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Flanders
Canal Cruising ~ Historic towns, Castles & Windmills ...
Extensive canal cruising from Medieval Mechelen via Ghent
to Bruges
 FIRST DAY - Medieval Mechelen
Your chauffeured car will take you the short drive from
your Brussels hotel to the Golden Odyssey, moored in the beautiful
Flemish town of Mechelen. After a champagne reception on board
settle into your state-rooms, before setting out to explore the
town. Dating from the thirteenth century, Mechelen is famed
for its school of bell ringers, and you may be lucky enough to
hear the town carillon as you wander the medieval streets.
Return to aperitifs and dinner aboard; your first taste of
Golden Odyssey cuisine.
SECOND
DAY - River Cruise to Old Ghent
Breakfast and lunch whilst underway to the historic
city of Ghent. Arriving late in the afternoon, after a
long lazy cruise up the Schelde River and through the
city, we moor at our lovely green mooring on the banks
of the River Leie, the so called “Golden River” which
once carried barges laden with flax and with them the riches of Ghent. Take a stroll into town to whet your appetite for
further exploration in the morning.
Cocktails on deck followed by a marvellous dinner,
perhaps a glass of cognac in the spa pool before bed, or
step out to the nightlife of Gent.
 THIRD DAY - Exploring Ghent
Awaken to a new day, feed the ducks that come to visit,
and, after breakfast, explore. Ghent dates from the seventh
century, and offers rich and diverse architecture, not to
mention wonderful shops, taverns, and art galleries. Take
advantage of the wonderful shops here, from fine art and
antiquities to chocolate, from monastery-brewed beer to
handmade lace and tapestries. Visit the van Eyck altarpiece
which has been drawing visitors to Ghent for over five hundred
years, it is arguably the most
beautiful medieval Flemish painting in the world. Meet people,
warm and friendly, most Flems speak English or French, as well
as Flemish.
 FOURTH DAY - Cruise the River Leie to St. Maartens Latem
After a leisurely breakfast, perhaps take a side trip down
the beautiful River Leie, with verdant banks meandering
through the countryside made famous by the 'Latem School' of
painting. Nearby is the spectacular Ooidonk castle, a
beautiful reminder of the Spanish occupation of ages past.
Lunch in the pretty town of St. Maartens Latem or in a
waterside pub, or take a trip to Ooidonk Castle with a picnic.
Dine aboard in the countryside or return to spend the evening
in Ghent .
FIFTH DAY - From Ghent to the Windmills of Bruges
Underway early for a cruise down the Ghent-Ostend
Canal. Awake to the smell of fresh coffee and pastries
still warm from the bakers. Lunching aboard, we arrive
late afternoon, mooring near the windmills of Bruges.
Waiting at the quayside are horse drawn carriages to
take you on a trip back in time. Almost nothing disturbs the
medieval atmosphere of this jewel of European
cities. After Venice it was the finest and richest city
in Europe, if not the world. Dinner aboard or in one of
Bruges' excellent restaurants. If you wish, take a
chauffeured limousine to Knokke-Heist on the
seacoast and while away the night in a casino decorated
with paintings by surrealist Magritte.
SIXTH DAY - Culture & Carriages
Bruges was declared European City of Culture 2002, and a day
spent enjoying the delights of this incomparable town is an
appropriate finale to a canal cruise of Flanders.
Perhaps find a special piece of art, or enjoy a few glasses of
abbey-brewed beer. An indolent picnic with sinfully delicious
food and wines on a grassy riverbank is always an option.
 SEVENTH DAY - Farewell
Farewell breakfast. Your chauffeur will drive
you to your hotel in Brussels to continue your European
tour or direct to the airport as arranged.
NOTE:
The above is only brief outline of the possibilities for a
cruise. As a private charter yacht, we normally plan a cruise
in association with our clients, so as to meet their desires
and interests. Through correspondence, and perhaps a meeting,
we seek to determine the food preferences, dietary
requirements, and aesthetic interests of the charter party so
that we can design an unforgettable cruise patterned to our
guests.
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