Andre Rieu in Antwerp Tour

To help keep the festive spirit going in the lull that is January, why not see the ‘King of Waltz’ Andre Rieu live in Antwerp at the Sportpaleis. His annual ‘New Year’ concerts in his home country are always popular, and will be the highlight of this tour, which also includes a guided walking tour of Antwerp during your three night stay in this historic and bustling city.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Eurostar and local train from St Pancras to Antwerp.
Take the train from London St Pancras to Antwerp via Brussels. On arrival, transfer the short distance on foot across the square to the excellent Radisson Blu Hotel, a favourite of Travel Editions’ clients for many years.  Evening welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Walking tour of Antwerp and evening concert at Sportpaleis.
Depart the hotel with a local guide for a walking tour of Antwerp, from the Art Nouveau Central Station to its Gothic Cathedral amongst the myriad of sights in the city . Free time for lunch (own expense) and the rest of the afternoon to explore independently.   Belgium's second city, Antwerp, is one of the world's largest ports, with a characteristically Flemish old town at the heart of a thriving modern city. Home and birthplace of Rubens, the city has a strong artistic heritage reflected in its host of churches and museums, including KMSKA The Royal Museum of Fine Arts, dating back to 1810 and newly open after an 11 year restoration.  As with many Flemish settlements, Antwerp boasts a market square surrounded by 16th and 17th century guildhalls, whilst other unmissable sights include the Cathedral and Belfry, the church of St Paul, home to a collection of paintings by Antwerp masters, and Ruben's House. The city has many museums including the Plantin-Moretus, housed in the former print works of famed painter Plantin, which contains the renowned Gutenberg Bible, one of only 13 in the world. 

Evening departure by coach to the Sportpaleis for the main event of the tour – the concert featuring Andre Rieu and his orchestra.  The package price includes a “Tribune” ticket in block 131 in the front fours rows with upgraded seats available in the first 4 rows of block 117 at a supplement.  Transfer by coach back to the hotel.

Day 3:  Rubenshuis and Chocolate Museum.
Morning walk to Rubenshuis to view Rubens’ work and its neoclassical courtyard and gardens.  The newly restored Rubenshuis is due to reopen in 2024 after a major refurbishment and redevelopment and will offer an insight into the life and times of one of the great Flemish Masters.  After lunch (own expense) we walk to the Chocolate Museum to follow the story of the cocoa bean to Antwerp and the history of Belgian chocolate in the largest museum of its type.   Evening free.

Day 4 Depart Antwerp by train to St Pancras via Brussels.
Transfer on foot to Antwerp Station for return train and Eurostar to St Pancras via Brussels.

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

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 35 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Return standard class Eurostar train from St Pancras to Brussels, and regional train between Brussels and Antwerp
• Concert tickets to see Andre Rieu on 12 January 2025 at the Sportpaleis, in Tribune section, block 131
• Three nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Radisson Blu Hotel Antwerp, based on shared occupancy of a twin room
• Welcome drink at the hotel and group dinner with wine at the hotel restaurant on the first night
• Guided walking tour and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
• Return coach transfers to the concert
• Tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement 
• Holiday insurance
• Standard Premier/1st class upgrade on Eurostar, this constitutes upgraded seating and a light meal with complimentary drink
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities
• Upgraded ticket at concert to Block 117 – please contact us for cost.

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

Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp

Popular with our guests for many years, this modern four-star hotel is located in the city centre close to Antwerp Central Station. Offering an indoor pool, fitness centre, bar, and restaurant, and comfortable rooms with modern facilities, it is the ideal place to stay in this appealing city. 

Hotel Website