonds Group Trip
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Ghent, Belgium - Ghent Market Hall ©PT Wilding
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Graslei in Ghent ©Courtesy of VisitFlanders
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Diamond District in Antwerp ©Stad Antwerpen, Photo Jonas Roosens
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Ghent at night ©Tom D'Haenens
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Antwerpen Central Station ©www.woodmonkey.be
Flanders: the land of beer, chocolate and… dry-aged meat? Take a group city break to Ghent and Antwerp, the region’s two largest cities and experience the fairy tale sparkle firsthand.
Board a coach for your trip around two of Flanders’ most impressive cities and experience the contrasting beauty of each.
Read moreAll the beauty of Bruges, without the crowds
Grand quays lined with the cafes and warming aromas of the stunning Graslei and Korenlei provide the backdrop to your cruise through the city canals. Meander and marvel at the stunning Castle of the Count and St Bavo’s Cathedral. But beware the dutiful gaze of the regal dragon perched atop the Belfry tower, overlooking the city.
Ghent is a wonderful city to wander through. Its effortless beauty and compact size means it is simultaneously large enough to surprise without ever overwhelming. Take the opportunity to pause and sample regional specialities as we stop at a Belgian chocolatier, the city’s 15th century meat hall and a confectioners filled with delightful Belgian sweets such as the distinctive purple Cuberdon.
Diamonds and beer, the jewels of Antwerp
A little further along the River Scheldt, take a tour of Antwerp’s world famous – and nearly 200 year old – De Koninck brewery, home to some of Belgium’s most iconic beers. Surely, no trip to Flanders would be complete without Belgian beer and the opportunity to put the world to rights.
They say 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp’s Diamond Quarter each year. The city’s streets practically shimmer with precious stones. Stroll at ease through the Flemish renaissance architecture surrounding the city’s central Grote Markt, taking in the city’s cosmopolitan charm. Diamond dealers, clubs queens and history lovers alike have found home in Antwerp, there truly is something for everyone.
Ghent and Antwerp offer a fantastic glimpse into the culture and history that put Flanders, and Belgium as a whole, on the map. This tour offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the very best of Flanders.
Looking for something a little more francophone? Why not take a look at our trip to the spectacular Belgian Ardennes.
Dates
Dates throughout 2023
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Travel to Belgium via a short sea crossing from Dover – Calais, then travel to your hotel.
Day 2
Canal Cruise & Ghent’s delights!
Today we take to the canals and streets to discover Ghent. Begin with a 40 minute canal cruise followed by tea and coffee. Then, take a 2 hour walking tour around the old squares and along the streets and whilst enjoying the architecture, enjoy 3 stops in the centre for tastings of regional products. Enjoy all the sights the city has to offer such as a large and regal dragon perched atop the Belfry, which soars over the city. The magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Count and the famous Graslei area with its many canal side cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, visit the old meat hall, now housing shops and cafés and experience the wonderful aromas, or simply wander around the famous Graslei and Korenlei, a favourite with both locals and tourists.
Day 3
Antwerp Sightseeing and Beer
We start our discovery of the city with a guided tour that reveals the beautiful gabled buildings around the cobbled Grote Markt square. In the afternoon, take the tour at the De Koninck Brewery and sample one of Belgium’s delights – beer. If time permits, why not visit Antwerp’s famous Diamond Quarter to take a peek at this sparkling district.
Day 4
Travel to the UK.
Depart Belgium and make your way back to the ferry port for a short sea sailing back to the UK
Suggested hotels
Holiday Inn Gent Expo ****
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo is a 7-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, this relaxed, 6-minutes walk from Flanders Expo arena and convention centre and 6 km from Gravensteen castle museum. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, TVs, minifridges and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is a laid-back lounge bar and a gym, as well as a business centre and event space. The Holiday Inn Gent Expo has free onsite coach parking.
Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City-North ***
The Holiday Inn Express Antwerp is located in the fashionable Eilandje neighbourhood 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.
Van der Valk Gent ****
Van der Valk Hotel Ghent is located 10 minutes from the city centre and has a view on the Ghelamco Arena. In total, the hotel has 10 floors with 262 rooms. Besides meeting and event facilities, the hotel also has a fitness, a wellness and a Skybar. On the tenth floor of Van der Valk Hotel Ghent is the new Asian shared dining concept. Mr. Sato is split into a restaurant side and a cocktail side with a cosmopolitan cocktail bar, where you can enjoy the most delicious shared dishes and cocktails with panoramic views of Ghent. Onsite coach parking is available.
You may also be interested in:
The 3 B’s of Belgium – Blankenberge, Battlefields and Bruges
| Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement | |
| Dates throughout 2023 | Holiday Inn Gent Expo | From £215.00 per person | From £95.00 per person |
| 03 April 2023 | Van der Valk Gent | From £280.00 per person | From £116.00 per person |
| 24 July 2023 | Van der Valk Gent | From £315.00 per person | From £145.00 per person |
| 07 August 2023 | Van der Valk Gent | From £315.00 per person | From £145.00 per person |
Alternative hotels and prices by overnight ferry, air and by train are also available on request.
