Famous quartet of cities in Flanders - 4 days

Day 1: Travelling to Flanders
Like gemstones, Flanders is home to magnificent cities in a very small area. A cultural and historical treasure trove - and a worthwhile destination! Leuven, the capital of Flemish Brabant, is a small city of art with a lot of life. No other city in Flanders appeals to the imagination like the oldest university city (founded in 1425) in the former Netherlands. Whether it's the large beguinage, the late Gothic town hall with its numerous statues in the façade niches or the historic abbeys - you'll find history in abundance here alongside cosy conviviality in numerous pubs and cafés. We are happy to book a guided tour of the city for an extra charge. In the evening you will arrive at the accommodation of your choice.

Day 2: Antwerpen – 130 km - F
Today you will visit the Rubens and diamond city of Antwerp with its fascinating historic centre. During the city tour, you will drive through the diamond district before continuing on foot and hearing exciting stories from the past of this lively city on the Scheldt. The Grote Markt is not only home to the impressive town hall, but is also surrounded by magnificent merchants' houses. Just a stone's throw away is the huge Church of Our Lady with four original paintings by Paul Peter Rubens. We will be happy to organise a visit to the cathedral for you (admission charge applies) and in the afternoon we recommend a visit to the Koninck brewery, including a tasting of two types of beer.

Day 3: Brügge and Gent – 120 km - F
In Bruges, time seems to have stood still in the Middle Ages. Stroll through bumpy alleyways and secret backyards, along romantic canals, past narrow brick houses with turrets and bull's-eye windows. You can admire 15 churches in the city centre alone. In the afternoon, you will travel to the cloth-making city of Ghent, which was one of the richest and largest cities in Europe in the Middle Ages thanks to its craftsmanship. Ancient guild houses, trading offices and above all the Belfry, the mighty city tower, as well as the facades of the old guild and warehouse buildings tell of the past. St Baaf's Cathedral is home to a major work of Flemish painting: the Ghent Altarpiece (admission payable locally). The markets and small pubs are the centre of life in Ghent and are well worth a stop. Enjoy the enchanting view of Ghent's facades on a canal boat trip.

Day 4: Brussels and travelling home - F
A varied short trip comes to an end. A city tour of the Belgian capital awaits you on the journey home. Brussels impresses with its grandiose architecture: the guild houses on the Grand Place boast sweeping baroque façades; the impressive town hall was built in an austere Gothic style. Explore the historic city centre of this hospitable metropolis. But Brussels also stands for dynamism and modernity. The North Station and the European Quarter have been under construction for years. Innovative architects are realising ultra-modern office buildings here. We would be happy to book you lunch in Brussels before your journey home.