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Say “Belgium”… and chocolate immediately springs to mind. If you share Steena Holme’s passion for chocolate and other sweet treats, join her on this sweet journey to chocolate wonderland.
Monday, September 22 WELCOME TO BRUSSELS
Your Belgian chocolate experience will begin with transfers from Brussels airport to settle into your home away from home for the week at 5 star boutique hotel, @Amigo nestled in the vibrant heart of the city. You will be warmly welcomed at 6pm by Steena Holmes and Emma Gely, Absolutely’s tour escort, at the meet & greet cocktail at the elegant Magritte Bar of the hotel. Dinner will follow at the iconic Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a renowned restaurant since 1902.
Tuesday, September 23 CHOCOLATE HUNT & BELGIAN WAFFLES – BRUSSELS
Your day will begin with a private guided tour of Brussels Town Hall, a stunning Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of the city at the Grand-Place main square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following this, your will further discover Brussels while on a chocolate hunt designed just for you. Steena is looking forward to taking you for lunch @Cook and Book, a restaurant and cooking school located in a stylish library setting. After the main course, you’ll make your own dessert at a workshop led by a skilled pastry chef to make Belgian waffles . You’ll be led down the exquisite royal alleyway for a fine dining experience @Marmitan.
Wednesday, September 24 CHOCOLATE & DIAMONDS – ANTWERP
Today, you will board a coach to Antwerp for a special day starting with a self guided tour of the Chocolate museum showcasing chocolate traditions, history and innovations. The tour will be followed by a bean-to-bar workshop led by a chocolatier who will take you behind the scenes for an immersive experience to smell, taste and learn more about cocoa beans. During lunch @Octave, you will enjoy a special fusion menu combining chocolate and gastronomy. After lunch, you will be taken for a guided walking tour to explore Antwerp’s 16th century historical center and learn about the jewelry and diamond heritage meeting skilled artisans dedicated to preserving the traditions of handmade jewelry. You’ll have some free time before heading back to Brussels for dinner @The Brasserie.
Thursday, September 25 CHOCOLATE & CANAL CRUISE – GHENT
Today, you will travel to Ghent, a picturesque Belgian city renowned for its charming canals and medieval castle. You’ll embark on a guided walking tour through Ghent’s historical center, visiting three small family-owned chocolatiers. The tour concludes @Book and Booze, an unconventional bookshop where Yves pairs each book with a special drink.
After a leisurely lunch, you’ll board a hop-on-hop-off boat to cruise Ghent’s canals, where you will receive insightful commentary about the city’s landmarks. Conclude your day in Ghent with a sweet afternoon treat @Aux Merveilleux de Fred, savoring delicate meringue prepared with artisanal expertise.
Dinner will be @Vincent in Brussels.
Friday, September 26 CHOCOLATE & BEER – BRUGES
Today, you will be off to Bruges, a fairytale city renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Indulge in a hot chocolate break at a small family-run tearoom offering over 30 different hot chocolate options. You’ll learn about Bruges’ world-renowned lace tradition during a guided tour. After a delightful lunch @Duc de Bourgogne with a scenic view of the canals, you’ll be taken for a guided tour to discover the art of brewing beer, from malt and fresh hops to Genever spirit production followed by a unique beer and chocolate pairing experience. You’ll have some free time before the coach takes you back to Brussels, where dinner will be @leisure.
Saturday, September 27 CHOCOLATE & ART – BRUSSELS
Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate making with a hands-on workshop led by the renowned chocolatier, Laurent Gerbaud, where you will taste various cocoa flavors and craft your own chocolates to take home. Afterwards, you will explore the captivating surrealist masterpieces of René Magritte at The Magritte Museum. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure for lunch, last-minute purchases and preparing for your farewell dinner.
Conclude your day with farewell bubbles and a gastronomic dinner @La Maison du Cygne.
Sunday, September 28 FAREWELL
It’s time to have that last hot chocolate and to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Brussels Airport will be arranged in the morning.
Read here what Steena has to say about travelling with our tour guests
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your 30% deposit will be required on reservation. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & guide, activities and admission fees as indicated in the program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning of the last day, transportation by subway and on coach for day trips, accommodation in a 5-star boutique hotel.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to Belgium, tips to tour guides and coach drivers, any personal souvenirs or purchases, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, and all the extra sweet treats you pick up along the way, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be canceled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or for more interesting and exciting opportunities. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Steena is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gély, director of Tour with Absolutely.
Cancellation Policy
This is a non-refundable package group tour. There are no refunds, even in the case of injury or illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick before the trip or during it, you will need your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Visa and MasterCard.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (Covid-19 cancellation, Covid-19 medical, cancellation, interruption, medical evacuation, …) . Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress-free trip.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, September 22, transfers are included from Brussels International Airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet & greet by Steena Holmes and Emma Gély, director of Tour with Absolutely, who will be your tour leader for the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, September 28, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Brussels International Airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication, warm clothing, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes. Amenities, iron, and hairdryer are in every room. Laundry service is available.
Weather
We expect average daytime temperatures between 19°C / 66°F and overnight lows of 11°C / 51°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma has other tour options you may want to explore.
Accommodation
You are staying in the luxurious 5-star boutique hotel @Hotel Amigo
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with roommate matching as well as pre- and post-tour travel planning. Please advise if you require any additional nights at the hotel.
Say “Belgium”… and chocolate immediately springs to mind. If you share Steena Holme’s passion for chocolate and other sweet treats, join her on this sweet journey to chocolate wonderland.
Monday, September 22 WELCOME TO BRUSSELS
Your Belgian chocolate experience will begin with transfers from Brussels airport to settle into your home away from home for the week at 5 star boutique hotel, @Amigo nestled in the vibrant heart of the city. You will be warmly welcomed at 6pm by Steena Holmes and Emma Gely, Absolutely’s tour escort, at the meet & greet cocktail at the elegant Magritte Bar of the hotel. Dinner will follow at the iconic Aux Armes de Bruxelles, a renowned restaurant since 1902.
Tuesday, September 23 CHOCOLATE HUNT & BELGIAN WAFFLES – BRUSSELS
Your day will begin with a private guided tour of Brussels Town Hall, a stunning Gothic masterpiece located in the heart of the city at the Grand-Place main square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following this, your will further discover Brussels while on a chocolate hunt designed just for you. Steena is looking forward to taking you for lunch @Cook and Book, a restaurant and cooking school located in a stylish library setting. After the main course, you’ll make your own dessert at a workshop led by a skilled pastry chef to make Belgian waffles . You’ll be led down the exquisite royal alleyway for a fine dining experience @Marmitan.
Wednesday, September 24 CHOCOLATE & DIAMONDS – ANTWERP
Today, you will board a coach to Antwerp for a special day starting with a self guided tour of the Chocolate museum showcasing chocolate traditions, history and innovations. The tour will be followed by a bean-to-bar workshop led by a chocolatier who will take you behind the scenes for an immersive experience to smell, taste and learn more about cocoa beans. During lunch @Octave, you will enjoy a special fusion menu combining chocolate and gastronomy. After lunch, you will be taken for a guided walking tour to explore Antwerp’s 16th century historical center and learn about the jewelry and diamond heritage meeting skilled artisans dedicated to preserving the traditions of handmade jewelry. You’ll have some free time before heading back to Brussels for dinner @The Brasserie.
Thursday, September 25 CHOCOLATE & CANAL CRUISE – GHENT
Today, you will travel to Ghent, a picturesque Belgian city renowned for its charming canals and medieval castle. You’ll embark on a guided walking tour through Ghent’s historical center, visiting three small family-owned chocolatiers. The tour concludes @Book and Booze, an unconventional bookshop where Yves pairs each book with a special drink.
After a leisurely lunch, you’ll board a hop-on-hop-off boat to cruise Ghent’s canals, where you will receive insightful commentary about the city’s landmarks. Conclude your day in Ghent with a sweet afternoon treat @Aux Merveilleux de Fred, savoring delicate meringue prepared with artisanal expertise.
Dinner will be @Vincent in Brussels.
Friday, September 26 CHOCOLATE & BEER – BRUGES
Today, you will be off to Bruges, a fairytale city renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. Indulge in a hot chocolate break at a small family-run tearoom offering over 30 different hot chocolate options. You’ll learn about Bruges’ world-renowned lace tradition during a guided tour. After a delightful lunch @Duc de Bourgogne with a scenic view of the canals, you’ll be taken for a guided tour to discover the art of brewing beer, from malt and fresh hops to Genever spirit production followed by a unique beer and chocolate pairing experience. You’ll have some free time before the coach takes you back to Brussels, where dinner will be @leisure.
Saturday, September 27 CHOCOLATE & ART – BRUSSELS
Immerse yourself in the art of chocolate making with a hands-on workshop led by the renowned chocolatier, Laurent Gerbaud, where you will taste various cocoa flavors and craft your own chocolates to take home. Afterwards, you will explore the captivating surrealist masterpieces of René Magritte at The Magritte Museum. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure for lunch, last-minute purchases and preparing for your farewell dinner.
Conclude your day with farewell bubbles and a gastronomic dinner @La Maison du Cygne.
Sunday, September 28 FAREWELL
It’s time to have that last hot chocolate and to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Brussels Airport will be arranged in the morning.
Read here what Steena has to say about travelling with our tour guests
Deposit
To secure a place on our tour, we ask that you fill in our reservation form, which indicates that your 30% deposit will be required on reservation. The balance will be due 2 months prior to the tour.
Included
Breakfast and all meals indicated in the program with wine at dinner, gratuities in restaurants, taxes, professional tour facilitator & guide, activities and admission fees as indicated in the program, airport transfers on the first day of the tour and in the morning of the last day, transportation by subway and on coach for day trips, accommodation in a 5-star boutique hotel.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to Belgium, tips to tour guides and coach drivers, any personal souvenirs or purchases, additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals, and all the extra sweet treats you pick up along the way, travel insurance (highly recommended) and trip medical coverage (required for travelers over 50 years of age).
Terms and Conditions
If insufficient numbers of participants register for the tour or in the event of conditions deemed unsafe for our clients, the tour may be canceled or postponed. While we endeavor to operate all trips as described, we reserve the right to change the trip itinerary owing to circumstances beyond our control or for more interesting and exciting opportunities. Any changes will be of similar or superior quality and content. If Steena is unable to travel, the tour will go ahead as planned with Emma Gély, director of Tour with Absolutely.
Cancellation Policy
This is a non-refundable package group tour. There are no refunds, even in the case of injury or illness or personal emergency. Cancellation must be notified by email to emma@tourwithabsolutely.com. We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance including medical assistance and cancellation. If you get sick before the trip or during it, you will need your own medical and trip cancellation insurance to cover any costs incurred.
Payment
We accept Visa and MasterCard.
Travel with insurance – and rest assured
Check out SquareMouth, insurance specialists that compare coverage, including Covid, from 19 reputable providers. Just select what best suits you (Covid-19 cancellation, Covid-19 medical, cancellation, interruption, medical evacuation, …) . Prices are reasonable and well worth it for a stress-free trip.
Arrival and Departure
On arrival, September 22, transfers are included from Brussels International Airport to the hotel. You will be welcomed at the meet & greet by Steena Holmes and Emma Gély, director of Tour with Absolutely, who will be your tour leader for the entire stay. On the last day of the tour, September 28, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Brussels International Airport. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines.
Photo Release
You hereby grant Tour with Absolutely permission to use your likeness in a photograph, video or other digital media in any and all of its publications including web-based publications, without payment or other consideration. In addition, you waive the right to inspect or approve the finished product wherein your likeness appears.
What to Pack
European adaptors, phone chargers, medication, warm clothing, umbrella, comfortable walking shoes. Amenities, iron, and hairdryer are in every room. Laundry service is available.
Weather
We expect average daytime temperatures between 19°C / 66°F and overnight lows of 11°C / 51°F.
Physical Requirements
This tour is “physically active.” Tour guests must be able to walk without assistance and carry their personal luggage. You may be on your feet, walking and standing, for over an hour, indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. That means if you need help climbing in a tour bus or if you are winded after walking 50 feet, Emma has other tour options you may want to explore.
Accommodation
You are staying in the luxurious 5-star boutique hotel @Hotel Amigo
Additional Services
Emma Gély of Tour with Absolutely is happy to assist with roommate matching as well as pre- and post-tour travel planning. Please advise if you require any additional nights at the hotel.
Follow the trail of the skilled female lace makers on a guided tour of Bruges
