About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I care to admit watching the industry obsess over RevPAR and occupancy rates while completely missing the soul of a destination. Most "big box" tours feel like you're being processed through a factory, but every so often, a route comes along that actually justifies the lead time. People always ask me why we're sending them out of Brussels when they just got there, but honestly? If you stay within the "Pentagon" of Brussels, you're missing the real story. This trip to Luxembourg and Dinant is a bit of a middle finger to those boring, cookie-cutter city breaks. It’s a long day, sure, but in an industry full of overpriced tourist traps, this is one of the rare ones where the value-for-money actually stacks up. I’ve seen enough itineraries to know when someone’s just trying to fill a seat, but this trek through the "Sacred Valley" feels more like a discovery than a transaction.
About the Tour
While Brussels serves as our base camp, the real magic happens once we clear the city limits. This tour is designed for those who want to see the "Grand" in Grand Duchy and the grit of the Ardennes all in one go.
The Luxembourg Leg
We kick things off at 18, Boulevard de Berlaimont in Brussels. From there, it's a smooth transition into Luxembourg, a city that somehow manages to be both a hyper-modern financial hub and a medieval fortress simultaneously. Our guide will lead you through the "old" city—which, lets be honest, puts most other "old towns" to shame. Key stops include:
- The Cathedral & Grand Ducal Palace: Where history feels heavy in the best way possible.
- Place d’Armes: The social heart of the city.
- Kirchberg District: A spectacular view of the glass-and-steel structures housing major European institutions.
- The Valley: You’ll catch glimpses of the Casemates, the Abbey of Neumünster, and those iconic city walls that have survived more sieges than your average travel startup.
The Dinant Detour
After you've had some free time to grab a coffee (or something stronger) in Luxembourg, we head to Dinant. This isn't just a photo op; it’s a town literally carved into the cliffs of the River Meuse.
Known as the "Sacred Valley" (from the Celtic Divo Nanto), Dinant is a heavy hitter for cultural history. It’s the birthplace of Adolphe Sax—yes, the man who gave the world the saxophone—and the spiritual home of Leffe beer. You’ll see the 15th-century collegial church and the citadel that looms over the town like a silent sentry. It's a dramatic, narrow, and beautiful end to a day spent away from the usual crowds.
Tour Details:
- Departure Point: Brussels (Central)
- Duration: Full Day
- Highlights: UNESCO sites, architectural contrasts, and musical history.
Highlights
- Drive through the scenic Belgian Ardennes forests
- Explore the historic sites of Luxembourg City
- Visit the picturesque village of Dinant
- Go to the Palace of the Grand Duke in Luxembourg City
Know before you go
- Our guides are pleased to conduct the tours in English, Spanish, and/or French, depending on the language preferences of our guests.
What to bring
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Bd de Berlaimont 18
Bus/coach
(3 hours)
Luxembourg
Guided tour
Grand Ducal Palace
Place d'Armes
Kirchberg
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg
Luxembourg
Free time
Bus/coach
(1.5 hours)
Dinant
Guided tour
La Maison de Monsieur Sax
Guided tour
Dinant
Free time
Bus/coach
(1.5 hours)
2 drop-off locations:
Bd de Berlaimont 18, Central Station