SOLD OUT Belgium Holiday! - The Delights of the Belgian Ardennes from £1,450 Routes A and B

Included in the price:

·        Travel by executive coach with on board washroom facilities from local collection points

·        Return short sea crossings from the UK to France with DFDS Seaways

·        Six day/five nights half-board accommodation (dinner, bed and breakfast) at the 4* Mercure Han-sur-Lesse, including porterage 

·        Tourist train ride around the grounds of Namur Citadel

·        Entrance to Château de Freÿr

·        Two-hour river cruise to Dinant

·        Entry to Annevoie Gardens and the Venetian Costume Festival  

·        A visit to Vianden with time in Luxembourg City

·        A visit to Durbuy and a free afternoon in Han-sur-Lesse

·        Escorted by, and exclusive to Claire’s Days Out

Price: £1,450 per person sharing a twin/double room

£150 single supplement for a double room for single occupancy 

Please contact me for more details and how to book!

Email: info@cdogrouptravel.com or call 07725 570547.

Day 1 – Travel to Belgium with a tourist train ride in Namur

We leave the villages in the morning and travel to the port of Dover for the short sea crossing to France where we continue our journey through Northern France and into Belgium, with a stop en route in the historic city of Namur.

In Namur, we shall be driven to the Citadel at the top of the city for a tour of the old ramparts by mini-train where we can appreciate the gorgeous views and immerse ourselves in the history of this exceptional site.

We rejoin the coach and continue to our tour base, the 4* Mercure Han-sur-Lesse, located in the beautiful and stunning surroundings of the Ardennes forest, near to the river Lesse and a short walk from the famous attraction, the Grottes de Han – a natural complex of caves.

We have a welcome dinner at the hotel in the evening.

Day 2 – Château de Freÿr and river cruise to Dinant

Following breakfast, we drive to the elegant Château de Freÿr, one of the Meuse Valley’s finest Renaissance estates. Formerly the summer residence of the Dukes of Beaufort-Spontin, the château features beautifully furnished salons, terraced formal gardens and remarkable 18th-century orange trees form a unique ‘green architecture’. Enjoy a self-guided visit at your leisure.

We continue the day with a relaxing and very scenic river cruise along the Meuse to Dinant, instantly recognisable for its dramatic clifftop citadel and the onion-domed Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame. Spend the afternoon exploring at leisure: wander the riverside promenade, browse independent shops or admire the colourful saxophone sculptures paying tribute to Dinant-born Adolphe Sax. A highlight for music lovers is the Adolphe Sax Museum, a small, free museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the inventor of the saxophone — ideal for a short visit during your free time.

Return to the hotel for dinner this evening.

Day 3 – Jardins d’Annevoie and the Venetian Festival

This morning we set off to the magnificent Jardins d’Annevoie — a unique water garden set in an historic 18th-century estate, where elegant designs blend French formality with English romanticism and Italian flair in a serene forested setting.

Today’s visit coincides with the Venetian Costume Festival, a colourful, three-day spectacle inspired by the famous Carnival of Venice. Against the backdrop of water-fed fountains, ponds and canals, over 110 exquisitely handmade Venetian costumes — complete with masks, rich fabrics and elaborate detailing — glide through the gardens, creating a magical and photogenic experience sure to delight!

There will be free roaming of the costumed participants throughout the gardens, offering endless

opportunities to admire and photograph the intricate outfits and masks. A grand parade of costumes is featured mid-afternoon, bringing a lively, theatrical highlight to the day.

You’ll also find musical entertainment, local artisan stalls, refreshments and chances for souvenir photos — all enhancing the festive atmosphere as we explore the beautifully landscaped gardens at leisure.

In the evening we return to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest after a truly memorable day.

Day 4 – Vianden and Luxembourg City 

After breakfast, we travel across the border to Luxembourg and into Vianden, a picturesque town nestled beneath one of Luxembourg’s most iconic hilltop castles. It is quite breath-taking!

We leave Vianden and drive the scenic route hugging the German border to Luxembourg City, capital of one of Europe’s smallest yet most wealthy countries.

The city’s dramatic setting — perched above deep river gorges — creates a unique blend of fortifications, green spaces and elegant architecture.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore the UNESCO-listed old quarter, wander through charming pedestrian streets, the beautiful park areas of the ‘Grund’ or simply relax in one of the many cafés in the city’s main square the Place d’Armes.

Return to the hotel for dinner in the evening.

Day 5 – Durbuy and Han-sur-Lesse

After breakfast, we make the short journey to Durbuy, the “smallest town in the world” where the cobbled streets leave you feeling like you’re living in a real-life fairytale. Stop at one of the many cafés in the town or choose to visit the Topiary Gardens (payable locally).

The afternoon is at leisure in Han-sur-Lesse. Take the opportunity to enjoy the hotel facilities, including the on-site swimming pool, explore the local town or take the short walk to the Caves

of Han (not included in the tour package, as not for everyone, so would be payable yourself in advance or locally subject to availability).

We have our farewell dinner together at the hotel this evening.

Day 6 – Return to the UK

After breakfast, we begin our homeward journey travelling to France for the return short sea crossing to Dover, before continuing back to the villages full of delicious Belgian food and happy memories!