The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948
The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948
The Art and Architecture of Antwerp 7948
5 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Antwerp
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BANT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishActivities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Rail Excursion, Sightseeing, Walking
Tour Overview
A gem in the Flanders region of Belgium, famed for its medieval streets and Renaissance monuments, Antwerp is home to thousands of paintings by the Old Masters housed in some of the most famous museums in the world. Our tour explores some of the wonderful architecture to be found in the city, including the Cathedral of Our Lady which is yet still unfinished although construction began in 1351, and the impressive Centraal Station which has been voted the most beautiful in the world on several occasions. We are joined by expert local guides as they take us through the notable art collections of some of Antwerp’s best museums, including the KMSKA – Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Snijders & Rockox Huis and the Plantin-Moretus Museum. We also have a visit to the newly re-opened Rubens House Experience and Gardens.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Antwerp
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
Location: Antwerp
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
Location: Antwerp
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
Location: Antwerp
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
Location: Antwerp
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
-
Meals as per the itinerary
-
Comfortable coach travel throughout
-
All visits as outlined in the itinerary
-
Services of a professional tour manager
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.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable coach travel throughout, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey between attractions.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are provided as per the itinerary.
-
Is accommodation included in the tour?
Yes, accommodation is included in the tour package.
-
Will there be a tour guide during the visits?
Yes, the services of a professional tour manager are included, and local guides will join for specific tours such as the walking tour of Antwerp and visits to museums.
-
What can I expect to see at the Rubens Experience Centre?
The Rubens Experience Centre features interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and a reconstructed version of Rubens' studio. It also includes a new baroque garden with plants from Rubens' time.
-
What is special about the Plantin-Moretus Museum?
The Plantin-Moretus Museum is the original residence and workplace of the Plantin and Moretus publishing house. It was the first museum to be ordained on the UNESCO World Heritage list and showcases over three hundred years of book-printing history along with a rich collection of art.
-
What is the focus of the 'Art Nouveau along the railway' walking tour?
The 'Art Nouveau along the railway' walking tour explores the Art Nouveau buildings in the southern part of the Zurenborg district, highlighting the architectural style that arrived in Antwerp in 1893.
-
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
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Monday
Mar 27, 2025 - Mar 31, 2025Thursday - Monday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025Book 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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.