Culinary Tour of Flanders - 5 Days
Highlights
- Tour the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world
- Eat your way through Antwerp on a foodie walking tour
- Take a guided beer walk through Ghent's charming historic center
- Explore Ghent, then follow a map to the best food and drink venues
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Antwerp, Chocolate Nation Antwerp | Antwerp |
| Day 2 | De Koninck Brewery Tour or Brunch, Antwerp Food Tour | Antwerp |
| Day 3 | Transfer to Ghent, Historic Beer Walk & Brouwbar Microbrewery | Ghent |
| Day 4 | Explore Ghent with a CityCard, Culinary Walking Tour | Ghent |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Brussels & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Transfer to Antwerp, Chocolate Nation Antwerp
Welcome to Belgium! On arrival at Brussels Airport, you'll catch a direct train to Antwerpen-Centraal, Antwerp's main railway station. Trains from the airport make the 30-minute ride every half hour. When you arrive in Antwerp, you will find yourself in the middle of a major landmark. Antwerpen-Centraal is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Constructed between 1895 and 1905, the grand station is known for its soaring dome, magnificent interiors, and its elaborate facade, and eclectic architectural style. From the railway station, you can either walk or take a taxi to your hotel.
The highlight of your first day is a visit to Belgium's (and the world's) largest chocolate museum—Chocolate Nation Antwerp. Through multimedia displays and a lively audio tour, you'll have the chance to learn about how chocolate is produced and why Belgium is such a renowned producer. And, of course, you'll sample some delicious, sweet creations at the end of the tour. The museum is right in front of the central railway station, and the activity lasts around 90 minutes.
Day 2: De Koninck Brewery Tour or Brunch, Antwerp Food Tour
No culinary-themed visit to Antwerp is complete without a tour and beer tasting at De Koninck Brewery, the city's largest and most famous brewery. The interactive tour, complete with an English-language audio guide, includes a visit to the brewing hall, a chance to test your beer-pouring skills, and, of course, some beer samples. If you visit the brewery on a Sunday, be sure to book the Artisanal Beer Brunch, which features a richly set table with products from local artisan purveyors. There's also live music at this festive event. Whichever experience you try, be sure to book ahead of time.
Later in the day, you'll get to know Antwerp's cuisine on a guided walking food tour. Antwerp is a harbor city, so the local cuisine is not only Belgian but has international influences too. Your tour includes a stop at a classic Belgian bakery, where you'll try Belgian frieten (fries), chocolate, and waffles slathered in toppings like chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream or powdered sugar. The tour ends near one of the city's foodie hotspots, so you can continue sampling on your own.
Day 3: Transfer to Ghent, Historic Beer Walk & Brouwbar Microbrewery
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
From Antwerpen Centraal, catch a morning train to the historic port city of Ghent. After you've settled into your Ghent hotel, make your way to the historic center, which has as its focal point the mighty Ghent Belfry. If you opted to purchase a museum pass for your trip to Ghent, it includes free access to the city's bus and tram network.
Later on, a historic beer walk through Ghent explores Ghent's history in the context of the relationship between beer brewing, churches, abbeys, and monasteries. With your professional beer guide, you'll enjoy a three-hour walk through the city center, stopping at five remarkable tasting locations where you will be able to sample interesting beers and learn about the rich history of each setting. Not a beer drinker? No worries. Participants who don't drink beer can still enjoy Ghent's fascinating brewing history while sipping soft drinks. The walk starts and ends at Sint-Jorishof, opposite Ghent Town Hall.
Day 4: Explore Ghent with a CityCard, Culinary Walking Tour
With your Ghent CityCard in hand, you'll be able to visit Ghent's many fascinating monuments and museums today, including Gravensteen, the moated medieval castle located right in the city center. Discover the magnificent interior of Saint Bavo's Cathedral, where you can admire the majestic Ghent Altarpiece, a famous set of monumental paintings from 1432 by Renaissance painters Hubert and Jan van Eyck.
Later, armed with a list of recommendations (plus a map, so you know where to find them), set off to discover the best of Ghent's gastronomic delights on a self-guided culinary walking tour. Stop for a bite or settle in for a drink whenever and wherever you please, experiencing this laidback city at your own pace. Highlights include old-fashioned spice purveyor Tierenteyn-Verlent, vintage confectioner Confiserie Temmerman, and the canalside gin bar 't Dreupelkot. For a lunch that's all about celebrating local produce, try Ooost, a marketplace and restaurant that only works with regional suppliers.
Day 5: Transfer to Brussels, Depart
It's time to say tot ziens (that's Flemish for "goodbye") to Flanders. Head back to Gent-Sint-Pieters Station to catch the train to Brussels Airport (Zaventem) and your onward journey. Direct trains depart every 15 minutes and take a little less than an hour. Safe travels!
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