Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Antwerp - Ghent - Bruges – Brussels
100% customisable for you
Your train trip across Belgium begins at London St Pancras at the Eurostar. Once onboard, it’s just a three-and-a-half-hour journey to Antwerp via Brussels. Once you’ve settled in, head outside to explore or relax with a drink in your hotel’s impressive bar – the choice is yours. This evening, you’ll set a stylish tone for your trip with dinner at the city’s three Michelin star restaurant.
The city of Antwerp is bursting with character. On both sides of the Scheldt River, you’ll find an eclectic mix of buildings, including a medieval fortress, Gothic cathedral, Baroque churches and Art Nouveau constructions. Spend the day with a local guide who’ll use their knowledge of the city to create an itinerary completely tailored to you, whether it be a grand tour of the must-see monuments or a wander off the beaten track to discover some hidden gems.
When you’ve said farewell to your new friend, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. In the heart of the elegant Het Zuid district, don’t miss the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), which displays work by Magritte, Modigliani, Rubens and many more. We also recommend a stroll around PAKT, a former industrial site that’s been transformed into an urban oasis full of creative projects, cafés and great restaurants.
Your next stop is Ghent, just over an hour away by train, which sits at the confluence of the Lys and Scheldt. You’ll spend two nights here in a neo-Gothic-style hotel located in the very heart of the city; the perfect spot for stepping outside to explore.
Rows of colourful houses overlooking the river, cyclists winding their way through the streets, boats gliding along canals – here, you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in the Netherlands. But Ghent beats to the sound of its own drum. The city is proudly home to the Belfort van Gent, the belfry that overlooks the old city centre, along with the impressive Gravensteen Castle of the Counts. In between visiting famous buildings, wandering along cobbled streets and sipping local ale in lively squares, make sure to head to one of the city’s countless markets. Whether flower, book or flea, we’re sure you’ll find something to entice you.
All aboard to Bruges. In just twenty minutes, you’ll find yourself in a city of romantic canals, bridges and medieval façades – no wonder it’s often called the Jewel of Flanders. You’ll spend the next two nights here in a charming hotel with enviable water views.
The historic city centre of Bruges has stood the test of time, standing as a living reminder of the city’s Golden Age. Recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding universal value, Bruges enchants visitors with its cobbled streets, gabled houses and iconic landmarks. Wander from the belfry to the market square, explore the scenic Rosary Quay, and admire the towering bell tower of the Church of Our Lady. Outside the centre, you’ll find the peaceful Minnewater Park with its photogenic Lake of Love, and the large garden of the Beguinage, a monastery dating from the fifteenth century. If you like, you can even take a private boat trip on one of its canals.
Your penultimate day starts early at Bruges train station. Spend the hour journey to Brussels reading, staring out the window (the views are worth it) or going through your camera roll, reminding yourself of the adventure so far. Once in the capital, a local guide will be ready to whisk you around their favourite sights and architectural highlights, such as the baroque Grand Place and Art Nouveau classics, which are all thanks to architects such as Victor Horta and Paul Hankar. Spend your final night in Belgium in one of the city’s most opulent hotels. But before you get between its beds’ Egyptian cotton sheets, toast your holiday with an incredible meal at an award-winning restaurant. Cheers!
Before you bid farewell to Belgium this afternoon, you’ll have the morning to swing by Brussels’ historic main square and ogle at its nearby wall murals, local bars and legendary chocolate shops. After lunch, it’s back to the train station for your journey back to London.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
ENQUIRE NOWOur team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges