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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

Ardennes Explorer

Eight-day rail loop from London through Belgium and Luxembourg's Ardennes.

Illustration of Ardennes Explorer

Tailor Made Rail's Ardennes Explorer is an 8-day independent rail holiday that departs London via Eurostar and follows a relaxed route through Belgium and Luxembourg. Beginning with a journey to Kortrijk, a historic Flanders city, the trip meanders through regional trains to Spa, famous for its thermal waters and UNESCO World Heritage status, then crosses into Luxembourg to visit Clervaux with its Benedictine Abbey and photography collection, and concludes in Dinant on the River Meuse before returning to London. The package includes all standard-class rail fares, 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, and seat reservations where needed. Because the tour is unguided and allows flexible routing, particularly on the Kortrijk-to-Spa leg where no reservations are required and optional stops in Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, or Liege are possible, it suits independent explorers and repeat rail travellers who prefer to plan their own daily activities. Small towns with museums, castles, and historic sites appeal to history-lovers and couples seeking an unhurried pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is an independent, unguided package; no group travels with you or arranged activities. You plan each day's exploration.
  • The price is per person based on two sharing a room; single supplements apply for sole occupancy and may increase the total cost significantly.
  • Peak-season rail fares may incur supplements, particularly if booked at short notice.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Kortrijk

    London to Kortrijk

    Eurostar direct to Lille, then a regional service across the Belgian border to Kortrijk, known for its historic Broel Towers and river frontage.

  2. Day 2overnight: Spa

    Kortrijk to Spa

    No seat reservations needed, allowing optional stops en route through Belgian Flanders, including Brussels, Ghent, Leuven or Liege.

  3. Day 3overnight: Spa

    Spa

    Explore Spa's thermal waters, a UNESCO World Heritage 'great spa town of Europe', the Musee de la Ville d'Eau, Les Thermes de Spa, or the world's oldest casino.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Clervaux

    Clervaux

    Train across the Luxembourgish border to Clervaux, dominated by the Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maur.

  5. Day 5overnight: Clervaux

    Clervaux

    Second day in Clervaux, including the Chateau de Clervaux and its UNESCO-listed 'The Family of Man' photography exhibition.

  6. Day 6overnight: Dinant

    Clervaux to Dinant

    Journey via Luxembourg City, with an optional stop to explore, then via Libramont to Dinant.

  7. Day 7overnight: Dinant

    Dinant

    Explore Dinant on the River Meuse, including the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, the citadel, the house of Adolphe Sax and the Leffe Museum.

  8. Day 8rail

    Dinant to London

    Train via Namur to Brussels Gare du Midi, then the Eurostar back to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, then regional rail across the Belgian border into Kortrijk, a historic Flanders town on the river.
  • Day 2Flexible journey to Spa with the option to stop en route in Brussels, Ghent, Leuven, or Liege.
  • Day 3Explore Spa's thermal waters, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the world's oldest casino or the Museum of the Water Town.
  • Day 5Visit the Chateau de Clervaux and its UNESCO-listed 'The Family of Man' photography exhibition in Luxembourg.
  • Day 7Tour Dinant on the River Meuse, including the Collegiate Church of Notre Dame and the house of Adolphe Sax.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations where required, and Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille and return.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
Independent. You receive travel documentation and tickets by email but plan your own activities and exploration in each town.
What is included in the package?
All rail journeys in standard class, 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, seat reservations where required, travel documentation, and email ticket despatch. Proactive rerouting is provided if strikes or disruptions occur.
Which hotels are included?
Hotel Damier in Kortrijk (1 night), Radisson Blu Palace Hotel Spa (2 nights), Hotel Koener in Clervaux (2 nights), and Ibis Dinant Centre (2 nights).
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary focuses on town exploration and museum visits with no strenuous hikes mentioned. General city walking is expected.
When does this trip run?
Tailor Made Rail does not publish fixed departure dates; you arrange your preferred dates independently.

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