The ultimate escape from Brussels: Why river sailing is the best long weekend getaway

The ultimate escape from Brussels: Why river sailing is the best long weekend getaway  

European rivers are always abuzz with action and surprises all along their course, and few journeys offer the perfect balance of relaxation, discovery and ease of travel quite like cruising along some of these iconic stretches of water.. 

Moreover, when you sail along the storied waterways of Europe, you glide past medieval castles, charming half-timbered towns, and arrive at the heart of your destination, all by packing and unpacking just once. 

One charming and culturally rich country to explore by river in Europe is Belgium, and its captivating capital Brussels. From the vibrant port city of Antwerp, you can escape on a long weekend getaway to a number of fabled spots, each offering a memorable experience. 

Brussels itself is a cultural mosaic, combining modern flair with medieval grandeur, while a little beyond the city area are the tranquil canals that flow past towns steeped in history, and where every bend tells a story a story of the rulers and revolutionaries who lived here.

Why a short river sailing from Brussels should be on your bucket list 

River journeys from Brussels focus on a network of scenic waterways and canals that create seamless journeys through the Low Countries with the Netherlands and Germany.

The unique thing about river cruising here is the diversity of landscapes and the wide variety of experiences that come with them.

From wandering the cobbled streets of Bruges to admiring Flemish art pieces in Ghent, every voyage narrates seamlessly the living history of Belgium from the comforts of your boutique ship.

Both Belgium and the Netherlands have an excellent network of waterways offering the perfect setting for outdoor recreation and importantly, touring both countries by boat.

Along the way you get to explore places such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent, all famous for their medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage.

Traveling by river allows you to experience these destinations effortlessly, while enjoying the surreal scenery, guided onshore excursions and impeccable service onboard from the moment you step on the ship till you disembark.

Rivers and top extended weekend getaways.

From great medieval cities to ornate gabled buildings, there is plenty to see in the Low Countries on a short cruise that typically departs from Brussels and visits 2-3 key destinations, such as Bruges and Ghent.

Cruise guests enjoy guided excursions, chocolate tastings and canal side dining before heading back to Brussels. Such short getaways are ideal for both first-time cruises as well as those seeking cultural experiences without commuting on a long journey.

If you want to extend your cruise by a few more days, you can cruise from Bruges to Namur, and take a day trip to either Dinant or Leuven.These sailings include bike tours through the countryside and wine tasting visits to breweries, apart from cooking classes with local chefs.

For the ultimate immersion, if you cross into the Netherlands, epicurean delights will take center stage on a Rhine river cruise, one of Europe’s most legendary waterways, with a feast of culinary experience that showcases wine, cheese and chocolate, when you sail from Amsterdam to Basel.

Expect daily castle visits, market tours, besides allowing ample time to bask on the deck as the river unfolds new landscapes at every turn.

Enrichment continues onboard with lectures, culinary demonstrations, live music and interactive classes from wine pairing to watercolor paintings inspired by Flemish masters.

Cruising leaves a lasting impression 

When you drift from the heart of Brussels through the intricate web of rivers and towns, every minute onboard showcases a chapter in the country’s history, in color, flavor and soul.