History & Heritage of the Belgian Ardennes

6 days from £859

A small Ardennes town of slate-roofed houses and a church spire below a craggy hilltop crowned by ruined stone castle walls flying a flag.
La Roche-en-Ardenne and its castle
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Suggested Itinerary#

Your itinerary is exclusively yours to tailor to suit your group's interests and profile of your members. Here is our suggested itinerary:

Day 1 – Namur

Board our private executive coach at your designated pick up points – take the cross Channel ferry from your preferred port – continue to Namur and check in to the 3* Ibis Styles Hotel.

Day 2 – Fortress of Sedan & Bouillon Castle

The Fortress of Sedan, completed in 1424 by Evrard de La Marck, the first Prince of Sedan, is the largest medieval fortress in Europe – with its stunning vaulted rooms and maze of underground galleries, Bouillon Castle overlooking the River Semois is one of the oldest and most impressive feudal buildings in Belgium.

Day 3 – Durbuy & Topiary Park

Durbuy is the smallest city in the world and during a walking guided tour there is the opportunity to taste local products including cheese, beer, charcuterie, pralines and jam – the Topiary Park at Durbuy covers one hectare and is home to over 250 plants and clipped hedges depicting animal and human figures.

Day 4 – Caves of Han & Bastogne War Museum

Guided tour of the Caves of Han begins with a nostalgic tram journey to the entrance of one of the most beautiful caves in Europe with highlights of the caves being the gigantic Hall of the Dome and the Hall of the Draperies – the Bastogne War Museum focuses on the Second World War from its origins up to autumn 1944, specifically focusing on the Battle of the Bulge.

Day 5 – La-Roche-en-Ardenne guided tour

A guided tour of La-Roche-en- Ardenne on board the Petit Train this morning contemplates the Battle of the Bulge which during a heavy bombing of the city between 21st December 1944 and 11th January 1945 resulted in the death of 114 people and the destruction of 350 houses – afternoon at leisure in La- Roche-en-Ardenne where you may choose to explore the remains of the feudal castle dating back to the 9th century.

Day 6 – Gardens of Annevoie

The classical Gardens of Annevoie, designed and laid out between 1758 and 1776 by Charles-Alexis de Montpellier, blend French 17th century rigour with English fantasy and Italian charm and are widely regarded as one of the best gardens in Belgium – continue for our Channel crossing back to the UK and then return to our original departure points with comfort stops en route.

Remember, every element of this itinerary can be adjusted. If you'd like to change the days, add different activities, or adjust the pace, just let us know.

Features#

What's included in this tour is entirely yours to customise to suit your group's budget and preferences. Here is what we've suggested:

  • Half board accommodation

  • All excursions & guided tours included

  • Professional tour manager

  • Executive coach throughout

  • Return P&O Ferries Channel crossings

  • One free place per 10 paying passengers

Tailor your Features#

If you'd like to adjust what's included, perhaps a different hotel standard, more or fewer days, or different excursions, here are some alternatives:

  • Travel by Eurostar

  • For more (or fewer) days

  • Bring a specialist lecturer

  • Include all entrance fees & gratuities

  • Visit more (or fewer) sights*

* See Tailor your Sights for suggestions

Sights#

The places your group visits are exclusively yours to decide. Here are the main sights we've suggested:

  • Namur

  • Fortress of Sedan

  • Bouillon Castle

  • Durbuy

  • Topiary Park

  • Caves of Han - guided tour

  • Bastogne War Museum

  • La-Roche-en-Ardenne - guided tour

  • Gardens of Annevoie

Tailor your Sights#

If you'd prefer to visit different places, or if you'd like to add extra attractions that match your group's specific interests, here are some more suggestions:

  • Canal du Centre - cruise on the Canal followed by a visit to the UNESCO listed Hydraulic Boat Lifts built at the beginning of the 19th century

  • Château de Jehay - distinguished by its famous checkerboard patterned walls, the Château is a stunning, rare example of Mosane Renaissance style from the mid-16th century

  • Caves of Remouchamps - first opened to the public in 1912, the hall was occupied by Palaeolithic hunters 8,000 years ago and a boat trip glides without a sound along a winding subterranean river

Accommodation#

Where you stay is entirely yours to choose to match your group's preferences. Here is our suggested accommodation:

Five nights on half board basis at the 3* Ibis Styles Hotel on the outskirts of Namur. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant and bar. All rooms are en suite.

Tailor your accommodation#

If you'd prefer different accommodation, perhaps a different hotel standard, location, or basis of accommodation, here are some alternative choices:

  • Stay at a 4* hotel

  • With fewer dinners included

Extras#

The costs on top of your tour price can be tailored to suit your group's needs. Here is what we've listed as extras:

  • Single room supplement £119

  • Insurance

  • Entrance fees to places of interest

  • Audio headphones

  • Gratuities

Many of these can be included in the tour price if you'd prefer. For example, we can include entrance fees, gratuities, or audio headphones as part of your overall cost.

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020 7064 4970

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for your group

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History & Heritage of the Belgian Ardennes

6 days from £859 per person

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