Short Luxury Tour of Belgium: Antwerp & Ghent - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Brussels, Private Walking Tour

Welcome to the vibrant port city of Antwerp! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 45 minutes to the Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a luxurious 5-star hotel set within a former monastery. Check in and freshen up in your spacious room before joining your private guide on a walking tour of the city. Start in the main town square, Grote Markt, home to landmarks like the impressive Antwerp City Hall with its Renaissance-style facade and the colorful Guild Houses that date back to the 16th century. Continue to Museum Vleeshuis, housed in a guild house that once served as the city's meat hall.

After learning about the city's history as a major trading hub, go for a stroll along Vlaeykensgang, a cobbled alley lined with beautifully preserved historic buildings with distinctive gabled facades. Your next stop is Meir, a premier shopping street full of high-end boutiques, department stores, and trendy shops. When you get hungry, let your guide know, and you'll be treated to local delights like moules-frites (mussels with fries). End the tour at Rubenshuis to learn about the life and legacy of one of the most renowned Baroque artists, Peter Paul Rubens.

Day 2: Private Food Tour, Visit Museum Mayer van den Bergh

Start your day with a private walking food tour of Antwerp to learn more about the city's vibrant food culture, which combines typical Belgian cuisine with international influences. Head 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, make your way to Museum Mayer van den Bergh, housed in a charming neo-Gothic building.

The museum was founded in the early 1900s by Henriette Mayer van den Bergh to honor her son Fritz, an avid art collector. Peruse the carefully curated spaces showcasing his vast collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including masterpieces by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, such as the iconic Dulle Griet (Mad Meg). Continue sightseeing at the Plantin-Moretus Museum, 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: Transfer to Ghent via Bornem Castle or Castle Wissekerke, Canal Tour

Say goodbye to Antwerp this morning as you meet your driver for a private 45-minute transfer to the city of Ghent, known for its picturesque canals, impressive Gothic buildings, and lively atmosphere. If you want to do a bit of sightseeing on the way, ask your driver to make a short detour to Bornem Castle or Castle Wissekerke. The two castles offer contrasting experiences as Bornem Castle presents a more formal and reserved view of Belgian aristocracy, while Castle Wissekerke combines history with cultural accessibility, bringing the past to life in an engaging way.

After your castle visit, continue to 1898 The Post, a boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored post office, to check in. Settle into your luxurious room with vintage decor, high ceilings, and atmospheric lighting, and get ready for a narrated boat ride along the Leie River, starting at Vleeshuisbrug (Vleeshuis Bridge). As you glide through the serene waterways, you'll pass historic buildings, medieval bridges, and lively quaysides. You may also get a glimpse of landmarks like Gravensteen, a medieval fortress. After the 40-minute boat ride, you'll be dropped off at the same spot to enjoy a free evening.

Day 4: Private Walking Tour of Ghent, Visit Gravensteen & Brouwbar 

Join your guide on a private walking tour of the city's historic center this morning. Stroll from Ghent City Hall to St. Bavo's Cathedral, passing serene canals, centuries-old buildings, and bustling squares, such as Groentenmarkt and Korenmarkt. Along the way, you'll stop to try local delights like gentse neuzen (cone-shaped raspberry candies). Other highlights of the tour include another look at the Leie River, panoramic views from St. Michael's Bridge, and an exploration of Graslei, a historic quay known for its beautifully preserved guild houses.

After two hours of wandering around Ghent and learning about its rich history, end the tour near Gravensteen. Use your Ghent City Card to enter and wander through the stone walls on your own 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, a traditional microbrewery where you can learn about the traditional beer-making process. With a newfound appreciation for the drink, sit back and enjoy a range of artisanal brews. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Bruges, Chocolate Workshop at Choco-Story Bruges

Pick up your rental car this morning for a day trip to Bruges, often called the "Venice of the North" for its picturesque canals. After the 45-minute drive, meet your private guide for a walking tour of the city. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you'll pass landmarks like the 272-foot-tall (83 m) Belfry of Bruges, a medieval bell tower located in the bustling Markt Square. If you can find a table at one of the square's restaurants or bars, try the city's signature beer, Brugse Zot, brewed by the local De Halve Maan Brewery.

After the tour, head to Choco-Story Bruges for a private chocolate workshop with a master chocolatier. Learn about the fascinating history of chocolate, from its ancient origins to its modern-day artistry. Then, discover the intricate process involved in creating pralines (chocolate shells typically filled with ganache, cream, fruit, or caramel). Observe the chocolatier temper the chocolate, fill the molds, and coat the chocolate with a shiny finish before making your own pralines. You can take everything you make back to Ghent or home with you to remember the experience. 

Day 6: Visit Kasteel van Poeke & Kasteel van Ooidonk, Dinner in Ghent

Spend your penultimate day in Belgium exploring two castles near Ghent. Start with a 30-minute private transfer to Kasteel van Poeke, a 13th-century Gothic castle initially constructed as a fortified stronghold to protect the region. Cross the bridge to get over the moat and enter the castle. Inside, you'll find beautifully restored rooms adorned with period furniture and artwork. After exploring the inside, go for a stroll in the surrounding French and English gardens featuring elegant pathways, ornate fountains, and wildflower meadows. 

Then, transfer 20 minutes to Kasteel van Ooidonk, an impressive example of Renaissance and neo-Gothic architectural styles. Learn about the castle's rich history, as it started as a farm in the 12th century and then grew into a castle in the 14th century before it was soon destroyed. Explore the reconstructed rooms, including lavishly furnished salons and a grand dining room full of fine paintings, antique furniture, and period decor. Back outside, enjoy a leisurely walk around the castle to see the classical sculptures and fountains before returning to Ghent.

Day 7: Transfer to Brussels, Depart

Set an early alarm so you can explore more of Ghent on your own before your flight home. Depending on the day, you can shop for last-minute souvenirs at Vrijdagmarkt, a weekly market held every Friday. Peruse the array of local delights, handcrafted goods, and antiques. Indulge in one more Belgian waffle, or pick up a box of artisan chocolate to take home. When it's time, meet your private driver back at the hotel for a 45-minute transfer to the airport in Brussels. Safe travels!