Belgium

Belgium is a small country, famous for the unpretentious nature of its local people, an abundance of hearty food and drink, including its world-class chocolate, and historic cities. Belgium’s flat countryside produces the hops for the robust Belgian beers that are loved globally, and was the site of many terrible Great War conflicts.

Albatross Tours explores the picturesque cities and soaks up the idiosyncratic culture of Belgium.
Given its importance in the Great War, our Belgian tour includes visiting the Ypres region, a significant World War 1 (WW1) site.

Smaller group size
up to 28

Belgium & Holland, Cobblestones & Windmills

11 Delightful Days
  • Start: Brussels
  • Ends: Amsterdam
  • Countries: Belgium, The Netherlands

Relax on a boat ride through Ghent’s delightful canals & sample chocolate in the beautiful Galeries Royales.

Smaller group size
up to 28

André Rieu, Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards

11 Superb Days
  • Start: Frankfurt
  • Ends: Frankfurt
  • Countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany

Experience the spectacular concert experience of world-famous violinist André Rieu, in his home town.

Touring Belgium by Coach

Belgium may have an impressive public transport system, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Tour Manager riding the public bus through Brussels.

Instead, our Tour Managers can give you all the local tips and tricks from the comfort of our coaches where you’ll make lifelong friends and memories.

Take the stress out of getting around and simply board one of our coaches for a worry-free adventure.

The three official languages spoken in Belgium are Flemish Dutch, French and German, however more than half of all locals can confidently hold a conversation in English.

In fact, the country has ranked sixth out of 112 countries on their English proficiency. As with any country without English as an official language, the further you venture out of the capital cities the less fluent locals become. 

In instances where Albatross Tours takes you off the beaten track, it always helps to have a Tour Manager to guide you along the way.

When to visit Belgium

Albatross Tours’ Belgium and Holland tour is offered through either early-May or early-July. This is because the former begins the country’s renowned bar season, along with cultural celebrations dating back to the 14th century. July, on the other hand, is Belgium’s peak season for tourists and locals alike. This is when the weather heats up to mid-20°C and the country comes alive with world-renowned music festivals, kite surfing and plenty of local beer.

To avoid the crowds, costs, and warmer weather, November and January see things slow down between summer and Christmas. There is always a festival of sorts to be found in Belgium, but these off-peak periods certainly show a quieter side to this quaint country.

Belgian Culture

Helpful Hints


Here are some important details that you should know before you go:

  • Language: Tourists can get by on English alone across Belgium, however, the three official languages are Flemish Dutch (56% spoken), French (40%) and German (1%). Despite their English proficiency, it never hurts to learn the basics of the local language so you can connect with locals on a friendlier level.
  • Money – As a member of the European Union (EU), Belgium has traded in euros (€) since 2022. In Belgium, expect to pay €4–8 for a pint of beer, €30–100 for a night in a hostel, €2.40 for a bus ticket, and €30–70 for dinner for two.
  • Time zone and daylight – Belgium falls under Central European Standard Time (GMT +1). This means it is one hour ahead of London, five hours ahead of New York, and 10 hours behind Sydney. During the summer months of June to September, daylight can last up to 16.5 hours with the earliest June sunrise at 5:30am. Short December days can last just eight hours from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
  • Electricity – Belgium uses a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. This is transmitted using two types of plugs – Type C and E, both of which use two round pins of similar designs.

Explore Belgium's Towns & Cities

Brussels

Brussels is a city built on multiculturalism and diversity, and is a fantastic place to visit for fans of quirky architecture, brilliant food and authentic cosmopolitan European culture.

The architecture is Brussels is an interesting mix of art deco facades, 1960s concrete developments, regal 19th century mansions and the EU’s Gotham City. Built in the Medieval Era, Brussels’ ‘Grand Place’ is at the heart of the entire city, embracing an art nouveau style and attracting visitors from all over the world. A walking tour through the Grand Place is the best way to experience the marvel of this area of town.

Brussels is filled with contemporary art galleries, and you won’t have to stroll around for long before you come across one. There’s something for every art-lover in Brussels, with many of the public spaces (like skating rinks, the Citroen garage and industrial buildings) being converted to showcasing funky, modern art - as well as the classics, of course. 

A particularly interesting neighbourhood in Brussels is ‘The Marolles’, a previously working-class neighbourhood that’s now home to intimate, cosy restaurants, interior design shops and boutiques selling traditional Dutch knick knacks. Window shop the area as you indulge in some frites (fries) and mayonnaise, a classic waffle cone or even the quintessential Dutch poffertjes (pancakes).

Ghent

Ghent is one of Belgium’s oldest cities, meaning it’s a brilliant place to visit for those that are after a traditional, authentic experience. The city is geographically small, but due to the large youth and student population, there’s a vibrant scene of cafes, restaurants, nightlife and cultural activities. The remnants of the industrial age are strong here, with many areas undergoing urban renewal to be transformed into fun, funky and hip entertainment areas.

Ghent, similar to many cities in Belgium, is built on a system of beautiful canals that wind their way through the city streets. Take a riverboat tour of the canals to see Ghent from a different (and definitely delightful) view.

Art enthusiasts will feel right at home here, with the many art museums housing famous works of art such as ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. This representation of medieval religious thinking was created in 1432, drawing visitors from all across the world. It’s magnificent 20 panels of work are truly an unforgettable sight to behold. 

The Gravensteen is a sight in Ghent that history buffs will love. This quintessential 12th-century stone castle was converted into a cotton mill in the 19th century, and has since been restored as a major tourist attraction housing suits of armour, guillotines and torture devices from the medieval era.

What do our Albatross Tours Travellers have to say?

"Keukenhof Gardens were an absolute highlight!"

Susan W | Belgium and Holland, Windmills and Cobblestones Tour

Discover more by reading about Belgium in the "News from the Nest"

Beautiful Belgium: Photos to inspire your next holiday

Belgium is famous for the unpretentious nature of its local people, an abundance of hearty food and drink, including its world-class chocolate, and historic cities.

Author: Enzina Scarcella

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Contact Us

Whether you intend to indulge in Belgium’s food and drink or commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers. Albatross Tours, small group tours are designed to ensure you see the very best that Belgium has to offer. 

Include Belgium in your next European holiday by speaking with one of our European Tour Specialists.