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Belgium's Villages, Fens and Abbeys

Belgium's fairy tale region of castles, abbeys, and historic cities mixes seamlessly with green ways, rivers, verdant pastures and protected reserves. Discover pretty villages and important cities with our guides, sail the River Maas and taste what Belgium is famous for - Beer, waffles and chocolate!

  • Belgium

  • 6 nights
  • Half Board
  • Culture

    Flight Free

  • May

    Jun

    Sep

Leisurely

What does this mean?

Tour codes: 50500

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Walking grade

Grade 2

Overview

Holiday Highlights

  • Walk in Belgium's High Fens.
  • Train journey to Maastricht with a boat trip on the River Maas.
  • Discover Soiron and Olne, considered among the prettiest villages in southern Belgium.
  • Walk part of the Camino de Santiago that crosses Belgium.
  • Explore Liege with our local guide.
  • Beer tasting and visit at an Abbey.
  • Cheese tasting in Herve.

Belgium is a country of two parts. The northern, Flemish speaking  region of Flanders, famed for its medieval cities of Bruges, Antwerp and Gent; and the southern region of Wallonia with the thermal town of Spa, also known for its infamous Formula 1, race World War battle sites and one of nature's most unspoiled areas of the Ardennes Forest. 

Travel south to the historic city of Liege in Wallonia, easily reached by train from Brussels. From Liege, after exploring with our local guide, you can sample some of the best parts of the Herve region, following Greenways (disused railway tracks) between picturesque villages, walking on a stretch of Belgium's Camino de Santiago, as pilgrims have done for centuries, and exploring the High Fens, a protected reserve with abundant wildlife, in the Belgian Ardennes. On a guided visit to a local cheesemaker, there will be time to taste the cheese from the region and discover beer making (and of course sample beer) at a historic abbey

Further afield, we'll take the train to the southern Dutch university city of Maastricht, where your guide takes you through its historical past and where you can enjoy a boat trip on the river Mass.

  • Return train tickets from London St Pancras to Liege, via Brussels
  • En-suite accommodation
  • Half Board meals with breakfasts and dinners taken at our hotel
  • All transport to participate in the arranged activities
  • All tips to local suppliers. hotels and coach drivers
  • Guided visits of Liege and Maastricht
  • Boat trip from Maastricht
  • Adagio tour leader throughout the trip
  • Entrance fees (unless otherwise specified)
  • Personal expenses (such as your bar bill)
  • Discretionary tips
  • Optional excursions
  • Travel Insurance

Holiday Information

Click the button below for a detailed Holiday Information Sheet containing all the particulars about this trip.

NOTE: Itineraries and Holiday Information Sheets can vary by a specific date chosen

View Holiday Information Sheet

Itinerary & Travel

Itinerary Details

Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the outlined itinerary and advertised programme, local conditions can change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. This may mean that routes and timings need to be amended or the order of days may change, sometimes at short notice.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Bienvenue a Liege

Meals

Dinner

Accommodation

We travel by train from London St Pancras to Brussels by Eurostar, where we change to a local train to continue to Liege. The train station is a short drive by private coach from our hotel. After check in, we may have chance to get to know our surroundings before dinner at the hotel.

Day 2

Explore Liege

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

After breakfast, we meet our local guide who will help us discover the city of Liege. Sitting along side the river Meuse in French speaking Belgium, its many landmarks date from the medieval times and the Opera de Wallonie has staged operas since 1820. This afternoon, after some free time for lunch, you may wish to enjoy a riverside stroll with the group leader, visit one of the many museums or enjoy a seat in a cafe for a coffee or Liege waffle.  Dinner will be at our hotel this evening. 

Day 3

Herve and Clermont sur Berwinne

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    Minimalm

Today, we take a pleasant walk through thr Walloon countryside. We take our private coach from Liege to the pretty village of Clermont sur Berwinne, a member of Association of Les Plus Beaux Villages de Wallonnie (approx. 30 minute drive from Liege). Considered one of the region's prettiest villages, we start our walk (mainly flat on well surfaced route) along a now abandoned railway line, part of the Belgian Camino de Santiago. We are able to see Fort Battice, site of a 12 day siege in 1940, as we walk. The walk brings us to the town of Herve, famed for its cheese, and we have the time to explore and visit a local cheese maker, or fromagerie, with tasty samples. We travel back to the hotel by coach and dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 4

Visit Maastricht

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

We take the train today (approx. 35 minute journey)  from Liege to the southern Dutch university city of Maastricht where our local guide helps us explore the town. The old town is home to cobbled streets and the Romanesque Bascilica of St Servatius. After some free time for lunch, we'll enjoy a boat trip on the river Mass, and perhaps you may want to walk the city ramparts or visit an ancient 7th century watermill, which still grinds flour today. We travel back to Liege by train and dinner is at our hotel this evening.

Day 5

Wallonia's High Fens

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

The High Fens

The High Fens is one of the most beautiful places in Belgium. An exceptional site that offers an incredible range of postcard landscapes, but also has the highest peaks in the country as well as rich and varied flora and fauna

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5.5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    70m

We travel approximately one hour south of Liege today for a walk in the High Fens, Belgium's largest nationally protected reserve. It's a unique upland plateau surrounded by woodlands and one of the most ancient and unspoiled landscapes in the Belgian Ardennes. En route, we make a stop in the thermal town of Spa, Europe's original health resort. Our circular walk (approx. 5.5 miles, gentle descent and ascent of 70 meters) starts at Signal de Botrange, Belgium's highest point at 698 meters. 


Day 6

Villages of Olne and Soiron and Beer tasting

Meals

Breakfast & Dinner

Accommodation

  • Time

    3 hours

  • Distance

    5 miles

  • Ascent/Descent

    130m

A 30 minute drive brings us to the villages of Olne and Soiron, two of southern Belgium's pretty villages. From Soiron we enjoy a circular walk with some gentle ascents and descents on the way to Olne, which we have time to visit before we return to Soiron via a different route. 

This afternoon we travel to the Abbaye Val Dieu where our guide helps us explore the area and its history. and the beer making process. We have the chance to taste some of the beer before we leave and travel back to Liege with dinner at the hotel.

Day 7

Au Revoir

Meals

Breakfast

We leave after breakfast and take our transport to the train station where we take the train to Brussels and change to the Eurostar service back to London St Pancras.

Departure dates for your selected tour

12th May 2024 - 18th May 2024 (6 Nights)

9th Jun 2024 - 15th Jun 2024 (6 Nights)

22nd Sep 2024 - 28th Sep 2024 (6 Nights)

Travel Details

  • Return rail from London St Pancras to Liege via Brussels
  • Coach transfer by road c.20 minutes

Accommodation

Accommodation information

Below is the accommodation featured on this holiday across all departure dates. Please refer to the Itinerary for more detail about each night's accommodation for each departure date.

Radisson Liege City Centre

The 4-star Radisson Liege City Centre is a short distance from the city's cultural landmarks, cafes, shops and train station. The hotel offers an onsite bar, and a private room for group dining. En-suite rooms are Scandinavian in design and have either a queen or 2 twin beds, wi-fi, climate control, TV, mini-fridge, tea & coffee making facilities and hairdryer

Trip Information

All the details you need

Holiday Grade

This level mixes active sightseeing with shorter, city or countryside walks. Trips are not aimed at seasoned walkers, but you should be confident in managing walks of around 3miles at a leisurely pace with a few ups and downs. Where in more mountainous areas we use transport to access higher ground with ease. 

Usual daily walks - Distance: 3 miles; Ascent/Descent 150-200m; Terrain: good paths and tracks; Time: Short or Half Day exploration. 

The above statistics are generalisations of a day’s keys walk, it does not include distance covered during general sightseeing or  daily activity. Detailed information of the daily walking requirements are specified in the specific holidays ‘Daily Itinerary" .

Walks & Excursions

We use a mix of privately hired vehicles, taxis, and public transport which gives us some flexibility in our itinerary. We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing and visits planned to let you fully experience the area along with opportunities to relax at our wonderful hotel and enjoy your surroundings.

Local Costs

Holiday Budgeting

As you plan your holiday budget, it's essential to account for expenses such as drinks, meals not covered in the holiday price, entrance fees not included, optional local excursions, and any souvenirs or additional services like laundry. For a rough estimate, budgeting around £10-£20 per person per day for lunches and drinks is a helpful guideline.

Local Transport Costs

In the holiday cost, we've included all local transport expenses related to the advertised activity program for your convenience. If there are additional visits or excursions to enrich your experience, you can choose to participate and cover the costs locally. Depending on the itinerary, local transport may involve a mix of private hire coaches, taxis, local buses, and ferries.

Tipping

In your holiday price, we've included tipping for our local suppliers, covering hotel and restaurant staff, local guides, and drivers. Should you wish to make an extra contribution for a specific service, this should be given directly to the recipient at your discretion.

Your Group

Your Leader

Your tour leader plays a crucial role in enhancing your holiday experience, and they share your passion for exploring the world on foot. In addition to being resourceful and organized they are also well-travelled and deeply enthusiastic about showing you new destinations. Your tour leader takes care of all the local, ensuring you can fully enjoy your holiday without worrying about the logistics. While leading group holidays, they always keep in mind that each group is composed of individuals. Each tour leader brings their unique style, talents, and professional background to the table. Rest assured, they are all trained, qualified, experienced, and dedicated to making your holiday as enjoyable, interesting, and inspiring as possible. Remember, your leader, while on holiday, is your first port of call for any issues, ensuring a smooth and worry-free experience for you.

Leaders Evening Briefing

Each evening, your tour leader will meet with you to review the program for the next day. This is your chance to discuss details and ensure that the planned activities align with your walking ability. If you have any concerns about clothing or equipment, feel free to bring them up during this discussion. If, for any reason, you prefer not to participate in the organized group program, please inform your leader. Your preferences are important, and your leader is there to make sure your experience aligns with your expectations.

Local Guides

Visiting historical sites, churches or museums are much more rewarding with a local guide. They give an insight to the local culture, language and traditions and can bring a destination alive. Many of our Adagio holidays include a knowledgeable English speaking guide on at least one of the days. Please refer to your daily itinerary to see where a guide is included.

Group Size

We believe that the best things come in small packages, and our Adagio holidays prove just that. We limit our groups to a maximum of 18 persons, plus the Adagio Leader, so that everyone has the opportunity to mix, share their love of travel and return home with new friendships. Small groups also have less detrimental local impact, allows us to use public transport on some days, eat at small local restaurants and, we believe, offers a better experience.

Travel Plans

Getting to your Holiday

We travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels Midi station and change trains to continue to Liege. Our hotel is approx. 3kms from Liege train station, and we have a coach to make the short transfer.

Booking Your Own Travel Arrangements

If you prefer to arrange your own flights from a non-UK or regional airport or travel to your holiday destination by rail or car, you may qualify for 'land only' reductions, and we can provide details upon request. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Before finalizing any independent travel arrangements, especially if you're doing so 12 weeks or more before your intended travel date, please check with us first to ensure your holiday has been cleared to operate. If you plan to join your holiday locally, kindly inform us at least 14 weeks in advance.

If you're joining and leaving your holiday overseas, we assume, unless you specify otherwise, that you will join and leave the holiday at your hotel.

Although airport transfers are not included for those making independent travel arrangements, you may have the option to join the group at the overseas airport, depending on your flight arrival time. If interested, contact us at least 5 weeks before departure for more details.

Please be aware that your flight must arrive within 30 minutes of the group flight to be eligible for the group transfer. Additionally, we'll need your flight number, arrival time, and departure point to ensure the group leader can meet up with you. If you have a mobile, please ensure we have the number, and it is turned on while you are traveling for effective communication.

Hotel Transfers

When you book a Flight-Inclusive holiday, transfers between the airport and hotel (and vv) are included. On some holidays, where we offer various flight options, the transfer vehicle may wait for all flights to land before transferring to the hotel.

Luggage Allowance & Tickets

If you're booking a flight or rail inclusive holiday, rest assured that details of your travel arrangements and baggage allowance will be clearly outlined in your 'Final Travel Documents'. These will be sent to you approximately 10 days before your departure, ensuring you have all the necessary information for a smooth and well-prepared journey.

Personal Details Check

To ensure the accurate administration of your holiday arrangements, kindly verify that the personal details we have for you are current and correct. Confirm that you've given us all the necessary information for securing your travel and accommodation. Please review your passport details, date of birth, and any other pertinent information crucial for the management of your holiday.

Additionally, please make us aware of any dietary allergies or intolerances you may have. Your well-being is important to us, and this information will help us make appropriate arrangements for your meals during the trip.

You can access and update the provided information or add missing details through the "Manage My Booking" feature on our website at www.rambleworldwide.co.uk. Alternatively, reach out to our Sales and Reservations team at +44 (0)1707 331133. Upon receiving your booking confirmation, promptly check the details. Your cooperation ensures a seamless and enjoyable holiday experience.

Passport Information

General Passport Advice

It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport page (with your photo on). Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to your home country. Passport and visa requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. 

General travel and destination advice for UK nationals is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel and at www.gov.uk/travelaware.

Meals

This holiday is on a half board basis, with breakfast and dinner included at the hotel. The Radisson Liege City Centre offers a buffet breakfast and a three course set-menu dinner.

Lunches are not included allowing for flexibility and personal preference. You will find shops for picnic supplies in Liege or a day may offer the stop at a cafe for lunch. Your group leader will give you details at your daily briefings.

Footwear & Kit List

Footwear

Comfortable, broken in, walking boots or shoes with a good sole are recommended for this holiday. Walking shoes or other comfortable footwear will be suitable for sightseeing days.

General Kit List

Outdoor activities are always safer and more enjoyable if you are prepared.

If you have not travelled with us before the following list might be of use:

  • Waterproof jacket (Goretex or similar) and trousers
  • Fleece or jumper
  • Sun hat, sunglasses, lip salve and sun screen
  • Swimwear (if appropriate)
  • Day sack (this should be able to carry all you would need for the days activity)
  • Water bottle - at least 1 litre capacity
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Reusable Lunchbox
  • Walking poles (should you find them useful)

This list is not exhaustive and every traveller is different and may have their own preference.

Water To Go

Opting for filtered water from a reusable bottle with its built-in water filter, like the Water-to-go bottle available at www.watertogo.eu, is a sustainable alternative to single-use sealed water bottles. Simply refill it from any water source and contribute to saving the environment from disposable plastic bottles.

Exciting news: Water-to-go has introduced two new bottles to their collection. The Active bottle is designed to fit bike water bottle holders, and the Sugarcane bottle is an even more planet-friendly option. Crafted from fibrous cane, a by-product of liquid extraction, it undergoes a process to create plant-based plastic. Explore the details on the Water-to-Go website for this innovative new range.

As a token of appreciation for your commitment to the environment, we've secured an exclusive 15% discount with Water-to-Go for you. Visit www.watertogo.eu and use the code RWH17 during your order.                        

Note: If you're booked on a long-haul holiday departing after November 1, 2023, you'll receive a complimentary Water to Go bottle, sent to your home address 2 or 3 weeks before your holiday. Thank you for being a part of our sustainable journey!

Travel Document Checklist

To ensure your holiday gets off to a good start, please make sure that you bring the following documents and information with you:

  • Passport (make sure it's yours and valid)
  • Your travel tickets or e-ticket itinerary
  • Any visa or electronic travel authorisation (if required)
  • Holiday currency
  • Credit or debit cards (and separate details of who to call if lost)
  • Car parking ticket and car park directions (if prebooked)
  • Coach or rail travel tickets (if prebooked)
  • Your holiday Booking Confirmation document
  • Your travel insurance details
  • Alternative form of identification (such as a driving licence)
  • Photocopy of the personal details pages of your passport
  • A valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if relevant
  • Details of any medical condition or allergy your holiday leader should know about

Maps & Guidebooks

You may want to do a little reading in preparation for your trip. 

Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg (Travel Guide) by Mark Elliott and Catherine Le Nevez

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide Belgium and Luxembourg


The Map Shop

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

The Map Shop
5 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England

Tel: 01684 593 146
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact sheet into YouTube, you will find a vast array of spectacular footage of the area.

Staying Healthy on Holiday

Further Health Advice

For further advice please visit:

You might wish to take a small bottle of antibacterial hand gel with you for times when you're unable to wash your hands.

Travel Insurance

GHIC / EHIC Cards

Starting January 1st, 2021, you, as a UK traveller, can continue using your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) throughout its valid five-year period, granting you access to medical assistance during your holiday until its expiry date. Be aware, though, that this coverage will no longer extend to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland. In case you don't have a valid EHIC, you can apply for a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which will replace the EHIC as it gets phased out.

It's essential to emphasize that the EHIC/GHIC, while valuable, should not be regarded as a substitute for comprehensive medical or travel insurance. For your peace of mind and comprehensive coverage, considering additional insurance is highly recommended.

For more information, please visit www.nhs.uk/ehic

Travel Insurance

It’s a condition of booking that you obtain adequate travel insurance, from a reputable provider, to undertake the holiday, including UK trips chiefly due to the cancellation element of cover.

The policy must cover the period from the date of booking to the last day of your trip and should include, as a minimum, cover for: medical expenses (including the consequences of a Covid positive test result), mountain rescue including helicopter rescue, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment and shall not have exclusion clauses limiting cover for the activities you will partake in on your trip, including altitudes reached in the holiday arrangement. It is your responsibility to check that your policy is adequate for the nature and destination of the holiday booked.

Once you have obtained your travel insurance, please provide us with the name of your travel insurer, the policy number and the insurer’s 24 hour emergency assistance number.

In the event that you fail to obtain suitable Travel Insurance we shall not be liable for any costs incurred or claims made against us due to your failure to comply with this term.

If travelling outside the UK you must carry proof of insurance with you and produce it if reasonably requested to do so by RWH Travel staff, tour leaders or suppliers. No refunds will be made should you be excluded from the walking programme through being uninsured or you being unable to demonstrate that you are insured.

Our house broker MPI should be considered for whom we are an affiliate and contact information is on our website and will be referred to in your booking confirmation.

If you are travelling to an EU country or Switzerland please also ensure that you have either an existing valid EU EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) or a valid UK GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card). You can apply for a UK GHIC free of charge on the NHS website at https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start.

Our Ethos

Responsible Travel

We are dedicated to promoting responsible travel practices that prioritize the well-being of both the environment and local communities. We believe in the transformative power of travel and aim to minimize our ecological footprint by selecting eco-friendly accommodations, encouraging waste reduction, and supporting sustainable transportation options where possible. Our walking tours are designed to immerse participants in the local culture, fostering meaningful connections with the communities we visit. We strive to leave a positive impact by engaging in responsible tourism activities, respecting local customs, and contributing to the preservation of natural landscapes. Through our commitment to responsible travel, we aim to create enriching experiences for our guests while actively contributing to the conservation of the destinations we explore.

Heart and Sole

We appreciate that we are in a fortunate position to be able to use our profits to help make a difference to people's lives. Heart & Sole is a venture managed by our office staff, whose aim is to reach the heart of the communities in the countries we visit. Through Heart & Sole, we hope to make more of a long term, direct impact to these communities, particularly in less developed countries where even a small amount goes a long way. 

The Ramble Worldwide Outdoor Trust

Unlike many other tour operators, we take pride in our unique approach. Ramble Worldwide channels its surplus profits back into various outdoor, walking-related, or environmental conservation projects in the UK through our own trust. When you choose us, you contribute to this impactful initiative.

The primary focus of our Trust's financial support is directed towards Britain's premier walking charity, The Ramblers. They play a crucial role in advocating the benefits and significance of walking to the British public. Additionally, our Trust invites applications for small grants from local organizations in the UK that require support for walking-oriented activities. This encompasses initiatives such as establishing footpaths and bridleways, funding for the reconstruction of bridges and refurbishing huts, and bursary funding for organisations that support individuals to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors..

For more comprehensive details, please visit the 'About' section on our website and click on the Charitable Trust link. Your choice to travel with us goes beyond a memorable vacation; it contributes to meaningful projects that have a positive impact on our community and environment.

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