We leave Brussels directly in the direction of Waterloo and during the short trip a DVD will give us more information about the battle. We drive along the Wellington Museum - situated in the center of Waterloo – towards the battlefield.
Here our small vehicle has the advantage to make a driving tour of the battlefield possible, and this from east to west and from north to south. We start our exploration with the eastern corner of the battlefield and see the “Ferme de la PAPELOTTE” and the famous sunken road that was so heavy in casualties for the French Cavalry. Back to the center of the battlefield and passing the Gordon monument, the monument of the Hanovrians and the “LA HAIE SAINTE” Farm, theatre of heavy fighting resulting that the Farm was only taken by Napoleon in the very late afternoon.
Close to the “BELLE ALLIANCE” farm (Napoleon’s headquarter) we have an outlook from the same observation point that Napoleon used. Then, in the village of Plancenoit, we reach the monument for the Prussians : a turning point in the battle, as we can see the eastern fields from where the Prussians were coming, despite being beaten 2 days earlier in Ligny. This arrival at the “good place and the good time” and the fantastic defense of Hougoumont have been crucial in the result of the battle. Then we drive to the very interesting new visitor center, putting the Battle in a more general European perspective - you can assist to a fabulous presentation of the Battle in 4D. Of course you can climb the Lion Hill and visit the Panorama painting.
But the highlight is without any doubt the presentation at the grange of HOUGOUMONT farm, on the spot where 200 years ago the battle in the battle took place. By using new technologies you will get a very impressive end of your visit.
After a short drive of 1 hr., we reach Ghent, historic capital of Flanders. The monuments of Ghent are as glorious as the history of the city, which in medieval times, had almost as many habitants as Paris.
We start our walking tour in the historic center of Ghent with its famous 3 towers: the Belfry, the St Nicolas church and St Bavo’s cathedral. Here you can admire, amongst other art treasures, the most famous Masterwork of the Flemish Primitives : the Mystic Lamb.
Furthermore we stroll along the beautiful Graslei with its beautiful historic buildings and once the place where the transshipments of cereals on the river Leie took place. We see the sturdy fortress of the Counts of Flanders, the meat-hall and the picturesque Friday’s Market Square.
Step out of time.
Bruges is a city steeped in history and also called the Venice of the North. One of the leading cities of medieval Europe, but the silting up of the connection with the sea during the 16th century obliged trade and industry to leave the city and to move to Antwerp. Ever since Bruges has been the sleeping beauty of Flanders. First we drive round the medieval city, in order to admire the impressive city gates and ancient windmills.
Then we start a walking tour through the historic center of the beautiful city : Our Lady Church with the sculpture made by Michelangelo “the Madonna with the Child”, Saint John’s Hospital, the Market Square with its Belfry, the Burg square with the Holy Blood Basilica (we will enter to admire the splendors of the Basilica), the stunning beauty of the Gothic Hall in the City Hall, the house of the representatives of Genua , the “House ter Beurze”, origin of world trade as this was the spot where world trade started. The picturesque “Lake of Love” and the beguinage are also part of our visit. Of course you can make a boat trip on the romantic canals of Bruges. Bruges has countless museums which art lovers can visit during the free time.
Return to Brussels.
We need not more than 2hrs30 to reach Luxembourg and start our visit. We start our walking tour in the heart of the upper city, the Place des Armes and continue along the Place Guillaume II, the Cathedral, the monument in honor of the Grand-Duchesse Charlotte, the palace of the Grand-Duke. We see the 3 Towers gate and reach the casemates of the Bock, an impressive system of tunnels made in the rocks of the Bock, which we can visit (entrance not included). But you can admire the splendid panorama’s over the “Grund” (the lower part of the city with the abbey of Neumünster), the plateau of Kirchberg with its European Buildings and institutions, and the Wenceslas wall.
Then we start our slow descent towards the bottom of the valley of the river Alzette, and walk through the Neumünster Abbey, today a Congress Center, towards the former military hospital. But there is also the spectacular view towards the upper city and the famous “casemates” of the Bock. We cross again the river Alzette and the lift will bring us back to the level of the upper city. Free time in the city center.
It is possible to visit the US military cemetery of Luxembourg/Hamm, where General G. Patton is laying at rest. The cemetery is located at Luxembourg Airport, and then we start our visits from here, and continue as described above.
Free time for lunch in Luxemburg. On the way back to Brussels we pass Bastogne and visit the Mardasson Memorial and make a stop in the city center of Bastogne at the Place Mac Auliffe and the Bastogne War Memorial.
We need not more than 2hrs30 min. to drive from Brussels to Luxembourg and start our visit of Luxembourg , a Unesco World Heritage city. We start at the upper part of the town with a fine view of the valley of the Petrusse on the Place de la constitution; we walk along the Place des Armes, the Place Guillaume II, the Cathedral, the monument in honor of the Grand-Duchesse Charlotte and the palace of the Grand-Duke. We see the famous 3 Towers gate and reach the casemates of the Bock, an impressive system of tunnels made in the rocks of the Bock, that you can visit (entrance not included).
We have also splendid views on the lower city, the “Grund”. Then we start our slow descent towards the lower city offering fine views on the “Grund”, the plateau of Kirchberg with its European Buildings and institutions, the abbey of Neumünster, the Wenceslas Wall. We reach the river Alzette at the bottom of the valley and walk through the Neumünster Abbey, and by doing so you will have a complete upwards perspective towards the upper city and the famous “casemates” of the Bock. We complete our tour in the lower valley by crossing the Alzette again and take the lift to reach again the upper city. Free time for lunch in Luxemburg.
Then we drive via Arlon to Bouillon were we expect to arrive at around 3.30 pm. Its feudal castle is almost 1000 years old and is a remarkable example of very well conserved military architecture. Its situation on the top of 3 rocks surrounded by the river Semois is indeed impressive. You can visit the castle with an audio guide. The Lord of this castle, Godefroid of Bouillon, played a very important role during the first crusade and became King of Jerusalem. We leave Bouillon at 5.00 pm and are driving back to Brussels via the highway.
We leave Brussels at 8.30am via Ghent towards Flanders Fields. We start with the trench of Death in Dixmude. Before arriving there we cross first the famous Railway Dike and stop at Our Ladies’ Corner, so that you can realize how important the flooding, organized by the Belgian Army, was. In St. Julien, the monument to the Canadian Forces venerates the victims of the first Gas attack in 1915.
We continue our visits at Essex Farm, where John Mc Crae wrote his famous poem with the same name. We visit the TYNE COT cemetery (the biggest Commonwealth Military Cemetery in the world). Here 13.000 men lay at rest, and there is also the wall of 35.000 names of man who are still “missing”. The terrible battles, known also as the 3rd battle of Ypres or of Passchendaele, have made so many victims from both sides. You can visit the Memorial Museum Passendaele 1917 (entrance not included), and to make a small visit to Polygone Wood and cemetary (with some 2000 headstones).
Via Wijtschate we arrive at the famous Pool of Peace, the biggest mine crater filled of water in Flanders (visit). We continue to Messines (with the monument for the Christmas Truce) and drive down the hill to have a fantastic view on both the Irish tower and the New-Zealand memorial, build where once the German trenches were. Then we make a stop at the Irish peace park and our visits end in Ploegsteert, with stops at the Memorial to the Missing, the Commemoration Plaque for Winston Churchill and in the fields where the “Christmas Truce” took place with Christmas 1914.
Back at Ypres at around 6.15 pm - free time for dinner and at 8 pm precisely we attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial, where 55.000 names of missing military man are mentioned. After the end of the ceremony we drive back directly to Brussels – arrival at approx. 9.30pm.
Pick-up at your hotel and we drive straight to the Grand’Place where we will make a walking tour explaining you the history and the function of the different buildings. Of course a short stop in front of the “Little Boy” has to be done. We then take again car and passing the magnificent St. Michaels’ cathedral we head towards the Laeken district: we see the Royal Residence, the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the world-famous Atomium, the landmark of Brussels.
The tour continues with a stop at the national Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with its splendid art-deco interior. Located on a hill, the enormous building is one of the most imposing churches in the world. We will the splendid admire from the top of the dome as two lifts take us some 53 meters upwards (entrance included).
Taking you back to the city center, we drive along the Column of Congres towards the Royal Palace, where the king is working and present during the day. We continue towards the stately Place Royale, the Place du Sablon with its magnificent gothic Church and the impressive Law Courts. Now we reach the Art-Nouveau district with some magnificent architectural houses and residences, the most known is of course the Horta residence. We enter the European district with the buildings and offices of the European Parliament, the European Commission and Council of Ministers. Then the Triumphal Arch of the Cinquantenaire is in view. Passing the Royal Parc and the Belgian Parliament we drive back to the city center or towards your hotel, as you can choose to stay in the city center.
Antwerp is Belgium’s 2nd largest city and Europe’s second largest harbor. And from the beginning of 2016, world’s largest lock will be operational. During the 16th and the beginning of the 17th centuries, we had yet another generation of great Flemish painters, the most known is certainly P.P. Rubens. We start our walking tour along the “Butchers Hall” to the market square with its ancient (guild) houses and entrance to our Lady’s Cathedral. The richness of the art works inside is a perfect illustration of the position of Antwerp as the leading port in Europe in the 16th century. And you will have the occasion to admire 4 of Rubens’ masterworks inside (entrance included) the cathedral and the Master’s monument in the City Centre.
We then drive to the MAS-museum to admire, from the 9th floor, a fine view on the city and the harbor (closed on Mondays). As Antwerp is the world Diamond capital, a visit to Diamond Land cannot fail on the program. Before driving back to Brussels, we will visit the famous Central Station, the 1st most beautiful railway station in the world. It has been completely renovated some 4 years ago; we finish our visit the famous Cogels-Osylei, where some beautiful examples of Art-Nouveau architecture can be admired.
We leave Brussels and drive via Lille to Vimy Ridge, where we can visit this very important site of the European Battlefields of WW1. You can participate in the free guided visits of the Grange-tunnel system (allowing the Canadian forces to attack the Germans in their back), and the trenches. This clearly indicates how close the lines from both sides were. Of course we visit the Monument on the culminating point of the cliff of Vimy.
At the end of the morning we drive again to the north to reach Plugsteert, where we pay our respect to the Memorial to the Missing and the Commemoration plaque for Winston Churchill. He fought here during the first 5 months of 1916. In Messines we see the Irish Peace Park and stop at the monument remembering us the Christmas truce of 1914. We proceed to the Pool of Peace, the biggest crater of the mining war in Flanders. We have time for lunch in Ypres, and continue our visit around the city. We arrive at Hill 62 and Sanctuary Wood by driving on the road boarded with Canadian trees that is situated where, during the war, the front line was. From here we have a splendid view over the city of Ypres.
Now we proceed via Hellfire Corner, the spot known by all soldiers as this was the way to the front, to reach Tyne Cot cemetery and its museum (the biggest Commonwealth Military Cemetery in the world). Here 13.000 man lay at rest, and there is also the wall of 35.000 names of man who are still “missing”. The terrible battles, known also as the 3rd battle of Ypres or of Passchendaele, have made so many victims from both sides. In St. Julien, the monument to the Canadian Forces venerates the victims of the first gas attack in 1915 and we finish our tour passing Cheddar Villa (a bunker that changed several times hands) to arrive at Essex Farm, where John Mc Crae wrote his famous poem “In Flanders Fields”.
Back at Ypres you have free time for dinner and at 8pm precisely we attend the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial – the monument with the names of 55.000 with no known grave. After the end of the ceremony we drive back directly to Brussels.
We drive straight to the Grand’Place where we will make a walking tour explaining you the history and the function of the different buildings. Of course a short stop in front of the “Little Boy” has to be done. We then take again car and passing the magnificent St. Michaels’ cathedral we head towards the Laeken district : we see the Royal Residence, the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the world-famous Atomium, the landmark of Brussels. The tour continues with a stop at the national Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with its splendid art-deco interior. Located on a hill, the enormous building is one of the most imposing churches in the world. We will the splendid admire from the top of the dome as two lifts take us some 53 meters upwards (entrance included).
Taking you back to the city center, we drive along the Column of Congres towards the Royal Palace, where the king is working and present during the day. We continue towards the stately Place Royale, the Place du Sablon with its magnificent gothic Church and the impressive Law Courts. Now we reach the Art-Nouveau district with some magnificent architectural houses and residences, the most known is of course the Horta residence. We enter the European district with the buildings and offices of the European Parliament, the European Commission and Council of Ministers. Then the Triumphal Arch of the Cinquantenaire is in view. Passing the Royal Parc and the Belgian Parliament we drive back to the city center or towards your hotel, as you can choose to stay in the city center.
Antwerp is Belgium’s 2nd largest city and Europe’s second largest harbor. And from the beginning of 2016, world’s largest lock will be operational. During the 16th and the beginning of the 17th centuries, we had yet another generation of great Flemish painters, the most known is certainly P.P. Rubens. We start our walking tour along the “Butchers Hall” to the market square with its ancient (guild) houses and entrance to our Lady’s Cathedral. The richness of the art works inside is a perfect illustration of the position of Antwerp as the leading port in Europe in the 16th century. And you will have the occasion to admire 4 of Rubens’ masterworks inside (entrance included) the cathedral and the Master’s monument in the City Centre.
We then drive to the MAS-museum to admire, from the 9th floor, a fine view on the city and the harbor (closed on Mondays). As Antwerp is the world Diamond capital, a visit to DIAMOND LAND cannot fail on the program. Before driving back to Brussels , we will visit the famous Central Station, the 1st most beautiful railway station in the world. It has been completely renovated some 4 years ago; we finish our visit the famous Cogels-Osylei, where some beautiful examples of Art-Nouveau architecture can be admired.
We leave Brussels directly in the direction of the Center of Waterloo, and pass the Wellington museum.
During our driving tour on the battlefield itself we start with the eastern corner of the battlefield with the “Ferme de la PAPELOTTE” and the famous sunken road that was so heavy in casualties for the French Cavalry. Back to the center of the battlefield we pass the Gordon monument, the “LA HAIE SAINTE” Farm where such a heavy fighting took place and only taken by Napoleon in the very late afternoon. At the “BELLE ALLIANCE” farm we have an outlook from the same observation point that Napoleon used. Then, in the village of Plancenoit, we reach the monument for the Prussians: a turning point in the battle, as we can see the eastern fields from where the Prussians were coming, despite being beaten 2 days earlier in Ligny. This arrival at the “good place and the good time” and the fantastic defense of Hougoumont have been crucial in the result of the battle. Then we drive to the very interesting new visitor center, putting the Battle in a more general European perspective and you can assist to a fabulous presentation of the Battle in 3G. Of course you can climb the Lion Hill and visit the Panorama painting.
But the highlight is without any doubt the presentation at the grange of HOUGOUMONT farm, on the spot where 200 years ago the battle in the battle took place. By using new technologies you will get a very impressive end of your visit.
We start our tour going straight to the Grand’Place where we will make a walking tour explaining you the history and the function of the different buildings. Of course a short stop in front of the “Little Boy” has to be done. We then take again car and passing the magnificent St. Michaels’ cathedral we head towards the Laeken district: we see the Royal Residence, the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the world-famous Atomium, the landmark of Brussels.
The tour continues with a stop at the national Basilica of the Sacred Heart, with its splendid art-deco interior. Located on a hill, the enormous building is one of the most imposing churches in the world. We will the splendid admire from the top of the dome as two lifts take us some 53 meters upwards (entrance included). Taking you back to the city center, we drive along the Column of Congres towards the Royal Palace, where the king is working and present during the day.
We continue towards the stately Place Royale, the Place du Sablon with its magnificent gothic Church and the impressive Law Courts. Now we reach the Art-Nouveau district with some magnificent architectural houses and residences, the most known is of course the Horta residence. We enter the European district with the buildings and offices of the European Parliament, the European Commission and Council of Ministers. Then the Triumphal Arch of the Cinquantenaire is in view. Passing the Royal Parc and the Belgian Parliament we drive back to the city center or towards your hotel, as you can choose to stay in the city center. We leave Brussels directly in the direction of the Center of Waterloo, and pass the Wellington museum .
During our driving tour on the battlefield itself we start with the eastern corner of the battlefield with the “Ferme de la PAPELOTTE” and the famous sunken road that was so heavy in casualties for the French Cavalry. Back to the center of the battlefield we pass the Gordon monument, the “LA HAIE SAINTE” Farm where such a heavy fighting took place and only taken by Napoleon in the very late afternoon. At the “BELLE ALLIANCE” farm we have an outlook from the same observation point that Napoleon used.
Then, in the village of Plancenoit, we reach the monument for the Prussians : a turning point in the battle, as we can see the eastern fields from where the Prussians were coming, despite being beaten 2 days earlier in Ligny. This arrival at the “good place and the good time” and the fantastic defense of Hougoumont have been crucial in the result of the battle. Then we drive to the very interesting new visitor center, putting the Battle in a more general European perspective and you can assist to a fabulous presentation of the Battle in 3G. Of course you can climb the Lion Hill and visit the Panorama painting.
We leave Brussels at 7 am and drive on the highways via Mons and Valenciennes to Reims, the capital and the center of the famous champagne wines. In the late morning we will start our visit with the wine cellars of one of the best known champagne wines, the TAITTINGER Champagne cellars. The duration of the visit of the cellars, inclusive of the tasting of a glass of champagne, is of 1 hour.
After the visit of the cellars, we drive towards the famous Gothic Cathedral of Reims where you have time for a light lunch (not included). We then go towards the famous cathedral that was heavily damaged during the 1st World War, during the shelling of the Germans who wanted to take the city. After the war, this beautiful example of Gothic Church building has been restored, inclusive of the beautiful colored glass Windows. It is here that all the French Kings were crowned, inclusive of the last King Louis XVI. But it was also here that famous Jeanne d'Arc made the coronation of CHARLES VII possible in Reims. Do not forget that the northern part of the French territory was occupied by the English. Later she died at the stake in Rouen in 1431 and was canonized.
Free time or we do the visit of a second Champaign Cellar.
Join a day trip to Luxembourg from Brussels with Spanish speaking guide.
Discover the capital of the Grand Duchy, Luxembourg - a city whose wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A place full of magic, history, and art treasures. Only in Spanish.
You'll be picked up in the centre of Brussels and go towards Luxembourg City, located about 200 kilometres east of the Belgian capital. You will leave the city of Namur and the beautiful landscape of the Ardennes forest to get into this small country. The tour begins in the Constitution Square, located very close to the centre. The guide will explain the history of the city.
See the Plaza de Armas, a lively place founded by the Spanish in 1671. Here you will find typical restaurants and cafes of this stately city. From there, go to the famous passage of the town hall and enter the Plaza de Guillermo II. Continue until you reach one of the most charming areas of the city, the cathedral of Notre Dame. Built in 1621 and founded by the Jesuit order, it is a place worth visiting. From here you walk towards the best-known shopping area of Luxembourg.
There will be many more highlights of the city, and after the visit you will have 3 hours of free time to eat and explore. We will leave Luxembourg to go back in Brussels.
¿Tienes pocos días en Bélgica? Brujas, Bruselas ¿Mucho que ver y pocos días? ¡No te preocupes! La excursión Amberes – Gante es perfecta para ti ya que no puedes dejar escapar la oportunidad de descubrir estas dos joyas ocultas de Bélgica.
A las 8:30 horas te recogeremos en el centro de Bruselas para dirigirnos hacia la majestuosa ciudad de Amberes, situada a 45 kilómetros al norte de Bruselas y a solamente 55 kilómetros de Breda. Viajaremos en nuestros propios autobuses, nuestros guías os irán haciendo una panorámica de todos los puntos que vamos viendo a la salida de Bruselas. Olvídate de ir en trenes con retrasos, excursiones sin organización viajando de pie durante una hora. Con nosotros tendrás la mayor calidad al mejor precio del mercado.
En nuestro camino hacia Amberes, realizaremos una parada de unos minutos en el Atomium. Nos bajaremos de nuestro autobús para hacer una foto y continuar nuestro viaje. Mucha gente dedica una mañana para ir hasta al Atomium a realizar simplemente una foto, el trayecto en metro desde el centro es de 40 minutos. Evita esa pérdida de tiempo ya que, al viajar en nuestros propios autobuses, podremos parar a realizar la famosa foto y continuar nuestra ruta. ¡Aprovecha al máximo tus vacaciones en Bruselas!
Conoce todo el encanto de Amberes y de sus gentes bautizada por los españoles como" los sinjoren" que quiere decir señores. En la ciudad del lujo visitaremos su majestuoso río Escalda. Conoceremos entre otros lugares: el mercado de la carne, el castillo Steen, la plaza del ayuntamiento, la iglesia de Nuestra Señora, la iglesia de San Carlos de Borromeo, el paseo de las tortas, la calle Meir, y mucho más.
Después de terminar la visita dispondréis de tiempo libre, para comer algo ligero y dar una vuelta por la ciudad, realizar algunas compras en sus exclusivas boutiques o bien contemplar los frescos de Rubens en la catedral.
Nuestro siguiente destino será la bella y poderosa ciudad de Gante. Residencia de los célebres hermanos Van Eyck.
Explora todo el encanto de Gante y de sus gentes. Popularmente conocidos como los Stroppendragers o “los de la soga al cuello” desde un acontecimiento que tuvo lugar en 1540 y cuyo principal protagonista fue Carlos I de España. Un fabuloso lugar lleno de historia. Durante la visita veremos: la catedral de San Bavón donde se encuentra la famosa pintura de los hermanos Van Eyck la “Adoración del Cordero Místico” , el campanario Belfort, el peculiar Ayuntamiento con parte gótica y renacentista, la iglesia de San Nicolás, la Casa Gremial de los Albañiles, el muelle de las Hierbas y el Grano, el mercado de la Carne y terminaremos en el majestuoso castillo de los Condes de Flandes.
Tras dejar una hora de tiempo libre para callejear por sus hermosas calles, quedaremos en el punto de encuentro para volver al autobús y regresar a Bruselas.