How much does it cost?

From CHF 847 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,039 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

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 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.

railtour suisse · Individual tour

Train Journey through Flanders

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

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at CHF 847 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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.

Day by day

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.
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. Discover the famous Manneken Pis, the Royal Palace, the Parliament building and the futuristic Laeken Quarter. Round off the evening with classic Belgian fries and a good beer. Insider tip: the university town of Leuven is a half-hour train ride away.
Day 3railovernight: Brussels
Limburg & Hoge Kempen National Park
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, just a short train ride from Brussels.
Day 4railovernight: Antwerp
Onward journey to Antwerp
Enjoy one last breakfast in Brussels before continuing on to Antwerp by train, arriving in about 45 minutes at «Antwerp-Centraal». The city is known for its Diamond District, fashion scene, and Baroque art. Overnight stay in Antwerp for 1 night. Insider tip: Mechelen lies halfway between Brussels and Antwerp.
Day 5railovernight: Bruges
Onward journey to Bruges
Visit the Grote Markt in Antwerp's historic center in the morning, featuring guild houses and the 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.
Day 6overnight: Bruges
Bruges
Begin your walking tour of the medieval city, with its romantic canals, winding alleys, and historic brick facades. Visit the Gruuthuse Museum and browse chocolatiers and cafés. Enjoy traditional Flemish cuisine for dinner.
Day 7railovernight: Bruges
Ostend & the North Sea Coast
A 15-minute train ride from Bruges brings you to the Flemish coast on the North Sea, with its sandy beach, Royal Galleries, harbor, and Fort Napoleon. Ostend is the hometown of artist James Ensor. Insider tip: the coastal tram connects Ostend with De Haan, Blankenberge, Knokke-Heist, and the Zwin Nature Park.
Day 8railovernight: Ghent
Onward journey to Ghent
A short train ride (about 25 minutes) brings you to the less touristy but authentic city of Ghent. The main sights are within easy reach of the station: the Gravensteen, St. Bavo's Cathedral with the Ghent Altarpiece, and the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Ghent for 1 night.
Day 9
Individual onward or return journey
Along the Graslei and Korenlei, historic houses with gabled facades are reflected in the water. The Patershol district charms visitors with its narrow streets and excellent cuisine before your onward or return journey.

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

How much does it cost?: From CHF 847 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,039 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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 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.