The Beauties of Flanders

Like gemstones, magnificent cities are closely packed together in Flanders. The cultural heritage of the country is reflected not only in the numerous museums but also in the many splendid castles and fortresses, churches and monasteries, abbeys and beguinages, as well as the magnificent marketplaces with their imposing belfries. Many of these are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, Brussels will showcase a world-famous event in 2026, the Flower Carpet. Every 2 years, the Grand Place is transformed into a massive floral artwork.

Day 1 | Arrival in Antwerp –

First Encounter

Departure in the morning and drive to Antwerp. Here, you will be welcomed for a guided city tour. You will be impressed by the over a thousand-year-old architecture. The richly decorated town hall at the Grote Markt, the fine Rococo of the patrician houses, and the medieval Castle Steen stand side by side with buildings of various Neo-styles, from Art Nouveau to daring modern architecture. In the majestically Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady, you will see two of Rubens' most important works. Afterwards, you will be warmly welcomed at the hotel. Room allocation and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 | Ghent

Drive to Ghent. Here, art, history, and enjoyment blend into an exciting unity. The capital of East Flanders will captivate you from the first stroll through its cobblestone streets. After the guided city tour, the rest of the day in Ghent is at your leisure, and you have the opportunity to explore this vibrant city with its countless canals. Perhaps you will also visit the impressive St. Bavo's Cathedral and admire the Ghent Altarpiece and the heavenly glow of the work “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the van Eyck brothers (entrance fee). Return to Antwerp and individual evening arrangements.

Day 3 | Hanseatic City of Bruges

After breakfast, you will travel to the Hanseatic city of Bruges. You will experience Bruges almost as if in a Sleeping Beauty slumber. To this day, it has lost none of its medieval charm, which it once gained as a wealthy trading city. The completely preserved old town with its narrow, winding streets and meandering canals, the idyllic Beguinage, and the dreamy Minnewater will enchant you. In 2000, UNESCO declared the entire city center a World Heritage Site. After the city tour, you will discover Bruges from the water during a leisurely canal cruise. The afternoon is at your leisure. Return to Antwerp and individual evening arrangements.

Day 4 | Brussels – Royal Greenhouses (April 26, 2026) – Flower Carpet (August 15, 2026)

Today you will travel to the Belgian capital, the heart of Europe. Experience Brussels with an experienced guide. Discover the Atomium and Manneken Pis as well as other sights.

April 26, 2026: In the afternoon, drive to the Royal Greenhouses in Laeken. For over 100 years, the royal greenhouses in Laeken, north of Brussels, have opened their gates once a year for a few weeks. An almost one-kilometer-long walk leads through glass galleries and pavilions with numerous palm giants, flower carpets, and exotic plants.

August 15, 2026: Afterwards, you have free time to admire the beautiful flower carpet on the Grand Place. On about 1,800 square meters, Belgian gardening specialists combine approximately 800,000 begonias into a magnificent floral artwork.

Return to Antwerp and individual evening arrangements.

Day 5 | Liège and Departure

The return journey takes you through the city of Liège, known for its legendary waffles. On the guided city tour, you will experience its sights and fascinating history. In the afternoon, you will begin your journey home.

• Travel by modern coach
• 4x overnight stays including breakfast buffet at the 4-star Lindner Hotel Antwerp in
  Antwerp (local category)
• 1x dinner as a 3-course menu at the hotel including water and bread
• City tour in Antwerp
• Admission to the Cathedral of Our Lady Antwerp
• City tour in Ghent
• City tour in Bruges
• Canal cruise in Bruges
• Combined city tour/walk in
  Brussels
• Admission to the Royal Greenhouses in
  Laeken (travel date April)
• Admission to the Brussels Town Hall balcony
  (travel date August)
• City tour in Liège
• Continuous BOHR travel accompaniment
• Audio guides for the entire duration of the trip
• City tax

In the heart of Antwerp, you will enjoy a pleasant stay in 173 non-smoking rooms and suites. All rooms are equipped with a shower, toilet, hairdryer, TV, air conditioning, minibar, and safe. The restaurant ARivé offers regional, national, and international cuisine. The 360° Three-Sixty Lounge & Bar serves selected snacks and spirits. Additionally, a small wellness area with a sauna and fitness center awaits you, offering a wonderful view of the city.

Royal Greenhouses: 26.04.2026

Flower Carpet – only every 2 years:
15.08.2026