BELGIUM
5 DAYS
Dinant
Scenic Ardennes Dive deep into the beautiful Belgian Ardennes on this fabulous tour. From our base in the history-steeped city of Charleroi, our itinerary captures the flavour of this enchanting yet often-overlooked region. Ride a vintage train through rolling hills and forested valleys, enjoy time at leisure in charming Namur and La Roche-en-Ardenne, take a scenic river cruise, sample speciality beers at a brewery, and admire the gorgeous Jardin d’Annevoie water gardens.
NEW
Charleroi
NEW
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Day 2 Bocq Valley Railway & Namur This morning, we journey to the historic village of Spontin for a 1-hour return train ride on the Le Chemin de Fer du Bocq railway . Travelling by vintage 1950s railcar with a guide providing commentary, we follow the ‘Luxembourg Rail Line’ along the Ardennes’ picturesque Bocq Valley, passing forests, rivers and viaducts. After disembarking, we visit Wallonia’s capital of Namur, located at the confluence of two rivers. We have time at leisure to enjoy lunch and explore this charming small city with its 19th century citadel, museums and shop-filled old town. Day 3 La Roche-en-Ardenne & Brasserie Chouffe Today begins with a scenic drive to La Roche-en- Ardenne in the heart of the Ardennes. Nicknamed the ‘Gem of the Ardennes’, this pretty town boasts a ruined castle and web of quaint streets and shops. After time at leisure here, we enjoy an afternoon visit to the Brasserie Chouffe brewery in Achouffe for a 1.5-hour guided tour and tasting . After discovering the production rooms at this speciality brewery, whose beers bear famous gnome emblems, we sample some delicious brews in its ‘Gnome’s Inn’ tasting room.
Day 4 Dinant with River Cruise & Les Jardins d’Annevoie This morning, we head to Dinant, which lies under a huge rock top citadel overlooking the River Meuse to embark on a 45-minute Dinant-to-Anseremme river cruise . Along the way, we admire a string of beautiful riverside sights including the Bayard Rock and monumental Charlemagne viaduct. After returning to Dinant by coach, we have lunch at leisure in this delightful city before an afternoon visit to Jardins d’Annevoie . We stroll these stupendous 17th-century water gardens, admiring their ornamental lakes which are adorned with fountains and cascades fed by gravity alone – simply incredible. Day 5 Departure After breakfast, we begin our journey home.
Novotel Charleroi Centre Charleroi plus (predicted)
An excellent base for touring, the bright and fresh Novotel Charleroi Centre sits in the heart of Charleroi directly above its stylish Rive Gauche shopping mall. Accessed by lift, the hotel’s public spaces create a modern and welcoming retreat after days out. The sleek and contemporary restaurant serves simple, tasty meals, while the co-ordinating bar offers comfortable sofas for relaxing with drinks. With a stylish neutral décor, the hotel’s 123 bedrooms feature TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. • Welcome drink on arrival • 3 course buffet with 3 choices per course • Coach parking off-site & chargeable • Porterage not available
INCLUSIONS • Return short sea crossing
• Journey on the Bocq Valley Railway (1 hour) • Brewery visit with tour & tasting (1.5 hours) • River cruise from Dinant to Anseremme (45 minutes) • Visit to Les Jardins d’Annevoie
4 Nights Half Board Based on Monday arrivals
Bocq Valley Railway
Les Jardins d’Annevoie
Namur
Albatross Approved Rating: ✓ Visited ✓ Inspected ✓ Graded
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