If you've never been to Belgium, I recommend committing more time to the country beyond Brussels. Exploring the entirety of Belgium reveals a country that is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. It's a destination that offers a diverse range of experiences. Here is an itinerary to see, eat and do all that you can in seven days.

Antwerp, Belgium

Bruges, Belgium

Brussels, Belgium

Leuven, Belgium

Ghent, Belgium

A Week in Belgium

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After arriving early morning in Brussels, you'll check into your hotel (your base for the trip).  In the afternoon you will meet up with a tour group to experience a tasting of Belgian chocolates at various chocolatiers followed by Belgian beer tastings at beer halls and pubs. 

Like I say, "Travel is my gym", and today will get your body moving.  After having a small pastry and espresso, you will meet up with a small group to do a bike tour of the city.  Along the route your guide will take you all must see points of interest and provide a POV of a local on each stop. 

In the morning you will take a train to Bruges (1hr 15-30min trip).  Once arriving in Bruges, have lunch at a local restaurant followed by hopping on a canal tour.  You will then head back to the train station to meet with your guide for a private bike tour of the countryside. 

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This sophisticated and elegant property is located in the heart of the city, close to the famous Cinquantenaire park and several museums. Your room will have a view of the hotel's beautiful interior patio or the Jourdan Square.

The city’s true luxury stay with a heart-of-the-action address just off Grand Place.

Tip: Sunset in the summer is 9:50pm Try heading to a rooftop to catch the view with a drink in hand.

After the tour, I recommend visiting the Atomium, a unique building with panoramic views of the city.

After you can head back to the hotel to rest and freshen up for dinner and drinks.

Hungry Mary's Famous Beer and Chocolate Tour in Brussels

Small-Group Highlights of Brussels Bike Tour

Along the way, your guide, a local of Bruges, will educate you on the history of Bruges and its surroundings.  You will bike to Damme for a brief rest and walking tour of the village and then return to Bruges.

Once back, stop at the Markt, the main square of Bruges and climb the Belfry for a panoramic view of the city.  Take a walk through Minnewater Park, a beautiful park with a lake and swans.  Then finally have dinner before returning to Brussels.

At your leisure make your way to the village of Leuven (1hr 15m train ride) where later in the afternoon you will tour Stella Artois headquarters. 

Take your time in the morning but make your way to Antwerp (1hr 5m train ride) for your last bike ride of the trip. On the bike tour, you'll discover many neighborhoods, their unique identities and the roles they played throughout history. 

Private Scenic bike tour Bruges countryside

Afterward, head to a bar and restaurant to hang with the locals and people-watch.  Return to Brussels by train.

3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour

Once in Leuven be sure to check out the town hall where it was built to be grander than the one in Brussels.  Take your time in Leuven as it has a laid-back atmosphere where you want to feel like a local and less like a tourist. 

Take a walk through the Kruidtuin, a beautiful botanical garden in the heart of the city.  Then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as De Blauwe Schuit or De Werf.  Finally, take the train back to Brussels.

Day six will be spent in Ghent. Here you will visit Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress in the heart of the city.  Followed by a stroll through the charming Patershol neighborhood, take lunch at a local restaurant. Lastly, be sure to take a boat tour (they depart every 20 min) of the city's canals and admire the beautiful architecture of Ghent.

Day seven, your last day, will be a travel day to your next destination or back home.

A Week in Belgium

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