Antwerp and The Flemish Masters

This tour takes us to the ancient artistic city of Antwerp, to explore a wealth of artistic and architectural sights, explored in the company of Flemish art historian, Clare Ford-Wille, whose knowledge and love for the Flemish Masters is unsurpassed. Highlights include the superb KMSKA - Royal Museum of Fine Arts - recently reopened after a major restoration lasting more than 11 years, where we have been granted private access to the special 'Rubens and the World' exhibition in celebration of his 450th birthday. We also tour the gothic and baroque cathedrals and churches which are rich in paintings and sculptures including ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck; plus a variety of museums housing significant works that Clare will bring to life with her expert commentary.

TINERARY

Day 1: Arrival and Rubenshuis Garden
Morning departure by Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels, where we transfer by coach to Antwerp to drop off luggage at our hotel. Free time for lunch (own expense) then walk to the house of Antwerp’s greatest Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. He bought the Rubenshuis in 1610 and transformed it to include a studio; it was his home for the rest of his life. The house is currently undergoing a major restoration, but we can walk through the gardens which feature more than 17,500 plants. This evening, we enjoy a evening welcome drink and talk from Clare Ford-Wille, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Plantin-Moretus Museum, Rockoxhuis, Saint Charles Borromeo Church, and Sint Pauluskerk
We start today with a visit to the Plantin-Moretus Museum which was the home and workshop of Christopher Plantin, a French printer and bookbinder who established a thriving business here in the mid-sixteenth century. His workshop, bookshop and opulent living quarters give a fascinating view of life and book production of the period. After free time for lunch (own expense) we visit the Rockoxhuis, the 17th century townhouse of Rubens’ friend and patron, Nicolaas Rockox, which contains a small but choice collection of paintings. We continue our exploration of the city with a walk to Sint Carolus Borromeuskerk, built by the Jesuits; it is a fine Baroque building in the design of which Rubens was much involved. His ceiling was destroyed by fire in 1718, but the main apse and the Marian chapel survived to give an impression of the church’s original decorations. Our final visit of the day is to Sint Pauluskerk, a late Gothic building remarkably rich in both painting and sculpture. Please note that some of the church is undergoing restoration works in 2027; works on display (eg. ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck) will be confirmed nearer to the date of departure. On our return to the hotel, Clare will give a second talk. The rest of the evening is free at leisure.

Day 3: Maagdenhuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
We take the tram this morning to the Maagdenhuis, one of the smallest museums in Antwerp. It contains a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, and is currently housing the Museum Mayer Van der Bergh ‘Public Favourites’ exhibition while it is undergoing renovation work. The exhibition features 80 masterpieces including Mad Meg by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Christ and St John the Apostle by Master Heinrich von Konstanz. Walk on to Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady), which dominates the centre of the city. It is a harmonious Gothic building, despite its prolonged construction (1352 -1521); with its seven aisles, it is the largest cathedral in Belgium. Among the many works of art are four major altarpieces by Rubens which Clare will speak about during your visit. Free afternoon before a late afternoon visit to the superb Koninklijk Museum (Museum for the Fine Arts), where we have private access after the museum has closed to the public, to the limited time 'Rubens and the World' exhibition in celebration of his 450th birthday. We also view the extraordinary collection of Flemish Masters and more – Clare will guide you through its most significant works. Afterwards, we take the tram to the city centre and return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.

Day 4: Free time and departure
Free time today before our return coach transfer to Brussels, and onward Eurostar to London St Pancras.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading:  Please note that this tour has been graded as demanding due to the amount of walking and standing for viewing at attractions. All sightseeing is on foot or by tram around Antwerp, with return coach transfers only from Brussels to Antwerp. For further information please visit the mobility page of our website or call our team prior to making a booking.

INCLUDED

• Return standard class Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels
• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hilton Antwerp Old Town Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink and two dinners at the hotel
• Two lectures by Clare Ford-Wille
• Return coach transfers from Brussels to Antwerp
• Touring and entrance fees as per the itinerary
• Clare Ford-Wille and tour manager throughout
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement - £390
• Holiday insurance
• Eurostar Plus upgrade - £180
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: As with most trains, passengers are responsible for carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras and Paris, but bags do need to be carried on to the platform.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTEL

Hilton Antwerp Old Town

Modern, four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Cathedral and Old Town square. The hotel offers a restaurant, fitness centre, and rooftop sun deck, along with comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, air-conditioning, iron and iron board, hairdryer, and ensuite bathroom.

Hotel Website

Recent Reviews

“This was a wonderful art-filled holiday. Claire Forde-Willie’s expertise brought the Flemish Masters to life, and the gallery visits were fascinating. Everything was beautifully organised, and the company most enjoyable.” 
Mrs M, travelled September 2025 

“The Plantin-Moretus House was a real highlight, and I particularly enjoyed the insights from the local guides alongside Clare’s expertise. The tour was gentle but thoroughly enriching, with plenty of time to take in the city. A very satisfying trip overall.” 
Mrs W, travelled September 2025 

“The printing shop at Museum Plantin-Moretus and the Mayer Van den Bergh collection were simply delightful. The guides were knowledgeable and engaging, and the tour was impeccably arranged. I couldn’t have asked for a better cultural experience.” 
Mrs B, travelled September 2025