Primary cultural/cross-curricular tour to Belgium by coach: 3 days, 2 nights

This short key stage 2 tour to Belgium is a great first school trip abroad, with plenty of interesting cultural excursions that can be linked to the primary curriculum. Explore our excursion page for further details.

Suggested itinerary

Day one
Depart early from school by coach
Connect with channel crossing
Stop en route at Antwerp
Walk around the Diamond District and Antwerp Port
Arrive at accommodation

Day two
Explore the city of Bruges
Boat Cruise
Belfry Tower
Chocolate making demonstration

Day three
Depart accommodation and head to Brussels
Atomium
Mini Europe
Explore the city of Brussels if time permits
Return back to the UK on coach

Tour gallery

Excursion locator map

Excursion Ideas

  • Atomium

    Subject range: Cultural, STEM

    What you’ll experience:The iconic symbol of Brussels and Belgium, with its unique architecture, the Atomium is the most popular attraction in the city. Built for the 1958 World Exhibition, the Atomium now houses a permanent exhibition about its history as well as temporary exhibitions focused around sciences, design, and society. The upper sphere offers unique and spectacular views across the city skyline.

    Select says:The Atomium is shaped on the model of an elementary iron crystal enlarged 165 billion times. Find out more about the Atomium here.

  • Mini Europe

    Subject range: Cultural

    What you’ll experience:Mini-Europe is located at the foot of the Atomium. Students can explore 300 models and sites of the most beautiful places in Europe. All the buildings are on a scale 1 to 25.

    Select says:Students can make some of the models work themselves, including the eruption of Vesuvius and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

  • Diamond District of Antwerp

    Subject range: Cultural, STEM

    What you’ll experience:Antwerp’s diamond district, also known as the Diamond Quarter covers an area of about one square mile. Antwerp has been a focus of the diamond trade for several centuries. The Antwerp Cut, which is multifaceted and pointed underneath, is designed to maximize the brilliancy of the stone. A visit to the Diamond Museum may also be possible – speak to one of our travel advisors for details.

    Select says:Diamonds are the hardest substance on earth and can only be cut by another diamond.

  • Port of Antwerp

    Subject range: Cultural

    What you’ll experience:The visitor centre at the port pavilion introduces the port with a 360° surround-screen film. You can plan your route with the help of the giant aerial photograph on the floor, and find further information about the port on the touchscreens around the walls.

    Select says:At the centre ask for the port map which has lots of useful information.

     

  • Bruges

    Subject range: Cultural

    What you’ll experience:There is plenty to admire in this fairy-tale medieval city. At the centre of Bruges is the historic Markt, a large open square flanked by medieval-style buildings and bustling with horse-drawn carriages and open-air restaurants. It is also the location of the stunning Belfort Belfry. Close by, is the smaller but impressive Burg square with its beautiful buildings, plus the contemporary Toyo Ito pavilion.

    Select says:Time permitting, it is a short walk to Hof Arents park behind the Arentshuis. An absolutely beautiful place where a hump-backed pedestrian bridge, St-Bonifacius, crosses the canal for idyllic views.

  • Bruges Boat Cruise

    Subject range: Cultural

    What you’ll experience:A visit to Bruges isn’t complete without a boat trip on its canals. Go aboard at any of the five landing stages for a half-hour trip that allows you to appreciate the most noteworthy delights of the city from a completely different angle.

    Select says:This is a great way to view some of the monuments and centuries-old buildings of Bruges.

  • Belfry Tower of Bruges

    Subject range: Cultural, History

    What you’ll experience:The Belfry Tower of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the historical centre of the city. It stands 83 metres tall and houses a carillon with 47 melodious bells. After 366 steps your efforts will be rewarded with a breath-taking and unforgettable panoramic view of Bruges and her surroundings.

    Select says:The reception area has lots of information about the history.

Primary cultural/cross-curricular trip to Belgium by coach: 3 days, 2 nights Accommodation

Europa Bruges

Our rating: 0

Location: Bruges

Capacity:

Set in its own grounds, just a 15-minute walk from the train station, Europa Hostel is conveniently located for exploring the cobbled streets and beautiful buildings of this medieval town. This youth accommodation consists of a main building and two wings where groups are largely self-contained.

Rooms: Multi-bedded rooms, some with en-suite and some shared facilities. Lockers available in rooms.

Facilities: Living-room, cosy bar, TV room, garden, playground, Wi-Fi and Internet access. Common room, games room, table tennis, pool table, terrace, bar, vending machine, onsite restaurant.