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June 20 - 28th, 2002
Thurs. Jun 20 ARRIVAL IN 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)
Friday June 21 BRUSSELS We begin this solstice 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)
Saturday June 22 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)
Sunday June 22 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)
Monday June 23 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)
Tues June 24 BRUGES - CHARLEROI An early start to get down to Baileux to visit
the ABBEY OF NOTRE DAM DE SCOURMENT, 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)
Wed June 25 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)
Thur June 26 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)
Friday June 27 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)
Saturday June 28 DEPART BRUSSELS (BB)
Price:
The cost of this 10 day trip will be approximately CAD$3200 - CAD$3500 per person including return flight from Toronto, over 12 meals, top-notch accomodations, luxury motor coach transportation, the services of Oliver Dawson as Beer Expert and Tour host, sight-seeing as per itinerary, beer, chocolate, etc etc. Land-only prices will also be available for around CAD$1000 less so you could add on extra travel time before or after the tour.
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!
If you are indeed interested please let me know as soon as possible by telephone
(905) 850-9570 or by email (oliver@sympatico.ca)
There is no need for a deposit at this point, but once we get an idea of how many people can go at the time we've suggested, we will then get more serious, confirm the itinerary and price and request a CAD$500 deposit.
If you are interested in the tour, but would prefer the later date of July 2nd departure, please let me know.
Thanks for your interest.
Oliver Dawson, President
The Beer Lovers' Tour Co.
82 Monsheen Drive,
Woodbridge, ON Canada
L4L 2E7
905-850-9570
Email: odawson@sympatico.ca