Thursday, November 6

Approx. 8:00AM - 7:00PM

Cost:  $175

Departing from the hotel lobby in Brussels, join us for a full-day journey to two of Belgium’s most enchanting cities—Brugge and Ghent—where medieval charm and fairytale scenery await at every turn.

Brugge

Upon arrival in Brugge (Bruges), the "Venice of the North", enjoy a short walking tour to see major sights such as the Belfry Tower, Town Hall, Fish Market, St. John's Hospital, and many more iconic landmarks. You'll also step inside the revered Basilica of the Holy Blood, home to a treasured relic said to contain drops of Christ's blood.

Afterward, enjoy lunch on your own and free time to shop for Belgian lace, chocolates, or simply relax by the canals

Ghent

In the afternoon, continue to Ghent where we will, enjoy a guided walking tour showcasing the city's highlights. Stroll along the Graslei and Korenlei, the former medieval harbor lined with historic guild houses, and see City Hall, Graffiti Street, Vrijdagsmarkt Square, St. Jacobs Church, the quirky Dulle Griet, and the imposing Count's Castle. Admission is included to the magnificent St. Bavo's Cathedral, where you'll discover one of the world's greatest masterpieces: Van Eyck's Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.

Afterward, enjoy free time to further explore Ghent's cobblestone streets, bustling squares, or inviting cafés before we return together to the hotel lobby in Brussels.

👉 Please note:  No other inside visits are included during the walking tours in Ghent and Brugge unless specified.

Friday, November 7 - FULL DAY

Approx. 10:30AM - 10:30PM

Cost:  $180 per person

Step into history on this moving full-day tour of Flanders, where the battlefields and memorials of World War I tell the story of sacrifice, resilience, and remembrance. Your guide will meet the group in the hotel lobby before departing together by private coach for a memorable journey through Belgium’s most poignant sites.

Passchendaele – Memorial Museum 1917

Begin with admission to the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917, where you’ll gain a powerful understanding of one of the most horrific battles of the First World War. Using your audio guide, explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, replica dugouts, and reconstructed trenches that bring the realities of the battlefield to life.

Tyne Cot Cemetery

Next, visit Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth military cemetery in the world. Spanning more than 30 acres, it is the final resting place for nearly 12,000 soldiers, with an additional 34,000 names inscribed on the memorial walls for those whose bodies were never identified. Walking among the rows of perfectly maintained white headstones and the quiet gardens, you’ll gain a deep sense of the scale of the sacrifice and the human cost of the Great War. Tyne Cot stands as a solemn and poignant reminder of courage, loss, and remembrance.

Essex Farm Cemetery

Pause for a short stop at Essex Farm Cemetery, a smaller but profoundly moving site on the Ypres Salient. Set alongside the former battlefield, this cemetery is historically significant as the place where Canadian doctor John McCrae wrote his iconic poem “In Flanders Fields”. Surrounded by rows of simple white headstones and tranquil fields, you’ll feel the quiet reflection of those who gave their lives here. The proximity to the original trenches and battlefield adds a deeply personal perspective, connecting visitors to the human stories of the soldiers who fought and fell during the Great War.

Mesen – The Christmas Truce Memorial

Travel on to Mesen, where a simple monument marks the extraordinary moment in 1914 when opposing armies laid down their weapons to share Christmas goodwill under an unofficial truce.

Ypres – Menin Gate & Last Post Ceremony

Conclude the day in the historic town of Ypres, where the imposing Menin Gate Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the thousands of Commonwealth soldiers who were never found or identified. Enjoy free time in Ypres to shop, explore, or have dinner on your own.

At 8:00 PM, gather at the Menin Gate to witness the Last Post Ceremony, a poignant ritual honoring the fallen. Buglers from the local fire brigade perform beneath the arches of the Menin Gate, accompanied by readings of names and the playing of the bugle, creating an emotional and unforgettable moment of remembrance and reflection.

After the ceremony, we will board our private coach to return to the hotel lobby in Brussels, arriving between 10:00–11:00 PM.

Saturday, November 8

Approx. 3 hours | Walk to location with tastings

Cost:  $160 per person

Indulge in Belgium’s most iconic flavors on this deliciously fun morning experience! Our assistant will meet us in the hotel lobby and escort the group on a short, 15-minute walk (0.7 miles) through the charming streets to our workshop venue, located in a historical building (please note some areas are only accessible by stairs).

Part One: Belgian Waffle Workshop (approx. 1.5 hours)

Step into the sweet world of authentic Belgian waffles! After a lighthearted introduction, you’ll team up and get hands-on in making your own waffles from scratch. Learn how to prepare the batter, enjoy live demonstrations, and—best of all—create and decorate your own warm, golden waffles with an irresistible array of toppings: fresh fruits, chocolate, whipped cream, Nutella, speculoos, and more.

No cooking experience? No problem! Everything is provided, and you can make (and eat!) as many waffles as you like. This is a wonderful chance to relax, laugh, and savor a true Belgian tradition. 

Part Two: Beer & Chocolate Pairing (approx. 1+ hour)

Once you’ve had your fill of waffles, it’s time to discover another perfect Belgian duo—beer and chocolate! Over the course of an engaging guided tasting, you’ll sample 5 local beers and 5 artisanal chocolates, learning how to pair them together for surprising and delightful flavor combinations. This activity highlights two of Belgium’s proudest traditions, giving you a deeper appreciation (and taste!) of the country’s culinary treasures.

📍 Important Note: This experience ends after the Beer & Chocolate Tasting. There is no transportation back to the hotel, allowing you the flexibility to continue exploring the city at your leisure.