Brussels in 5 Days for Friends - Guided walking tours: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam
In Collaboration with JSC Clewel Travel. Updated on January 30, 2026.
Private 5-day small-group tour (4–6 people) from Brussels visiting Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam with guided walking tours, UNESCO-listed sights, canal cruises, a brewery visit and comfortable transfers by Mercedes minivan. Optimised for friends travelling together — social food stops, active short excursions and evening options.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with JSC Clewel Travel, inspired by the tour 5-Day Belgium Private Sightseeing Tour from Brussels.. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided walking tours: Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Amsterdam
- UNESCO-listed medieval Bruges & Ghent historic centres
- Brouwerij De Halve Maan — brewery tour & tasting in Bruges
- Amsterdam canal cruise & Diamond factory visit
- Optional full-day trip to Giethoorn (Dutch Venice)
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Brussels, afternoon welcome & walking tour of the historic centre. Evening social dinner with rooftop drinks.
Arrival & Hotel Check‑in / Meet your guide
Arrive in Brussels and check in to the central hotel. If arriving earlier, luggage can usually be stored at the hotel. Meet your driver/guide in the hotel lobby for a short welcome briefing before the walking tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Tell the hotel reception you’re on the group voucher — they often prioritise luggage storage for tour groups.
- If you arrive by train, ask to be dropped at Bruxelles‑Midi / Brussel‑Zuid to avoid inner‑city traffic.
- Keep a small daypack with water and a light layer — spring weather can change quickly.
Guided Walking Tour — Brussels historic centre
Meet in the hotel lobby at 14:30 for a guided walking tour of central Brussels. See Grand Place, Royal Square (Place Royale), Parliament buildings, Art Nouveau façades and pass by the iconic Atomium (photo stop by coach).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your guide for the best Belgian chocolate stop nearby — great for group tastings and souvenir treats.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the cobbles at Grand Place are picturesque but uneven.
- For photos, aim for later in the tour when the golden light hits the guild houses (especially good in May).
Photo stop / short drive-by: Atomium & European Quarter
Short coach drive to view and photograph the Atomium and a quick stop at the European Quarter for an exterior look at the Parliament buildings (short walking/photo stops only).
Tips from local experts:
- Group photo idea: stand in front of one Atomium sphere and have one person crouch for a fun perspective shot.
- If you want to enter Atomium afterwards, ask the guide to note opening hours — you can return independently.
- The European Quarter has sheltered spots for a quick coffee break on drizzly days.
Dinner & Rooftop Drinks — Group welcome dinner
Group-friendly dinner with Belgian cuisine and rooftop cocktails to celebrate the start of the trip. Relaxed pacing to encourage introductions and socialising.
Tips from local experts:
- Split starters to try more dishes — ideal for groups who want to taste many Belgian classics.
- Order a local beer tasting flight to share and compare notes — a sociable way to sample Belgian brews.
- Ask for an outdoor or rooftop table if the weather is nice — spring evenings are usually pleasant in May.
Evening stroll / Free time — Grand Place by night
Short evening stroll back to Grand Place to see the illuminated guild houses (optional), then free time for drinks or a short walk.
Tips from local experts:
- Grand Place is atmospheric at night — great for a quick group photo with fewer daytime crowds.
- If anyone wants a late snack, look for friteries (fries stands) near the square — a local favourite.
- Plan a 10–15 minute regroup at a landmark so nobody gets separated in the lively evening crowd.
Day 2
Full day guided tour to Ghent and Bruges: medieval Ghent in the morning, medieval Bruges in the afternoon. Brewery visit and tasting in Bruges. Overnight in Bruges.
Coach transfer: Brussels → Ghent
Morning pickup at your Brussels hotel and comfortable minivan transfer to Ghent (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the right side of the van for countryside views heading west from Brussels.
- Bring a plug adapter if you need to charge devices on the go — some vehicles have USB ports.
- Use the transfer time to review the day’s map with the guide and split up any group costs for lunch.
Guided walking tour — Ghent highlights
Guided walk around Ghent: St. Bavo's Cathedral, St. Nicholas Church, the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen) and canalside streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Try a local cuberdon candy from a market stall — a fun sweetness to share with friends.
- Gravensteen has great rooftop views — head up for photos if the group is comfortable with stairs.
- If mobility varies within the group, ask the guide for a lower‑step route that still covers main sights.
Lunch break — Local gastro pub in Ghent
Casual group lunch near the Graslei/ Korenlei with local dishes and options for sharing plates.
Tips from local experts:
- Order a few small plates to share — it’s cheaper and social for groups of friends.
- Choose seats near the canal for the best atmosphere; reserve if you prefer guaranteed seating.
- Ask staff about local beer pairings — Belgian beers elevate many simple dishes.
Transfer: Ghent → Bruges
Short drive to Bruges (approx. 1 hour). Drop at the historic centre for afternoon exploration and hotel check‑in.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep camera ready — the road into Bruges offers postcard scenes that only get better approaching the centre.
- If someone needs an earlier hotel check‑in, inform the guide ahead; luggage storage is usually available.
- Agree on a meeting time/place in Bruges before dispersing — the medieval streets are easy to get lost in.
Guided walking tour — Bruges: Market Square & Belfry
Explore Bruges’ medieval centre: Grote Markt (Market Square), Belfry, Lake of Love (Minnewater), Oud Sint‑Jan and the lace/beguinage quarter.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy a Belfry ticket during the weekday to avoid weekend queues — climb for a spectacular view if the group feels energetic.
- Look for local lace shops for unique souvenirs that represent Bruges tradition.
- This is a great time to split into 2–3 smaller groups for photos and reconvening at a café.
Brewery Tour & Tasting — Brouwerij De Halve Maan
Guided brewery visit with behind‑the‑scenes insight and beer tasting at the family‑run De Halve Maan — classic Bruges experience included in the tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Group tip: split tasting pours so everyone can try several beers without ordering full pints.
- Ask the brewer about the history and the city pipeline (an interesting engineering story unique to Bruges).
- Bring a small reusable bottle or bag — many friends like to buy a few bottles to take home and split shipping costs.
Dinner in Bruges — relaxed group meal
Group dinner in central Bruges with options for sharing classic Flemish dishes and seafood specialties.
Tips from local experts:
- Pre-order a few sharing platters to maximise variety for the table and keep costs reasonable.
- Ask the waiter for local beer pairing suggestions — Bruges beers complement the heavier Flemish dishes well.
- If the group wants a late walk, the canals are lovely after dinner and usually quieter.
Day 3
Depart Bruges for Antwerp; short walking tour, onward to Rotterdam for architecture highlights, then transfer to Amsterdam. Evening rooftop bar in Amsterdam.
Morning departure: Bruges → Antwerp (coach)
After breakfast, transfer from your Bruges hotel to Antwerp (~1–1.5 hours).
Tips from local experts:
- Grab a coffee and a takeaway pastry for the road — the group can arrive hungry after the drive otherwise.
- Use the transfer to plan an afternoon meetup point in Rotterdam to keep the schedule tight.
- If anyone prefers to stay later in Bruges, confirm return options in advance with the guide.
Antwerp walking tour — Cathedral & Diamond Quarter
Guided walk highlighting the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze‑Lieve‑Vrouwekathedraal), the historic market square and the diamond district (exterior/brief visit).
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone is interested in diamonds, small group visits to a workshop can be arranged — great for an extra experience.
- The cathedral is large and can be cool inside — bring a light layer in spring.
- Plan a short coffee stop near the Grote Markt to regroup and share photos before departure.
Lunch break — Antwerp central area
Quick group lunch near Antwerp’s Grote Markt with plenty of cafe options to suit varying tastes.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose cafés with larger tables to accommodate the whole group, or order takeaway and picnic near the river if the weather’s good.
- Try a local stew or a hearty sandwich — good fuel for an active afternoon.
- Split the bill by card apps to make payment easy for the whole group.
Transfer: Antwerp → Rotterdam
Comfortable drive to Rotterdam. Short stop on arrival near Markthal for an architectural walking tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Watch for modern architecture as you approach Rotterdam — a sharp contrast with the medieval cities earlier in the trip.
- Rotate seating so everyone gets a chance at the front for better views and photos.
- Stretch your legs before the walking tour — Rotterdam involves more modern plazas and walking distances.
Rotterdam walking tour — Markthal, Old Harbor & Euromast
Guided tour around Rotterdam’s highlights: Markthal, the Old Port (Oude Haven), Erasmus Bridge views and Euromast exterior (option to go up at own cost).
Tips from local experts:
- Markthal is ideal for quick group tastings — sample a few stalls instead of a long sit-down meal.
- If the group wants Euromast tickets, pre-book online to avoid queueing on busy days.
- Wear layers — winds can be stronger near the river and modern plazas.
Transfer: Rotterdam → Amsterdam — hotel check‑in
Late afternoon drive to Amsterdam and hotel check‑in. Free time to freshen up before evening plans.
Tips from local experts:
- Drop luggage at the hotel and head out light — Amsterdam’s centre is best explored on foot or by tram.
- If anyone wants bikes later, book them early to avoid shortages on busy days.
- Use hotel Wi‑Fi to coordinate evening meetup details with the group.
Rooftop drinks — SkyLounge Amsterdam (social evening)
Evening rooftop cocktails with panoramic views over Amsterdam. Energetic social atmosphere for the group.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a window table in advance — prime spots fill quickly in spring evenings.
- Try a signature cocktail and take turns buying a round — quick way to bond as a group.
- Night buses/trams run late from central Amsterdam, but confirm together the route back to the hotel.
Day 4
Full day in Amsterdam: walking tour, diamond workshop visit, canal cruise, and afternoon half‑day trip to Zaanse Schans & Volendam. Evening at leisure in Amsterdam.
Guided walking tour — Amsterdam historical centre
Morning walking tour of Amsterdam’s highlights: Dam Square, Royal Palace, Rembrandt House (exterior/option inside), and the Red Light District overview on foot.
Tips from local experts:
- Start early to avoid crowds at Dam Square and to get better photos along the canals.
- Respect local signage in De Wallen — photography is restricted in parts of the Red Light District.
- Divide into smaller sub-groups if you want to visit the Rembrandt House interior to reduce queues.
Diamond workshop demonstration — Gassan Diamonds
Visit a diamond polisher’s workshop to see the craft of cutting and polishing (short demo / showroom).
Tips from local experts:
- If anyone is interested in small souvenirs, ask about tax‑free options for non‑EU residents.
- Group bargain: pick one small item to split as a memento and avoid heavy purchases.
- The showroom is small — keep bags close and stay together as a group.
Lunch at Foodhallen — shared bites & local street food
Casual group lunch at Foodhallen: many vendors and easy sharing options — perfect for a lively friends’ group.
Tips from local experts:
- Order several small plates from different stalls and spread them across the table for tasting.
- Seek larger communal tables if you want to stay together — otherwise set a clear meet time.
- Try Dutch snacks like bitterballen to share with the group for a fun local taste test.
Canal cruise — UNESCO canals Amstel / Grachtengordel
Relaxing 60‑minute canal cruise to admire Amsterdam’s 17th‑century gabled houses from the water (included mid‑day activity).
Tips from local experts:
- Sit on the open side for the best photos — pop-up roofs or outdoor seating are worth the cooler air.
- Bring a light jacket — canals are breezy even on warm days.
- If you want more photos, ask the captain for a slow passage through a picturesque bridge.
Afternoon half‑day trip: Zaanse Schans & Volendam
Coach transfer to Zaanse Schans to see working windmills and traditional crafts, then quick visit to Volendam for a lakeside stroll and fresh seafood tasting. (Afternoon half‑day excursion included.)
Tips from local experts:
- Zaanse Schans is busy in late afternoon—head straight to the windmills and then visit the clog or cheese workshop.
- In Volendam try fresh herring or smoked eel at a take‑away stall — a true local treat to share.
- Plan one meetup point/time so the group can reconvene easily after exploring the two villages separately.
Return to Amsterdam — evening at leisure
Return to Amsterdam. Evening options include a live music venue, a canal‑side meal, or a relaxed pub crawl through Leidseplein — pick according to the group mood.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want live music, Leidseplein has many venues — book ahead for a group of friends.
- For a quieter evening, head to Jordaan for cosy bars and canal‑side cafés.
- If energy is high, plan one last rooftop stop to toast the day — book a table in advance.
Day 5
Free morning in Amsterdam with an optional full‑day guided excursion to Giethoorn (Dutch Venice). Evening transfer to Schiphol for late departures.
Free morning in Amsterdam — optional small activities
Relaxed morning for souvenir shopping, visiting a museum (Anne Frank House or Van Gogh — prebook if desired) or an optional bike ride around Vondelpark.
Tips from local experts:
- Prebook popular museums in advance if you plan to visit — they sell out in spring.
- Group bike rental is fun for friends but check everyone’s comfort level with city cycling.
- Keep a central meeting time — 12:30 lunch regroup works well before optional afternoon plans.
Optional Full‑day trip: Giethoorn (Northern Holland) — surcharge
For those who opt in: full‑day guided excursion to Giethoorn (the 'Dutch Venice') with a canal boat ride through the village and a walking tour. This is a separate paid extra — suggested for groups who want a scenic day out.
Tips from local experts:
- Giethoorn is best explored by boat — share a boat with friends and rotate steering if renting a punter.
- Bring waterproof shoes for dock boarding and a small dry bag for phones during the boat ride.
- Lunch in Giethoorn is often simple — consider packing a few picnic snacks to share on arrival.
Group transfer: Amsterdam hotel → Schiphol Airport (evening)
Evening transfer to Amsterdam Schiphol for departures. For those continuing their stay, an optional extra night can be arranged at the same Amsterdam hotel.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm each traveller’s flight time with the guide at least 24 hours ahead to coordinate transfers.
- If flying late, bring a few snacks and water for the airport wait — Schiphol has many lounges and shops.
- Check luggage allowances together so no one is surprised at check‑in; splitting extra fees between friends can save hassle.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 22 |
| Total Places | 22 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Culture, Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Transfer, Meal, Experience, Nightlife, Outdoor, Break |
