Exploring the Rich Heritage of Ghent and Kortrijk

Today is the first day of the road trip. You will start the day by visiting the magnificent Fine Art Musem in Ghent. Dive in the diversity of art collection this museum has to offer!

The Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, is the oldest museum in Belgium! It is home to one the world's most incredible collections. From old masters and modernists alike hanging side-by-side like they were never apart before; it’s hard not be impressed by this building! The museum showcases mostly collections of the 19th and 20th centuries. From Jeroen Bosch to Magritte, Rubens, the diversity of art and style is impressive. New acquisitions are limited for period of time so remain vigilant - art enthusiasts will find plenty of worth getting excited about!
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am to 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Book a ticket

Let's head for lunch now! Today, you are going to discover the restaurant Coqueluche. The venue is absolutely stunning! A modern interior design and outstanding service giving a feel of warmth. You will feel at home for this lunch break. Coqueluche serves the most delicious Belgian dishes. Try out the daily lunch!
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Book a table by phone: +32 476 30 66 06

The next stop of the route is the charming city of Kortrijk. Park your car here and let's continue the exploration of this modern gem of Flanders by foot.

The béguinage was a place where women could live in community without retiring from the world. The concept is rooted deep within French history, but it's also found its way to other countries like Belgium and Switzerland! Located in the heart of Kortrijk, the béguinage is wonderful stop out of the time. The small houses and beautiful churchyard of Kortrijk béguinage date back to the 13th century. The site is part of UNESCO heritage! Experience the "béguinage" phenomenon in the Sint-Annaroom which interpret the lifestyle of the women who used to live here - with both interactive animation and authentic heritage.
Opening hours:
Everyday from 10am to 5pm

The Belfry of Kortrijk is located on the magnificent Grote-Markt (main square of the city). The Grote Markt features stunning building in late Gothic Renaissance style. The belfry stands in the centre of the square and is an imposing square tower. Have a look at the spire that features the statue of Mercury (the god of trade). On the south side of the tower, there is the war memorial commemoration of World War I. Take a walk around the Belfry and the square, delve back in history and take some pictures as souvenirs.

Café Leffe is a bar located on the main square. Have a well-deserved break, enjoy the view from the terrace and the vibe a bit longer. The Belgian way would be to have a delicious beer such as Leffe, Tripple Karmeliet! If it is not of your taste, have a coffee or a tea.
Opening hours:
Wednesday to Monday: 8am to 11pm

Kortrijk is bordered by the calm water of the Lys river. Enjoy the bank of the Lys, a green oasis in the middle of bustling city, where young and old come to enjoy nature’s peace. Enjoy the peaceful walk heading towards our next stop, the Broer Tower.

Did you know that 'broel' refers to 'bruul', which means a generally marshy piece of land?
The Broel towers were built over the 14th and 15th Century. They were part of the fortifications of the first castle of the city functioning as point of control of the traffic on the Lys river.
Try to find the 'Inghelburghtorre' at the North side which was a weapons depot and artillery.

Let's head back to the parking lot and take the car to go towards our last stop for the day: Ieper, the city that lies in the very center of the most important WW1 sites of Flanders Fields.

Tonight, you will take a rest at the Main Street Hotel. The venue offers an atypical experience! Each room is an entire universe by itself while complying with high standards in terms of service and comfort.
Park your car on one of the public spaces – no need to pay - the receptionist will give you a blue parking disc. Process with check-in and drop your bags, you will then head for a nice dinner in another surprising venue of the city!

Dépot is a nice concept venue in Ieper. They brague that everything is for sale but the staff! The place is a combination of a trendy shop and ecclectic bar / restaurant. Everything you see is for sale and living proof of the good taste of the owners! The cuisine is modern and fusion. The menu offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes! If you like spicy food, try out the vegan tom yum soup or the amazing chili sin carne. No worries, meat lovers will find their delights also.
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10am to 10pm
Book a table by phone: +32 57 377 877

Now, it is time to head back to the hotel and unwind in the charming venue. The day has been full of discoveries and travelling. Enjoy this unique experience and make sure to recharge your battery for the second and last day of the route.