A Tale of Two Cities, Classic Cars and a Castle – Belgian Ardennes – NEW TOUR
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Chateau de Beloeil ©WBT, JP Remy
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Mons Memorial Museum ©Ph Maree
A unique trip combining two of Belgium’s oldest cities with big stories to tell. Step back in history to experience bygone times, museums, grand buildings, ancient churches, castles, cobbled alleyways and the Great War. A cultural experience with a warm welcome, traditional food, famous beers and local flavours.
The Belgian Ardennes are in a region called Wallonia which is located in Southern Belgium only a few hours drive from the French ports. The region offers a mix of natural landscapes and forests, beautiful towns and cities, history and traditions and, of course, great cuisine!
Dates
On request 2026 and 2027
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Make your way through France and into Belgium and on to your hotel in the Ardennes area for the next 3 nights. After check-in there will be time to relax before enjoying dinner together.
Day 2
City of Mons and Belœil Castle
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of Mons, a small city with a big history. Starting at the Grand Place, this large cobbled-stone square is dotted with a hop-scotch mix of architectural styles and continuing to the UNESCO listed 17th century baroque Belfry where a panoramic lift will take you to the top to offer extensive views of the town and the Collegiate Church St. Waltrude, a masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture that houses treasures such as the Golden Coach. The tour will finish at the Mons Memorial Museum with time to reflect on life during the last two world wars with a vast permanent exhibition highlighting the military history of the Mons region.
After some free time for lunch, continue to the Château de Belœil , a former fortress, which is surrounded by moats and symmetrical French-styled gardens giving it the name ‘The Versailles of Belgium’. The castle has remained in the same family since the 14th century and its opulent interiors display period furniture, exquisite tapestries and family portraits and the library is one of the highlights with its vast collection. Outside, explore the gardens, reflective pools and tree-lined avenues. One notable feature is the “Rieu d’Amour,” a romantic waterway adorned with 18th-century Greek columns, adding a touch of whimsy to the formal landscape.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
City of Tournai, Classic Cars and ‘Bush Beer’
Tournai was founded by the Romans, once ruled by King Henry VIII and is one of the oldest cities in Belgium. On an excursion through the city by tourist train travel through 2000 years of history, see the impressive and unique 5-spired Cathedral of Notre-Dame with it’s rose window, the Grand Place which is lined with bars and restaurants and dominated by a UNESCO-listed 12th century belfry and marvel at the Romanes St. Quentin’s Church and the medieval, fully restored Red Fort tower.
After the tour there will be free time to explore and get some lunch before visiting the Mahymobiles Motor Museum run by the Mahy family who have been collecting cars since 1944 and now have a collection of over 1000 veteran, vintage and classic vehicles of which 300 are on display over 6 galleries. These include, cars, bikes, fire-engines, buses and much more. For young and old alike, this is a truly fascinating experience. There is an on-site cafe, store and antique shop and free coach parking.
Before returning to the hotel, maybe make an optional stop at the **Dubuisson Brewery for a tour of the brewery and a beer tasting in the Troll and Bush Brewery Pub. They are famous for their strong ‘Bush Beers’ which are ranked amongst the strongest in alcohol in Belgium. Group dinners can also be arranged in their restaurant (please ask for details).
**Group visits/tours may need to be booked in advance – please ask for details
Day 4
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and travel to Calais or Dunkerque and take the ferry across to the UK, and home.
Optional extra (s)
Amaryllis Festival, Beloeil Castle (Springtime)
Why not coincide your tour with a visit to the Amaryllis Festival which is held at Beloeil Castle during the Spring. Each year the Princes de Ligne hosts this exhibition. Artists take more than 5000 flowers and create stunning designs which are displayed throughout the corridors and rooms of the castle. It is a true sight for the senses!
Mons Military Weekend -‘ TANKS IN TOWN’ (September)
Why not coincide this tour with the Tanks in Town event in Mons in September every year. To commemorate the liberation of Mons during WW2, the town hosts a superb collection of ‘Tanks in Town’. This event features a host of armoured vehicles. Shermans, Chaffees, Pershings, Tank Destroyers, Half Tracks and a host of jeeps and trucks parade through the streets culminating on the Sunday as they peacefully invade the city centre and take over the main square. Throughout the weekend there are events in the nearby fields surrounding Mons including a period camp, military flea market and a parade.
Suggested hotels – Visited by Greatdays Staff in 2025
4* Martin’s Dream Hotel, Mons
Centrally located, 5 minutes walk from the Grand Place. Contemporary decor in a converted 19th century church. Brasserie restaurant, bar, terrace and lift. Coach parking 200 metres.
4* Horizon Hotel, Arh-Lessines
A family run hotel with a warm welcome, located in a quiet location with easy access to the motorway. 58 modern bedrooms, bar, terrace, restaurant and free on-site coach parking. ALWAYS GREAT VALUE!
4 and 5 night tour options available – please ask for details
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 2026 | Price on request | Price on request |
| 2027 | Price on request | Price on request |
