Group Tour Operator for holidays to Ghent & Antwerp, Belgium
Ghent & Antwerp: Beer, Chocolate and Diamonds
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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
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 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.
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.
A little further along the River Scheldt is Antwerp. Here we take a tour of city’s world famous – and nearly 200 year old – De Koninck brewery, home to some of Belgium’s most iconic beers. They say 85% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through Antwerp’s Diamond Quarter each year. Stroll at ease through the Flemish renaissance architecture surrounding the city’s central Grote Markt, taking in the city’s cosmopolitan charm.
Dates
Dates throughout 2025 and 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Drive to Dover and take athe short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Continue through France and over the border into Belgium and on to Ghent or Antwerp for the next 3 nights. After check-in the rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
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.
Return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Antwerp Sightseeing and Beer
We start our discovery of the city with a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the beautiful gabled buildings around the cobbled Grote Markt square, China Town and the magnificent Central Station. The Cathedral of our Lady, the tallest Gothic building in the Low Countries, houses many of Ruben’s paintings. 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 or wander around the port and harbour area with it’s huge docks.
Return to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Travel to the UK.
Depart Belgium and make your way back to the ferry port of Calais for the short sea crossing 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.
This tour can be based in either Ghent or Antwerp and follow the same itinerary.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights |
| 2025 and 2026 | Price on request |
Single supplement available on request
