Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Belgium by Train
Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Brussels

Antwerp - Ghent - Bruges – Brussels

Starting from between £1,650 to £2,350 per person for 8 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • See Ghent from its charming canal side on a peaceful boat journey
  • Explore Antwerp and Brussels with private local guides
  • Wine and dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant
All aboard for incredible architecture, beautiful views and non-stop culture. This eight-day trip to Belgium by train takes you to Antwerp, Ghent and Bruges – three fascinating cities with their own personalities – before arriving in the capital for one last night of magic. In Antwerp, we’ve planned a tour with a local guide to help you adjust to the rhythm of Belgian city life, along with dinner at a three Michelin star restaurant. Then, it’s on to Ghent, home of canals lined with colourful buildings, show-stopping architecture and cobbled streets leading to cheerful market squares. Bruges is the trip’s medieval interlude, complete with a UNESCO-listed historic centre, Gothic buildings and swans gliding along the canals. Your final stop is Brussels, where you’ll see the architectural highlights, including the Grand Place, Royal Quarter and countless Art Nouveau buildings, with a knowledgeable private guide leading the way. And to ensure you end your trip in style, your Concierge will bag you a table at one of the city’s best restaurants for your final evening.
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Grande place - Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Grande place - Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Grande Place - Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés
Grande Place - Brussels - Belgium © Droits reservés

Itinerary

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.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

BOAT TRIP ON THE CANALS OF BRUGES

Bruges is a city of water, and there’s nothing quite like taking in the view from its many canals. Your boat will glide along the quays between traditional houses, and duck underneath historic bridges. This is a wonderful way to get a different perspective as you learn more about the city from your guide.


THE SECRETS OF BELGIAN CHOCOLATE

This gourmet walking tour combines some of the most beautiful places in the Belgian capital with its most incredible flavours. Led by a private guide, it begins in the impressive Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries, where you’ll get a summary of local history and culture, along with your first sample. Once acquainted with the basics, it’s time for a sensory analysis and a sample of Belgium’s most superior chocolate.

Why visit Belgium with Original Travel

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 NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Belgium

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £1,650 to £2,350 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £1,900 per person.

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