Say “Belgium”… and chocolate immediately springs to mind. This holiday season, join New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Steena Holmes on a festive, chocolate-filled escape that pairs the country’s warmest seasonal traditions with its world-class confectionery. Wander twinkling market stalls, sip mulled wine beneath fairy lights by night, and let the scent of spiced waffles and warm cocoa guide you from gilded squares to hidden chocolatier ateliers.
Steena’s love of sweets is the spark of this journey – expect intimate tastings, hands-on workshops, and stories that weave literary charm and culinary craft into every stop.
Monday, November 30 WELCOME TO BRUSSELS
Your Belgian chocolate experience will begin with transfers from Brussels international airport or Midi train station 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 Les Armes de Bruxelles, a renowned restaurant since 1902.
Tuesday, December 1 CHOCOLATE HUNT & BELGIAN WAFFLES – BRUSSELS
Your day will begin with a guided tour of Brussels starting by the 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. Lunch will be at a workshop led by a skilled pastry chef to make Belgian waffles. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore Brussels Grand-Place Christmas market transformed into an enchanting holiday square filled with lights, stalls and seasonal cheer. Dinner will be at leisure.
Wednesday, December 2 CHOCOLATE & BEER – BRUGES
Today, you will be off to Bruges, a fairytale city renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. You’ll learn about Bruges’ world-renowned lace tradition during a guided tour. After lunch at leisure and free time to explore the fairytale city of Bruges during Christmas, you’ll meet for a gourmet tea time at a small family-run tearoom, offering over 30 different hot chocolate options as you admire a demonstration of lace making. You will take the train back to Brussels for dinner @The Brasserie.
Thursday, December 3 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 small family-owned chocolatiers. The tour concludes @Book and Booze, an unconventional bookshop where Yves pairs each book with a special drink.
After free time for lunch at the Christmas market, you’ll board a private 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. You will take the train back to Brussels and be led down the exquisite royal alleyway for a dinner @Marmiton.
Friday, December 4 CHOCOLATE & DIAMONDS – ANTWERP
You will board a train 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, stroll through Antwerp’s historic centre: visit The Chocolate Line to taste signature creations in Antwerp’s Paleis op de Meir, once Napoleon’s city palace, enjoy a tour of the splendid Nottebohm Room to admire its rare books and ornate interior, then explore the Diamond Quarter to meet skilled artisans and learn about Antwerp’s centuries-old jewellery traditions. Finish with free time to browse the Christmas market in the 16th-century heart of the city before returning to Brussels by train. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
Saturday, December 5 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. 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 dinner at a special venue.
Sunday, December 6 FAREWELL
It’s time to have that last hot chocolate and to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Brussels Airport or Midi train station 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 two glasses of wine or beer or soft 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 train on day trips, accommodation in a 5-star boutique hotel.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to Belgium, 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.
Discounts
– Early bird discount if you register before December 31st, 2025
– Bring along a friend or family member discount
– You are entitled to a loyalty discount if this is your second trip or more with Tour with Absolutely
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, November 30th, transfers are included from Brussels International Airport or Brussels Midi train station 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, December 6th, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Brussels International Airport or brussels Midi train station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines and/or train tickets (from Paris or London).
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 7°C / 44°F and overnight lows of 2°C / 35°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. This holiday season, join New York Times & USA Today best-selling author Steena Holmes on a festive, chocolate-filled escape that pairs the country’s warmest seasonal traditions with its world-class confectionery. Wander twinkling market stalls, sip mulled wine beneath fairy lights by night, and let the scent of spiced waffles and warm cocoa guide you from gilded squares to hidden chocolatier ateliers.
Steena’s love of sweets is the spark of this journey – expect intimate tastings, hands-on workshops, and stories that weave literary charm and culinary craft into every stop.
Monday, November 30 WELCOME TO BRUSSELS
Your Belgian chocolate experience will begin with transfers from Brussels international airport or Midi train station 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 Les Armes de Bruxelles, a renowned restaurant since 1902.
Tuesday, December 1 CHOCOLATE HUNT & BELGIAN WAFFLES – BRUSSELS
Your day will begin with a guided tour of Brussels starting by the 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. Lunch will be at a workshop led by a skilled pastry chef to make Belgian waffles. In the afternoon you will have free time to explore Brussels Grand-Place Christmas market transformed into an enchanting holiday square filled with lights, stalls and seasonal cheer. Dinner will be at leisure.
Wednesday, December 2 CHOCOLATE & BEER – BRUGES
Today, you will be off to Bruges, a fairytale city renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming cobblestone streets. You’ll learn about Bruges’ world-renowned lace tradition during a guided tour. After lunch at leisure and free time to explore the fairytale city of Bruges during Christmas, you’ll meet for a gourmet tea time at a small family-run tearoom, offering over 30 different hot chocolate options as you admire a demonstration of lace making. You will take the train back to Brussels for dinner @The Brasserie.
Thursday, December 3 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 small family-owned chocolatiers. The tour concludes @Book and Booze, an unconventional bookshop where Yves pairs each book with a special drink.
After free time for lunch at the Christmas market, you’ll board a private 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. You will take the train back to Brussels and be led down the exquisite royal alleyway for a dinner @Marmiton.
Friday, December 4 CHOCOLATE & DIAMONDS – ANTWERP
You will board a train 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, stroll through Antwerp’s historic centre: visit The Chocolate Line to taste signature creations in Antwerp’s Paleis op de Meir, once Napoleon’s city palace, enjoy a tour of the splendid Nottebohm Room to admire its rare books and ornate interior, then explore the Diamond Quarter to meet skilled artisans and learn about Antwerp’s centuries-old jewellery traditions. Finish with free time to browse the Christmas market in the 16th-century heart of the city before returning to Brussels by train. Dinner this evening is at your leisure.
Saturday, December 5 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. 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 dinner at a special venue.
Sunday, December 6 FAREWELL
It’s time to have that last hot chocolate and to bid farewell to your new friends. Transfers to Brussels Airport or Midi train station 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 two glasses of wine or beer or soft 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 train on day trips, accommodation in a 5-star boutique hotel.
Not Included
Round trip airfare to Belgium, 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.
Discounts
– Early bird discount if you register before December 31st, 2025
– Bring along a friend or family member discount
– You are entitled to a loyalty discount if this is your second trip or more with Tour with Absolutely
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, November 30th, transfers are included from Brussels International Airport or Brussels Midi train station 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, December 6th, transfers are included in the morning from the hotel to Brussels International Airport or brussels Midi train station. When searching for flights, check out Skyscanner which compares flights and prices from numerous airlines and/or train tickets (from Paris or London).
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 7°C / 44°F and overnight lows of 2°C / 35°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.
Chocolate Hunt — Discover hidden chocolatiers and local boutiques as you uncover the country’s best-kept chocolate secrets.
Hands-On Belgian Waffle Workshop — Don your apron and learn authentic techniques for crisp, golden waffles you’ll want to recreate at home.
Chocolate Nation, Antwerp — Delve into the history and craft of chocolate at Chocolate Nation museum with immersive exhibits and tasting moments.
Antwerp’s Diamond District & Artisan Visit — Meet a master jeweler in the Diamond District and enjoy a glass of champagne while learning about fine craftsmanship.
Chocolate Masterclass with Laurent Gerbaud — A hands-on session with one of Belgium’s most celebrated chocolatiers.
Bruges Lace Makers’ Trail — Follow the storied path of Bruges’ lace tradition on a guided tour highlighting women artisans and time-honored techniques.
Canal Cruise in Ghent — Glide the canals on a guided boat ride and step back into Ghent’s medieval history framed by picturesque facades.
Brussels’ Grand-Place at Christmas — Experience the Grand-Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, transformed into an enchanting holiday square filled with lights, stalls and seasonal cheer.
Treasures of the Nottebohm Room – Tour of one of the most beautiful and prestigious library spaces in Belgium.
You don’t need to have read the author’s books to fully enjoy the tour! While literary conversations are part of the experience, the journey is designed for all travelers who love culture, history, and unique local experiences. With hands-on workshops, gourmet dining, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the tour offers a rich and immersive adventure that goes far beyond the page. Whether you’re a devoted reader or simply looking for an inspiring getaway, you’ll enjoy meaningful connections, storytelling, and unforgettable moments in beautiful settings.
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
Copyright 2025 | Tour with Absolutely
