BELGIUM BEER TOUR
“An Epic Excursion to Belgium’s Finest Breweries”
August 30 - September 8, 2024
Overview
Explore a world where beer and culture intertwine in perfect harmony.
Beer isn't just a beverage, it's a symbol of community and tradition that brings people together. Years later, you’ll vividly recall the complex taste of a Belgian Trappist ale or the robust aroma of a German Oktoberfest and the people you shared these experiences with.
By blending the quintessential spirit of adventure with a deep appreciation for beer, you'll immerse yourself in the heart of the world's most vibrant beer cultures. Whether you're savoring crisp pilsner in the Czech Republic, learning the art of brewing traditional Belgian lambics, or sharing a pint with locals at a centuries-old Irish pub, each experience promises to leave a lasting impression.
From brewery visits to beer pilgrimages, our tours are crafted to offer immersive experiences with a sudsy twist for the beer aficionado and cultural enthusiast alike. Part history, part adventure, all delicious! Thirsty for adventure? Come along for the journey and we'll have you tasting, toasting, and appreciating beer like a true local.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, Aug. 30 - Brussels
After arriving in Brussels, meet Kevin and Qiuxia at The Dominican, then we will board the bus to visit Brewery Boon where you will learn the history and the unique brewing process of lambic beers and the art of blending. Later we have free time to explore Brussels and have dinner on your own.
Overnight in Brussels - The Dominican
Day 2: Saturday, Aug. 31 - Brussels to Liège
In the morning we will depart for Liège, a cultural and economic center of the Walloon region with a visit to Hof ten Dormaal Farm Brewery, a small family farm brewery that produces 100% from their own produce. After lunch at the farm, we will hop to Leuven, the self-acclaimed capital of beer. A local guide/zythologist will take us on a pub crawl. (B, L)
Overnight in Liège - Hotel Van Der Valk Sélys Liège
Day 3: Sunday, Sept. 1 - Liège
In the morning, we will visit Val-Dieu Abbey founded by the Cistercian monks in 1216. Today we will visit the Abbey and the brewery with lunch in the Café. After lunch, you will have free time to explore Liège and have dinner on our own. (B, L)
Overnight in Liège - Hotel Van Der Valk Sélys Liège
Day 4: Monday, Sept. 2 - Liège to Antwerp
De Konnninck Brewery is the city brewery of the fashionable city of Antwerp. After an interactive self-guided tour, you will be treated to an extensive pairing/tasting class with cheese, charcuterie, chocolate and beer! Afternoon is free to explore Antwerp and have dinner on your own. (B,L)
Overnight in Antwerp - Hotel Sapphire House Antwerp
Day 5: Tuesday, Sept. 3 - Antwerp
Say Trappist Day! When do you have a chance to visit 3 out of 7 original Trappist breweries in the world? Add La Tappe, Achel (they are no longer a Trappist brewery, but the beer is as good as ever) and Westmalle to your list. Lunch will be at one of the abbeys. (B, L)
Overnight in Antwerp - Hotel Sapphire House Antwerp
Day 6: Wednesday, Sept. 4 - Antwerp to Ghent
On the way to Ghent, we will stop at Brewery Het Anker for a guided tour. After tasting their flagship beer, Gouden Carolus, we will have lunch at the brewery. Afternoon will be free to explore what Ghent has to offer and dinner on our own. (B, L)
Overnight in Ghent - Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel
Day 7: Thursday, Sept. 5 - Ghent
What a day this will be! We pay our pilgrimage to the world's best beer - Westvleteren. We leave in the morning for the Abbey Café, where you can purchase bottles of Westvleteren, enjoy the beer and have lunch (on your own). Then we will visit our friend Jef at his eccentric brewery “The Mash” and antique shop. You will love this place! (B)
Overnight in Ghent - Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel
Day 8: Friday, Sept. 6 - Bruges
Believe it or not, Bruges has more than one brewery! Today we will be visiting Fort Lapin, a small brewery that produces solid beers. After the visit, you are free to explore the fairytale city of Bruges. Later, we will have a bottle-share event at the hotel. (B)
Overnight in Ghent - Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel
Day 9: Saturday, Sept. 7 - Ghent to Brussels
Another action-packed day awaits you. We start the day with a visit to our good friends Piet and Pascale at their house brewery Sint Canarus. Afternoon and evening will be spent attending the Belgian Beer Weekend at Grand Place in Brussels expense on your own. (B, L)
Overnight in Brussels - The Dominican
Day 10, Sunday, September 8: Tour ends in Brussels
Transfer to the airport on your own after breakfast at the hotel. (B)
Notice: Itinerary is subject to change based on availability of brewery visits.
$3,195*
Per person / Double occupancy
Land only
Single occupancy supplement: $1,100
WHAT'S INCLUDED
9 days in 4 and 5-star hotels
Breakfast included daily and 6 lunches
Full transportation by luxury motor coach
Brewery visits with tastings and additional cultural visits as listed in the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED
Passport fees (a valid passport dated six months after re-entry to the United States is required)
Airfare
ETIAS fee
Travel Insurance (this is suggested but not required)
Any extra services such as laundry, bar, internet, etc.
Gratuities to the coach driver, hotel staff, etc.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations must be received in writing to Beer Culture Travels, 150 2nd Street NE, Unit #304, Minneapolis, MN 55413 and are subject to the following penalties: