-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "Rockoxhuis")
-min.jpg&w=0&h=0 "Dulle Griet by Pieter Brueghel")
Antwerp and The Flemish Masters
4 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Antwerp, Brussels
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 25
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the artistic treasures of Antwerp on the "Antwerp and The Flemish Masters" tour. This enriching journey begins with a Eurostar trip from St Pancras to Brussels, followed by a coach transfer to Antwerp. Stay at the luxurious Hilton Antwerp Old Town, perfectly situated in the heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the world of Flemish art with guided visits to iconic sites such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, featuring Rubens' masterpieces, and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy insightful lectures by art historian Clare Ford-Wille, enhancing your appreciation of works by Rubens, Bruegel, and Van Dyck. Explore the historic Rubenshuis gardens, the Plantin-Moretus Museum, and the intimate Maagdenhuis. With included meals, transfers, and expert guidance, this tour offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of Antwerp's artistic heritage.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival And Rubenshuis Garden
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Hilton Antwerp Old Town
Meals Included: Dinner
Morning departure by Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels, where we transfer by coach to Antwerp to drop off luggage at our hotel. Free time for lunch (own expense) then walk to the house of Antwerp’s greatest Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. He bought the Rubenshuis in 1610 and transformed it to include a studio; it was his home for the rest of his life. The house is currently undergoing a major restoration, so we take a guided tour of the gardens which feature more than 17,500 plants. This evening, we enjoy a evening welcome reception and talk from Clare Ford-Wille, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Plantin-Moretus Musuem, Cathedral Of Our Lady, And Rockoxhuis
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Hilton Antwerp Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our exploration of the city starts with a walk to Sint Carolus Borromeuskerk, built by the Jesuits; it is a fine Baroque building in the design of which Rubens was much involved. His ceiling was destroyed by fire in 1718, but the main apse and the Marian chapel survived to give an impression of the church’s original decorations. We then move on to visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum which was the home and workshop of Christopher Plantin, a French printer and bookbinder who established a thriving business here in the mid-sixteenth century. His workshop, bookshop and opulent living quarters give a fascinating view of life and book production of the period. Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) dominates the centre of the city. It is a harmonious Gothic building, despite its prolonged construction (1352 -1521); with its seven aisles, it is the largest cathedral in Belgium. Among the many works of art are four major altarpieces by Rubens which Clare will speak about during your visit. After free time for lunch (not included) we visit the Rockoxhuis, the 17th century townhouse of Rubens’ friend and patron, Nicolaas Rockox, which contains a small but choice collection of paintings. On our return to the hotel, Clare will give a second talk. Evening free at leisure.
Day 3: Royal Museum Of Fine Arts Antwerp, Maagdenhuis, And Sint Pauluskerk
Location: Antwerp
Accommodation Name: Hilton Antwerp Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We take the tram this morning to the superb, newly restored Koninklijk Museum (Museum for the Fine Arts) with its extraordinary collection of Flemish Masters and more – Clare will guide you through its most significant works. After we take the tram to the city centre and have free time for lunch (own expense) before visiting the Maagdenhuis, one of the smallest museums in Antwerp. It contains a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, and is currently housing the Museum Mayer Van der Bergh ‘Public Favourites’ exhibition while it is undergoing renovation work. The exhibition features 80 masterpieces including Mad Meg by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Christ and St John the Apostle by Master Heinrich von Konstanz. Our final visit of the day is to Sint Pauluskerk, a late Gothic building remarkably rich in both painting and sculpture. Please note that some of the church is undergoing restoration works; ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck will be on display. Group dinner this evening at the hotel.
Day 4: Free Time And Departure
Location: Brussels
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free time today before our return coach transfer to Brussels, and onward Eurostar to London St Pancras.
What's Included
-
Return standard class Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels
The tour includes a return journey on the standard class Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels.
-
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town Hotel
Accommodation includes three nights' bed and breakfast at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room.
-
Welcome drink and two dinners at the hotel
The tour includes a welcome drink and two dinners at the hotel.
-
Two lectures by Clare Ford-Wille
Participants will enjoy two lectures by art historian Clare Ford-Wille.
-
Return coach transfers from Brussels to Antwerp
Return coach transfers from Brussels to Antwerp are included in the tour.
-
Touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary
The tour includes all touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary.
-
Clare Ford-Wille and tour manager throughout
Clare Ford-Wille and a tour manager will accompany the group throughout the tour.
What's Not Included
-
Double room for sole use supplement
A supplement of £282 is required for a double room for sole use.
-
Holiday insurance
Holiday insurance is not included in the tour package.
-
Eurostar Plus upgrade
An upgrade to Eurostar Plus is available for an additional £180.
-
Meals other than those stated
Meals other than those specifically stated in the itinerary are not included.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.
-
Porterage and gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes return standard class Eurostar travel from St Pancras to Brussels, with coach transfers from Brussels to Antwerp. Local transportation within Antwerp includes tram rides to various attractions.
Accommodation
Hilton Antwerp Old Town is a modern, four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Cathedral and Old Town square. The hotel offers a restaurant, fitness centre, and rooftop sun deck, along with comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, air-conditioning, iron and iron board, hairdryer, and ensuite bathroom.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes three nights' bed and breakfast at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town Hotel, a modern four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Cathedral and Old Town square. The hotel offers a restaurant, fitness centre, and rooftop sun deck, along with comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities.
-
Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes guided tours such as a tour of the Rubenshuis gardens and a guided visit to the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where art historian Clare Ford-Wille will guide you through its most significant works.
-
Will there be any lectures or talks during the tour?
Yes, there will be two lectures by art historian Clare Ford-Wille. One will be during the evening welcome reception on the first day, and the second will be after the day's visits on the second day.
-
What is the mode of transportation for the tour?
The tour includes return standard class Eurostar travel from St Pancras to Brussels, and return coach transfers from Brussels to Antwerp. Additionally, trams are used for some local travel within Antwerp.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast each morning, a welcome drink, and two dinners at the hotel. Other meals, such as lunches, are not included and are at your own expense.
-
Is there any free time allocated during the tour?
Yes, there is free time allocated for lunch on the first, second, and third days, as well as free time on the fourth day before departure.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
-
Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
-
Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Thursday
Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 18, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
-
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
-
Terms and Conditions