Cruise through Belgium (port-to-port cruise)

Croisi Canal Cruise: HMG AIPP

7 Days

Belgium has a dense network of waterways crossing Flanders and Wallonia from east to west and north to south. Join us for a gentle cruise focusing on the good things in life. With the abundance of cultural riches concentrated on the canal banks, you'll discover the characteristic cities, exciting sites, and unique flavours only Belgium can offer. Indulge in local specialties such as chocolate, beer, wine, and other delicacies. Discover Ghent, Bruges, Oudenaarde, Mons, and Brussels. Enjoy a visit to the Chteau de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—and the award-winning Chant d’Éole vineyard and wine cellar.

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
- Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

- Exclusive cruise to the heart of Wallonia and Flanders
- The Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift and the Ronquières Inclined Plane—two extraordinary achievements

- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:

- Chteau de Beloeil, nicknamed the Belgian Versailles, and its immense gardens
- The Chant d’Éole vineyard and its sparkling wines with a Belgian flair
- Oudenaarde throughout the centuries
- Bruges, Flemish architecture at its best

- Itinerary

- Itinerary Day 1: Halle

Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail.

Possibility of transfer between Brussels and Halle (about a one-hour ride) – price on application Day 2: Halle – Strepy-Thieu

This morning, you will take a coach to Brussels for a guided tour of the city and a Belgian chocolate maker's workshop. Set off for the Belgian capital. In the city center, you will see the Grand-Place with its glorious city hall and lavish guildhalls. With its richly decorated facade and impressive tower, the City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Further along, you will see the iconic Manneken Pis and the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. After, visit a Belgian chocolate maker in the heart of Brussels. Learn about our favourite indulgence—from its Mayan origins to the modern creations of master chocolate makers—while watching a demonstration of the meticulous and precise work through windows peering into the small factory. Return on board the ship in Halle. Afternoon sailing on the Canal du Centre to Strepy-Thieu. Day 3: Strepy-Thieu - Mons

Spend the morning cruising. The next adventure is the monumental Ronquières Inclined Plane, built between 1960 and 1968. Construction of the plane reduced delays caused by the 14 previous locks. Then your barge takes a boat lift. Using two independent caissons, the lift allows a crossing in less than 35 minutes with a 240-foot height difference (75 m) and single-handedly replaced four former boat lifts and two locks. Continue cruising to Mons and join a food tour. Few cities can boast about their heritage like Mons can. This is a vibrant, modern city with a deep, historic past. The Grand-Place offers a myriad of places to lose yourself in. Your guide will take you to the center of Mons to learn about the city's history and edible delights. This stroll is a combination of history, culture, and anecdotes accented by a tasting of four local specialties. Indulging in the local cuisine makes this tour an unforgettable experience. Day 4: Mons – Peronnes Lez Antoing

Set off on a visit to the Chteau de Beloeil and the Chant d’Éole vineyard. Head over to the Chteau de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—which contains a valuable collection of 15th- to 19th-century art, including a library with more than 20,000 books and precious manuscripts. The furniture is a sampling of some of the top work of French cabinet makers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The paintings depict the grand achievements of most of the castle's family members. Continue to the Chant d’Éole estate. The vineyard came to be when a family of Belgian farmers joined forces with a family of eminent sparkling wine makers. They use the best modern techniques to guarantee a sparkling wine that adheres to Belgian tradition. Take a guided tour recounting the vineyard's history. Your enthusiastic guides will explain the different stages of production—from planting to bottling, and everything in between. Finish up the tour will a tasting of three signature spirits—the Brut Blanc de Blancs, the Rosé Brut, and the Elixir Saint-Georges. Return to Mons. Spend the afternoon cru