DISCOVER BELGIUM

Belgium is the seat of the European Union and her capital, Brussels, attracts visitors with its outstanding food, restaurants, shops, her history and the sheer beauty of her environments.

The Grand Place in Brussels display some of the finest architecture in Europe. The square is lined with wonderful restaurants (and the menus are also printed in Flemish, a language very similar to Afrikaans.) Behind the Town Hall you will find the famous icon of Brussels, Mannekin Pis, where he has been relieving himself since 1691.

South Africans always feel at home in Belgium.

1. BRUSSELS CITY PACKAGES
Ref: DeBoe

INCLUDED
* 3 Days / 2 nights at selected hotel
* Daily Breakfast
* City tour

Please contact (012) 460 8382 for rates, or e-mail: info3@duto.co.za

2. CITY TOURS

2.1. Brussels City tour, the capital of Europe

We start our visit with a short walk to the famous Grand Place and learn the history of the remarkable city hall and quaint guide houses. Then we will be taken by luxury coach to see the beautiful St Michael's cathedral, Congress-column and the Heysel district with the world famous Atomium. We marvel at the sight of the Chinese Pavilion and the Japanese tower. Passing the Royal Residence we return into the city center and see the Sablon district with its countless antique dealer shops.

Brussels lace is world famous. We therefore make a short stop visiting a workshop where we can learn more about this medieval craft. Then our visit continues: we go to the magnificent Palace of Justice and see the fashionable Louise Square. Passing the stately Royal Square, the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament we arrive in the Cinquantenaire district. The Triumphal arch, exceptional museums and splendid Art Nouveau houses are the highlights of this part of Brussels. Here we are also at the very heart of the European Union, where we see the imposing EU building housing the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.

Duration: 3 hours
Departure times: 10h00, 14h00 from 2 Jan - 31 March & 1 Nov - 31 Dec
11:00 on Saturdays
10h00, 11h00, 14h00 from 01 April - 31 October

2.2. Ghent and Bruges, the Venice of the North

After an hour's drive, we arrive in Ghent, where we visit the St Bavo's Cathedral, home to the world famous "Mystic Lamb" of the Flemish Primitives Van Eyck (optional, close on Sundays). During the city tour you will see all the important buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the Belfry, St Nicholas Church and the Earl's Castle.

We proceed through the Flemish countryside to Bruges. In Bruges, we visit the "Lake of Love" and the beguinage. Then you will have time for lunch. Afterwards, we start our walking tour and discover Our Lady Church with a statue by Michelangelo, the Market Square with the Belfry and the Holy Blood Chapel. You can then take an optional boat trip along the "Reinen" (canals).

Duration: 9:30 hours
Departure: Daily at 09h00 from 1 April - 31 March

2.3. Antwerp, city of Rubens, diamonds and the famous harbour

Antwerp, Belgium's second largest city and one of Europe's largest harbors, has kept many memories of her rich past. Above all, it is the city of PP Rubens, the world famous master of the Baroque period. We drive to the Market square with its ancient houses and our Lady Cathedral (entrance fee included). This cathedral contains two of Rubens' masterworks: "The Erection of the Cross" and the "Descent from the Cross". Antwerp is also a diamond center. We will visit a diamond workshop and end the tour with a drive through the harbour.

Duration: 5:30 hours
Departure: 13h30 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Friday and Saturdays from 01 April - 31 Oct
13h30 on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2 Jan - 31 Mar and 01 Nov -
31 Dec (except 25 Dec)

2.4. Waterloo, and a visit to the Castle of Gaasbeek

Through the residential outskirts of Brussels and the delightful forest of Soignes, we drive on to waterloo. On the famous battlefield we see the historical farmsteads as well as the monuments erected by the Nations that participated in the battle. There is a possibility to visit the Panorama-painting and the Visitor's Centre with an audio-visual reconstruction of the battle. Time off to climb the Lion-hill.

We visit the beautiful Castle of Gaasbeek, where in the 16th century the Count of Egmond lives. Today the castle is a museum with a magnificent collection of antiques.

Duration: 4:30 hours
Departure: 13h30 from 01 April - October on Thursdays and Sundays
Extra departure: Tuesdays in July and August

2.5. Ardennes - Luxemburg - Bastogne

After a two hour drive we arrive at Bouillon and visit the feudal castle of Godfrey of Bouillon (additional). This famous duke of the House of Ardennes was a leader of the first crusade and became the first Christian king of Jerusalem in 1099. After lunch we will continue to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and its capital of the old center. We come back to Belgium and lovers of nature will certainly enjoy the picturesque landscape of the Ardennes. We arrive in Dinant from there we follow the river Meuse towards Namur.

Duration: 12 hours
Departure: 09h00 on Sundays from 01 April - 31 October

Extra departure: Wednesdays in July and August

2.6. Tour of Holland with a visit to Amsterdam

Holland is only a stone's throw away from Belgium, but the country is strikingly different.

We cross the Dutch border near Antwerp and after driving along the endless polders and countless windmills, we reach the Amsterdam area. First we visit a traditional craft center and encounter the goods that made the glory of Holland: tasty cheese, clogs and beautiful pottery.

In the afternoon we visit Amsterdam. We offer you an opportunity to make a boat tour along the many picturesque canals (optional) and we have a break at the 'Damsquare'; which is famous for the royal palace.

Duration: 12:30 hours
Departure: 9h00 on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1 April - 31 October

2.7. Rhine Valley - Cologne (Germany)

After a pleasant drive along the German Autobahn we pass Bonn, the former capital of West Germany. At the Königswinter, a romantic wine grower village with attractive shops and restaurants, we offer the opportunity to take the funicular railway to the top of the legendary "Drachenfels" in order to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Rhine valley with its majestic mountains. After lunch, we drive to Cologne with its world famous cathedral. We visit the old city center with Roman towers, medieval city gates and Romanesque churches. There is free time for shopping or for visits to the museums. At about 6pm we depart for Brussels.

Duration: 13 hours
Departure: 9h00 on Thursdays from July - August

General information:

Not included:
Entrance fees, unless otherwise specified; drinks; meals

Children under 4: free
5 - 12 years: apply for discount on regular excursions

Students: Must show student card

* The coaches are modern, comfortable and air-conditioned. Smoking, drinking and eating are not permitted.
* Free pickup service half an hour in advance from most hotels.
* Shops are open from Monday to Saturday between 9h00 and 18h00
* Most museums are open from Tuesday to Saturday
* Banks are open from Monday till Friday, from 9h00 to 16h00.