Belgium

When you think about fashion, which destination comes to your mind? Paris? Milan? New York? What about Belgium? Most people don’t know, but Belgium is also one of Europe’s biggest fashion meccas, with Antwerp as the star. From the long tradition of the lace and cloth industry which was exported to countries such as Italy and France, to contemporary world-renowned fashion designers like Dianne Von Furstenberg (who hasn´t heard about her iconic wrap dresses), Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, or Martin Margiela, the Flemish fashion industry is creative, experimental, and bold, without losing its elegant side. On this tour, you will discover what makes
Belgium such a surprising and unmissable destination for all fashion lovers.

Are you ready to embark on a unique fashion journey?

Upon arrival at the airport, meet and greet and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Once you´ve settled in, head to the Halve Maan Brewery for a private tour of the city´s oldest brewery, dating back to 1856, where you´ll discover the process of Belgium beer-making and marvel at the wonderful panoramic views from the rooftop. Then, head downstairs for a delicious Flemish welcome lunch and traditional beer tasting!

In the afternoon, you will be met by your local guide who will take you on a magical walking tour of the city, showing you the most beautiful and Instagram-worthy features of this beautiful city. During the tour, you will also learn about the history of the medieval Flemish cloth industry. Flemish cloth has a long history of being admired. When the Romans conquered Belgica, the high-quality cloth woven by the locals was soon taken and used for a man’s toga and a woman’s stola. In the early Middle Ages, they are of Flemish cloth turning up in the markets of Novgorod in Russia. At the end of your first day in Belgium, you will be able to explore the city’s most charming feature, the canals, on a sailing tour and enjoy unique views that will transport you to a fairytale world. Return to your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, you will meet your expert local guide at your hotel and visit the KANT Lace Centre, where you´ll see a display of unique lace pieces from Bruges collections. The displays include basic techniques and movements, types of lace and their geographical origins, the lace industry then and now, and lace teaching in Bruges. The craftsmanship and aesthetics of lace are praised, as well as the contemporary and international appeal of lace.

Back to the hotel, check-out, and take the train to Antwerp. You will arrive at Antwerp Central Station, an architectural landmark in itself. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. There you will receive your Antwerp City Card, which is valid for 72 hours.

In the afternoon, you will meet your guide for a historical walking city tour of the Old Town, where you will visit some Belgian masterpieces such as the Cathedral of Our Lady, the Sint-Pauluskerk and the main square. You will round off the afternoon with a mouth-watering Belgium waffle tasting! Overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will meet with your guide and head to the Plantin-Moretum Museum to visit the “Leading Ladies” exhibition, where you will discover the history of the family who founded the museum through the women of the family, strong characters who managed the family for over 300 years and how their style and fashion
evolved throughout the years.

In the afternoon, you will visit the MoMu Fashion Museum, and then meet your fashion expert guide for a private walking tour of the Fashion District and Nationalestraat, Antwerp´s biggest fashion street, through the elegant Latin Quarter and the busy Meir shopping street. The tour will end in the beautifully restored Festival Hall in Meir. Return to your hotel for the night.