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 2009 - 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 where Podge will issue maps* and bar guides* to the best beer haunts in Brussels for a night on the town.

Hop Museum, Poperinge, West Flanders.
Mort Subite Cafe, Brussels.

Saturday 29 August 2009 - 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 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 in Pipaix.

Sunday 30 August 2009 - sees us visiting 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 Cusine 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 Vanden Busshe 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 Passendale, 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 your responsibility. We will try to make the cost of as many as possible of the items marked* inclusive of the tour price but some may cost extra.