The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948

The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948

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5 Days From

$1745

The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948

5 Days

Tour operator:

Brightwater Holidays

Tour code:

BANT

Physical rating:

Moderate

Interests:

Cultural, History

From: $1745

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Discover the rich tapestry of art and architecture in Antwerp with this captivating tour. Immerse yourself in the city's cultural heart with a walking tour of central Antwerp, where history and modernity blend seamlessly. Delve into the artistic treasures of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts and explore the Snijders & Rockox Huis with expert guidance. Experience the legacy of one of the city's most famous residents at the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens. The tour also includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Plantin-Moretus Museum, offering a glimpse into the world of printing and publishing. Enjoy comfortable coach travel, accommodation, and meals as per the itinerary, all under the care of a professional tour manager. This special interest tour promises an enriching journey through Antwerp's artistic and architectural wonders.

Highlights

  • Walking tour of central Antwerp

  • Guided tour of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts

  • Guided tour of Snijders & Rockox Huis

  • Visit to the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens

  • A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plantin-Moretus Museum

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1

Accommodation Name: Mercure Antwerp City Centre

Meals Included: Dinner

We depart London St Pancras International on the morning Eurostar service through the Channel Tunnel to Brussels with onward connection to Antwerp. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.

Day 2

Accommodation Name: Mercure Antwerp City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, we head out into the historic heart of Antwerp on an introductory walking tour (please wear suitable shoes and bring along water / waterproofs / umbrellas). We will join our local guide for a visit to Antwerpen-Centraal Station, which has been voted one of the most beautiful stations in the world.  A combination of a stonework building with a Pantheon-inspired cupola and a steel structure covering the tracks, the station is now one of the most impressive in Europe. From here we head to the Saint James Church, one of the largest in the city and home to the burial chapel of the painter Rubens. Here we can also see a striking pulpit, stunning stained-glass windows and numerous statues and paintings. Other highlights of the tour include the Steen, a medieval fortress, along with the beautiful town hall and guild houses. Finally, we head along the charming Vlaaikensgang which leads up to the Cathedral.
This afternoon, we visit the Cathedral of Our Lady where an experienced guide will take us on a tour of the Cathedral, to learn about the building’s history, significance and its art heritage. The cathedral is home to beautiful statues and masterpieces by Peter-Paul Rubens.
We conclude this afternoon with a visit to the Diamond Quarter, several square blocks covering an area of around a square mile and home to a host of diamond cutters and traders, known as diamantaires.

Day 3

Accommodation Name: Mercure Antwerp City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast we have the morning to explore the KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts. Here we are joined by one the of the local guides for a tour through the collections. We have time to discover works by numerous Flemish masters, over one hundred masterpieces including works by Fouquet, Rodin and Chagall and the largest collection of works by James Ensor and Rik Wouters.
This afternoon we visit Snijders & Rockox Huis. Housed in two former town houses, the museum showcases a collection of 16th and 17th century art. The town houses were once home to artists Nicolaas Rockox and Frans Snijders, who were neighbours for more than 20 years and were both passionate about art. The museum now showcases works by Rubens, Jordaens and Van Dyck, as well as collections of silverware and terracotta. We are joined by a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the museum and all its treasures.

Day 4

Accommodation Name: Mercure Antwerp City Centre

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning after breakfast in the hotel we depart for the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens. The new building opens in June 2024 and lies to the side of the original artist’s home (which is currently closed for refurbishment). The building was designed by Robbrecht and Daem architects and is based on Rubens’ vision but is also highly contemporary, with old and new coming together. The new centre delves deeper into Rubens’ life and work, with interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and even a reconstructed version of his studio. The new baroque garden blends past with present and also features plants from Rubens’ time.
This afternoon we visit the Plantin-Moretus Museum, the original residence and workplace of the Plantin and Moretus publishing house. The museum was the first to be ordained on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is of great importance in the history of the city. Today over three hundred years of book-printing history can be seen as well as a rich collection of art including works by the family friend Peter-Paul Ruben.

Day 5

After breakfast this morning, we head to the agreed meeting point where local tour guides will join the group for an ‘Art Nouveau along the railway’ walking tour. (Please wear comfortable attire and bring along water / waterproofs / umbrellas). The duration of the tour is approximately two hours and explores the Art Nouveau buildings of the southern part of the Zurenborg district which is located between Berchem station and Antwerp Central Station. During this walk, we discover the hidden gems of the frivolous architectural style located either side of the Antwerp – Mechlen railway line. Shortly after the arrival of Art Nouveau style in Belgium in 1893, the architectural movement made its way to Antwerp by the way of local architects who took inspiration from colleagues such as Horta, Hankar and Van de Velde, but also contributed original ideas which can still be seen around the city.
We later depart Antwerp by rail, connecting to the Eurostar service returning to London St Pancras in the early evening.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is included in the tour package.

  • Meals as per the itinerary

    Meals are provided as per the itinerary.

  • Comfortable coach travel throughout

    Comfortable coach travel is included throughout the tour.

  • All visits as outlined in the itinerary

    All visits mentioned in the itinerary are included.

  • Services of a professional tour manager

    The services of a professional tour manager are included.

What's Not Included

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses are not included in the tour package.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are excluded.

  • International flights

    International flights to and from the destination are not included.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey between attractions.

Accommodation

Accommodation details are not provided for this tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are some of the key attractions included in the tour?

    The tour includes a walking tour of central Antwerp, a guided tour of the KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts, a guided tour of Snijders & Rockox Huis, a visit to the Rubens Experience Centre and Gardens, and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Plantin-Moretus Museum.

  • Is transportation provided during the tour?

    Yes, comfortable coach travel is provided throughout the tour.

  • Will there be a tour guide or manager during the trip?

    Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included in the tour.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    Meals are included as per the itinerary.

  • Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?

    You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.

  • What facilities do your coaches have?

    Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.

  • Do I have to go on the included excursions?

    Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.

  • Is there time to relax?

    Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.

  • Do I need to be an expert?

    Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.

  • How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?

    You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding

  • Do you have self-drive holidays?

    Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!

  • What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?

    There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.

  • Where are your departure points?

    UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .

  • What about the company that will be kept?

    For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.

  • What is a Brightwater Holiday?

    Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.

  • Why is there a single supplement?

    Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.

  • How much are your optional excursions?

    Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.

  • Can I pre-book my coach seats?

    Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.

  • How to get there? Easy!

    With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.

  • Do I need to have travel insurance?

    Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Brightwater Holidays offers great value

28-Nov-2019

I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Brightwater Holidays Customer  

My experience with Brightwater Holidays

08-Aug-2019

The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Alan Hawkes (Google Reviewer)  

We were on the Tour...

28-Aug-2022

We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.

Brightwater Holidays Custome  

Wonderful experience with brilliant information

31-Jul-2019

The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised

Feefo Trusted Reviews
David MacLennan (Google Reviewer)  

Noted a comment on taking...

23-Aug-2023

Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.

Eric Webb (Google Reviewer)  

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...

07-Oct-2023

Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.

Kevin Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

The recent tour in Northumberland...

30-Sep-2023

The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.

ALEXANDRA MCQUEEN (Google Reviewer)  

Been trying to get a...

17-Oct-2023

Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!

Dp Green (Google Reviewer)  

I had heard this company...

20-Feb-2024

I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.

Kieran Thompson (Google Reviewer)  

Two of your tour busses...

26-Jul-2021

Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.

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Thursday - Monday

Mar 27, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025
$1745

Thursday - Monday

Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
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Prices last published on 31-Oct-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.

    At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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