Cultural Immersion Rail Trip in Ghent

Day 1: Exploring Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

8:00AM

Gravensteen Castle

Start your day by visiting the well-preserved medieval castle, Gravensteen Castle, which offers a glimpse into the history of Ghent.
Gravensteen Castle is a 20-minute walk from Ghent's main train station.
€10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Saint Bavo's Cathedral

Head to Saint Bavo's Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and the famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral is a 15-minute walk from Gravensteen Castle.
€4, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pakhuis

Enjoy a traditional Belgian meal at Pakhuis, known for its delicious Flemish stew and Belgian beers.
Pakhuis is a 10-minute walk from Saint Bavo's Cathedral.
€20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ghent City Center

Stroll through the charming streets of Ghent's city center, marvel at the stunning architecture, and explore local shops and boutiques.
Ghent City Center is a short walk from Pakhuis.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at De Graslei

End your day with a picturesque dinner along the river at De Graslei, where you can enjoy local cuisine while admiring the historic buildings.
De Graslei is a 10-minute walk from Ghent City Center.
€25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Exploring More of Ghent

Ghent, Belgium

9:00AM

STAM Ghent City Museum

Start your day at the STAM Ghent City Museum to learn about the history and development of Ghent through interactive exhibits and displays.
STAM Ghent City Museum is a 15-minute tram ride from the city center.
€8, 2 hours

11:30AM

Ghent University Botanical Garden

Visit the Ghent University Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the city where you can explore a wide variety of plant species and enjoy nature.
Ghent University Botanical Garden is a 20-minute walk from STAM Ghent City Museum.
€3, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Balls & Glory

Indulge in a delicious lunch at Balls & Glory, known for its mouthwatering meatballs and flavorful sauces.
Balls & Glory is a 10-minute walk from the Botanical Garden.
€15, 1 hour

3:00PM

Gentse Feesten

If visiting during July, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Gentse Feesten, a 10-day music and cultural festival that takes over the city.
Various locations around the city center, check event schedule for details.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Roots

Enjoy a farm-to-table dining experience at Roots, where you can savor locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.
Roots is a 15-minute walk from the festival grounds.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Exploring Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

9:00AM

Belfry of Bruges

Begin your day in Bruges by climbing the Belfry of Bruges for panoramic views of the city and its medieval surroundings.
Belfry of Bruges is a 20-minute walk from Bruges train station.
€12, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Canal Cruise

Embark on a relaxing canal cruise to admire Bruges from a different perspective, passing by picturesque bridges and historic buildings.
Canal cruise departure point is a 10-minute walk from the Belfry.
€10, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at De Halve Maan

Savor a traditional Belgian meal at De Halve Maan, a brewery with a cozy restaurant offering local specialties and beer tastings.
De Halve Maan is a 15-minute walk from the canal cruise departure point.
€20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Groeningemuseum

Explore the impressive collection of Flemish Primitives and Belgian art at the Groeningemuseum, showcasing masterpieces from the region.
Groeningemuseum is a 10-minute walk from De Halve Maan.
€8, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at De Zilveren Lepel

Enjoy a cozy dinner at De Zilveren Lepel, a charming restaurant known for its warm ambiance and delicious Belgian cuisine.
De Zilveren Lepel is a 5-minute walk from the museum.
€25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: More of Bruges

Bruges, Belgium

9:00AM

Minnewater Park

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Minnewater Park, also known as the 'Lake of Love', where you can relax by the water and enjoy the swans.
Minnewater Park is a 15-minute walk from most hotels in Bruges.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Begijnhof

Explore the tranquil Begijnhof, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into the lives of the religious Beguines in Bruges.
Begijnhof is a 10-minute walk from Minnewater Park.
€2, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at De Stove

Enjoy a delightful lunch at De Stove, a hidden gem known for its authentic Belgian dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
De Stove is a 5-minute walk from Begijnhof.
€18, 1 hour

1:30PM

Choco-Story Museum

Discover the history of chocolate and indulge your sweet tooth at the Choco-Story Museum, where you can learn about the art of chocolate making.
Choco-Story Museum is a 10-minute walk from De Stove.
€9, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Free Time at Markt Square

Spend some leisure time at Markt Square, the heart of Bruges, where you can people-watch, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Markt Square is a short walk from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at De Vlaamsche Pot

End your day with a traditional Belgian dinner at De Vlaamsche Pot, a cozy restaurant serving classic Flemish dishes in a charming setting.
De Vlaamsche Pot is a 5-minute walk from Markt Square.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Antwerp Exploration

Antwerp, Belgium

9:00AM

Antwerp Central Station

Arrive at Antwerp Central Station, known as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, and admire its stunning architecture.
Antwerp Central Station is a short walk from most hotels in the city.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

MAS Museum

Explore the MAS Museum, a striking architectural marvel that houses exhibits on Antwerp's history, culture, and global connections.
MAS Museum is a 20-minute tram ride from the train station.
€10, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Balls & Glory

Indulge in another delicious meal at Balls & Glory, this time in Antwerp, and try their signature meatballs and tasty sides.
Balls & Glory is a 15-minute walk from the MAS Museum.
€15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Antwerp Zoo

Visit the Antwerp Zoo, one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world, and marvel at the diverse collection of animals and beautiful gardens.
Antwerp Zoo is a 10-minute walk from Balls & Glory.
€25, 2 hours

5:00PM

Diamond District

Stroll through Antwerp's Diamond District, known as the diamond capital of the world, and explore the luxury boutiques and diamond shops.
Diamond District is a 15-minute walk from the zoo.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Het Elfde Gebod

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Het Elfde Gebod, a restaurant filled with religious statues and artifacts, serving delicious Belgian cuisine.
Het Elfde Gebod is a 10-minute walk from the Diamond District.
€35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Antwerp Highlights

Antwerp, Belgium

9:00AM

Rubenshuis

Start your day at Rubenshuis, the former home and studio of the famous artist Peter Paul Rubens, now a museum showcasing his works and life.
Rubenshuis is a 20-minute walk from most hotels in Antwerp.
€8, 2 hours

11:30AM

Cathedral of Our Lady

Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, a stunning Gothic church that houses masterpieces by artists such as Rubens and other Flemish painters.
Cathedral of Our Lady is a 10-minute walk from Rubenshuis.
€6, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Frites Atelier

Enjoy a Belgian favorite for lunch at Frites Atelier, where you can savor gourmet fries with a variety of delicious sauces.
Frites Atelier is a 5-minute walk from the cathedral.
€12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Meir Shopping Street

Shop along Antwerp's famous Meir shopping street, lined with luxury boutiques, international brands, and local shops selling fashion and more.
Meir Shopping Street is a short walk from Frites Atelier.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Plantin-Moretus Museum

Explore the Plantin-Moretus Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to printing and publishing, showcasing rare books, manuscripts, and printing presses.
Plantin-Moretus Museum is a 10-minute walk from Meir Shopping Street.
€8, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at 't Zilte

Indulge in a culinary experience at 't Zilte, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative dishes and breathtaking views of Antwerp from the top of the MAS Museum.
't Zilte is a 15-minute walk from the museum.
€60, 3 hours
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Day 7: Brussels Day Trip

Brussels, Belgium

9:00AM

Grand Place

Start your day at the Grand Place, Brussels' central square surrounded by opulent guildhalls and the impressive Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Grand Place is a 10-minute walk from Brussels Central Station.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Magritte Museum

Explore the Magritte Museum, dedicated to the works of the famous Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte, showcasing a collection of his paintings and drawings.
Magritte Museum is a 15-minute walk from Grand Place.
€10, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Chez Léon

Savor a Belgian classic for lunch at Chez Léon, a renowned restaurant serving mussels and fries, a beloved dish in Belgium.
Chez Léon is a 5-minute walk from the museum.
€25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Atomium

Visit the iconic Atomium, a unique building representing an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, offering panoramic views of Brussels from the top.
Atomium is a 20-minute drive from the city center or accessible by public transport.
€15, 2 hours

5:00PM

Chocolate Tasting at Pierre Marcolini

Indulge in a chocolate tasting experience at Pierre Marcolini, a renowned chocolatier known for its exquisite chocolates and confections.
Pierre Marcolini has multiple locations in Brussels, check for the nearest one.
€20, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Belga Queen

Conclude your day with a gourmet dinner at Belga Queen, a stylish restaurant housed in a former bank, offering a fusion of Belgian and international cuisine.
Belga Queen is a 10-minute walk from Pierre Marcolini.
€50, 2 hours
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