Antwerp and The Flemish Masters

This new tour takes us to the ancient artistic city of Antwerp, birthplace of Peter Paul Rubens, with 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, 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; and a variety of museums housing significant works that Clare will bring to life with her expert commentary.

ITINERARY

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, so we take a guided tour of the gardens which feature more than 17,500 plants. This evening, we enjoy a evening welcome reception and talk from Clare Ford-Wille, followed by dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Plantin-Moretus Musuem, Cathedral of Our Lady, and Rockoxhuis
Our exploration of the city starts 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. We then move on to visit 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.
Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady) 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. After free time for lunch (not included) we visit the Rockoxhuis, the 17th century townhouse of Rubens’ friend and patron, Nicolaas Rockox, which contains a small but choice collection of paintings. On our return to the hotel, Clare will give a second talk. Evening free at leisure.

Day 3: Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, Maagdenhuis, and Sint Pauluskerk
We take the tram this morning to the superb, newly restored Koninklijk Museum (Museum for the Fine Arts) with its extraordinary collection of Flemish Masters and more – Clare will guide you through its most significant works. After we take the tram to the city centre and have free time for lunch (own expense) before visiting 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. 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; ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck will be on display. Group dinner this evening at the hotel.

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 - £282
• 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