
The Railway Touring Company
railtour suisse · Self-guided rail tour

Experience a unique rail tour through the Flanders region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Railway Touring Company
Railbookers
Independent rail break linking bike-friendly Bruges and canal-side Ghent
Railbookers
7-day twin-city rail break: three nights each in Brussels and Bruges

railtour suisse
One-night rail city break to Mechelen, a historic Flemish city