Beer and Chocolate Lovers'
Tour of Belgium

Celebrating a passion for beer, food and travel, we'll explore the culture and history of brewing and chocolate-making in Belgium. Please note that this a custom tour and is dependent on a minimum number of guests to operate. So, we need to know ASAP if you are really interested in joining us by emailing back your feedback. Talk to your spouse, friends, and beer & chocolate loving relatives! If we get a solid response and hit our minimum number, then the tour will guaranteed to go!

Proposed Itinerary - Summer 2008:

Day 1:  BRUSSELS, BELGIUM Upon arrival in the cosmopolitan European Capital, free time to rest or start exploring on your own and getting your first fix in one of the many fine chocolate shops such as the century old Neuhaus or world famous Mary's. In the late afternoon we visit the the traditional BELLE VUE BREWERY where the local Kriek 'cherry' beer is brewed. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Tonight we enjoy a welcome drink followed dinner hosted by Oliver Dawson, our tour director and Beer Lovers' Tour Company president. (D)

Day 2:  BRUSSELS We begin this day with a city tour highlighting the Rue Royal with the monument of Congress, the Parliament Buildings, the Royal Palace and the main cathedral of Brussels, Saint Michael. Continuing on foot we admire the Grand Place with its baroque guild houses, the Gothic Town hall and the most famous inhabitant of the city, the "Mannekin Pis". Then, its off for an afternoon visit to the chocolatier Manon where you will witness a tour de force of Belgian Chocolate making. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore with optional visits to the Belgian Brewery Museum, the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate or perhaps a drop-in to one of Belgium's smallest and most interesting breweries, the legendary Cantillon. The evening is free to revel in one of Brussel's many to-die-for restaurants or roll up the sleeves for a beer or two at the atmospheric, Cafe Mort Subite. (BB)

Day 3:  GHENT This morning we head off on short drive to enchanting Ghent. Following an orientation tour, we will be free to explore the wonderfully diverse architecture, the famous Venetian-like canals, museums and of course, the wonderful chocolate shops, bars and restaurants like, the out of the way Tap & Tepel or the Belgian Beer Nirvana, Dulle Griet Tavern. Don't forget to pick up a take-home jar of Ghent's famous hot mustard at the Tierenteyn. (BB)

Day 4:  BRUGES Depart for Bruges via the town of Roeslare for a lunch stop and a visit to one of Belgium's prettiest breweries, RODENBACH, famous for their delicious Red Ale. We continue our journey to Bruges via Poperinge, the little town famous for its hops and lace. Then its off to Bruges to check into our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. (BB)

Day 5:  BRUGES This morning is dedicated to Bruges, one of western Europe's most perfectly preserved medieval cities. Originating during the defense of the Flemish coast from Viking attack and once an important wool trading port, it now proudly tells the story of art and architecture of the Middle Ages. A visit to a LACE FACTORY helps us understand this ancient craft and an optional canal cruise lets us marvel from the water this city trapped in time. In the evening we will meet at the BREWERY STRAFFE HENDRIK for Nocturne, a special medieval gastronomic evening. Seated in the Great hall we will enjoy an aperatif of Straffe Hendrik beer before we are taken on a tour through the brewery museum. Then, we gather in the Breughal Room for a medieval beer lovers feast complete with wandering minstrals, music and games from the Middle Ages. A chocolate dessert puts the finishing touch to this memorable medieval feast. (BB,D)

Day 6: BRUGES - CHARLEROI An early start to get down to Baileux to visit the ABBEY OF NOTRE DAM DE SCOURMONT, home of the famous 'trappist beer' brewery Chimay. Here we will learn about the traditional beer and cheese making process as well as visit the actual brewery and the monastery gardens. Then after a quick lunch we will have a special tour of the 'CAVES OF NEPTUNE' including a SUBTERRANIAN BOAT RIDE. Next we tour the famous Chimay castle followed by a special 'Trappist dinner' at the Poteaupre Inn. (BB,D)

Day 7: CHARLOI - LEUVEN A scenic drive through the Ardennes to Liege where we will have an orientation tour and time for lunch before continuing for Leuven. An early check-in before departing for a visit to the historic town of Hoegaarden where we will visit the famous 'wit beer brewery'. Dinner follows at the famous Kouterhof restaurant. (BB,D)

Day 8: LEUVEN Morning at leisure to explore this picturesque university town for sightseeing and shopping. An afternoon visit to the renowned STELLA ARTOIS BREWERY and the rest of the day is free to find a favourite chocolate shop or a student tavern. (BB)

Day 9: LEUVEN - ANTWERP A quick drive gets us to our final destination, Antwerp the City of Diamonds. A guided walking tour of the Old city features Our lady's cathedral, the Rubens House, the Town hall, Spanish styled guild houses and the Main Square which boasts the statue of Brabo. Following lunch of beer, cheese and home-made salami at the medieval Polgrom Cafe, it is off to the traditional chocolate shop DEL REY where we marvel at the craftmansship and get the ultimate chocolate fix. The rest of the day is free to explore and shop and take in the many interesting sights of this great centre of Belgian culture and history. (BB)

Day 10: DEPART BRUSSELS (BB)

Please contact us directly, if you would like further information on this proposed tour.

Oliver Dawson,
President of the Beer Lovers' Tour Co.

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This a custom tour and is dependant on a minimum number of guests to operate. So, we need to know ASAP if you are really interested in joining us by emailing back your feedback. Talk to your spouses, friends, and beer & chocolate loving relatives! If we get a solid response and hit our minimum number, then the tour will guaranteed to go!


Printout version of this itinerary.

For a description of other beer tours on the horizon, please scroll down.