We Start with a local departure and make our way to the Continent via the cross Channel ferry or Eurotunnel. Accommodation has been reserved for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis at a good class hotel in Antwerp. Typical of the hotels we use is the Leonardo Hotel.
On day 2 we take you to Mechelen - a guided tour is included. Afterwards we have a guided tour of the brewery Het Anker which is a 5th generation family brewery at the heart of Grand Beguinage of Mechelen - a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site. The award winning speciality beers are still brewed here in traditional copper kettles. After the brewery visit we taste 2 kinds of beers before you enjoy an included 3-course dinner in the Brasserie Het Anker. The dinner is accompanied with corresponding beers.
On day 3 we take you to Antwerp. The first stop is the De Koninck brewery. De Koninck beers have been brewed here since 1833. Antwerp is a true beer city and the beers in general are unique. On the 4 metre high walkway in the brewery hall you will witness the dynamics of Antwerp city brewery at first hand. At the end of the tour you will enjoy a perfectly pulled Bolleke. Don't miss the chocolate shop Jitsk which is located next to the brewery hall. They have a fantastic selection of high quality chocolate specialities.
During the day a guided tour is included. Antwerp was one of the richest cities in Europe in the 1500s. The city is home to world renowned shopping, the famous Antwerp Six and a bustling diamond trade. After the city tour you have free time for shopping or visiting one of the many chocolate shops or just having a glass of beer in one of the rustic pubs.
Tonight we meet your beer sommelier in the pub and restaurant Bier Central. There are 25 draught beers and more than 300 bottled beers here. In a cosy atmosphere you listen to the sommelier's explanations and you will taste a selection of 5 excellent Belgian beers. Afterwards a 2-course dinner is included.
On day 4, after breakfast, we take you to romantic Bruges where there will be time for a brief look around before we make our way home, arriving back later on.