Wild Flanders — Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp & Hasselt
$3,795.00
* The deposit is refundable less a $50 cancellation fee up to 60 days prior to departure. For cancellations made less than 60 days prior to departure, the full deposit will be forfeited. For cancellations made after final payment, refunds will be made (where possible) according to service contracts and supplier guidelines; these refunds will be based on recoverable expenses. See the full Terms and Conditions here.
Description
Wild Flanders — Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp & Hasselt
March 11 – March 21
Trip Price (land-only, based on double occupancy): $3,795 per person (2027) · Single room add $890 · International airfare not included.
Lambic where it was born in the Pajottenland, foeder cathedrals at Rodenbach, eccentric strong ales at De Dolle Brouwers, distillery traditions at Wilderen and De Dochter van de Korenaar — then Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Hasselt, each with its own beer personality. This is a journey through the most flavorful corners of Flanders: wild-fermented beers, Flemish red ale, Belgian classics, jenever heritage and a festival finale at The Beer Experience in Heusden-Zolder.
Beer is our lens, but the trip reaches well beyond beer alone. Expect medieval streets and canal cities, Flemish food at brewery lunches and long café tables, Billie’s Bier Kafétaria in Antwerp, optional jenever at the Hasselt museum and the kind of small-group pacing that lets each style land before the next. Flavor arcs, not checklists — lambic before red ale, red ale before strong golden, spirits folded into the grain story, and a festival that shows where Belgian craft is heading today.
Perfect For: Belgian beer lovers, lambic and geuze fans, food travelers, festival seekers and culturally curious explorers who enjoy small-group travel.
Lambic, red ale and festival finale — Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Hasselt the BeerTrips way.
At a Glance
- Duration: 11 days total / 9 nights on the ground, plus overnight flight from the U.S.
- Group Size: Maximum 12 travelers
- Beer Focus: Lambic, geuze, Flemish red ale, strong Belgian classics, jenever, whiskey and modern craft
- Pace: Relaxed to moderate, with structured brewery days, cultural stops and free time
- Walking Level: Easy to moderate walking, including cobblestones, stairs, stations and historic streets
- Transport: Rail, local taxis/rideshare and private minicoach on key brewery days
- Overnight Locations: Brussels (2 nights), Ghent (3 nights), Antwerp (2 nights), Hasselt (2 nights)
Tour begins with overnight travel to Brussels and ends in Hasselt after breakfast on Sunday, March 21, 2027.
Your price is confirmed once your deposit has been accepted for this departure. Prices may vary based on hotel, transportation, supplier and currency costs.
Please select your room type above when joining the trip. Space and single-room availability are limited.
Future Trips
- 2027 | March 11 – March 21 | Open
- 2028 | Dates TBA | Interest List
Why BeerTrips?
For more than 25 years, BeerTrips has helped curious travelers experience great beer destinations through local culture, food, history and the people behind the breweries. Our small-group journeys are designed for travelers who want more than a checklist of sights and tastings.
Belgium has one of the most concentrated, diverse and historic beer cultures in the world — but enjoying it well requires thoughtful pacing, smart routing and a tasting sequence that lets each region speak clearly. We keep travel distances short, meals balanced and overnights comfortable.
- Small groups, typically 8–12 travelers
- Brewery access and local connections built over decades
- A balance of guided experiences and independent time
- Beer, food, culture and history woven together
- Led by people who genuinely love these destinations
Beer
Lambic and geuze in the Pajottenland, foeders at Rodenbach, strong ales at De Dolle Brouwers and modern craft at The Beer Experience — flavor arcs, not checklists.
Food
Flemish comfort food, artisan cheese, hearty brewery lunches, Billie’s Bier Kafétaria in Antwerp and canal-side meals built for lambic and regional beer pairings.
Culture
Medieval canal cities, Grand Place cafés, Ghent cruises, jenever in Hasselt and the everyday pleasures of Belgian tavern culture.
Why You’ll Love This Trip
Join us for a foray through the most flavorful corners of Flanders — Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp and Hasselt — tasting beer where it was born, shaped, blended and celebrated. Lambic, geuze, farmhouse character, strong Belgian classics, elegant modern craft and a festival finale: this is Belgium, BeerTrips style.
Along the route you’ll meet blenders in the Pajottenland, stand among Rodenbach’s foeders, cruise Ghent’s canals with a glass in hand, explore Antwerp’s beer bars and finish among brewers, food stalls and BeerTalks at The Beer Experience — with free time built in to wander, shop and settle into Belgian café culture.
What makes this trip special: This itinerary is built around flavor arcs, not checklists. Lambic before red ale. Red ale before strong golden. Spirits folded naturally into the grain story. And a festival that shows where Belgian craft is heading today.
Trip Highlights
- Lambic and geuze traditions in the Pajottenland
- Private tour and tasting at Rodenbach, the foeder cathedral of Flanders Red Ale
- Expressive strong ales at De Dolle Brouwers
- Ghent canal cruise with local Flemish beers and light snacks
- Wilderen Brewery & Distillery in historic farm buildings
- De Dochter van de Korenaar in Baarle-Hertog
- Turnhout brewery or brewery museum visit, depending on timing and group interest
- The Beer Experience Festival in Heusden-Zolder
- Hasselt jenever heritage and Belgian grain-spirit traditions
Signature Beer Experiences
- Lambic & The Pajottenland: Visits may include Oud Beersel, 3 Fonteinen, Boon, De Cam and Tilquin.
- Rodenbach: A private tour and tasting in the foeder cathedral of Flanders Red Ale.
- De Dolle Brouwers: Expressive, eccentric strong ales and Belgian brewing at its most characterful.
- The Beer Experience Festival: Belgian breweries, food, music, art and BeerTalks in Heusden-Zolder.
Food, Wine & Spirits Experiences
- Jenever, fruit distillates and Belgian whiskey at brewery-distillery sites such as Wilderen
- Small-batch spirits and barrel-aged beers at De Dochter van de Korenaar
- Optional visit to the Jenever Museum in Hasselt
- Guided orientation walk in Brussels and beer-and-history walk in Antwerp
- Ghent canal cruise with beer and light snacks
- Billie’s Bier Kafétaria dinner and guided tasting
- Hearty Flemish lunches built for lambic and regional beer pairings
Places, Beers & Traditions We’ll Explore
Belgium’s brewing culture reaches back through generations of monks, merchants, blenders and craftspeople who refined their beer traditions long before modern borders were drawn. Within its small footprint lies one of the most diverse and historically rich beer cultures in the world — spontaneous fermentation in the Pajottenland, foeder-aged Flemish reds, strong golden ales perfected in abbeys and a new wave of brewers pushing Belgian flavor into sharp, modern expression.
Brussels — lambic in the glass, spontaneous fermentation and the first taste of the region’s beer culture.
Brussels — The Soul of Lambic & Cultural Crossroads
A European capital built on centuries of trade, cafés, guilds and art — and the only region where wild-fermented lambic still thrives. Tradition lives in every glass: old cafés pouring cellar-aged classics, modern blenders working in the Pajottenland and spontaneous fermentation that remains truly unique in the world.
Ghent — canals, cozy taverns and three nights in Flanders’ most walkable city.
Ghent — Waterways, Warmth & Quiet Beer Intelligence
Medieval architecture, glowing canals, student energy and one of Belgium’s most thoughtful beer scenes. Ghent rewards the curious with deep bottle shops, cozy taverns, canal cruises and a food culture that treats Belgian beer with care and respect.
Antwerp — Style, Port Energy & Modern Expression
A port city with swagger. Antwerp blends Flemish brewing heritage with avant-garde craft, world-class beer bars like Billie’s Bier Kafétaria and a design-forward energy that pairs beautifully with Belgian yeast-driven classics.
Hasselt — Jenever Heritage & Festival Finale
Friendly, flavorful and long tied to distilling tradition. Hasselt is also our base for The Beer Experience festival — a lively celebration of Belgian brewing with food, art, music and conversations with the brewers themselves.
Beer Styles & Brewing Traditions
Travelers may encounter lambic, geuze, Flemish red ale, strong golden ale, barrel-aged beers, Belgian craft interpretations, jenever, whiskey and fruit distillates — all connected through Belgium’s deep grain, brewing and distilling heritage. It’s a grain country, where brewing and distilling grew up together, and on this trip we taste both sides of that legacy.
Food & Local Traditions
Expect Flemish comfort food, seasonal regional cuisine, Belgian café etiquette, canal-side meals, brewery lunches and the kind of tavern culture where beer and food are treated as equals. From lambic pairings in the Pajottenland to festive dinners in Ghent and Antwerp, meals are woven naturally into the journey.
Trip Itinerary*
Click or tap each day to expand the details. Daily schedules may vary depending on supplier availability, local events and transportation schedules.
Day 0 – Thursday, March 11, 2027 – Depart the U.S.
Overnight flight to Brussels. Hydrate, rest and let anticipation rise.
Overnight: Plane
Day 1 – Friday, March 12, 2027 – Welcome to Brussels
Arrive in Brussels and transfer into the city by easy rail connection or taxi. Check in at Warwick Grand-Place Brussels and settle into the rhythm of the trip with a gentle orientation walk — cobblestones, guild houses, stone alleys and your first sense of Belgian café etiquette. Evening welcome dinner at Big Mama with a curated tasting flight.
Overnight in Brussels — Warwick Grand-Place Brussels | Meals: D
Day 2 – Saturday, March 13, 2027 – Lambic Day in the Pajottenland
A deep dive into the world’s last surviving spontaneous fermentation tradition. Using local drivers and taxis, with no luggage today, we explore the Pajottenland with visits that may include Oud Beersel, 3 Fonteinen, Boon, De Cam and Tilquin — a balanced arc of history, blending philosophy and quietly powerful barrel rooms. Lunch is hearty Flemish comfort built for lambic pairings. Gentle return to Brussels in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Brussels — Warwick Grand-Place Brussels | Meals: B, L
Day 3 – Sunday, March 14, 2027 – Rodenbach & De Dolle to Ghent
Moving day with luggage. Depart Brussels by private minicoach for West Flanders and a private tour and tasting at Rodenbach — the foeder cathedral of Flanders Red Ale. Lunch at the brewery showcases how acidity, wood and malt harmonize. In the afternoon, continue to De Dolle Brouwers for expressive strong ales and Belgian brewing at its most eccentric. By late afternoon, travel onward to Ghent and check into B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum. Evening free for a first look at Ghent’s canals and cafés.
Overnight in Ghent — B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum | Meals: B, L
Day 4 – Monday, March 15, 2027 – Ghent Canal Cruise & Dinner
A relaxed morning in Ghent, with time for wandering, coffee and photography. In the afternoon, enjoy a private canal cruise with local Flemish beers and light snacks — one of the most atmospheric ways to meet the city. A festive group dinner in the historic center rounds out the day.
Overnight in Ghent — B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum | Meals: B, D
Rodenbach’s foeder cathedral — tasting Flanders Red Ale before the run to Ghent and De Dolle.
Day 5 – Tuesday, March 16, 2027 – Choose Your Day: Bruges or Ghent
A flexible, build-your-own-adventure day. Options include a daytrip to Bruges for cobblestone streets, canals, De Halve Maan and ’t Brugs Beertje; staying in Ghent for more time along the canals, Hopduvel bottle shop, cafés, museums and chocolate; or an optional small-batch brewery visit if production schedules align.
Dinner is on your own, with a reserved table available for those who wish.
Overnight in Ghent — B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum | Meals: B
Day 6 – Wednesday, March 17, 2027 – Wilderen, Sint-Truiden & Antwerp
Moving day with luggage. Depart Ghent by private minicoach for Wilderen Brewery & Distillery — a combined brewery-distillery set in beautifully preserved historic farm buildings, where modern stainless systems sit alongside old brick and timber. Tastings may include expressive beers plus house-made jenever, whisky and fruit distillates — a rare look at how Belgian brewing and distilling traditions overlap. Lunch in nearby Sint-Truiden highlights seasonal Flemish cuisine with easy beer pairings.
Continue to Antwerp for a guided beer-and-history walk through the city’s stylish heart. Evening on your own.
Overnight in Antwerp — B&B HOTEL Antwerpen Centrum | Meals: B, L
Day 7 – Thursday, March 18, 2027 – Free Antwerp Day & Billie’s Evening
A full day to explore Antwerp at your own pace. Possibilities include MAS Museum and rooftop views over the river and port; café culture in Het Zuid and the historic center; beer bars like Oud Arsenaal, ’t Antwaerps Bierhuiske or a return visit to a favorite spot; shopping and design districts, the cathedral or Rubenshuis.
In the evening, we re-gather at Billie’s Bier Kafétaria for a BeerTrips-style anchor event: a relaxed dinner and guided tasting that gradually opens into curated exploration for those who wish to stay on.
Overnight in Antwerp — B&B HOTEL Antwerpen Centrum | Meals: B, D
Day 8 – Friday, March 19, 2027 – Antwerp, De Dochter, Turnhout & Hasselt
Moving day with luggage. Depart Antwerp by private minicoach for Baarle-Hertog and a visit to De Dochter van de Korenaar, the brewer-distiller crafting barrel-aged beers, elegant strong ales and small-batch spirits under the historic motto of “the daughter of the grain.” Continue toward Turnhout for either a visit to Het Nest brewery, with playful modern Belgian brewing and classic roots, or the extensive Bocholter Brewery Museum, depending on timing and group interest.
Arrive in Hasselt in the late afternoon and settle in.
Overnight in Hasselt — B&B HOTEL Hasselt | Meals: B
Day 9 – Saturday, March 20, 2027 – Jenever Museum Optional & The Beer Experience Festival
A flavorful culmination in Hasselt and Heusden-Zolder. In the morning, guests have the option to visit the Jenever Museum — a cultural cornerstone that traces Belgium’s grain-spirit traditions from agricultural origins to modern craft, tying together the themes we’ve tasted at Wilderen and De Dochter.
Later in the day, we head to The Beer Experience Festival in Heusden-Zolder: Belgian breweries, food, music, art and BeerTalks in a vibrant, contemporary setting. We begin with a short group orientation and “don’t miss” list, then you’re free to explore at your own pace before returning to Hasselt.
Overnight in Hasselt — B&B HOTEL Hasselt | Meals: B
Day 10 – Sunday, March 21, 2027 – Departure / Optional Festival Day 2
Relaxed breakfast and transfers for onward travel. Depending on flight times, guests may choose to return to The Beer Experience festival for a second visit before departing the region.
Meals: B
Ready To Experience Wild Flanders Through Beer, Food & Culture?
Join fellow travelers for lambic, geuze, Flemish red ale, strong Belgian classics, jenever, medieval cities, modern craft beer and a festival finale.
What’s Included
- All accommodations for 9 nights in centrally located hotels
- All brewery, distillery and festival visits listed in the itinerary
- All listed guided tours and activities
- All group ground transport during the trip as described, including rail, private minicoach and local transfers on brewery days
- Guided orientation walk in Brussels’ historic center
- Pajottenland lambic day with multiple producers and a hearty Flemish lunch
- Private tour and tasting at Rodenbach, plus De Dolle Brouwers visit
- Ghent canal cruise with local beer and light snacks
- Beer-and-history walk in Antwerp
- Visit to Wilderen Brewery & Distillery and lunch in Sint-Truiden
- Visit to De Dochter van de Korenaar plus Turnhout brewery or brewery museum stop
- Group orientation and hosted experience at The Beer Experience festival
- BeerTrips tour leadership throughout the journey
Included Meals
10 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 3 Dinners
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to/from Belgium
- Most dinners and some lunches
- Personal expenses, extra drinks and optional activities
- Travel insurance, strongly recommended
Where We Stay
- Brussels: Warwick Grand-Place Brussels — 2 nights
- Ghent: B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum — 3 nights
- Antwerp: B&B HOTEL Antwerpen Centrum — 2 nights
- Hasselt: B&B HOTEL Hasselt — 2 nights
Final hotels may vary by departure year but will always be of equal or greater quality.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Great Fit If…
- You enjoy Belgian beer, food, history and local culture
- You like lambic, geuze, Flemish red, strong ale and festival beer
- You enjoy small-group travel with a relaxed but organized pace
- You are comfortable walking through historic cities, stations, brewery districts and cobblestone streets
- You enjoy a balance of guided brewery visits, cultural experiences and free time
May Not Be Ideal If…
- You are looking for a fast-paced party tour
- You prefer luxury resort-style travel
- You are uncomfortable with cobblestones, stairs, trains, taxis, brewery spaces or walking several miles over a day
- You prefer every hour of every day to be fully scheduled
Frequently Asked Questions
Click or tap a question to expand the answer.
How physically demanding is this BeerTrip?
This tour involves easy to moderate walking through historic cities, brewery spaces, stations and festival settings. Expect cobblestones, narrow alleys, occasional stairs and standing during tastings. Travelers should be comfortable walking several miles over the course of a day at a relaxed pace.
What beer styles will we focus on?
The itinerary is built around lambic and geuze in the Pajottenland, Flanders Red Ale at Rodenbach, expressive Belgian strong ales at De Dolle, modern Belgian craft, barrel-aged beers, and festival pours at The Beer Experience.
Will we visit the exact breweries listed?
The intended lineup includes visits such as Rodenbach, De Dolle, Wilderen and De Dochter van de Korenaar, plus Pajottenland lambic producers and festival events. Final brewery lineup and timing are subject to confirmation and availability.
How much free time is built into the itinerary?
The itinerary includes free time in Ghent, Antwerp and Hasselt, plus flexible choices such as Bruges or Ghent on Day 5 and optional festival time on departure day depending on travel plans.
Can non-drinkers join?
Yes. BeerTrips journeys are equally focused on food, culture, architecture, history and regional experiences. Non-drinkers and light drinkers are welcome.
What airport should I use?
The trip begins in Brussels and ends in Hasselt, with onward departures via the Brussels area. Final travel guidance will be included in pre-trip documents.
Is this a party tour?
No. This is a beer-focused cultural travel experience built around appreciation, culture and discovery — not a party atmosphere.
Breweries, Festival & Travel Resources
Official websites for breweries, the festival and regional tourism boards — useful for planning extra time before or after the tour.
Featured Breweries & Producers
- Brouwerij Oud Beersel
- Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen
- Brouwerij Boon
- Gueuzerie Tilquin
- Rodenbach Brewery
- De Dolle Brouwers
- Wilderen Brewery & Distillery
- De Dochter van de Korenaar
- Het Nest
Festival & Museums
Official Tourism & Beer Resources
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Small groups, shared tables and one more toast in a classic Flemish pub.
Ready To Join This BeerTrips Adventure?
Explore Wild Flanders through lambic, geuze, Flemish red ale, Belgian strong ales, jenever, medieval cities, modern craft beer and a festival finale.
*Final brewery lineup and exact timing are subject to confirmation and availability. Substitutions, when necessary, will be at least as good as what they replace.
BeerTrips has been crafting small-group beer, food and cultural journeys for over 25 years.
Additional information
| Room Type | Sharing, Single |
|---|
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 confirm the trip’s operation before purchasing air tickets.
Most Trips officially begin in the lobby of the first hotel. Meeting times, information about getting from the airport or train station to the hotel, the detailed itinerary, hotel addresses, and a trip roster will be included with your Final Trip Documents, which you’ll receive 2 – 3 weeks before the trip.
How we travel on tour: All included excursions and visits include transportation. Within the cities, we rely on walking and private or public transportation (uber, taxis, busses, trams, etc.). Travel between cities is by private motor coach, luxury van, ferry, and/or rail.
REGARDING INCLUDED MEALS AND BEER:
We don’t mess around when it comes to food and beer. Restaurants — tried and true — have been carefully selected, based on quality, local knowledge, and insider tips. On a Beer Trip, included meals mean you may order as you please – including beer, appetizers, dessert, etc. We are not stingy — a lot of food and beer is included on every Beer Trip.
PLEASE NOTE:
A BeerTrips beer tour 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, brewery visits, locally guided tours, and some excursions are, of course, formally “guided”. Travel days, on trains, public means, or the beer bus, as well some group walks, are blissfully unstructured, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.
THIS ITINERARY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE:
In rare cases, it may be necessary to alter the itinerary based on brewery or hotel 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. Substitutions, when necessary, will be as good as what we replaced. And, don’t worry, the beer is always good!
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+1 (406) 531–9109
beerguy@beertrips.com
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