Tour Description
It's always 5 o'clock somewhere, so why not come enjoy the breweries of Belgium. The wide variety of beer produced in this region dates back to the age of the first crusades, long before Belgium became an independent country. You can find a beer to suit all tastes in this land. Lambic, Pilsner, White, Amber, Trappist, Abby, a Tripel ale are all beer varieties available to you on this Flemish adventure. Come experience the nearly perfected and constantly evolving beer brewing traditions that stem back over seven centuries.
Highlights
- Tour and taste at a variety of breweries
- World Heritage city, Brugge
- A selection of meals that emphasize beer
Brussels - 3 nights
Day 1: Arrive Brussels
Arriving in Brussels, you will meet your guide for an introductory tour of the city. This panoramic tour includes such sights as the Grand Palace, City Hall, the common market buildings, the Heysel with Atomium, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Japanese Pagoda, as well as the charming Sablonsquare (antiquarians) with a short stop at the lace factory. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and freshen up. This evening the group will visit a couple famous cafes and bars to drink some great beer and then continue on to dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2:
This morning travel to Beersel, home of 3 Fonteinen a traditional family owned restaurant, brewery, and gueuze blender. You will take a great tour of the small brewery, before eating a traditional Belgian meal at their fine restaurant. Of course, their fare emphasizes beer! After lunch you will tour the historic lambic brewery at Cantillon, where they still brew using spontaneous fermentation with open air fermentors - it is sight to see. You will also have a chance, of course, to taste the various beers they produce after the tour. This evening is free.
Day 3:
Today is yours to enjoy and explore Brussels.
Bouillon - 1 night
Day 4: Arrive Bouillon
Today you journey south to the Ardennes, to begin your pilgrimage to Trappist Breweries. The first stop is Abbey de Notre Dame de St. Remy in Rochefort, home of some of the world's finest ales. After some tasting, and a tour of the brewery and a bit of the abbey, you will be treated to a traditional Ardennes meal to be accompanied by Rochefort 6, 8, and 10. After lunch you continue to the lovely city of Bouillon with its impressive fortified chateau. There will be time explore the castle before dinner in your hotel.
Brugge - 3 nights
Day 5: Arrive Brugge
After breakfast this morning, you travel west to Orval to enjoy their distinctive atmosphere and wonderfully bitter golden ale. You will tour the abbey and the brewery and make a stop at the brewery-tap just down the road to see the monks enjoying their craft and taste Orval's beer and cheese. Next you travel to Chimay for a late lunch in Chimay's restaurant. Your last stop is a visit to Les Caves dupont -- the brewery bar of the quintessential farmhouse brewery - Brasserie Dupont. After some time with the locals and a tasting of their many region products, the group will travel to Brugge where you spend the next three nights.
Day 6:
This morning you will enjoy a locally guided tour of beautiful Brugge. Thought of as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe the whole city is a World Heritage site. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you can easily imagine yourself in medieval times. Suspended in time 500 years ago by the silting of its river, this 13th-century city is blessed with preserved history and idyllic charm. See age-old houses and picturesque bridges and lazy canals. Your afternoon is free to shop and try the many local delicacies such as Belgium chocolate. There are also a couple of local breweries and a brewing museum if you want more beer related activities. Tonight you will indulge in a gourmet beer meal at a local restaurant offering courses paired with fine beers.
Day 7:
Today you visit two breweries that represent the turbulent and prestigious history of Belgian brewing: Rodenbach and Liefman's. Each brewery features museum-like historical aspects which add to the distinct character that can also be seen in their beers. Enjoy a short audio visual presentation as well as a guided tour and tasting at each brewery. The evening is free to enjoy your final night in Brugge
Antwerp - 2 nights
Day 8: Arrive Antwerp
After breakfast this morning, you travel west to Orval to enjoy their distinctive atmosphere and wonderfully bitter golden ale. You will tour the abbey and the brewery and make a stop at the brewery-tap just down the road to see the monks enjoying their craft and taste Orval's beer and cheese. Next you travel to Chimay for a late lunch in Chimay's restaurant. Your last stop is a visit to Les Caves dupont -- the brewery bar of the quintessential farmhouse brewery - Brasserie Dupont. After some time with the locals and a tasting of their many region products, the group will travel to Brugge where you spend the next three nights.
Day 9:
This morning you will tour the De Koninck brewery where you will tour the old brewery and the new brewing room and then receive a pouring lesson. The afternoon is free. This evening the group will have a farewell beer dinner.
Day 10:
You will be transferred to Brussels airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
- Accommodations: Brussels 3 nights, Bouillon 1 night, Brugge 3 nights, Antwerp 2 nights
- Meals: Continental breakfast daily. Lunch and dinner as noted in itinerary
- Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
- English speaking assistants and guides
- Admission tickets as outlined in itinerary
Download the Flanders Brewery Tour pdf file.