Brussels, Belgium

Belfry Tower in Bruges

Brussels Plaza Square

Brussels, Belgium

Belgium is located in the west of Europe and, even though its surface area is only 30,528 km2, the location has turned Belgium into the economic and modern nerve center of Europe. Beautiful cities, dazzling history and culture, decadent chocolate and majestic castles, Belgium is a whirl of wonderful sites and experiences. From Grand Palace in Brussels to boat rides through hidden canals in Bruges – the famous fairy-tale medieval town, Belgium is definitely one of the top destinations of Europe.

Established

Jun 18, 1989

Population

1.209 million

Please see a sample itinerary below. All itineraries are fully customizable.

Trip Inclusions

  • Round trip transportation

  • 5 Night hotel accommodations at a student-friendly hotel Breakfast served daily at your hotel

  • 2 Group lunches

  • 3 Group dinners

  • Visit to Brussels

  • Brussels City Tour

  • Visit to Grand Palace

  • Visit to Manneken Pis

  • Visit to Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert

  • Chocolate Walking Tour

  • Admission to Brussels Atomium

  • Visit to Bruges

  • Bruges City Tour

  • Visit to Lake of Love

  • Visit to Gruuthuse Palace

  • Visit to Ghent

  • Visit to Saint Bavo Cathedral

  • Visit to the Old Port of Graslei

  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance Upon Request

  • A-Z Travel Tour Manager

  • Free chaperone spaces based upon the number of paying passengers

  • Private security upon request

  • All taxes and fees for above listed inclusions

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Day 1

Morning: Departure and flight to Brussels.

Afternoon: Welcome to Brussels! Upon arrival, meet your travel guide and transfer to the hotel. Check in and freshen up.

Evening: Enjoy your welcome dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

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Day 2

Morning: After a refreshing breakfast, take a tour of Brussels and visit the famous sites of the city. The center of Brussels is full of quaint gardens, medieval streets and charming shops contrasting with the urban feel of modern buildings. You will see The Grand Palace – one of the most stunning town squares in Europe, visit the famous Atomium. Continue to the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedrals. Pass by Japanese Tower and Chinese Pavilion. Visit Sablon quarter with plenty of antique shops to explore. See the Palace of Justice and the Royal Palace and finally, the European Parliament and Commission.

Afternoon: After lunch, you will have the afternoon to yourself. Explore, shop and discover Brussels at your own pace.

If you love chocolate, enjoy a Chocolate Walking Tour of Brussels during which you will visit some of the finest chocolate shops in the city while learning the history and origins of Belgian Chocolate.

Stroll through the famous Royal Galleries of Saint Hubert and visit the beautiful Sainte-Catherine neighborhood.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants and head back to the hotel for a rest before another great day in the morning!

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Day 3

Morning: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today you will visit Bruges, one of the best preserved cities in Europe. Delightful market squares, historic churches and whitewashed almshouses, cobbled streets and dreamy canals, “Venice of the North”  is a fascinating medieval city. Upon arrival, head to the Lake of Love in the center of the city, admire the Begijnhof built in 13th-century. Continue to the lovely Walplein square and walk down the tapering Stoofstraat. See the impressive façade of the Church of Our Lady and learn the history of the Gruuthuse Palace. Stroll alongside the Dijver Canal and admire the lovely canal-side houses of the Rozenhoedkaai.

Afternoon: After lunch you will have 4 hours to explore Bruges at your own pace, taste exquisite chocolates and discover the famous lace shops.

Evening: You will have the evening to yourself. Find a lovely local restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal.

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Day 4

Morning: Enjoy  breakfast at your hotel! Today you will explore Ghent and visit medieval churches and guildhalls of the Graslei Port, see art by Rubens and more.

Ghent is located at the beautiful confluence of the Scheldt and Leie rivers. Start your tour by visiting Saint Bavo Cathedral and marvel at the Baroque embellishments and the stunning Gothic church. See the frescoes of a Romanesque crypt and the beautiful painting of “Saint Bavo Enters the Convent at Ghent” by Rubens. Afterwards, head to City Hall and admire the splendid mix of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture.

Afternoon: Try the best of Flemish cuisine in one of the  local restaurants and visit Market Hall where you will see the Belfort Tower and the medieval churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint James and Saint Michael. Continue to the old port of Graslei  and take in the scenic views of the River Leie. Proceed to the medieval castle of Gravensteen and explore the charming district of Pateshol with its lovely buildings of brick facades. You will have free time to explore on your own, shop and relax.

Evening: Upon arrival back in Brussels, enjoy a delicious meal and return to your hotel for a rest.

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Day 5

Morning: After breakfast at your hotel, take time to enjoy Brussels on a fascinating walking tour. The city is brimming with famous sites and so many hidden corners and gems. Learn about the enchanting history and the vibrant modern center.

Visit the Manneken Pis – “This fountain-statue of a little boy taking a leak is comically tiny and a perversely perfect national symbol for surreal Belgium. Most of the time the statue’s nakedness is hidden beneath a costume relevant to an anniversary, national day or local event: his ever-growing wardrobe is displayed at the Maison du Roi.”

Visit the shopping streets of Brussels lined with trinket and chocolate shops, enjoy the dazzling Monts de Artes and see the astonishing Notre Dame du Sablon.

Afternoon: After lunch, you will have time to explore Brussels on your own, shop and stroll the charming streets.

Evening: Enjoy a lovely meal at a local restaurant and keep exploring Brussels on your own.

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Day 6

Morning: After breakfast and check out, your group will depart for the Airport! Safe travels back home!

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Every student should travel

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