FINAL ITINERARY in progress as of 27APR
Guests who use a cell phone during travel may access this WeTu itinerary at any time by downloading the TravelKey app.
To download the app, click the following link or search TravelKey from your device's app store: https://shorturl.at/bDEmu
Once you open the app, your access code will be: U9P66G
Optional Pre-Tour Night in Brussels: Depart the USA on June 5th / Arrive June 6, 2026
EARLY ARRIVALS IN BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
The following guests have confirmed an additional Pre-night on June 6th AND will be met on arrival for transfer to the hotel. Guests will be met upon arrival in Brussels International Airport as you exit the baggage claim then transferred to the hotel.
Steve Patrick & Donna Dieckman Arriving via United Flight 972 at 9:00 AM
Dan & Angela Mahoney Arriving via United Flight 972 at 9:00 AM
Kathy Weise Arriving via Delta Flight 242 at 9:40 AM
Patrick & Sue Mahoney Arriving via Brussels Flight 3176 at 12:25 PM
Banks & Valerie Warden Arriving via United Flight 9958 at 12:45 PM
The following guests have confirmed an additional Pre Night on June 6th but will need to transfer on their own to the hotel:
Chris Hempel & Kara Warden (no confirmed flight schedule)
Note: Hotel check-in is available from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive prior to 3:00 p.m., the hotel reception will store your luggage so that you can begin exploring Brussels.
Should your flights change within 48 hours of arrival in Belgium, please contact Conservancy Travel Tour Manager:
Elaine Chu via WhatsApp at: 781-632-4336
Last minute changes could incur additional fees. The guest is responsible for any additional fees paid directly to the transportation service if required. Guests may save receipts and file for reimbursement with their travel insurance provider.
MAIN TOUR arrival date.
Early arrival guests have the day at leisure.
5:30 p.m. Meet your Conservancy Travel Trip Leader to walk to a nearby restaurant for our welcome briefing and a traditional Belgian dinner including limited choice menu with appetizer, main course and dessert; a glass of wine, beer or soft drink; water and a choice of tea or coffee.
Dinner
Breakfast, Lunch
BRUSSELS: HEART OF THE CAPITAL AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Today we delve into the essence of Brussels as both a historic capital and a vibrant center of modern Europe.
Begin the morning with a short stroll from the hotel to the magnificent Grand-Place, one of Europe’s most splendid squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by ornate guild halls, the elegant Town Hall, and the former King’s House, the square offers a captivating introduction to Brussels’ rich history and architecture.
On a privately guided visit inside the City Hall of Brussels, we step behind the grand Gothic façade to explore its opulent interiors adorned with tapestries, sculptures, and historic council chambers.
Savor local cuisine for lunch.
We meet our private motorcoach to explore the city’s modern counterpart: the European Quarter. Here, the Parlamentarium—Europe’s largest parliamentary visitor center — brings the story of European integration to life through immersive exhibits and multimedia displays. We’ll also discuss the workings of the European Union and its role in shaping the continent’s future.
The morning visits are on foot in the historic center, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring your passport, as there is a security screening for entry into the Parliament buildings.
Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner
BRUSSELS: FLEMISH MASTERS AND SURREALIST VISIONS
We depart the hotel on foot for a morning devoted to Belgium’s rich artistic heritage at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts, home to two of the country’s most remarkable collections.
Begin in the Old Masters Museum, where our guided visit focusing on the brilliance of Rubens, Bruegel, and Van Dyck reveals the evolution of Flemish art from the Renaissance through the Baroque period. Masterful brushwork, dramatic light, and vivid storytelling bring centuries of history to life.
Continue to the Magritte Museum, dedicated to René Magritte, Belgium’s most celebrated surrealist. Through his dreamlike imagery and thought-provoking juxtapositions, Magritte challenges viewers to see the ordinary in extraordinary ways.
Together, these galleries trace the journey of Belgian art—from its deeply spiritual roots to the boundless imagination of modern surrealism.
The afternoon is free to enjoy Brussels at your own pace.
We reconvene this evening for dinner in a local restaurant.
The walk from the hotel to the museum is a gentle uphill stroll via Mont des Arts to Place Royale, approximately 10–15 minutes (about 0.6 miles).
Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Breakfast, Dinner
Lunch
BRUSSELS TO GHENT: THE BATTLEFIELDS OF FLANDERS AND VAN EYCK’S MASTERPIECE
Check out of the hotel and board our private motorcoach for the journey to Ghent.
Our first stop today is at the Flanders Field American Cemetery, the only American World War I cemetery in Belgium, where we honor the profound sacrifice of those who fought and died in the Great War’s brutal trench warfare. The peaceful setting and carefully tended grounds provide a poignant contrast to the devastation that once defined this region.
Continue to Ghent, one of the Flanders region’s most captivating medieval cities.
Enjoy lunch and explore Ghent’s historic Patershol District, a maze of narrow cobbled lanes and gabled houses that echo centuries of craftsmanship and trade.
At St. Bavo’s Cathedral, we delve into the extraordinary story behind Jan and Hubert van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb — a masterpiece that transformed the course of Western art. The van Eyck brothers’ revolutionary techniques brought unparalleled realism and luminous color to the altarpiece, creating what many consider the most profound painting ever conceived.
EMBARK CANAL BARGE RAYMONDE
Gather for a safety briefing, introduction to the crew and life on board the barge, and Welcome Aperitif.
7:30 p.m.: Welcome Dinner on board.
Today’s visits include walking over uneven ground at the cemetery and around Ghent.
Please wear comfortable shoes.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A DAY IN BRUGES
Breakfast each day is timed according to the day's navigation and excursion schedule.
8:00 a.m.: Disembark for today's excursion.
While our barge navigates from Ghent to Oudenaarde, we travel by motorcoach to Bruges, a city that seems untouched by time. With our local guide, stroll through cobblestone streets and along quiet canals where reflections of stepped gables and stone bridges capture the spirit of medieval Europe. Once among the wealthiest trading centers of the 15th century, Bruges remains a living museum of Gothic architecture, artistic brilliance, and enduring craftsmanship.
On a guided walk through the historic center, visit the Church of Our Lady, whose museum houses Michelangelo’s exquisite Madonna and Child, one of the few sculptures by the artist to leave Italy during his lifetime.
A canal cruise reveals the city’s hidden corners from the water, offering the same timeless perspectives that inspired merchants, artists, and poets for centuries.
Enjoy lunch at a historic brewery, where local brewing traditions have been passed down for six generations.
This afternoon, wander the medieval heart of Bruges at leisure — perhaps to climb the Belfry for sweeping city views, browse the lace and chocolate shops that continue the city’s famous traditions, or simply linger in the Markt square, soaking in its timeless atmosphere.
We depart Bruges and meet the barge in Oudenaarde, where we remain moored overnight.
7:00 p.m.: L'Heure de l'Aperitif
7:30 p.m.: Dinner on board
Today’s visits include walking on cobblestone streets and boarding small boats; please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
OUDENAARDE
This morning’s walking tour reveals the charm and craftsmanship that define Oudenaarde, a jewel of the Flemish Ardennes. Begin at St. Walburga Church, where rare 16th-century tapestries hang in their original setting—masterpieces of color and design that once symbolized the town’s prosperity and artistic prestige.
Continue to the Museum of Oudenaarde and the Flemish Ardennes (MOU), housed within the city’s magnificent UNESCO-listed Town Hall. This Gothic gem stands as one of Belgium’s finest civic buildings, its belfry rising above the Grand Market Square. Inside, admire the celebrated tapestry collection that made Oudenaarde world-famous during the Renaissance, alongside displays illuminating the region’s history and heritage.
The tour concludes with a visit to family-run Braeckmann distillery, where generations have perfected Belgium’s signature juniper-based spirit. Learn how this centuries-old tradition blends artistry and technique, and enjoy a tasting of your choice of their products, that include small-batch whiskeys, genever, gin and liqueurs.
Return to the barge for lunch, as we resume our navigation through the countryside. Spend the afternoon relaxing on deck as we cruise past the historic city of Tournai and arrive in Péronnes-lez-Antoing in the early evening.
Dinner on board.
Enjoy the tranquil scenery, or stretch your legs with an evening stroll around the marina.
Today’s visits include walking over cobblestone streets and standing on uneven surfaces; please wear comfortable shoes.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CRUISING THE NIMY-BLATON-PÉRONNES CANAL TO MONS
Relax this morning as we cruise along the Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes Canal, a tranquil waterway that threads through the heart of Belgium. Completed in 1955, the canal connects the Scheldt River with the Canal du Centre and has long served as a vital link in Belgium’s inland network. As we glide through the countryside, enjoy peaceful views of rural villages, green pastures, and the occasional passing barge—an ideal moment to unwind on deck and take in the serene pace of canal life.
11:30 a.m.: L'Heure de l'Aperitif
12:00 p.m. Lunch on board.
Arriving in Mons in the early afternoon, we go ashore to visit the Mons Memorial Museum, whose exhibits trace the city’s military history from the Middle Ages through both World Wars. Personal stories and artifacts highlight Mons’ pivotal moments in 1914 and 1944, offering a moving perspective on courage and resilience across generations.
Conclude the afternoon with a tasting of locally produced sparkling wines at a vineyard.
Dinner on board.
We remain moored in Mons overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
MONS – CANAL DU CENTRE
This morning, a two-hour guided walking tour through the historic center of Mons reveals centuries of layered history—from medieval cobbled streets and Gothic landmarks to vibrant public squares and hidden architectural gems—that trace the city’s evolution from a fortified stronghold to a modern cultural hub. The Grand-Place, framed by ornate guild houses and lively cafés, reflects the enduring vitality of this historic city, while the striking new train station designed by Santiago Calatrava offers a bold contemporary contrast to Mons’ Gothic heart.
Mons is also known for its beloved Doudou festival, a centuries-old UNESCO-recognized tradition that fills the city each June with music, parades, and the reenactment of Saint George’s legendary battle with the dragon—a spirited celebration of community and heritage that embodies the warmth and pride of the people of Mons.
Return to the barge for lunch on board, then settle in for a relaxing afternoon as we continue our journey along the Canal du Centre. Watch as the landscapes of Wallonia unfold—verdant fields, quiet villages, and graceful bridges—en route to Strépy-Thieu, where we dock for the night.
The morning walking tour includes cobblestone streets and some inclines; please wear comfortable shoes.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
STRÉPY-THIEU TO HALLE: ENGINEERING MARVELS AND THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as our barge ascends aboard the Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift, one of the most impressive feats of modern engineering. Using two massive, counterbalanced caissons, the lift carries vessels more than 240 feet (75 meters) between canal levels in under 35 minutes—replacing a series of four historic lifts and two locks. The smooth, silent rise offers a fascinating perspective on Belgium’s ingenuity in preserving its rich network of waterways.
From here, we continue along the Brussels–Charleroi Canal, gliding toward Halle. Along the way, marvel at another monumental structure of Belgian engineering, as we ascend the Ronquières Inclined Plane. Completed in 1968, this extraordinary sloping canal system dramatically reduced travel time by replacing 14 locks with a single, gravity-powered lift.
This afternoon, we head to The Battle of Waterloo Memorial. Situated on the famous site of Napoleon's last battle, delve into the history of the infamous day: June 18, 1815. A guided visit of the historic diorama brings the dramatic events to life.
If you choose to climb up the steps of the Lion’s Mound, the towering memorial, you're rewarded with panoramic views overlooking the fields where Napoleon’s forces met their fateful defeat—a turning point that reshaped European history. Visit the immersive exhibits in the museum at your own pace.
Return to the barge in time for L'Heure de l'Aperitif.
Our canal cruise comes to a conclusion with a traditional French Gala Farewell Dinner on board the barge.
Today’s visits include walking on uneven terrain and (optional) stairs at the Lion’s Mound; please wear comfortable shoes.
REMINDER: Check in for your international flights home and alert your Travel Leader with any changes.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DISEMBARKATION - DEPARTURE
Breakfast on board.
We disembark the barge and transfer to Brussels International Airport for departures.
END OF PROGRAM
Guest Departing Flights:
United Flight 973 Departing at 10:15 AM: Steve Patrick & Donna Dieckman
Brussels Flight 21 Departing at 11:00 AM: Patrick & Sue Mahoney
United Flight 908 Departing at 12:00 PM: Dan & Angela Mahoney
United Flight 9895 Departing at 12:45 PM: Banks & Valerie Warden
Delta Flight FI555 Departing at 1:50 PM: Kathy Weise
No flight information provided/confirmed: Chris Hempel & Kara Warden
Breakfast
