Antwerp

Day Trips

Depart Amsterdam and journey to Bruges to see the UNESCO World Heritage monuments with an English-speaking guide. Get an introduction to the history of Belgium as you visit attractions such as the "Lake of Love" (Minnewater) and 13th-century Begijnhof. Learn more about the beers of Belgium and admire the brick tower of the Church of Our Lady. Explore the charming area around the Dyver canal, and then stroll the cobbled square of Walplein. Wander the narrow lanes of the Stoofstraat and discover the Gruuthuse Palace, Burg Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood. End in the Grote Markt and get 3 hours of free time for lunch or to visit the chocolate and lace shops independently.

A day trip to Antwerp, Belgium’s diamond and fashion capital, city of Peter Paul Rubens, and the current second biggest port of Europe. Departure from Brussels. Itinerary: Start your visit in the Central Train Station, known as the ‘iron cathedral’ and considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world. Visit the diamond district and go to a diamond workshop, where you will learn about the history and cutting process of diamonds, and admire unique jewelry pieces. Next, go to “The Meir”, Antwerp’s main shopping street and where you can admire fashion stores in a beautiful architectonical setting. See “Meir Palace”, a Rococo mansion that was Napoleon’s palace. Taste artisanal coffee and handmade chocolate in what is now one of the most famous chocolate shops in Belgium. Visit Rubens’ house and learn a quick history of his work and contribution to Flemish art. Go to the Cathedral of Our Lady, which is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries, and admire its north tower. Inside, contemplate an art collection that includes four masterpieces of Paul Peter Rubens. Visit the Baroque pulpit with a wooden sculpture of Pocahontas, and beautiful stained glasses. See Saint Charles Borromeo church, a jewel of Baroque architecture in the city which houses one of the most beautiful Baroque confessionals in the world. Walk to“Het Steen”, a medieval castle located in the city’s ancient port, where you can admire the Scheldt River and view a sunset next to the water. Enjoy some Leisure time to visit museums, eating a meal, and shopping. Return to Brussels at 7:30 pm. 

Take a day trip from Brussels to Antwerp, the second-largest city in Belgium and home to Europe’s second-largest harbor. On a 5.5-hour excursion you’ll have the opportunity to explore Antwerp’s rich past. This is the city that was home to P. P. Rubens, the world-famous painter of the 17th century. You’ll be taken to the city center and depart the tour bus to visit Marquet Square, which is lined by ancient houses. This is also the site of Our Lady's Cathedral. The entrance fee for touring the cathedral is included in the price of the tour. Our Lady’s Cathedral houses, among other treasures, 2 of Rubens' masterpieces. You’ll see The Elevation of the Cross and The Descent from the Cross on display here. You’ll also have a chance to see the oldest part of Antwerp’s harbor, during a drive-through on the tour bus. Choose between a private and a shared option.

At 8:30AM you will be picked up from a meeting point in the center of Brussels to head towards the city of Antwerp. On your way to Antwerp you will make a stop for a few minutes at the emblematic Atomium, where you will take a picture and continue your trip. Once there you will explore the Meat Market, Steen Castle, Town Hall Square, the Gothic-style Church of Our Lady, the Church of San Carlos de Borromeo, the Walk of the Cakes, and the beautiful Meir Street. Following this guided tour, you will receive an hour of free time to explore the city at your own leisure. The next destination will be the beautiful and powerful city of Ghent. Throughout this visit you will see the Cathedral of San Bavón (which contains the famous painting of the Van Eyck brothers), the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, the Belfort Bell Tower, the peculiar Gothic and Renaissance Town Hall, the Church of San Nicolás, the Guild House of the Masons, the Wharf of the Herbs and the Grain, the Meat Market, and the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Following this magical trip you will re-board your bus, upon which you will return back to Brussels.

Start your full-day tour with a drive from Brussels to Antwerp. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the landmarks you pass on the way out of Brussels. In Antwerp, see Steen Castle, Town Hall Square, the Church of Our Lady, the Rubens House, the diamond quarter, and more. After the tour you’ll have four hours of free time for lunch, a chance to do some shopping, or to admire frescoes by Rubens in the cathedral. Enjoy an optional visit to an artisanal diamond workshop. Anyone interested in the diamond world can enjoy a 45-minute explanation and see unique pieces of jewelry. It is the only place in Antwerp where craftsmen can be seen carving diamonds.

On this comprehensive combination tour, visit the highlights of two cities, Brussels and Antwerp, in just one day. Your multilingual guide is your host, who will be more than happy to give you suggestions of what else to see and do in these cities, and will answer any questions you may have.  In Brussels, start out with a short walk to the majestic Grand Place, which was the cradle of medieval Brussels. Here, board your coach and take off to see all the must-see highlights of the city center, as well as the Atomium, Royal Residence Palace, and the EU district in the outskirts of the city. This comprehensive tour of Brussels will have plenty of opportunities to stop and take pictures. In the afternoon, visit the city of Antwerp: the city that has it all. Starting at the impressive 13th-century castle, carry on to Our Lady's Cathedral, which houses countless paintings by world-class artists of the 17th century. The absolute masterpieces are the Rubens paintings — seeing these is a truly unforgettable experience.  Then, visit the Gothic guilt houses at Market Square, followed by Antwerp Railway Station, the most beautiful railway station in the world. Nearby, there is the diamond district (Antwerp is the global capital of the diamond trade) and the Jewish quarter.

After being picked up from your hotel or accommodation in Amsterdam, you will receive personal service by a professional guide who will drive you around for the day. You will begin by visiting the second biggest harbor in Europe, and the home town of Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. You will then explore the Market Square, complete with its Town Hall and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses, the Cathedral of Our Lady with The Elevation of the Cross, and The Descent from the Cross by Rubens, Saint-Paul's Church, the harbor and the Jewish district. There is not only history in Antwerp, the city is also know for its modern architecture. You can see the new Palace of Justice, the Museum aan de Stroom, and the new Port House. You also have the option to have some free time to walk by yourself. At the conclusion of tour, your guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Start with pickup from your hotel in Amsterdam and meet your professional guide. First, drive to Antwerp and visit the second largest harbor in Europe and the hometown of the Flemish baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. Explore the historical city center of Antwerp and see the Town Hall, Saint-Paul's Church, and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses. Also notable for its striking modern architecture, see the new Palace of Justice, the Museum aan de Stroom, and the new Port House. You may also request free time to take a break for some lunch or to go shopping. Afterward, head to Brussels where you will discover the historic city center and many landmarks such as the Grand Palace, Manneken Pis, and Place de la Bourse Square. Discover the impressive historical architecture that Brussels is known for and learn about the history of the capital city of Belgium. From the city center, drive to Jubilee Park where you can visit the famous Triumphal Arch. Nearby is Brussels' most famous sight called the Atomium, you also have the option to go inside. At the end of the day, your guide will drive you back to the hotel.

Get picked up at your hotel by a professional guide who will drive you around so that you can discover Antwerp - the European capital of culture and the global center for diamonds - before you continue to visit Bruges - where the historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Antwerp, you will visit the second biggest harbor in Europe and the home town of the Flemish Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. You will explore the Market Square with the Town Hall, Saint-Paul's Church, and the beautiful Golden Age Guild Houses. There is not only history to discover in Antwerp, as it is also know for its modern architecture. See the new Palace of Justice, the Museum aan de Stroom, and the new Port House. Afterwards, go to Bruges and explore the charming area around the Dyver canal, stroll the cobbled square of Walplein, and wander through the narrow lanes of the Stoofstraat. You will also discover the Gruuthuse Palace, Burg Square, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood before you return to your hotel.