Culinary Tour of Belgium: Antwerp, Ghent, Chimay, Dinant & Brussels - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Train to Antwerp, Visit Chocolate Nation

Welcome to Belgium! Upon arrival at the airport in Brussels, you'll catch a 30-minute train to the city of Antwerp, known for its medieval architecture, fashion-forward culture, and world-renowned diamond district. When you arrive, you'll find yourself in the middle of a major landmark as Antwerpen-Centraal is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, with access to charming cafes and food stalls serving traditional Belgian dishes. After checking in at your hotel and freshening up, consider visiting Chocolate Nation, the country's largest chocolate museum.

Learn about the intricate process of chocolate making from bean to bar through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations by skilled chocolatiers. You can also sample various chocolates to discover their unique flavors and textures. End your visit at the on-site café, which offers delectable chocolate desserts like brownies, fondue, and ice cream. Then, head to Antwerpse Brouw Compagnie for a guided tour of the craft brewery. Learn about the brewery's origins and philosophy as you explore the facilities and sample a variety of brews.

Day 2: Private Food Tour, Brewery Tour, Visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum

Dive into Antwerp's vibrant food culture, which combines typical Belgian cuisine with international influences, on a walking food tour. Start with a visit to a traditional Belgian bakery, where you can indulge in classics like frieten (fries), chocolate, and waffles slathered in chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream or powdered sugar. End the tour near one of the city's foodie hotspots so you can continue the culinary journey on you're own if you're not too full already. Then, you'll go on a tour of De Koninck Brewery, renowned for its bolleke beer (a flavorful amber ale with a mild bitterness).

Learn about the city's beer culture and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle as you visit each of exhibition room. The highlight of the tour, other than tasting fresh De Koninck beer, is the 13-foot-tall (4 m) bridge that offers a bird's-eye view of the brewing hall. After all that eating and drinking, do a bit of sightseeing at the Plantin-Moretus Museum. It's the only UNESCO-listed museum in the world, as it houses some of the oldest surviving printing presses dating back to the 16th century. Learn about the Plantin and Moretus families as you tour their home turned printing house turned museum.

Day 3: Train to Ghent, Private Walking Tour, Have a Drink at Brouwbar

Once you've had breakfast and checked out of your hotel, head back to Antwerpen-Centraal for a one-hour train ride to the city of Ghent, known for its mix of medieval charm and modern vibrancy. Check in at your hotel and get ready for a private walking tour of the city. Stroll past serene canals, centuries-old buildings, and bustling squares, such as Groentenmarkt and Korenmarkt. Along the way, you'll stop to try local delights like a raspberry-flavored cuberdon (a cone-shaped candy with a soft, jelly-like center and a hard outer shell). 

End the tour at Gravensteen, a 12th-century fortress that once served as the residence of the counts of Flanders. Admire the imposing structure from the outside or wander through the stone walls to discover the towers and ramparts within. Be sure to visit the on-site museum, which displays a range of medieval artifacts, including weapons, armor, and tools. Then, visit Brouwbar on your own, a traditional microbrewery where you can learn more about the beer-making process. With a newfound appreciation for the drink, sit back and enjoy a range of artisanal brews. 

Day 4: Self-Guided Culinary Walking Route, Canal Boat Tour

Armed with a list of recommendations and a map, set off to discover the best of Ghent's gastronomic delights at your own pace. Inhale the aroma of mustard and spices at the 18th-century shop, Tierenteyn-Verlent, browse the jars of old-fashioned sweets at Temmerman Confiserie, and choose from more than 200 flavors of jenever (a Dutch version of gin) at the canalside bar 't Dreupelkot. For lunch, head to Ooost, a marketplace and restaurant that only works with East Flemish regional suppliers to offer fresh, seasonal ingredients. 

When you need a break from eating and drinking your way across Ghent, head to the Leie River and board a boat for a narrated tour of the canals. As you glide through the serene waterways, you'll pass historic buildings, medieval bridges, and lively quaysides. You may also get another look at landmarks you've already visited, like Gravensteen. After the 40-minute boat ride, you'll be dropped off at the same spot to continue your self-guided culinary tour. Indulge in local specialties like mussels, oysters, and eels in green sauce, as well as Belgian classics like waffles and fries.

Day 5: Transfer to Chimay, Private Tour of Chimay Brewery

Day 6: Transfer to Dinant, Optional Boat Tour on the Meuse

Discover more of the French-speaking Wallonia region today as you transfer one hour to the city of Dinant. When you arrive, you're free to discover the city on your own with a scenic boat cruise along the Meuse, a serene river that flows through France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Glide past dramatic cliffs, lush green hills, and landmarks like the Dinant Citadel overlooking the city. One landmark that you may actually pass under is Pont des Saxophones, a vibrant bridge adorned with large, colorful saxophone sculptures.

The bridge, and many other saxophone installations you may have gotten a glimpse of, celebrate the town's connection to the invention of the saxophone by Adolphe Sax, a famous 19th-century Belgian inventor and musician. After the boat tour, head to a local restaurant overlooking the river for dinner. Indulge in traditional Belgian dishes like escargot (snails served with garlic butter and herbs), waterzooi (a creamy chicken or fish stew), or stoemp (mashed potatoes mixed with other vegetables, like carrots or leeks). Pair your meal with a Trappist beer from Chimay before checking in at your hotel.

Day 7: Visit the Citadelle de Dinant & Notre Dame de Dinant

Today, you're free to explore Dinant at your own pace. One of the most popular landmarks to visit is the Citadelle de Dinant, a fortress that was built in the 11th century but has since been restored. To reach the top, climb 408 steps up the steep hillside or enjoy a scenic ride on the cable car. When you arrive, take in panoramic views of the town, the Meuse, and the surrounding Ardennes countryside. Then, explore the citadel's historic ramparts and museums, which detail the region's history, including the battles fought here. 

After exploring the historic site, return to the bottom of the hill to visit the Gothic Notre Dame de Dinant. Step inside to admire the stained glass windows, ornate altar, and serene chapels. You can even climb to the top of the bell tower for another perspective of your surroundings. If you want to try one of Belgium's most iconic beers, visit Maison Leffe next, a beer museum housed in a monastery-turned-hotel. Learn about beer brewing, the evolution of the Leffe brand, and its ties to the local Abbey of Leffe, founded in the 12th century. 

Day 8: Train to Brussels, Guided Beer Walk

Now that you've explored four iconic cities across Belgium, it's time to return to Brussels to discover the capital. To get there, take a train to Namur, where you change trains to Brussels. The total trip takes less than two hours. When you arrive, check in at your hotel and freshen up for a guided beer walk. Beer has been an integral part of Belgian culture since the Middle Ages when it was initially brewed in monasteries by monks as a safe alternative to water. Over the years, brewing techniques have evolved, creating unique styles that Belgium is famous for.

Your guide will teach you more about the heritage and culture of beer as you make your way to five or so hotspots around the historic center. Try a wide range of Belgian beers, like witbier (wheat beer), dubbel (dark ale), or lambic (spontaneously fermented beer flavored with cherries or raspberries). After the three-hour tour, enjoy some free time back at the hotel or take advantage of your final night in the capital with a bit more sightseeing.

Day 9: Explore Brussels' Museums at Your Own Pace, Waffle Making Workshop

Spend your penultimate day in Belgium exploring some of the capital's museums at your own pace. You'll be given a Brussels Card, which grants you entry to 49 museums and unlimited access to public transport. If you want to learn more about the Belgian culture, start your day at the Art & History Museum within Parc du Cinquantenaire. The museum features an impressive collection spanning various periods and styles, including ancient artifacts, decorative arts, and masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Rest your legs at a nearby restaurant and order a steaming pot of mussels.

Those who want to stick to the food theme of the trip can visit Choco-Story Brussels instead. This immersive museum teaches you about the history of chocolate, complete with live demonstrations by skilled chocolatiers and a tasting experience. After a day of museum hopping, treat yourself to a waffle. The only catch is you have to make it yourself in an interactive workshop. Start with an introduction to the delicious world of waffles, then split into teams and start cooking. When your waffle is ready, decorate it with a wide range of toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate, whipped cream, or Nutella.

Day 10: Depart Brussels

Today, it's time to load up on chocolate and bid farewell to Belgium. If you have a later flight and you're leaving on a Sunday, visit Marché du Midi to stroll the colorful stalls lined with fresh produce, artisanal cheese, baked goods, and artisanal crafts. Shop for souvenirs and indulge in local delights like frites (Belgian fries) with boudin (sausage made from pork, rice, and vegetables). When it's time, take a train or taxi to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!