Off the Beaten Belgium
& Horal's Tour de Geuze
April 17 - 27, 2008

Join on a trip built around HORAL's (High Council of Lambic Blenders) Tour de Geuze that takes in 5-7 geuze blenders and lambic brewers in a single day. We'll start in Brussels, then travel to some lesser known breweries who are making great beer. Overnights in Mons, the Ardennes, and Maastricht put us close to the fine breweries of Namur, Liege, and Limburg provences in eastern Belgium. Enjoy fine hotels in great locations, beer meals, travel by beer bus, a comfortable pace and like minded companions on this beer adventure.

Daily Itinerary:

Thursday, April 17 - Depart the US, bound for Brussels, Belgium.

Friday, April 18 - 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, April 19 - This morning is free until our visit to Cantillon this afternoon. We'll tour the brewery museum and have a thorough tasting of their fine lambic based beers. Overnight in Brussels.

Sunday, April 20 - Today we board our private coach to complete the Toer de Geuze in comfort and style. Evening free in Brussels.

Monday, April 21 - This morning we depart Brussels, bound for Mons, former home of Vincent Van Gogh. Along the way we'll stop for lunch and a visit at Brasserie Blaugies, along with a visit to Abbey des Rocs. this evening we'll have a guided city tour and cafe crawl. Overnight in Mons.

Tuesday, April 22 - The morning is free to explore Mons. This afternoon we'll make a foray into France for a some some biere de garde breweies and cafes. Return to Mons this evening.

Wednesday, April 23 - Depart Mons this morning, bound for the Belgian Ardennes and Rochehaut. We'll visit Aubel and Fantome and have lunch along the way. Overnight in Rochehaut.

Thursday, April 24 - Today we journey east to Maastricht , with brewery visits to Ter Doolen and Kerkom. This evening we'll have a guided walking tour of Maastricht, with a cafe stop or two for good measure.

Friday, April 25 - Today we'll ride public transportation for a visit to some local caves and cafes. Return to Maastricht this evening.

Saturday, April 26 - Today is totally free to enjoy the Netherlands lovliest city. Tonight we'll celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner.

Sunday, April 27 - Alas it is time to return home with our beer laden luggage... (and dry out a bit?).

To Register and for Policies & Details: Click Here.

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, 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!

Registration Details

Beer Highlights:

HORAL's Tour de Geueze - The organization that saved lambic - sponsors this single day tour of brewery and blending locations to virtually all the lambic and geuze producers.

Breweries/Tasting Rooms: 3 Fonteinen, De Cam, Boon, Abbey des Rocs, Blaugies, Aubel, Fantome, Kerkom, Ter Doolen and more.

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

The city of Maastricht -- with it medieval center, rich history, and many fine beer diversions.

Good folks to drink with and the rolling tasting room when we travel by private bus!Land Cost:

$2650
per person, double occupancy

$525
single room supplement

Trip Price Includes:

9 nights accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, rail and public transportation, brewery visits, beer tastings, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, all breakfasts, 3 dinners, 3 lunches, and trip leadership.

Airfare is not included in the trip price. The trip begins on Friday afternoon in the hotel lobby in the start city.

For Registration Policies & Details: Click Here.

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: 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 $50. Meet and greet arrival services are also available upon request at additional cost. 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.

Register Online

Off the Beaten Belgium & Horal's Tour de Geuze April 17 - 27, 2008

Daily Itinerary:

Please Note:

Off the Beaten Belgium
& Horal's Tour de Geuze
April 17 - 27, 2008