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railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Train Journey through Flanders

Nine-day self-guided rail circuit through Belgian Flanders: Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent.

Illustration of Train Journey through Flanders

Railtour Suisse operates this nine-day self-guided rail journey across Belgium's Flanders region, a compact area rich in history, art, and culinary tradition. You begin in Brussels, where Day 2 explores the UNESCO-listed Grand-Place and its Gothic architecture before a day trip to Hoge Kempen National Park brings forests and heathlands within a short train ride. The route continues south to Antwerp, celebrated for its Diamond District and Baroque art, then on to Bruges for three nights wandering medieval canals and brick-fronted streets. Day 7 offers a coastal escape to Ostend on the North Sea, reachable by a 15-minute train from Bruges. The tour closes in Ghent, where the Gravensteen castle and Belfry compound its medieval character. Accommodation throughout is three-star hotels with breakfast. This tour suits independent rail travellers, history enthusiasts, cyclists, nature lovers, and food-focused visitors seeking to discover Flanders at their own pace without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided tour with no escort guide; you book your own meals and day activities beyond the itinerary outline.
  • The from-price of 1055 USD does not include inbound and return travel to Switzerland or any excursions and activities.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brussels

    Individual arrival in Brussels

    Individual arrival by train in Brussels. Your trip begins in the European capital, where you can already admire impressive facades and magnificent architecture on your way to the hotel. Two nights in Brussels.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Start your visit in the heart of Brussels: at the Grand-Place. With its Gothic town hall and houses with gabled facades, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms the historic center of the city. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you'll discover the famous Manneken Pis. The Royal Palace, the Parliament building, and the futuristic Laeken Quarter are also nearby and well worth a visit. Insider tip: Just a half-hour train ride away lies the university town of Leuven, characterized by the Gothic town hall on the Grote Markt, St. Peter's Church, and the historic Beguinage.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Brussels

    Limburg & Hoge Kempen National Park

    Why stop here? Just a few steps away from city life, a breathtaking contrast unfolds: unspoiled nature and authentic outdoor adventures. In the Hoge Kempen National Park near Limburg, a diverse landscape of forests, heathlands, and lakes awaits you. Explore the picturesque trails on foot or by bike. This natural gem is just a short train ride from Brussels.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Antwerp

    Onward journey to Antwerp

    Enjoy one last breakfast in Brussels before continuing on to Antwerp by train (about 45 minutes), arriving at one of Europe's most impressive train stations, «Antwerp-Centraal». The city is known for its Diamond District, its diverse fashion scene, and its Baroque art. Overnight stay in Antwerp for 1 night. Insider tip: Halfway between Brussels and Antwerp lies the charming city of Mechelen, with St. Rumbold's Cathedral, the Hof van Busleyden city palace, Technopolis, Planckendael Zoo, and the Toy Museum.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bruges

    Onward journey to Bruges

    Visit the Grote Markt in Antwerp's historic center in the morning, featuring magnificent guild houses and the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady, home to works by Rubens. Continue on to Bruges by express train in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Overnight stay in Bruges for 3 nights.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bruges

    Bruges

    After a hearty breakfast, begin your walking tour of the medieval city, with its romantic canals, winding alleys, and historic brick facades. Museums such as the Gruuthuse Museum showcase art, everyday culture, and magnificent tapestries from centuries past. For dinner, choose a local restaurant serving traditional Flemish cuisine.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Bruges

    Ostend & the North Sea Coast

    Just a 15-minute train ride from Bruges you'll find the Flemish coast on the North Sea, with a wide sandy beach and lively promenade right outside the train station. Highlights include the elegant Royal Galleries, the harbor, and Fort Napoleon. Ostend is the hometown of artist James Ensor. Insider tip: The coastal tram along the nearly 70 km of North Sea coastline connects Ostend with De Haan, Blankenberge, Knokke-Heist and the Zwin Nature Park.

  8. Day 8overnight: Ghent

    Onward journey to Ghent

    Take one last moment to savour the relaxed atmosphere of Bruges before continuing your journey. Regional trains run regularly between the two cities, with a travel time of about 25 minutes. Ghent combines medieval history, a creative scene, and a relaxed atmosphere: the imposing Gravensteen, St. Bavo's Cathedral with the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece, and the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Ghent for 1 night.

  9. Day 9

    Individual onward or return journey

    Along the Graslei and Korenlei, historic houses with gabled facades are reflected in the water, while cafés and outdoor seating areas invite you to take a break. The Patershol district charms visitors with its narrow streets and excellent cuisine. With its contrasts and unique charm, Flanders is sure to leave you with long lasting memories.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Explore the Grand-Place in Brussels, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its Gothic town hall and gabled facades, then discover the Manneken Pis.
  • Day 3Take a short train ride to Hoge Kempen National Park near Limburg to walk or bike through forests, heathlands, and lakes.
  • Day 4Arrive at Antwerp-Centraal, one of Europe's most impressive train stations, and visit the Diamond District and Cathedral of Our Lady.
  • Day 6Walk through Bruges' medieval streets and canals, visiting the Gruuthuse Museum to see tapestries and art spanning centuries.
  • Day 7A 15-minute train ride from Bruges brings you to Ostend on the North Sea coast, where the beach, Royal Galleries, and harbor are steps from the station.

Included

  • Train journey in 2nd class from/to Brussels
  • 3 nights in a standard double room with breakfast at the Alma Grand Palace*** in Brussels
  • 1 night in a standard double room with breakfast at the Hotel Hamilton Hilton Antwerp Central Station*** in Antwerp
  • 3 nights in a standard double room with breakfast at the Hotel Martin's Bruges*** in Bruges
  • 1 night in a standard double room with breakfast at the Hotel Gravensteen*** in Ghent

Not included

  • Inbound and return travel to Switzerland
  • Excursions and additional services
  • Personal expenses

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes train travel in second class on the Belgian rail network connecting Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent, plus day trips to Limburg and Ostend.
Is this tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided rail tour. You travel independently and arrange your own activities and meals; no guide accompanies you.
What is included in the price?
The price covers train travel, eight nights in three-star hotels (double rooms) with breakfast, in Brussels (3 nights), Antwerp (1 night), Bruges (3 nights), and Ghent (1 night).
How much walking is involved?
Daily activities include walking tours through medieval cities and exploration on foot or by bike in nature parks. The itinerary assumes comfort with city walking and navigating winding streets.
What is not included?
The price does not cover inbound and return travel to Switzerland, excursions, museums, meals beyond hotel breakfast, or personal expenses.
How long is the trip?
Nine days and eight nights, starting in Brussels and ending in Ghent.

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