Winter
Warmer: Belgium
& England
via the Chunnel Train
February 11 - 19, 2010

If
Belgium makes a strong case for being "beer heaven", then
England would have to be pub heaven. From your first beer in Brussels
until the last in London, you will experience a wide variety of classic
breweries and their great beers in optimum condition. Three nights in
Brugge, an overnight pilgrimage to an English Country Inn in the Cotswolds,
and 3 nights in London offer a variety of great beer, cozy cafes and
pubs, and cultural experiences. There is time to explore on your own
and take in each country's rich history and culture as well. Several
great meals, visits to unique and historic breweries, transportation
by rail, private coach and public means, fine hotels in great locations
and more are built in to this trip. For Registration and Policies
& Details: Click Here.
Thursday,
February 11, 2010
Fly to Brussels, Belgium
Your trip begins as you fly
to Brussels, Belgium. Meals and overnight aloft.

Friday,
February 12, 2010
Arrive Brussels, rail to Brugge,
City Tour, Welcome Dinner
Upon
arrival in Brussels, transfer via rail
directly to Brugge -- taxis are easily available
for the short ride to our hotel in the
center of this spectacular medieval city. After time to settle in, we'll
meet our local guide for a guided tour of Brugge. Along the way we'll
stop for a welcome beer or two. Tonight we have our welcome dinner featuring
fine Belgian cuisine matched with the perfect beer.
Saturday,
February 13, 2010
Big Brewery Day on the Bus
This
morning we'll board our private "beer bus" for a big day of
breweries, tasting, and lunch. We'll start with a visit to De Dolle,
the mad brewers, who brew up artistic creative beers. We'll hear the
story of the brewery and the town, tour the old brewery and enjoy a
thorough tasting in one of the best tasting rooms anywhere! Next we
continue south to Westvleteren and In de Vrede, the restaurant adjacent
to the off-limits abbey. We'll eat lunch and sample the heavenly elixir
brewed in small batches by the brothers of Sint Sixtus Abbey. As if
that weren't enough, another afternoon stop to be determined. Evening
free in Brugge.
Sunday,
February 14, 2010
Free Day in
Brugge
Today is totally free to enjoy
Brugge and its many splendors. Many great cafes, museums and attractions
await your discovery. Brugge is one of the best cities anywhere to just
wander around, and uh, stumble upon a beer or two in historic environs.
Monday,
February 15, 2010
Chunnel Train to London
This morning, bright and early
we will travel via rail, beneath the English Channel, to England. We
will meet our private coach, depart London, and travel to the Sun, a
traditional country pub serving great meals. After lunch we head to
Hook Norton Brewery for a visit to their Victorian brewhouse. Overnight
in the Cotswolds.
Tuesday,
February 16, 2010
Brewery Visit, to London
This morning is free to explore,
sightsee or shop until we board the bus and head to London. Along the
way we'll visit a brewery and make a pub lunch stop. Upon arrival in
London, we'll check-in to the hotel and take a break for dinner. This
evening we'll take a historic pub tour.
Wednesday,
February 17, 2010
Free Day in London
Today completely free to explore
and enjoy cosmopolitan London. See a show, visit pubs, ride red buses,
go to Buckingham Palace or take in the Tate Museum. Small groups will
like form in search of beer, culture and curry.
Thursday,
February 18, 2010
Fullers
Brewery , London Pubs, Farewell Dinner
This
morning we will tour the Fuller's brewery. The afternoon is free, most
likely for a pub visit or two. This evening we will have a farewell
beer dinner and enjoy the fine cellars and selection at the Whitehorse.
Overnight in London.
Friday,
February 19, 2010
Return Home or Extend your trip
Alas, we must leave beer heaven.
London is served by several international airports, so a variety of
transfer options will be available.
Registration
Details |
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Beer
Highlights:
Belgian
Beer: Strong Gloden Ales, Trappists, Gueuze, Saison, Triples,
Double and many more.
Real
Ales: cellared, cask conditioned ales served correctly in endless
variety.
Brugge:
Perhaps the best-preserved medieval city in Europe and a favorite
weekend retreat. Canals, clock towers, cathedrals and cobble stone lend
Brugge the feel of a city that time forgot.
London:
The Real Ale capital of the world and one of the world's great cities:
packed with history, architectural splendor and countless beer engines.
An
overnight trip to a Country Inn in the Cotswolds with a visit
to the Victorian, Gloucestershire brewery -- Hook Norton. Unique villages,
local history and country pubs make it one of England's classic regions.
Fine Hotels:
Hand selected from our assortment of quality, well-located hotels, all
in the 3- to 4-star category.
Good
folks to drink with and the rolling tasting room when we travel
by private bus!Land
Cost:
$2150
per
person, double occupancy
$385
single
room supplement
Trip
Price Includes:
7 nights
accommodation in fine, centrally located hotels, travel by private coach,
rail and public transportation, brewery visits, beer tastings, entrance
fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary, all breakfasts, 3 dinners,
2 lunches, and trip leadership.
Airfare
is not included in the trip price. The trip begins on Thursday afternoon
in the hotel lobby in Brugge.
For Registration Policies & Details: Click
Here.
Travel
Details:
Air Travel is not included.
Travelers are encouraged to use mileage awards, travel outside group
dates, or extend their stay to make the most out of the trip. Please
contact us to inquire about low fares from your city. Please
confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets.
The trip officially begins
at the hotel in Brugge, specific details including a map to the
hotel, regional information and a detailed will be included with your
trip documents, which you'll receive 2 - 3 weeks before the trip.
How we get around: For
all included excursions and visits, transportation will be included
as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking and public transportation.
Travel between city and city will be done in our private motor coach
and/or by rail.
Please Note:
The overall
style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving
travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well
as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions
will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the
exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance
of the trip leader.
Please
note also, that this itinerary is subject to change based on brewery
availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather,
etc. Some breweries are often unable to commit to hosting groups until
a couple of weeks before we arrive. Any substitutions will be as good
or better than what we replaced. And don't worry, the beer will be great!
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