Brussels by Eurostar including Bruges

Travel to Brussels and walking tour

Take the Eurostar from London St. Pancras direct to Brussels-Midi station.  Transfer the short distance to your hotel and after check-in meet up with a local guide for a 2 hour walking tour starting in the Grand Place where you can admire the architecture  which is full of stunning medieval buildings including the imposing Gothic City Hall.  It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1990’s.   The guide is sure to take you to meet Mannekin Pis, the little boy fountain. This amusing statue is the city’s mascot and perfectly reflects the light-hearted attitude of the locals and is dressed in a variety of costumes on special occasions.

In the evening head back to the Grand Place for an included evening meal at the Roy d’Espagne, a traditional Belgian restaurant and sample some of the local food and beer.  (The meal can be arranged for any evening during the tour but must be booked in advance).

Sightseeing, Chocolate and Beer

After breakfast, explore the city further, at leisure.  Wander through the cobbled streets or stroll through the Parc du Cinquetenaire with its impressive triumphant archway. Just a stone’s throw away from the Grande Place are the Royal Galleries, one of the oldest covered galleries in Europe, as beautiful by day as by night.

Belgium is well renowned for its beer and chocolate, so why not experience some of these products. Explore the different chocolate shops or even join a workshop to create and fill your own chocolates. Sample Belgium’s different beers at a beer tasting. There are many different varieties and flavours – you may even discover a new favourite. (Group visits and tours can be arranged).

If you want to explore Brussels further afield, such as the Atomium in Laeken we can arrange a local coach and guide for a panoramic city tour or another option is to purchase a Hop-on/Hop-off city tour bus ticket details of which can be provided. 

Bruges Sightseeing

After breakfast,  head to the railway station and board a local train which will take you to Bruges in just over an hour.  On arrival, meet up with a local guide for a short walking tour which will highlight the main attractions of the historic centre.  Grote Markt is the main square bounded by colourful, ornate and historic gable-housed buildings. The Town Hall and the fascinating Church of the Holy Blood are popular attractions and the gardens of the Beguinage provide an oasis of calm away from the busy tourist streets.

After the walking tour you can explore Bruges at your own pace – maybe take a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective and discover the many waterways that give the city the nickname of ‘Venice of the North’, or a horse and carriage ride.  There is the option to climb the 366 steps of the Belfry for a bird’s eye view of the city.  Bruges is also famous for its chocolate, beer and lace making and there are demonstrations and tastings possible.

Make the return journey to Brussels by local train.

Return to the UK

The time has come to depart from Brussels. If time allows, perhaps enjoy a final wander through the Belgian capital before heading to the station and boarding the Eurostar back to London.

Exploring Flanders – Antwerp, Ghent or Leuven

Belgium is a small country and easy to explore by train. With your hotel located next to Belgium’s largest station, why not head off and explore Flanders’ highlights, all approximately 1 hour away by train.

Perhaps take the train to Ghent which also offers canals, guild houses and cobbled streets. The port town of Antwerp boasts a stunning Grand Place and the home of the famous painter Rubens. Alternatively, perhaps head inland to Leuven, a quaint medieval university town and renowned for its beers.

Please ask for details.