Tour 45 | Brussels & Heritage Tour 2009

Friday 28 August to Monday 31 August 2009

Once again we have the excellent services of august historian and archaeologist Mr Dave Buckley to guide us through the historical bits of this beer tour.

 

Friday 28 August

Following our ferry crossing to Calais, we make our way to Belgium and head for Poperinge and a guided tour* of the Hop Museum, followed by a thirst quenching Poperings Hommelbier *. We will then make our way to the very centrally located  Hotel Ibis Brussels off Grand Place and copies of Podge's Brussels Bar Guide* and City Maps* will be issued to help you find the best beer haunts in Brussels for a night on the town.

Hop Museum, Poperinge

Mort Subite, Brussels

Saturday 29 August

We pay a visit* to the amazing steam brewery Vapeur. This is one of their famous brewing days when we can see the last steam brewery in the world in action and we will also experience the fantastic homemade Vapeur Brewery food and beer extravanganza* put on for us by Jean-Louis. Also included that day is a visit* to the Coudenberg Palace in Brussels, one of the main residences of Charles V and a fascinating walk under the Royal palace to discover the relics of the past here and at the Museum attached*.

Brewing day at Vapeur Brewery, Pipaix 

 

Sunday 30 August

Today we visit the attractive St Feuillien Brewery, for a tour* and tasting* which is home to the world class St Feuillien Triple (8.5%abv). This is followed by a three course bier cuisine meal* at the Restaurant La Cantine des Italiens. After this, we see the magnificent huge boatlift at Strepy-Thieu where we will have guided tours* of both the huge modern engine rooms and the historic workings, together with a boat trip which goes through the lift.

Canal boat lift Canal du Centre near La Louviere

 

Monday 31 August 2009

We will be paying a visit to our friends at the Vandenbusshe beer warehouse where we can stock up with beer to take home, and we will be entertained with beer* and sandwiches*. Later in the day we will make our way for a visit* to the Cheese Museum at Passendaele, which looks interesting to say the least, and we will have a cheese tasting* which is accompanied by an exclusive beer* made especially for this museum, Passendale.
Van Den Bussche, Waregem

All above times are local and approximate. Food, drink, passport and insurance costs are each Traveller's responsibility. The items marked with an asterisk are included in cost of the Tour.