Belgian Transport Extravaganza
Holiday Highlights
- 8-day Belgian Rail Pass for unlimited rail travel
- Steam train excursions at Maldegem and Mariembourg
- Excursion to the Canal du Centre
- Excursions to the Coastal Tramway and Ghent
- Public transport tickets for Ghent, Charleroi and Brussels
- 10 days from £1,550pp
Tour Dates:
Saturday 8 June to Monday 17 June 2024
Join us as we tour Belgium using various modes of transport including trams, steam trains and boat lifts – a great way to explore this country.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – London to Bruges
Depart on Eurostar mid-morning from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Bruges where we have a 4-night stay.
Day 2 – Stoomcentrum Maldegem
Full day excursion to Maldegem where we find steam running on the standard gauge, as well as a narrow gauge branch line and a museum.
Day 3 – Coastal Tramway
Today we travel on the metre gauge electric tramway which operates along the coast between Knokke and De Panne, a distance of 68km, the longest single tram line in the world.
Day 4 – Ghent
There will be an optional escorted excursion to Ghent today, allowing plenty of time to travel on the city’s tram network. A transport ticket will be included.
Day 5 – Province Hainault
Morning departure by train, via Brussels, to Charleroi for a 4-night stay. Afternoon at leisure with transport pass to explore the metro system.
Day 6 – Canal du Centre
Today we visit the Canal du Centre, with a boat cruise through one or more of the boat lifts followed by a tour of the Strepy-Thieu Boat Lift which includes a film about the construction and operation of the structure (audio guides will be available). Return by coach to Charleroi.
Day 7 – A Day in Liege
A day trip to Liege, a city full of history. Liege has long been a commercial and cultural hub in the Wallonia Region. Its old town is filled with landmarks dating back to the medieval period, including the Romanesque Church of St. Bartholomew. Transport enthusiasts will enjoy spending time at the city’s well-stocked Public Transport Museum.
Day 8 – Steam at Mariembourg
We travel by rail to the Chemin de Fer à Vapeur des Trois Vallées which operates over 14km of track between Mariembourg and Treignes. There will also be time to visit the museum at Treignes.
Day 9 – Brussels
Morning departure from Charleroi for Brussels. Free time for the rest of the day with a transport pass to ride the city’s trams, buses and underground trains.
Day 10 – Home
Morning Eurostar service to London St Pancras for a lunchtime arrival.
Selected Hotels
Ibis Brugge Centrum, Bruges
Ibis Hotel, Charleroi
Ibis Hotel Gare du Midi, Brussels
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Standard Class Eurostar return London to Brussels
- Belgian Rail Pass
- Excursions as detailed
- Accommodation in good, quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: | £1,550 |
Single room supplement: | £415 |
Deposit for this holiday: | £200 |