Antwerp

Your knowledgable guide will lead you through the old town of Antwerp that surrounds the marketplace, consisting of gabled guild houses, cafés, the Brabo statue and Town Hall. Visit the interior and exterior of this Renaissance building, that was completed in 1564, making it one of the oldest, and probably one of the most beautiful, Renaissance buildings in the Low Countries.

Walk one block to the Vlaaikensgang ‘Pie Alley’, an alley that is typical of medieval Antwerp. From there, walk to the Groenplaats to view the statue of the famous Belgian painter, P.P. Rubens.

The next stop is Our Lady’s Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in Belgium and a major landmark of Antwerp. Inside, view some of world's greatest Rubens paintings including ‘Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent of the Cross'.

Enjoy some free time for shopping or relaxing in a café, after which your guide will lead you back to the ship.

This guided city walk will take you through the old town, passing by the Town Hall, gabled guild houses, cafés and Brabo statue. Walk through to the Vlaaikensgang, a historic alley that is typical of medieval Antwerp.

Walk one block to Our Lady’s Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral in Belgium and a major landmark of Antwerp. Inside you’ll discover some of world's greatest Rubens paintings, ‘Elevation of the Cross' and 'The Descent of The Cross'.

Continue onto the Groenplaats via the statue of the famous Belgian painter, P.P. Rubens, to the Rubens House. On his 21st birthday, Rubens was enrolled as a master at the St-Lucas Guild and in 1600 he left for Italy where he spent 8 years as court painter to the Duke of Mantua. In 1611, Rubens purchased the building on the Wapper and extended it to develop a home and studio, which had all the trappings of a palazzo. It was here that he received scores of distinguished guests and built his dazzling career. This house is now known as the Rubens’ House.

Your guided walk through the city centre of Antwerp, takes you to Our Lady’s Cathedral, an absolute masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

The ‘Kathedraal’ houses 2 extraordinary organs and you will be given a demonstration by a professional organ player. Take a seat in the Cathedral or climb the steps and gather round the organ to enjoy beautiful music played from both organs.

Your guide will escort you through the Cathedral and give you the opportunity to take a detailed look at this majestic masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Cathedral assembles various styles of the times including Renaissance, Baroque and Rococo, without ever taking on a definitive form. It harbours a marble statue of the Madonna from the 14th century and some of the wall paintings date from the 15th century. The stately devotional statue ‘Our Lady of Antwerp’ in the Mary Chapel is from the 16th century.

There is no doubt that Belgium is a country of fine beers, as it offers more than 450 varieties of brew. Belgium has a widely varying landscape and offers a range of beers with contrasting tastes and flavours. Beer is deeply rooted in culture and tradition and is more than just a drink. Belgian brewing has kept pace with technology and produces beers that correspond to consumer demand, but at the same time, maintains the traditional character and range of beers, which never fail to amaze the foreign visitor.

The De Koninck Brewery in Antwerp dates back to 1827 and is the proud home of a range of very popular beers. Here, you will see the production process and taste Belgian beer. A private expert guide will help you to understand the entire brewing process and you will have the chance to taste a fine selection of 3 Belgian beers.

On Sunday 18th June 1815, at Mont-Saint-Jean to the south of the hamlet of Waterloo, Wellington's troops initially came face to face with the French. This was the battle that brought an end to the 22 years of war of the Revolution and of the Empire. It is estimated that some 48,000 were lost in this battle, 10,000 of whom died and remained on the battlefield.

After a scenic drive through the Flemish countryside, arrive at the centre of Waterloo, located south of Brussels. In 1815, the Bodenghien Inn was a coaching house, today this building is now home to the Wellington Museum. This vast construction was chosen by the British Military as headquarters for all the army staff. The Duke of Wellington, commander-in-chief of the allied armies, stayed here on the nights of 17th and 18th June 1815.

The Lion Mound Hamlet is located at the heart of the battlefield, on the frontline where French and English troops met. From the top of the hillock, discover the entire battlefield, which has remained intact to this day. Gaze at the vast theatre that staged Napoleon’s last historical battle.

During free time, you’ll have the opportunity to walk up the Lion Mound or browse for souvenirs in the visitor shops.

Your scenic drive takes you into Brussels passing by the King Boudewijn Stadium and the Centenaire; these impressive exhibition halls were built to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Belgium.

After stopping for photographs to marvel at The Atomium statue, continue to the city centre passing the Chinese pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the Royal Castle of Laeken, which is the residence of King Albert and Queen Paola. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the St Hubert Gallery to the Rue des Bouchers.

Proceed on foot to the breathtaking Grand Place in the heart of Brussels, located in one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe. Seven streets lead into this historic market square dominated by the magnificent Town Hall and its soaring tower. A short walk away you will see the famed Manneken Pis fountain depicting a small boy.

Your return drive will pass by the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, the Cinquantenaire (Arcade made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Belgium) and the NATO building.

As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. Take a guided walk through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).You will make a short inside visit to the 13th century Our Lady’s Church, home to an array of art tresures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.

A true highlight of your tour of Bruges will be a short canal boat ride along the serene waterways of this romantic, historical city.

You’ll have time to browse independently around Bruges. The shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.

For the remainder of the afternoon you will have free time to browse independently through Bruges, exploring the charms of this delightful town at your leisure. You will have no problem finding a nice place to eat for lunch.

Ghent’s city centre is straight out of the Middle Ages. It was weavers from Ghent, joined by others from Bruges, who took up arms to defeat the French in 1302.

Your scenic 1 hour drive takes you along the highway passing the typical Flemish countryside, arriving at the medieval city of Ghent. Your guided walking tour starts at St Michael’s Bridge, where you will have the most impressive view of the historical city centre. See the Old Port with gabled guild houses, the age-old Castle of the Counts and the famous ‘row of three towers’ - St Nicolas Church, Belfry Tower and St Bavo's Cathedral.

The highlight of this excursion will be a visit to the chocolate factory. A Belgian chocolatier will show you how chocolate bars are made, using only the finest, freshest and carefully selected ingredients. There will be an opportunity to purchase delicious Belgian chocolates or enjoy some free time for shopping to find the perfect souvenir.