Belgium Full-Day Excursion: Brussels to Ghent and Antwerp + Atomium Tour

Embark on a full-day excursion from Brussels to Ghent and Antwerp, including a tour of the iconic Atomium. Enjoy convenient round-trip bus transfers and the expertise of a local guide, while also having time to explore independently.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Atomium - On our way to Antwerp, we will make a brief stop at the Atomium, the monument considered a symbol of Brussels and Belgium. Here you will have the opportunity to take some photos.
  • Plantinkaai - The bus will drop us off at the city bus station.
  • Steenplein - We will head down the river path towards the city center. Before starting our tour, we will make a stop to go to the bathroom and indicate the place where we will meet in the afternoon to return to Brussels.

Here, with the skyscrapers and the river in the background, you will enjoy a small introduction to the history of the city.

  • Het Steen - The first stop on our tour will be Steen Castle. Here the history of the building will be explained, as well as the reason why the roof of buildings in Holland and Belgium has that particular shape.
  • Vleeshuisstraat - In addition to admiring the building that used to house the meat house, at this point, we will talk about how commerce worked and how the city was organized in the past.
  • Grote Markt - In this emblematic square, we will discover the town hall, the different guild houses and the legend that surrounds the Standbeeld van Brabo sculpture.
  • Carolus Borromeus Church - At this stop we will visit the old church of San Ignacio de Loyola and currently of San Carlous Borromeo. Enter the church and enjoy a painting by Rubens in context.
  • Lijnwaadmarkt - We headed towards the cathedral. Along the way, our guide will tell us how Belgian politics works.
  • Cathedral of Our Lady - We will get to know the architectural styles that give shape to this cathedral, as well as some of the works of Rubens that are preserved inside. In front of the cathedral, you will find a beautiful sculpture and discover the emotional history that surrounds it.
  • Groenplaats - We will discover how the old cathedral cemetery became the current “green square”. You can also take some beautiful photos of the cathedral and the Rubens sculpture found in the square.
  • Meir - We approach Meir Avenue, where some incredible buildings are located and which is the quintessential shopping street in the city.
    In the middle of the avenue we find the sculpture of a giant hand. In it, we will explain the different reasons why Antwerp and Belgium are also linked to this symbol.
  • Antwerp - At this time, you will enjoy approximately 1.5 hours of free time (depends on traffic and the pace of the group).
  • Plantinkaai - The bus will pick us up and head to Ghent.
  • Ghent - We arrived in Ghent, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. We walk to the center, where the guided tour will begin.
  • Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis) - We begin our guided tour in front of the Town Hall. Here our guide will explain the different architectural styles of the building.
  • Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) - Our guide will explain this iconic tower and the history surrounding your dragon.
  • St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) - You will discover the exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Ghent, where the most stolen painting in history is kept, the famous painting by the Van Eyck brothers “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”.
  • Saint Nicholas Church - Do you know that Belgian churches organize concerts and other events?
  • Masons’ Guild Hall - In front of the original facade of the masons’ guild house, our guide will explain what the guild houses are and their peculiarity.
  • Korenmarkt - In front of the church of Saint Nicholas, we find the Korenmarkt. In this place the peculiar history of the building where the post office used to be will be explained.
  • St Michael’s Bridge - On this bridge you can take some incredible photos. The history of the tower of the Church of San Miguel will also be explained here.
  • Graslei and Korenlei - We will follow the banks of the Lys river. We will get to know the buildings that surround the canal, such as the “grain house” or the current Marriott Hotel. You will also have the opportunity to take some photos.
  • OOOST - The next stop is the meat house, which dates back to the 15th century and was originally a covered market.
  • Kleine Vismarkt - In front of the Meat House, we will make a small stop at a traditional street stall. Here the seller will tell us about the most famous sweet in Ghent, the cuberdon.
  • St. Veerleplein - The last point of our guided tour is the Sint-Veerleplein square. Here our guide will explain the history of the square and the different buildings around it. Also, it will give you some tips on where to eat or which are the best souvenir shops. The guide will also remember when and where you need to be to take the bus back to Brussels.
  • Ghent - Free time, you will enjoy approximately 1.5 hours of free time (depends on the traffic and the pace of the group).
What's Included
  • Guided tour in Ghent
  • Guided tour in Antwerp
  • Professional guide in Spanish
  • Round trip by air-conditioned bus
  • City recommendations
What's Not Included
  • Pick up and return to the hotel.
  • Food and drink
Additional Information

Maximize your stay in Belgium with a full-day trip to Ghent and Antwerp + Atomium from Brussels. Skip the hassle of public transportation and benefit from convenient bus transfers to and from your destination. Gain valuable insights from a local guide, providing knowledge you might not uncover on your own. Additionally, enjoy the freedom to delve into the cities independently and at a leisurely pace.

  • You will receive confirmation at the time of booking.
  • Our guides have in mind the best for clients; While the tour generally includes the sites and stories mentioned and takes about 2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group.
  • Meals are not included, but your guide will be happy to point you to some great places to eat
Location
Carrefour de l'Europe
In Place Carrefour de l'Europe under the columns of the main entrance to the train and metro station, in front of the Hilton Grand Place hotel. Our guides will carry Buendia Tours ID.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Danbr1702yh
Nov 20, 2023
One way ticket to Banjul - I have a Gambian passport and booked a flight with Airportugal, Manchester to Lisbon and finally Banjul, I bought a one way ticket costing £1568 does anyone know do I need a Transit Visa when I get to Lisbon? I've heard the ticket gets cancelled and you lose the cost
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