Citytrip Brussels – The European Capital

About the Citytrip Brussels – Discovery of the European Capital in 3 days

DAY 1

Welcome by our guide on arrival Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but it is also home to the three key institutions of the European Union.

Brussels has an atmosphere that international visitors find very appealing. Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium, but it is also home to the three key institutions of the European Union and to many other European organizations. Brussels has a lot to offer in terms of important historic sites and a wide array of cultural and folkloristic events.

Brussels is especially known for its Art Nouveau architecture from Victor Horta and others. One of Horta’s creations, the former Waucquez warehouse, is now the location of the comic strip museum. This museum has initiated the creation of larger than life murals of comic strip characters like Tintin, Spirou, Blake and Mortimer all over town. Gastronomy, regional products like Gueuze beer, chocolate ateliers, spacious parks, a thriving fashion scene and entertainment to every taste, makes Brussels an ideal destination for tourists.

In this eight-hour bus tour we try to explain all the above aspects of this vibrant city.

Morning

We start a sightseeing tour covering all Brussels Places of interest: the Atomium, the Royal Palace of Laken, the Japanese tower and the Chinese pavilion, the Cinquantenaire Park, the EU-quarter, the Palace of Justice, the Warandepark, the Wetstraat/ Rue de la Loi, the Cathedral of the Saints Michael and Gudule, … .

Lunch Afternoon

Walk through the historical centre on foot: St Hubertus galleries, Grand’Place with the beautiful guild houses, Manneken Pis, 19th century Stock Market, the Katelijneplein/Place St Cathérine, the Mint and its theatre, …

Along the way we make an interesting stop for a practical demonstration in a chocolate craftsman’s atelier where we can taste his products. Installation at a central located hotel Dinner in typical restaurant Night in Brussels

DAY 2

buffet breakfast Morning

The Sablon has in recent years become one of the hotspots of Brussels. The many exclusive fashion shops, antiquarians, trendy bars, restaurants, various artisan chocolate ateliers and famous chocolate houses have settled here and have contributed greatly to this image. We visit the Sablon area where both the cultural highlights are stressed, followed by a tasting in two different places of several champagnes, beers and chocolates.

After a short guided tour of the Sablon, we organize a tasting in a specialized workshop where it is all about the passion of tasting chocolates and champagne.

Including: champagne tasting (2 types) and chocolate. This is a fine example of ‘food pairing’ that will certainly appeal to everyone…

We continue our culinary tour to our second location on the Sablon: restaurant Comics Cafe. The walls of this unique restaurant are decorated with pictures, paintings and lithographs signed by various artists from the Belgian cartoon world such as Herge, Uderzo, Morris, Moebius,… It’s almost as if you were in a museum. Tasting of 3 artisanal beers (3x15cl) together with an assortment of meat, Belgian cheeses, bread and butter.

Afternoon Teambuilding activity:

‘The Marolles’, situated between the ‘Palais de Justice’ and ‘the Midi Train Station’, is the oldest working-class and popular neighbourhood of Brussels.

We walk towards archery society ‘Ancient Grand Serment Royal and Noble des Arbalétriers de Notre-Dame du Sablon’. It is the oldest guild of Belgium, officially recognized in 1213 by the Duke of Brabant and linked with the earliest history of the town of Brussels. Charles V, the Count of Egmont, the Archduchess Isabella and almost all Belgian Kings accepted the Grand Mastership of this guild. The old tradition and noble art of crossbow shooting are still very well alive and kicking here.

The participants are split up into small teams. After a short initiation by a master marksman, an archery contest is organized.

We end afternoon with a drink, the best shooter receives a souvenir offered by the guild. back to the hotel

Evening program

dinner show Brussels is magic in a restaurant-brasserie at the Grand Place of Brussels

Program: the clients are welcomed at the entrance by one of the artists. In this typical and cozy brasserie the decoration matches to the show and brings you in a magical atmosphere.

The whole staff wears a ‘magical’ outfit. Well chosen background music enhances the magical and mysterious atmosphere.

During the aperitif, in between each course and after the dinner professional artists perform at each table magic tricks. On top Of this, two surprise acts will entertain the whole audience.

The show “BRUSSELS IS MAGIC” is performed by at least two professional artists. The number of artists involved will be adapted according to the size of the group. Once the lights are switched off the dessert is served on a chariot loaded with fountain firecrackers.

DAY 3

buffet breakfast Morning Art Nouveau tour of Brussels including a visit of the Victor Horta museum Lunch in a typical restaurant

Afternoon Visit of the European district including a visit of the visitor’s center of the European Parliament (with audioguide) Transfer to Brussels airport