The world’s best beer. Brussels, Ghent, Bruges

Next dates
- Departing March 17 2010 - Returning March 21 2010.
- Departing March 31 2010 - Returning April 4 2010.

ITINERARY

- Day 1

The first afternoon is dedicated to introductions and the reception of the group. Upon arrival, your guide will show you to your hotel, introduce you to the other members of the group and explain the details of the trip. Towards the end of the evening, you will have the opportunity to sample your first beer in Brussels and, if you wish, to go out for something to eat in the city’s charming old quarter.

- Day 2

The group will set off early to West Vlaandere, an area with both an extensive history and one of the country’s largest selections of beers. We will stop off en route to visit the Rodenbach brewery, where you will able to view the beer-making process and sample the only red beer manufactured in Flanders (and considered by many to be the world’s most refreshing beer).

Following this refreshing stop-over, we will continue on to Westvleteren, "the beer Mecca", where we will visit to the famous “Claustrum” in order to discover the customs and the secrets of the Trappist monks.

We will then stop off for lunch at the renowned Vrede cafe, where we will be able to enjoy cheeses, pâtés and ham produced in the Abbey and, of course, the revered Trappist Westvleteren 12º, considered by many to be “the best beer in the world”. Despite such a claim, it’s possible that you have never tasted this beer, given that it is only available on the premises.

Please note: the monks only sell their beer directly to the public within their monastery and on order. Therefore, if you would like to purchase a crate of beer, please let us know in advance so that we can process your order: this is the only way that you will be able to make your purchase. With a full stomach, we then head towards nearby Bruges, considered the Venice of the North and one of central Europe's leading tourist attractions. Upon arrival, we will visit the city’s historic centre (declared World Heritage by UNESCO) on foot, before booking into our hotel to rest. To finish this fantastic day, your guide will accompany those who choose to visit a restaurant (depending on availability, the Den Dijver – considered Belgium’s best beer—based cuisine restaurant) and go on a subsequent Pub Crawl round some of the city’s famous pubs, such as the excellent Brugs Beertje. If you prefer, you can choose instead to explore the marvellous Bruges night on your own.

- Day 3

Before leaving Bruges, we will take in a boat tour of the city's canals and, time permitting, visit one of the fabulous local confectioners.

We then set off by bus to Ghent (approx. 1h.), one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities and holder of two curious records: the Belgian city with both the largest number of historical buildings and the greatest number of pubs. Upon arrival, we will visit the old quarter’s canals, gothic churches and medieval castles, such as Saint Bavon cathedral and Gravensteen castle.

Following this tour of the city, we will go for lunch at one of Ghent's fabulous restaurants, where you will be able to savour the exquisite local dishes and beers.

Our next stop is the nearby Huyghe Brewery, a renowned family-run brewery going back to 1654 and responsible for the production of the mythical "Delirium Tremens".

Following the visit and the corresponding sampling, we will set off on our return to our hotel in Brussels. Upon arrival, those who so wish may go out to dinner with the guide and enjoy a Pub Crawl round the city's pubs.

- Day 4

Following a sight-seeing visit around Brussels’s old quarter, we will drop in for a tasting session at the famous Brassiere Cantillon, one of the last remaining traditional breweries, which has its own museum and has remained virtually unchanged since its founding in 1900.

Following lunch, we travel to nearby Heysel, where the Atomium and Mini-Europe are located.

After the day’s activities, we return to our hotel in Brussels for a rest and, those who so wish, to get ready for dinner and a Pub Crawl. Depending on availability, we will dine in the famous Spinnekopke.

- Day 5

Free day to visit Brussels and the surrounding area. We recommend visiting Beersel (where you will find Van Beersel castle and the Oud Beersel and Dry Fonteinen brassieres).

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sight-seeing in Brussels, Ghent and Bruges; Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Atomium, Gravensteen Castle, Grote Markt, etc.
• Boat trip along Bruges' canals.
• 3 sample-tasting trips to local breweries.
• The Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus Westvleteren and the Vrede Cafe.
• 4 guided Pub Crawls around some of the best pubs and fantastic local restaurants.
• Like-minded fellow travellers and a beer expert guide with whom to enjoy and share your experiences.

DETAILS

Supplements:

• 120 Euros - surcharge for single room.

Price includes:

• 1 meal in scheduled restaurants (or similar).
• Tickets, including sample-tasting, for 3 scheduled breweries (or similar).
• Scheduled sight-seeing trips and guided tours.
• Boat trip along Bruges’ canals.
• Luxury coach with expert guide.
• Accompanying guide for Pub Crawls.

Price does not include:

• Flights, travel to/from airport, drinks and meals.

Flights.

• Contact us if you would like us to reserve your flight or for information about low-cost flights from your city.

Transport from/to airport

• There are various options for travelling to and from Brussels airport (bus, train, taxi). You will be sent full details of how to reach your hotel from the airport once you have made your reservation. Additionally, we will suggest travel arrangements to and from the airport in the company of other clients in order to reduce costs.

PREVIOUS TRAVEL RESULTS

• Customers reviews
• Travel´s video

Interesting links

• Michaeljacksonthebeerhunter Also known as the Beer Hunter, Michael Jackson is the author of several influential books about beer.
• Worldofbeer Great articles about Belgian beer by Stephen Beaumont.
• belgiumking.com Interesting information about Belgian beer, breweries, restaurants and pubs.
• beerexpert.co.uk A guide to buying, making and tasting beer.
• beeradvocate.com

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