19-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Belgium
Belgium is a land where medieval history meets contemporary luxury. This 19-day epic journey is designed for the discerning traveler who appreciates the finer things in life, from the intricate lacework of Bruges to the diamond-clad streets of Antwerp. You will traverse the country using first-class rail services, staying in the most prestigious heritage hotels while enjoying exclusive access to world-renowned art and gastronomy.
Throughout this Luxury Escape, every detail is curated to provide comfort and sophistication. Expect private chocolate tastings with master chocolatiers, sunset cruises on historic canals, and reservations at some of the world's most acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurants. This is not just a tour of a country; it is an immersion into the Belgian 'Art de Vivre'.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels, Belgium - Arrival & Grand Entrance
VIP Airport Arrival
Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) and be greeted by a private chauffeur for a seamless transfer to your luxury hotel in the city center.
Check-in at Hotel Amigo
Settle into your suite at this iconic Rocco Forte property, located just steps away from the Grand Place.
Private Grand Place Tour
Explore the world's most beautiful square with a private historian, learning about the gilded guildhouses and the Gothic Town Hall.
Welcome Dinner at Maison du Cygne
Indulge in classic Belgian fine dining overlooking the illuminated Grand Place.
Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - Art & Royal Heritage
Royal Museums of Fine Arts
Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Masters and Magritte Museum, housing the country's most significant art collections.
Lunch at Bozar Restaurant
Experience Michelin-starred cuisine within the architectural masterpiece of Victor Horta.
The Royal Palace of Brussels
Visit the official palace of the King and Queen, marveling at the Throne Room and the Hall of Mirrors.
Antique Shopping in Le Sablon
Browse the high-end antique shops and boutiques in the upscale Sablon district.
Day 3: Brussels, Belgium - Modern Icons & Sweet Secrets
The Atomium VIP Experience
Visit the iconic 1958 World Expo structure with fast-track entry and a glass of champagne at the top sphere.
Lunch with a View
Dine at the Atomium Restaurant for panoramic views of the Brussels skyline.
Private Chocolate Workshop
Learn the secrets of Belgian praline making from a master chocolatier in a private studio.
Cocktails at Life is Beautiful
Enjoy bespoke cocktails at one of Brussels' most exclusive and creative mixology bars.
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium - The Diamond City
First-Class Rail to Antwerp
Board the NMBS InterCity train in the first-class carriage for a comfortable 45-minute journey to Antwerp Centraal.
Antwerp Central Station Tour
Marvel at what is often called the most beautiful railway station in the world with its eclectic architecture.
Check-in at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Relax in the ultra-exclusive wellness area of this former 15th-century monastery.
Diamond District Private Viewing
Visit a high-end atelier for a private viewing of world-class Belgian diamonds.
Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium - High Fashion & History
MoMu Fashion Museum
Explore Antwerp's world-famous fashion heritage with a visit to the MoMu museum.
Lunch at The Jane
Dine in a converted chapel at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant, widely considered one of the best in the world.
Rubenshuis Private Tour
Walk through the home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, the master of Baroque painting.
St. Andrew’s District Shopping
Visit exclusive boutiques like Dries Van Noten’s flagship store in the fashion capital.
Day 6: Antwerp, Belgium - Modern Port & Panoramic Views
MAS Museum (Museum aan de Stroom)
Discover the history of Antwerp and its port in this striking red sandstone building.
Port of Antwerp Boat Tour
Charter a private yacht to see the scale of Europe's second-largest port.
Cathedral of Our Lady
View the masterpieces by Rubens housed inside this magnificent Gothic cathedral.
Dinner at Zilte
Savor a three-Michelin-starred meal on the 9th floor of the MAS with stunning city views.
Day 7: Ghent, Belgium - Medieval Grandeur
Rail Journey to Ghent
A short, premium rail transfer takes you to the heart of the medieval city of Ghent.
Check-in at 1894 Post Hotel
Stay in this boutique hotel located in Ghent's former post office, offering unrivaled views of the Graslei.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral & The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
View the world-famous Van Eyck altarpiece with a private art historian.
Dinner at Vrijmoed
Enjoy modern, vegetable-forward fine dining at this two-Michelin-starred institution.
Day 8: Ghent, Belgium - Castles & Canals
Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
Explore this 12th-century fortress with its impressive battlements and torture museum.
Lunch in the Patershol District
Dine in Ghent’s culinary quarter, a neighborhood of narrow cobblestone streets and hidden gems.
Private Canal Cruise
Charter a vintage luxury boat for a sunset cruise through the historic canals of Ghent with champagne service.
Evening Walk on Graslei and Korenlei
Stroll along the most beautiful quays in Europe, illuminated by the city's award-winning light plan.
Day 9: Ghent, Belgium - Local Life & Hidden Gems
SMAK (City Museum of Contemporary Art)
Visit one of Europe's leading contemporary art museums for a dose of modern creativity.
Picnic at Citadelpark
Enjoy a luxury picnic hamper prepared by a local deli in the city's largest park.
House of Alijn
Explore the museum of daily life in a former almshouse, offering a unique look at Flemish traditions.
Dinner at Pakhuis
Dine in a stunning industrial-chic setting specializing in fresh oysters and French-Belgian fusion.
Day 10: Bruges, Belgium - The Venice of the North
Travel to Bruges
A swift rail journey brings you to the fairytale city of Bruges.
Check-in at Hotel Heritage
Enter the world of Relais & Châteaux in this beautifully restored 19th-century mansion.
Markt Square & The Belfry
Climb the 366 steps for the best view in town or enjoy the carillon music from the square below.
Minnewater (Lake of Love)
Take a romantic walk around this peaceful lake at the edge of the city.
Day 11: Bruges, Belgium - Art & Artisan Chocolate
Groeninge Museum
View the finest collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, including works by Jan van Eyck.
Lunch at Zet'hoeve
Enjoy farm-to-table dining just outside the city walls at this Michelin-starred restaurant.
Private Lace Making Demo
Visit a traditional workshop to learn about the intricate craft of Bruges lace.
Dinner at De Karmeliet Heritage
Experience the culinary legacy of Bruges in a sophisticated, candlelit setting.
Day 12: Bruges, Belgium - Canal Serenity & Brewery History
Private Horse Carriage Ride
Explore the cobblestone streets and hidden corners of Bruges in a traditional horse-drawn carriage.
De Halve Maan Brewery VIP Tour
Take a private tour of the only family-run brewery in the city center, including a visit to the beer pipeline.
Begijnhof (Beguinage)
Walk through the serene white-washed houses of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Farewell Dinner in Bruges
Enjoy local specialties like carbonnade flamande in a high-end bistro.
Day 13: Knokke-Heist, Belgium - Coastal Chic
Transfer to the Belgian Coast
A private car takes you to the upscale seaside resort of Knokke-Heist.
Check-in at La Réserve Resort
Settle into the most prestigious hotel on the coast, overlooking the Zegemeer Lake.
Art Gallery Walk
Knokke is home to over 80 art galleries; take a guided tour of the most prestigious ones.
Dinner at Bartholomeus
Indulge in a two-Michelin-starred seafood dinner with views of the dunes.
Day 14: Knokke-Heist, Belgium - Nature & Relaxation
Zwin Nature Park
Explore this international bird airport with a private guide, walking through the salt marshes and dunes.
Lunch at a Beach Club
Enjoy a casual but luxurious lunch at one of the exclusive beach clubs in Het Zoute.
Luxury Shopping on Lippenslaan
Browse the high-end designer stores and local boutiques on Knokke's main promenade.
Sunset at the Royal Zoute Golf Club
Relax with a drink at one of Europe's most prestigious golf clubs.
Day 15: Durbuy, Belgium - The Ardennes Escape
Cross-Country Drive to the Ardennes
A scenic 2.5-hour drive south takes you from the coast to the forested hills of Wallonia.
Arrival in Durbuy
Explore the 'smallest city in the world,' a charming enclave of stone houses and narrow alleys.
Check-in at Le Sanglier des Ardennes
Relax at this legendary hotel owned by Marc Coucke, offering the height of luxury in a rustic setting.
Topiary Park
Visit the world's largest topiary park, featuring over 250 boxwood sculptures.
Day 16: Durbuy, Belgium - Gastronomy & Spirituality
Radhadesh Castle
Take a private tour of this castle-turned-spiritual retreat, home to a vibrant community and beautiful gardens.
Artisan Cheese Tasting
Visit a local farm in the Ardennes for a private tasting of regional goat and cow milk cheeses.
Forest Wellness Experience
Enjoy a high-end spa treatment at your hotel, utilizing local minerals and forest essences.
Dinner at Le Bru'sserie
Experience the creative tapas-style fine dining of chef Wout Bru.
Day 17: Namur, Belgium - Citadels & River Meuse
Drive to Namur
Head to the capital of Wallonia, located at the confluence of the Sambre and Meuse rivers.
The Citadel of Namur
Take a cable car to the top of the fortress for incredible views and a private tour of the underground tunnels.
Lunch on a River Boat
Enjoy a private gourmet lunch while cruising the Meuse River.
Old Town Exploration
Discover the charming shops and baroque churches of Namur's historic center.
Day 18: Brussels, Belgium - Final Luxuries
Return to Brussels
Return to the capital for your final night of the journey.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Do some final luxury shopping for lace, chocolate, and high-end watches in these stunning 19th-century galleries.
Horta Museum Private Tour
Visit the former home and studio of Art Nouveau pioneer Victor Horta.
Grand Finale Dinner
Dine at Comme chez Soi, a legendary Brussels institution known for its impeccable service and French cuisine.
Day 19: Brussels, Belgium - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Belgian waffle breakfast at your hotel.
Private Transfer to BRU
Your chauffeur will transport you to Brussels Airport for your departing flight.
Duty-Free Luxury
Pick up any last-minute Belgian treasures at the airport's extensive luxury shopping area.
Departure
Board your flight home, ending your 19-day epic journey through Belgium.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for a luxury escape is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking through historic centers and enjoying canal cruises, without the peak summer crowds. For those who enjoy festive luxury, December is also magical as the cities transform with world-class Christmas markets and festive lights.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are universally accepted in hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques. However, it is always useful to carry a small amount of cash for small purchases in local markets or tips. Tipping is generally included in the service charge at restaurants, but it is customary to leave an extra 5-10% for exceptional service in luxury establishments.
Getting Around Belgium
Belgium boasts one of the most efficient and dense rail networks in the world. For this luxury itinerary, traveling by First Class on NMBS/SNCB trains is the most comfortable and scenic way to move between major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges. Within cities, private chauffeur services are recommended for door-to-door convenience, while the Ardennes region is best explored via a private luxury car rental to access remote castles and nature spots.
