Mechelen - Connoisseurs of Belgium

Diamonds, Beer & Chocolate, three things for Belgium is noted for, and of interest to all. With this tour we have arranged guided tours and visits which will explore the history and the art of working and making all three things, with a taster to drink and to eat, (sadly no free diamonds). This is a tour for those who appreciate the finer things in life!. The Belgians regard beer with the same reverence as German wine and French Champagne and many brewers are pleased to impart their “art” to visitors. The same goes for the makers of delicious Belgian Chocolates with many manufactures having their own shops in towns and cities. And diamonds? Perhaps better halves should ensure that their men folk indulge well on day 3 having visited one of the worlds premier diamond centres the day before!

Day 1:

We leave Gloucestershire and make our way to Dover where we join our ferry for the crossing to France. On arrival we make our way into Belgium and arrive at our hotel with time to relax before our evening meal.

Day 2:

Diamonds! A full day to the city of Antwerp. An amazing 70% of the worlds diamonds are cut, polished & traded here and we include a guided tour of the excellent Diamondland. Home to lovely Flemish Architecture, the city is also proud of its artistic heritage.

Day 3:

Beer! Today’s city is Leuven, with its beautiful town hall. The city is home to the Stella Artois Brewery (tour included). Later we also visit the smaller Domus Brewery. Time will be available to stroll in the town centre.

Day 4:

…and Chocolate! A morning free in Belgium’s magnificent capital city of Brussels with possible visit to the amazing Atomium. Travel to a chocolaterie in the afternoon where a tour will be given and then its over to you to design and make your own choclates.

Day 5:

On the last day we will have a short stop at Bruges, then on to Calais where we will board the ferry to return to Dover. We will then return to Gloucestershire and with suitable comfort stops en-route arrive home early evening.

Local circumstances may cause the itinerary or excursions to be varied

Accommodation:

Nototel Mechelen Centrum

The hotel stands in the centre of this historic Belgian town. Within walking distance is the towns beautiful Grote Markt. All modern bedrooms feature tea/coffee making facilities, separate bath and shower and multi channel TV. All meals will be buffet style so no foreign menus to translate.

This holiday includes:

4 nights/5 days accommodation
Meal Basis: Half Board Basis (Buffet Meals)
En-Suite Rooms: Yes
Excursions: 3 Days (With Guided Tour)
Lift: Yes
Return transfers to Gloucestershire.


Departure Date	Hotel	Days	Adult (From)
7th June 2012	Novotel Mechelen	5	£417.00pp Single Room Supplement - £346.00