The Great Beers of Belgium
July 10 - 20, 2008

$2895 per person, double occupancy -- Land Only
$585 single room supplement

Belgium makes a strong case for being "beer heaven". From your first beer in Brussels until the last Antwerp, you will experience a wide variety of classic breweries and their great beers in optimum condition. Multi-night stays in Brussels, Brugge, and Antwerp; and an overnight pilgrimage to visit a couple of Trappist Breweries in southern Belgium, offer a variety of great beer and cultural experiences. There is plenty of time to explore on your own and take in Belgium's rich history and culture as well. Many great meals, visits to unique and historic breweries, transportation by rail, private coach and public means, fine hotels in great locations and more are built in to this trip. People have loved our past Belgium trips... this might be the best yet.

Space is limited to 15 travelers.

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Thursday, July 10 - Your trip begins as you fly to Brussels, Belgium. Meals and overnight aloft.

Friday, July 11- Upon arrival in Brussels, transfer to our hotel just steps from the Grand Place in the heart of Brussels. After time to settle we will meet in the hotel lobby for a walking/orientation tour of Brussels. Before our dinner this evening we will visit a couple famous cafes and bars to drink some great beer. Our dinner takes place at In t' Spinnekopke which is known for their cuisine a la biere. Overnight in Brussels. (Dinner)

Saturday, July 12 - This morning we tour the historic lambic brewery at Cantillon, where they still brew using spontaneous fermentation in with open air fermentors. It is sight to see. You will also have a chance, of course, to taste the various beers they produce after the tour as we eat lunch in their tasting room. The afternoon and evening are free. Overnight in Brussels. (B, L)

Sunday, July 13 - This morning we travel to Beersel, home of 3 Fonteinen a traditional family owned restaurant, brewery, and gueuze blender. We will take a great tour of the small brewery, before eating a traditional Belgian meal at their fine restaurant. Their fare emphasizes beer of course. After lunch return to Brussels. The evening is free in Brussels. (B, L)

Monday, July 14 - Today we journey south to the Ardennes, to begin our pilgrimage to Trappist Breweries. The first stop is Abbey de Notre Dame de St. Remy in Rochefort, home of some of the world's finest ales. After some tasting, and a tour of the brewery and a bit of the abbey, we will be treated to a traditional Ardennes meal to be accompanied by Rochefort 6, 8, and 10. After lunch we continue to Orval to enjoy their distinctive atmosphere and wonderfully bitter golden ale. A stop at the brewery-tap just down the road is a good spot to see the monks enjoying their craft. Overnight near Orval. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, July 15 - After breakfast this morning, we load up the beer bus and travel west to Chimay. We will have a beer and cheese tasting lunch at Chimay's restaurant. After lunch we make a stop at the quintessential farmhouse brewery - Brasserie Dupont. After a tour and tasting of their many region products, we travel to Brugge where we spend the next three nights. Overnight in Brugge. (B, L)

Wednesday, July 16 - This morning we'll enjoy a guide tour of beautiful Brugge. The remainder of the day is free to explore beautiful medieval Brugge. Take a city tour, by canal boat, horse drawn carriage, local tour bus, or foot. There are dozens of great bars in close proximity to museums, cathedrals, parks and public squares. There are also a couple of local breweries and a brewing museum if you want more beer related activities. Tonight or tomorrow we will indulge in a gourmet beer meal at Den Dyver, a restaurant offering courses paired with fine beers. Overnight in Brugge. (B)

Thursday, July 17- Today we visit two breweries (both tours are optional) that represent the turbulent and prestigious history of Belgian brewing: Rodenbach and Liefman's. Each brewery features museum-like historical aspects which add to the distinct character that can also be seen in their beers. The evening is free to enjoy our final night in Brugge. (The Den Dyver dinner may be tonight.) Overnight in Brugge. (B, D)

Friday, July 18- The day is free untill our 1:00 PM transfer to Antwerp for the final 2 nights of our trip. Brugge, Antwerp and Gent are all in close proximity and offer attractions, beer or otherwise, that are worth visits. This evening we will explore some of Antwerp's notable and historic bars. Overnight in Antwerp. (B)

Saturday, July 19- This morning we will tour the De Koninck brewery. The afternoon is free. This evening we will have a farewell beer dinner. Overnight in Antwerp. (B, D)

Sunday, July 20 - Alas, we must leave beer heaven. Antwerp and Brussels are served by the same international airport, so a variety of transfer options will be available. (B)

Highlights:

Belgian Beer & Breweries: in endless variety. 

Breweries and Tasting Room Visits to: Cantillon, 3 Fonteinen, Rochefort, Orval, Chimay, Dupont, Leifmans, Rodenbach, and DeKoninck! 

Brussels: The Grand Place, where streets of fine restaurants, beer bars, cafes, and shops pour into the gothic, gabled splendor of Brussels' central square.

Brugge: Perhaps the best preserved medieval city in Europe and a favorite weekend retreat. Canals, clock towers, cathedrals and cobble stone lend Brugge the feel of a city that time forgot.

Antwerp: With its grand cathedral, central squares, history of Rubens and great beer bars, including Kulminator!

Traditional beer cuisine: In t'Spinnekopke, 3 Fonteinen, Den Dyver, and more!

The Beer Bus - a traveling tasting room of local products of all types

Good folks to travel with and share the adventure!

Land Cost includes:

9 nights accommodation (w/private bath) in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, rail and excellent public transportation, brewery visits, entrance fees, and tours as outlined in the itinerary, breakfast daily, 4 special dinners, 4 beer lunches beer tasting, and trip leadership.

Travel Details and Air Options:

Air Travel to Brussels: This trip has been priced without airfare to enable travelers to use mileage awards, travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities while abroad.

From the Airport to the hotel: The airport connects to Belgium's convenient rail line and the center of Brussels and Antwerp. Inexpensive tickets are available at the airport. Private taxis are available for about $35. Meet and greet arrival services are also available upon request at additional cost.

How we get around: For all included excursions and visits, transportation will be included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking and public transportation, as this is safe, convenient and inexpensive. Travel to Chimay and Brugge will be done in our private motor coach.

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Please Note:

The overall style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

Please note also, that this itinerary is subject to change based on brewery availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather, etc. Smaller breweries, as well as the Trappists, are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Any substitutions will be as good or better than what we replaced. And don't worry, the beer will be great!

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