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Farmhouse Ales of Belgium and FranceMay 21 - 31, 2009Northern France and southern Belgium share a meandering, often invisible border that traverses one of the worthiest beer regions on earth. Biere de Garde, Trappists, and Saison producers are all well represented in this compact area. We begin and end in Brussels -- with stays in the windmill capped, hill-top city of Cassel, France; beautiful, untouristed Tournai; and Bouillon -- in the shadow of one of Europe's finest examples of fortified castles. Small breweries with eager brewmasters, traditional Flemish estaminets with great local food and beers, and a selection of worthy cultural sites await. Don't worry if you've haven't heard of these small artisanal breweries, that's why they're so good! Registration Details Daily Itinerary:Thursday, May 21- Fly to Europe Friday, May 22 - Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel near the bustling Grand Place of Brussels. This afternoon, meet the group for a walking tour/pub crawl en route to our Welcome Beer Dinner.
Sunday, May 24 - You have the morning free to explore Cassel, a fortified town built on the highest hill in the area. In the afternoon we will take a beer excursion to Thiriez brewery, a small brewery set in an old farmhouse. We will return to Cassel for a local tour of the town and dinner at Estaminet 'T Kasteelhof atop Mont Cassel. Monday, May 25 - Transfer today to Tournai, our home for the next three nights. On the way we will of course make a couple beer stops: this morning we will visit a brewery and have lunch. Afterwards we will continue towards Tournai with another brewery visit en route. Tonight is free in Tournai.
Tuesday, May 26 - This morning is free until our early afternoon tour of Brasserie Dupont, the quintessential farmhouse brewery. Later we'll head down the road to Pipaix to visit the living museum and steam brewery -- Brasserie A Vapeur. Tour, taste and dine in their historic environment. Wednesday, May 27 - Morning guided tour of Tournai, including a bit of the city's rich history and architecture. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy Belgium's untouristed, second oldest city. Thursday, May 28 - This morning we'll get back on the beer bus to transfer to Bouillon. On the way we'll visit fine brewery Abbaye des Rocs. Afterwards we'll travel the short way to Brasserie Blaugies where we'll enjoy a tour, tasting and lunch. Continue to Bouillon for overnight.
Friday, May 29 - Today is free to visit the great Crusader Godfrey de Bouillon's fortified castle and explore this lovely Ardennes vacation town. A pub crawl this evening is a likely scenario. Saturday, May 30 - This morning, we'll board the beer bus again and drive the short way to Orval, where we'll have a tour of the brewery, visit the public parts of the abbey grounds and drink their world-class ale in the local pub. Return to Brussels after the visit. The afternoon and evening are free until our farewell dinner in beer friendly environs. Sunday, May 31 - Alas, time to go home. 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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Beer & Trip Highlights * Brussels is host to many renowned beer pubs and cafes such as Mort Subite, La Becasse, Au bon Vieux Temps and A'la Imaige du Nostre Dame, just to name a few* Tournai- the second oldest city in Belgium, deserving of more tourism than it gets (which is ok with us)* Overnight stays in Cassel France, and Bouillon Belgium - strategic enclaves in striking distance to great micro- breweries and regional beers* Brewery/Tasting Room visits to De Dolle, Thiriez, Ch'Ti, DuPont, Orval, Abbaye du Rocs, and other rewarding beer exploring* Our Beer Bus - a traveling tasting room of local products of all types* Good folks to travel with and share the adventure!Land Cost $2695 $535 Trip Price Includes 9 nights accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, rail and public transportation, brewery visits, beer tasting, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, 9 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches, and trip leadership. Airfare is not included in the trip price. The trip begins on Friday afternoon in the Brussels hotel lobby. Travel Details Air Travel is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards, travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities while abroad to make the most out of the trip. Please contact us to inquire about low fares from your city. Please confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets. From the airport to the hotel: There are several inexpensive and slightly more expensive options for travel from and to the airport. Official taxis, bus and rail are available. If desired we can arrange to have you met and transferred from the airport to the hotel. Please inquire. Complete Details about how to get from the airport to the hotel will be included with your final trip documents. The trip officially begins at the first hotel, specific details including a map to the hotel, regional information and a detailed will be included with your trip documents, which you'll receive 2 - 3 weeks before the trip. 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. Travel between city and city will be done in our private motor coach and/or by rail. For Registration and Policies & Details: Click Here. |
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Millennium Three - The Official Millennium of Beer Travel!
All Rights Reserved, Beer Trips .com 1998 - 2005.
Saturday,
May 23 - This morning we depart Brussels to visit De Dolle brewery.
We will have lunch at the cafe near Westvleteren, visit a pub
in Poperinge and continue to Cassel, France for the night. 
