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Antwerp Shore Excursion
This
Antwerp shore trip explores Belgium's capital city of Brussels with both a driving tour and a walking tour of the Grand Place. Then later in the afternoon you explore the port city of Antwerp.
After meeting your guide in Antwerp you immediately make the journey into Brussels. When you reach the city you begin with a driving tour. You see the Royal Residence and Park, where the King lives, has his offices and holds official functions. You drive through the European Quarters with the Parliament building, Art Hill and the Justice Court. Other sights seen include the Chinese pavilion, Japanese Tower and the Triumph Arch of Cinquantenaire.
You enjoy a photo stop at the famous Atomium. This 300 feet tall structure was built for the 1958 Universal Exhibition and is the symbol of modern Brussels.
After seeing these famous sights you start a walking tour of the Grand Place. This is the main square and symbol of medieval Brussels. It is a wonderful example of the blending of architectural and artistic styles that is typical in this region. The square is a mix of public and private buildings dating from the late 17th century. It is here where the social, political and commercial heart beat of Brussels has existed for hundreds of years.
A centerpiece of the Grand Place is the medieval Town Hall which dates back to 1405. The building was burned down in 1695 but was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style and is a stunning site. The tower of the town hall looms over 300 feet above the square.
Also in the Grand Place you see magnificent Italian Baroque style Guild Houses and the Maison du Roi, which despite its name, was never a royal residence, but rather law courts. It was at this spot where public executions took place in medieval times. Today the building houses the city museum.
Of course not to be missed is the popular Manneken Pis Statue, a small statue of a boy relieving himself. Tradition has dignitaries from around the world brining costumes as a gift for the king and the small statue. Maybe when you see it, he will be wearing a hula skirt, a sombrero, a kimono or you name it.
After visiting the famous town square you have free time to enjoy lunch (meal not included) and stop into a few of the local shops.
Next you drive to back to Antwerp, which is not only a European cultural city, but also the world center for diamonds and the second largest port in Europe.
The focus of your time is a walking tour devoted to the Market Square with the Town Hall and the beautiful "Golden Age" Guild Houses, the Cathedral of Our Lady with the "Elevation of the Cross" and the "Descent from the Cross" by Rubens, Saint-Paul's Church, the harbor and the Jewish district.
Antwerp was the home town of the Flemish baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens and if you are interests a visit to Rubens' former house is possible (entry not included). In the former home and studio of the master, you set off on a fascinating journey back in time and into the world of this great baroque artist.
Every working day 250 million dollars worth of diamonds are traded in Antwerp. Next to the historic town hall the new diamond and silver museum, DIVA, boasts a fine collection of historical and contemporary jewels and silverware. If this interests you a visit is possible (entry not included). Or maybe just a stop in the museum shop is enough.
There is also a lot of modern architecture in Antwerp which can be seen on the drive back to the port. For example, the new Palace of Justice by Richard Rogers, the "Museum aan de Stroom" by Neutelings & Riedijk and the new Port House by Zaha Hadid.
Mobility: NO wheelchair
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our
Antwerp shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private Antwerp tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
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Shore Trip Timing is approximate based on your interests & traffic
- Drive to Brussels - 1 Hour
- Brussels Tour - 2.5 Hours
- Free time for Lunch - 1.5 Hours
- Drive to Antwerp - 1 Hour
- Antwerp Tour - 1.5 Hours
- Return to pier - 15 Minutes
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