Art & History Abroad Tours
The Flemish Masters Tour
Join Clare Ford-Wille to look at the genius of Van Eyck and other Flemish masters’ legacy in Ghent, Bruges and Brussels.
The newly-restored Mystic Lamb altarpiece, completed in 1432, is widely regarded as one of the most important works of art in the world and is now home in St Baafskathedraal with a new visitor centre.
Elsewhere, we visit the picture postcard perfect city of Bruges with its excellent collections and the superb Musées Royaux des Beaux Arts in Brussels. The Dutch and Flemish masters are Clare’s greatest passion and sphere of expertise, so this is a tour on which to be richly informed and entertained.
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: Eurostar to Brussels and Welcome in Ghent
Transfer by coach to your hotel.
Afternoon free before evening welcome reception and talk from Clare Ford-Wille, followed by dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Bruges, the Groeninge Museum and Sint-Janshospitaal
A full day in the wonderful city of Bruges, a beautifully preserved canalside, medieval gem. Most visitors only see the picture postcard views, which are wonderful, but the city contains some wonderful art treasures in its Groeninge Museum and Sint-Janshospital, both of which we will visit today.
We will also take in the Grote Markt, Town Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood and the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk to see the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary. Evening lecture and dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Ghent, MSK Museum and Private Adoration of the Mystic Lamb Viewing
Morning visit to the MSK Museum of Fine Arts, which houses a superb collection of art from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, with particular emphasis on Flemish art.
This afternoon we take a walking tour including St Niklaaskerk, and view the exteriors of the Castle of the Counts and the 12th-century canalside guildhouses.
We finish with a special early evening visit to St Baafskathedraal to view Jan Van Eyck’s The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, perhaps the greatest masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance. The rest of the evening is free.
Day 4: Brussels, the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts and Return Home
Today we head to the European capital to visit the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts Brussels with their wealth of Flemish and Dutch Masters, as well as time to explore independently and enjoy a farewell lunch (not included) before boarding the Eurostar to St Pancras.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“The private view of Jan van Eyck’s Adoration of the Mystic Lamb in Ghent was truly special — an unforgettable experience to stand before it after hours, with only our small group in the cathedral. Our tour manager, Gill Thompson, couldn’t have been more attentive despite feeling unwell, and Clare Ford-Wille was exceptional, sharing her enthusiasm and unparalleled knowledge of the Flemish Masters. An amazing and beautifully organised tour.”
Mr O, travelled October 2025.
“The tour was outstanding from start to finish. Our tour manager, Gill Thompson, was wonderfully calm and efficient, organising everything seamlessly and without any visible stress. Clare Ford-Wille was exceptional — her depth of knowledge and engaging style brought the art to life and left me inspired to keep exploring art history. A truly enriching and memorable experience.”
Mrs Measday, travelled October 2025.
“One of the real highlights for us was seeing the Van Eyck altarpiece in Ghent – an unforgettable experience. The hotel and food were excellent, the lecturer was superb, and the tour manager made everything run so smoothly. Even the weather cooperated, making it a truly wonderful trip.”
Mrs I, travelled October 2025.
Availability
Choose Your Departure
HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Gravensteen Hotel, Ghent
Small, boutique hotel with just 49 rooms, housed in a 19th century building opposite the 800 year old Counts’ Castle in the heart of lovely Ghent. Facilities her include the “De Donjon” bar, which serves an excellent selection of Belgian beers, breakfast room with an extensive buffet served each morning and very comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities and tea/coffee.
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.
Fresh Adventures for Inquisitive Travellers
Why Choose Travel Editions?
Travel with purpose, passion, and like-minded companions, here’s what sets Travel Editions apart.
Designed for Travellers,
Not Tourists
Founded in 1994 offering unique cultural tours beyond typical high street itineraries.
Personal Service, Real People
Small, friendly team with no automated phone lines. Enjoy personal attention from our team.
Expert Tour Guides, Unique Insights
Industry-leading guides, some since day one, who speak local languages and have detailed knowledge.
Win a 2027 Holiday for Two!
Sign Up To Our
Newsletter For A
Chance To Win
Our newsletter is where you will hear about new tours first, along with travel insights from our leaders and occasional notes from the destinations we visit. We send it thoughtfully: no noise, just the things we think you will genuinely want to read.
"*" indicates required fields
