Art & History Abroad Tours
Antwerp and The Flemish Masters
This tour takes us to the ancient artistic city of Antwerp, to explore a wealth of artistic and architectural sights, explored in the company of Flemish art historian, Clare Ford-Wille, whose knowledge and love for the Flemish Masters is unsurpassed.
Highlights include the superb KMSKA, Royal Museum of Fine Arts, recently reopened after a major restoration lasting more than 11 years, where we have been granted private access to the special ‘Rubens and the World’ exhibition in celebration of his 450th birthday.
We also tour the gothic and baroque cathedrals and churches which are rich in paintings and sculptures including ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck; plus a variety of museums housing significant works that Clare will bring to life with her expert commentary.
what’s included
At A Glance
Meet Your Expert Guide
Clare Ford-Wille
Clare has taught art history for more than forty years and continues to lecture at leading institutions including the Wallace Collection, the V&A and The Arts Society. A graduate of Birkbeck, she has covered a remarkable range of European art and architecture throughout her career.
Clare brings vast experience and infectious enthusiasm to every Travel Editions tour. Her deep knowledge, clear explanations and passion for close looking enrich galleries, churches and historic cities alike, creating journeys that are both engaging and illuminating.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: Arrival & Rubenshuis Garden
Morning departure by Eurostar from St Pancras to Brussels, where we transfer by coach to Antwerp to drop off luggage at our hotel.
Free time for lunch (not included), then walk to the house of Antwerp’s greatest Baroque painter, Peter Paul Rubens. He bought the Rubenshuis in 1610 and transformed it to include a studio; it was his home for the rest of his life.
The house is currently undergoing a major restoration, but we can walk through the gardens, which feature more than 17,500 plants. This evening, we enjoy an evening welcome drink and talk from Clare Ford-Wille, followed by dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Plantin-Moretus Museum, Rockoxhuis, Saint Charles Borromeo Church, and Sint Pauluskerk
We start today with a visit to the Plantin-Moretus Museum, which was the home and workshop of Christopher Plantin, a French printer and bookbinder who established a thriving business here in the mid-sixteenth century. His workshop, bookshop and opulent living quarters give a fascinating view of life and book production of the period.
After some free time, we visit the Rockoxhuis, the 17th-century townhouse of Rubens’ friend and patron, Nicolaas Rockox, which contains a small but choice collection of paintings.
We continue our exploration of the city with a walk to Sint Carolus Borromeuskerk, built by the Jesuits; it is a fine Baroque building in the design of which Rubens was much involved. His ceiling was destroyed by fire in 1718, but the main apse and the Marian chapel survived to give an impression of the church’s original decorations.
Our final visit of the day is to Sint Pauluskerk, a late Gothic building remarkably rich in both painting and sculpture. Please note that some of the church is undergoing restoration works; works on display (eg. ‘The Flagellation’ by Rubens and ‘Bearing of the Cross’ by Van Dyck) will be confirmed nearer to the date of departure.
On our return to the hotel, Clare will give a second talk. The rest of the evening is free at leisure.
Day 3: Maagdenhuis, Cathedral of Our Lady, Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp
We take the tram this morning to the Maagdenhuis, one of the smallest museums in Antwerp. It contains a rich collection of paintings and sculptures, and is currently housing the Museum Mayer Van der Bergh ‘Public Favourites’ exhibition while it is undergoing renovation work. The exhibition features 80 masterpieces including Mad Meg by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Christ and St John the Apostle by Master Heinrich von Konstanz.
Walk on to Onze Lieve Vrouwekathedraal (Cathedral of Our Lady), which dominates the centre of the city. It is a harmonious Gothic building, despite its prolonged construction (1352 -1521); with its seven aisles, it is the largest cathedral in Belgium. Among the many works of art are four major altarpieces by Rubens which Clare will speak about during your visit.
Free afternoon before a late afternoon visit to the superb Koninklijk Museum (Museum for the Fine Arts), where we have private access after the museum has closed to the public, to the limited time ‘Rubens and the World’ exhibition in celebration of his 450th birthday.
We also view the extraordinary collection of Flemish Masters and more – Clare will guide you through its most significant works. Afterwards, we take the tram to the city centre and return to the hotel for a farewell dinner.
Day 4: Free time & Departure
Free time today before our return coach transfer to Brussels, and onward Eurostar to London St Pancras.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“This was a wonderful art-filled holiday. Clare Forde-Willie’s expertise brought the Flemish Masters to life, and the gallery visits were fascinating. Everything was beautifully organised, and the company most enjoyable.”
Mrs M, September 2025
“The Plantin-Moretus House was a real highlight, and I particularly enjoyed the insights from the local guides alongside Clare’s expertise. The tour was gentle but thoroughly enriching, with plenty of time to take in the city. A very satisfying trip overall.”
Mrs W, September 2025
“The printing shop at Museum Plantin-Moretus and the Mayer Van den Bergh collection were simply delightful. The guides were knowledgeable and engaging, and the tour was impeccably arranged. I couldn’t have asked for a better cultural experience.”
Mrs B, September 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Hilton Antwerp Old Town
Modern, four-star hotel located in the heart of the city, overlooking the Cathedral and Old Town square. The hotel offers a restaurant, fitness centre, and rooftop sun deck, along with comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including TV, air-conditioning, iron and iron board, hairdryer, and ensuite bathroom.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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