GRAND SELF-DRIVE TOUR

ITINERARY

The following itinerary is an example of a possible route with various activities. It can reorganized to fit your interests, budget and schedule. It can also be combined with any of the other programs on our website.

Itinerary is subject to change with or without notice. The sequence of day trips may vary. The final itinerary will be given at the start of the trip.

Day 1 – Arrive in Brussels - Leuvent

Welcome to ! Upon arrival in Brussels International Airport you will pick up your rental car and drive to Leuvent. The rest of the day is free for exploration this vibrant university town.

Day 2 – Leuvent

A vibrant student population and a rich history combine in the city of Leuven, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities (KU Leuven), founded in 1425. The university, one of the most important in Europe, has its roots in the centre of Leuven, and its historic college buildings dominate many of the squares and streets. A few lucky students even have the distinct privilege of living in the 13th century stone beguinage, a UNESCO world heritage site worthy of a visit.

Leuven is Belgium’s reigning brewing capital. Leuven is the headquarters of Inbev, the second largest brewery in the world, famous for Stella Artois beers.

Day 3 – Leuvent - Hasselt - 45 km

Shopping, fashion and jenever (gin): Hasselt has it all. Admire the Japanese garden, take a look in the Fashion Museum, visit the National Jenever Museum or stroll through the car-free shopping streets. Would you like to take a break? Enjoy the green surroundings of Natuurdomein Kiewit. The annual music festivals Pukkelpop and Rimpelrock are by the way also taking place in the capital of the province Limburg.

We suggest you a visit to the Blegny Coal Mine about 50 km south Hasselt.

Day 4 – Hasselt - Antwerp - 73 km

Today drive to Antwerp. Whether you’re in the central train station or MAS, the remarkable town museum, it’s impossible not to find the architecture attractive. It ranges from medieval buildings like the impressive town hall and square, to the contemporary courthouse, to numerous Art Nouveau gems in between. From stylish buildings to well dressed window displays, Antwerp is a good-looking city.

This isn’t a new accolade either as it was one of the greatest, richest cities in all of Europe in the 1500’s. A century later, the iconic Flemish Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens called Antwerp his home, along with Anthony Van Dyck. In more recent years, canvas has been replaced by cotton and the artists of note are fashion designers. This city is home to world- renowned shopping, the famous Antwerp Six and a bustling diamond trade.

Day 5 – Antwerp - Mechelen - 23 km

After breakfast at your hotel, today drive south to Mechelen is a small and picturesque city that is big on charm and history, thriving with quaint shops, car-free areas and pleasant little squares. The grace of centuries-old palaces and majestic churches appeals to everyone. There are no less then 336 listed buildings and monuments, including eight gothic and baroque churches from the 14th-17th century. The Begijnhofkerk is especially unique, with its feminine art schemes and pastel colours.

Mechelen is a city for all ages. Young people can actively enjoy themselves in the Toy Museum or the Tivoli Children's Farm, whereas the young at heart can entertain themselves at the Anker, one of the oldest operating breweries in Belgium. Students from all over the world come to learn to play church bells at Mechelen’s school. Sitting outside on the terrace of a cafe sipping a local beer while listening to the bell music coming from the sky is nothing short of delightful. It is also home to one of the last remaining places in the world that restores and repairs antique tapestries, at Royal Manufacturers De Wit.

Day 6 – Antwerp – Kinderdijk Windmills

Today travel north for a day trip to Kinderdijk in the south of Holland near Rotterdam and visit the amazing windmill complex unlike any other. On arrival, you can take a private guide and after a brief introductory movie about Kinderdijk, learn about its fascinating history. After the movie, walk with your guide to two museum mills, where you will have the opportunity to meet the millers still living in the surrounding mills and learn about their trade.

Climb the stairs inside one of the mills and see for yourself how water and wind are being harnessed to operate the mill. Chat with the friendly millers who are happy to answer any questions that you may have about their trade. Head back to the visitor centre, from which you'll head out across the glittering waters of Kinderdijk on a boat ride with the local skippers. You will be dropped off at the same place you started the tour.

Day 7 – Antwerp - Ghent - 50 km

Ghent is a undiscovered Flemish jewel. Here you can find an amazing opera house, a handful of museums, even more ancient churches, and countless bridges spanning the two rivers that wind themselves through the city. The true joy of the town is to be found whiling away an afternoon in an outdoor café. Whether your wrapped under blankets sipping a coffee in the winter or sunning yourself in the springtime with a cold Belgium brew, you will fit in with the locals if you simply enjoy the great atmosphere this town offers. If possible, find a seat on the Graslei, a scenic canal spot in the centre of town, with a great view on the many bridges, grand houses and medieval buildings.

Alternatively, hop on a bike and explore the nearby Patershol district with a small labyrinth of charming cobblestone streets, the towering Gravensteen Castle and Unesco recognised bell tower. The laid back atmosphere of this liveable, lovable city means enjoying the vibrant nightlight of a university town then quaffing cava at the flower market the following Sunday morning.

Day 8 – Ghent - Bruges - 40 km

When one imagines Belgium, they often are thinking of Bruges. Canals loop across the town like a string of pearls, creating the well-earned moniker of 'the Venice of the North'. With cobblestone paths, brick archways, stone churches and quaint bridges, it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photograph. The addition of swans on the water, horse drawn carriages in the lanes and daffodils in the park make it nearly magical.

Day 9 – Bruges

Listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bruges has the best-preserved example of a medieval city centre, with its bell tower leaving over the wide open market. With the centre closed off to cars, all the stunning beauty and culture of this unforgettable city can be easily explored on foot, although a boat ride along the quiet canals is something not to be missed.

While a small city, to truly uncover the many pleasures around each corner, from lace boutiques and chocolates shops to architectural and historical treasures, give yourself plenty of time to get happily lost.

Day 10 – Bruges - - 47 km

Cats should probably avoid it, the English love it and its inhabitants are very proud of it. Indeed, we are talking about Ypres. This city and its long and rich history will definitely amaze you. The Flanders Fields Museum tells the story of de First World War and is absolutely one of the highlights of the city. Also worth a visit are the historical Ypres Cloth Hall (Lakenhallen), the cathedral where the Lion of Flanders is buried and the mediaeval Grand Place.

Days 11 - 12 – Ypres - Brussels - 105 km

As the headquarters to the European Union and NATO, Brussels is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. While certainly international, it offers more than governmental buildings to uphold this well earned title. It is the ultimate European city with a mosaic of languages and cultures paving a way for a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. With over 80 museums, the King’s Palace and a wealth of history, culture is equally accessible.

Impossible to miss is the Grand Place, which was built as a merchants' market in the 13th century. Smack in the city centre, it plays host to numerous festivals and concerts year round and is also where you can discover the tiny Manneken-Pis, the somewhat peculiar symbol of the city. Towering over surrounding buildings, it can serve as a compass during your exploration of the city; be sure to indulge in chocolate at the Sablon.

Day 13 – Brussels | End of your Tour

Meet your driver for a private transfer from your hotel in Brussles to Airport.

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