Belgium

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Belgium?

Belgium tends to be underestimated. Most visitors think of it as a transit country between France and the Netherlands, or reduce it to chocolate, beer and waffles. That sells it considerably short. Bruges is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in Europe. Ghent has a Gothic city centre that rivals Bruges and a far more local atmosphere. Brussels, beyond the Grand-Place - which is genuinely one of the finest squares in the world - is a city of surprising depth, from Art Nouveau architecture to excellent museums.

An escorted tour handles the movement between these cities smoothly and makes sense of what you are seeing. Belgium's history is unusually layered: the Flemish/Walloon divide, its role as the site of some of the First World War's most significant battles, and its position at the heart of European politics and culture. A knowledgeable tour manager draws these threads together in a way that elevates what might otherwise feel like a collection of impressive squares and chocolate shops.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Belgium Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day departures
• Vegetarian options available throughout, with Indian restaurants in Brussels and Bruges
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Short travel time from UK via coach or Eurostar makes this a comfortable journey

Best Time to Visit Belgium

April and May are pleasant for touring: mild temperatures and Belgium's chocolate, flower and art festivals beginning to warm up. The Ghent Flower Festival takes place every five years; ask us about the next edition.

June to August is the peak season. Bruges can feel crowded in July and August, particularly at weekends - our itineraries are timed to visit key sites early in the day.

September and October bring quieter conditions, excellent beer festival season and comfortable walking temperatures throughout the country.

November and December suit the Christmas market circuit. Bruges and Brussels both host excellent markets, with the Grand-Place illuminated in winter making for memorable evenings.

Popular Destinations Within Belgium

Bruges - the medieval canal city, sometimes called the Venice of the North. The belfry, the Markt, the Groeningemuseum (home to Flemish Primitive masterpieces) and the canals by boat.

Brussels - the Grand-Place is among the finest central squares anywhere in Europe. The Atomium, the Manneken Pis, the Art Nouveau architecture of Victor Horta and the Royal Museums of Fine Arts round out a proper visit.

Ghent - a university city with a magnificent medieval core. The Cathedral of St Bavo holds van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, possibly the most important painting in northern Europe.

Ypres and the Flanders Fields - for many British and British-Indian passengers, the First World War memorials and cemeteries of the Western Front carry profound meaning. The Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate takes place every evening at 8pm without exception.

Antwerp - a diamond and fashion city with one of Europe's great Renaissance city centres. The Cathedral of Our Lady and the Rubens House are highlights.

Dinant and the Ardennes - forested river valleys in the south of the country, sharply different in character from the Flemish cities.

Practical Information

• Currency: Euro (€)
• Language: Dutch (Flemish) in the north, French in the south; English widely spoken
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type E plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Belgium holidays are fully protected