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

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!