Traditional Crafts of Belgium by Rail

After breakfast, Karin's first hand-stitching workshop will take place in the hotel.

This afternoon, we explore the fascinating history, art and culture of Ghent during a guided walking tour. Strolling through the picturesque streets, we will see the majestic, medieval Gravensteen Castle, examples of Gothic architecture, and beautifully preserved guild houses which reflect in the waterways. There is also the impressive Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, which is known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the van Eyck brothers.

Once the industrial heart of Flanders, Ghent was a pioneer of the industrial revolution in Europe, especially in the textile industry. Today, we will learn and experience it for ourselves as we visit the Museum of Industry, housed in a former cotton spinning mill dating back to 1810.

During our guided tour, we will hear the story of ‘Jenny’ and see how textiles were made on the museums spinning machines, looms and sewing machines, as well as look at present day alternative materials, techniques and solutions. There will be spinning and weaving demonstrations and whilst at the museum, we will also participate in a craft workshop.

Please Note: The walk to the museum will take approximately 15 minutes, through the city centre.

Today we will visit Bruges, known as the ‘Venice of the North’! The historic city centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a real gem to explore.

On arrival, we will visit the Lace Museum, where the rich history of lacemaking is beautifully preserved. Bruges Lace has been a cornerstone of Belgian textile history since the 16th century. Unlike needle lace, Bruges specialised in bobbin lace, creating intricate patterns often characterised by separate flowers or motifs that are individually crafted and later joined together, allowing for faster production of complex designs. Learn how this intricate craft flourished and became a symbol of skill, patience and local heritage before participating in a lace-making workshop, guided by experts, offering a unique opportunity to experience this timeless technique for yourself.

This afternoon, you have free time to explore. You might like to visit ‘Handwerkhuisje’, a wonderful haberdashery shop established in 1979, or go shopping in one of the many chocolate shops and enjoy a tasting or two!

Today, enjoy a full-day workshop in the hotel and continue working on your project with Karin.

Belgian, or Flemish, tapestry is a celebrated historical art form that not only signified wealth and status but also served a practical purpose – helping to insulate and soften the cold, draughty interiors of stone castles, noble residences and churches. From the 14th century onward, these tapestries were primarily produced in Flanders and are distinguished by their intricate weaving, often combining wool, silk, and metal threads to create richly detailed designs.

Departing Ghent, we travel to Mechelen to visit De Wit, the Royal Manufacturers of Tapestry, for a rare glimpse into one of the world’s leading centres of tapestry conservation and restoration. This renowned atelier is housed in a former 15th-century refuge of the Abbey of Tongerlo and during a guided tour, we will see the fascinating processes behind the cleaning, conservation and restoration of priceless tapestries, with the opportunity to also watch skilled artisans at work using both traditional techniques and modern scientific methods. The visit also reveals an impressive collection of historic tapestries and provides insight into the rich Flemish weaving heritage that has been preserved here for centuries.

With our rail-inclusive package, we take the train to Bruxelles-Midi Station and join the Eurostar for our return journey to London St Pancras.

If you have booked our join direct package, we take the train to Bruxelles-Midi Station, where your tour ends. From here, you can return to Ghent or join your own onward travel arrangements.