18-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Belgium
Belgium is a land of refined tastes, where medieval architecture meets avant-garde fashion and some of the world's most sophisticated culinary traditions. This 18-day journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks more than just sightseeing—it is an immersion into the kingdom's exclusive boutiques, private art collections, and serene luxury retreats.
Traveling via first-class rail and private chauffeured transfers, you will navigate from the grand palaces of Brussels to the diamond capital of Antwerp, the romantic canals of Bruges, and the rugged, chateau-dotted valleys of the Ardennes. Prepare for an epic journey that defines the pinnacle of European luxury escapes.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels, Belgium - Arrival & Regal Welcomes
Luxury Arrival at Brussels Airport
Arrive at Zaventem and enjoy a seamless greeting by a private concierge who will whisk you through customs to your awaiting executive sedan.
Check-in at Hotel Amigo
Settle into a suite at this legendary Rocco Forte hotel, located just steps from the Grand Place, known for its blend of Flemish heritage and contemporary elegance.
Private Tour of Grand Place
Explore the world's most beautiful square with a private historian, accessing balconies of the guild houses that are usually closed to the public.
Dinner at Comme Chez Soi
Dine at this Art Nouveau landmark, a Michelin-starred institution offering a masterclass in Belgian-French fusion.
Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - Art & Fine Chocolate
Royal Museums of Fine Arts VIP Tour
Skip the lines for a private viewing of the Old Masters and the dedicated Magritte Museum with an art specialist.
Exclusive Chocolate Workshop
Participate in a private masterclass with a master chocolatier at Pierre Marcolini’s flagship atelier in Sablon.
Antiques Shopping in Sablon
Browse the high-end galleries and boutiques of the Petit Sablon district, famous for rare finds and exquisite jewelry.
Evening at La Monnaie
Enjoy a performance at the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, one of Europe's premier opera houses, from a private box.
Day 3: Brussels, Belgium - Architecture & Modernity
The Horta Museum Visit
Discover the birthplace of Art Nouveau at the private residence and studio of architect Victor Horta.
Lunch at the Atomium (Panoramic Restaurant)
Dine in the top sphere of this 1958 World's Fair icon, enjoying 360-degree views of the capital city.
European Quarter Tour
A private driver will show you the modern architectural marvels of the European Parliament and the Berlaymont building.
Seafood Dinner at Quai aux Briques
Experience the freshest North Sea catch at a premium seafood brasserie in the historic fish market district.
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium - Diamonds & First-Class Transit
First-Class Rail to Antwerp
Relax in the spacious seating of an SNCB first-class carriage for the swift 45-minute journey to Antwerp Central Station.
Check-in at Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp
Enter a world of tranquility at this 5-star superior hotel located within a historic monastery and botanical garden.
Private Diamond District Tour
Go behind the scenes in the world's diamond capital with an expert gemologist to see how stones are cut and graded.
Dinner at The Jane
Dine in a former military hospital chapel, now a two-Michelin-star restaurant known for its rock-and-roll vibe and incredible design.
Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium - High Fashion & Port Life
MoMu (Fashion Museum) VIP Access
Explore the influence of the 'Antwerp Six' with a private guide at one of the world's most prestigious fashion museums.
Personal Shopping in Nationalestraat
Enjoy a curated shopping experience with a local stylist through the flagship stores of Dries Van Noten and Ann Demeulemeester.
Private Boat Tour of the Port
Discover the scale of the world's second-largest port from the deck of a private luxury launch, complete with champagne service.
Belgian Beer Pairing Experience
Visit an upscale tasting room to experience high-end Trappist beers paired with artisanal cheeses.
Day 6: Antwerp, Belgium - Baroque Heritage
Rubens House Private Visit
Walk through the palatial home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens, witnessing the grandeur of Baroque life.
MAS (Museum aan de Stroom)
Visit this architectural landmark for its art collections and the best rooftop views in Antwerp.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
Tour the only museum in the world on the UNESCO World Heritage list, focusing on the history of printing and publishing.
Fine Dining at Zilte
Enjoy 3-Michelin-star excellence on the 9th floor of the MAS, where Chef Viki Geunes creates culinary art.
Day 7: Ghent, Belgium - Medieval Grandeur
Transfer to Ghent
A private chauffeur takes you to Ghent, checking into '1898 The Post', a boutique hotel located in the historic post office building.
Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
View the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers at St. Bavo’s Cathedral with a private augmented reality tour.
Belfry Tower Ascent
Climb the UNESCO-listed Belfry for a panoramic view of Ghent's medieval skyline.
Dinner at Vrijmoed
Experience innovative, plant-forward fine dining at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of the city.
Day 8: Ghent, Belgium - Canals & Castles
Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen)
Explore this 12th-century fortress with a private guide, learning about the dark and noble history of the Counts of Flanders.
Private Canal Cruise
Glide through Ghent’s inner waterways on a silent, luxury electric boat while sipping local gin and tonics.
SMAK (City Museum of Contemporary Art)
A private tour of Belgium’s leading contemporary art museum, known for its edgy and thought-provoking exhibitions.
Dinner in the Patershol District
Dine in this charming medieval neighborhood, home to the city’s most exclusive and intimate bistros.
Day 9: Ghent, Belgium - Leisure & Design
Design Museum Gent
Browse the collection of Belgian and international design in a stunning 18th-century mansion extension.
Gourmet Picnic at Citadel Park
Enjoy a luxury hamper filled with Belgian delicacies, curated by a local deli, in the city's largest green space.
Antiques Hunt in the Old Town
Search for rare Belgian ceramics and vintage furniture in the high-end shops near Sint-Jacobs.
Cocktails at The Cobbler
Unwind at Ghent’s most stylish bar, located within 1898 The Post, featuring views of the illuminated Graslei.
Day 10: Bruges, Belgium - The Venice of the North
Arrival in Bruges
A short train ride or private transfer leads you to the fairytale city of Bruges. Check into the 5-star Hotel Heritage.
Market Square & Belfry
Walk through the iconic Markt, taking in the colorful guild houses before ascending the Belfry for a private carillon demonstration.
Choco-Story VIP Tasting
Visit the chocolate museum for a private history lesson followed by a tasting of rare single-origin chocolates.
Dinner at Zet'Joe
Enjoy Michelin-starred dining by Geert Van Hecke, a legend of Belgian gastronomy, in an intimate setting.
Day 11: Bruges, Belgium - Romanticism & Art
Groeninge Museum Private Tour
See the world’s best collection of Flemish Primitive paintings, including works by Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling.
Private Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Experience the city's cobblestone streets and hidden bridges the traditional way, starting from the Markt.
Church of Our Lady
Admire Michelangelo’s 'Madonna and Child,' the only statue by the artist to leave Italy during his lifetime.
Evening Canal Experience
Walk the illuminated 'Rosary Quay' (Rozenhoedkaai) before a private dinner on a terrace overlooking the water.
Day 12: Bruges, Belgium - Artisans & Tradition
Lace Making Workshop
Learn the intricate art of Bruges lace from a master artisan in a private workshop at the Lace Museum.
De Halve Maan Brewery VIP
Tour the city's last working brewery and see the underground beer pipeline, followed by a private tasting on the roof.
Begijnhof Silence
Walk through the serene white-washed houses of the Princely Beguinage, a UNESCO site of peace and history.
Dinner at Sans Cravate
A modern, Michelin-starred take on Belgian classics in an unpretentious yet luxurious atmosphere.
Day 13: Bruges, Belgium - Countryside Escapes
Excursion to Damme
Take a private boat or vintage car to the nearby literary village of Damme, famous for its bookshops and polder landscapes.
Biking the Polders
Rent high-end e-bikes for a leisurely ride along the canals lined with poplar trees.
Spa Afternoon
Return to Bruges for a bespoke spa treatment at your hotel to recharge for the coast.
Dinner at De Karmeliet
Enjoy a farewell-to-Bruges meal at one of the region's most celebrated gastronomic destinations.
Day 14: Knokke-Heist, Belgium - Coastal Chic
Transfer to the North Sea
A private driver takes you to Knokke-Heist, Belgium's most exclusive seaside resort. Check into La Réserve.
Zwin Nature Park VIP Tour
Explore the 'international bird airport' with a private ranger, learning about the unique coastal ecosystem.
Shopping at 'Het Zoute'
Walk through the leafy avenues of Het Zoute to find the world's top luxury brands and art galleries.
Seafood Gastronomy
Dine on local grey shrimps and turbot at a high-end restaurant overlooking the dunes.
Day 15: Knokke-Heist, Belgium - Art & Beach Life
Gallery Hopping
Knokke has over 80 art galleries. Enjoy a private tour focusing on modern and contemporary Belgian artists.
Beach Club Relaxation
Spend the afternoon at an exclusive beach club like Riverwoods, enjoying private sunbeds and cocktail service.
Coastal Tram Ride
Take the world's longest tram line (in a private first-class cabin if available) to see the neighboring coastal towns.
Dinner at Bartholomeus
Experience 2-Michelin-star cuisine with stunning views of the sea, where Chef Bart Desmidt focuses on pure flavors.
Day 16: Dinant, Belgium - The Meuse Valley
Drive to the Ardennes
A private chauffeur whisks you from the coast to the dramatic cliffs of the Ardennes region.
Citadel of Dinant
Take a private cable car to the top of the fortress for views of the Meuse river and the onion-domed cathedral.
Saxophone Trail
Learn about Adolphe Sax, the inventor of the saxophone, in his hometown with a private musical guide.
Check-in at Le Sanglier des Ardennes
Stay in the world's smallest city, Durbuy, at this legendary luxury hotel known for its gastronomy and spa.
Day 17: Durbuy, Belgium - Chateaux & Nature
Château de Modave
Visit this 17th-century castle perched on a rock, exploring the sumptuously decorated rooms and French gardens.
Truffle Hunting & Foraging
Enjoy a seasonal foraging experience with a local guide in the deep Ardennes forests, followed by a chef-prepared lunch.
Durbuy Topiary Park
Visit the largest topiary garden in the world, featuring over 250 boxwood sculptures.
Farewell Feast at La Bru'sserie
Celebrate your final night with world-class tapas and fine wines at Wout Bru’s famous Ardennes eatery.
Day 18: Brussels, Belgium - Final Luxuries & Departure
Return to Brussels
A private transfer returns you to the capital for your final hours of shopping and relaxation.
Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Pick up final luxury gifts at the world's first shopping arcade, from Delvaux leather goods to high-end pens.
Afternoon Tea at Wittamer
Enjoy a final decadent Belgian pastry at this royal warrant holder in the Sablon district.
Chauffeur to Airport
Your private driver ensures a timely arrival at Brussels Airport for your departure flight.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to experience Belgium in luxury is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October). During these periods, the weather is mild enough for canal cruises and walking tours, and the gardens of the great chateaux are in full bloom or showing beautiful fall colors. December is also a magical time for luxury travelers, as the cities transform into winter wonderlands with high-end Christmas markets and cozy, Michelin-starred dining experiences by the fire.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit cards are universally accepted in luxury hotels, boutiques, and fine dining establishments. However, it is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for local markets or small cafes. Tipping is inclusive in the bill at restaurants (service compris), but it is customary for luxury travelers to leave an additional 5-10% for exceptional service. For private guides and drivers, a tip of €20-€50 per day is standard for high-end service.
Getting Around Belgium
Belgium boasts one of the most efficient and dense rail networks in the world. For this luxury itinerary, SNCB First Class is the preferred method for intercity travel between Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, offering spacious seating and a quiet environment. For the Ardennes and the coast, private chauffeured transfers provide the most flexibility and comfort. Within the cities, walking is the best way to see the historic centers, though luxury hotels can always arrange private executive cars for evening events.
