Delfine

In the afternoon, you will be met at the designated meeting point in Brussels. Relax as your chauffeured transfer takes you to Delfine, moored in the heart of Ghent. A traditional champagne welcome and introduction of crew await, before your first gourmet dinner onboard. What about ending the evening on deck next to the fire pit and enjoy a digestif?

The Belgian adventures ashore begin this morning with a walking tour of Ghent. Your Tour Guide introduces the city’s artistic treasures, from bold contemporary street art to Van Eyck’s luminous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, completed in 1432. Then, see the city from a new perspective as you float along Ghent’s graceful canals for a champagne luncheon cruise. Back onboard the Delfine, Captain Tim pilots the barge toward Beernem, revealing gently rolling countryside, clusters of woodlands, and small Flemish villages. Cocktails and canapes with Hostess Karina precede tonight’s multi-course dinner onboard.

As the Delfine floats through Flanders this morning, active guests may cycle to Bruges along canal-side towpaths edged with seasonal wildflowers and lush fields. Lunch awaits at a charming bistro in the city center before your Tour Guide introduces Bruges’ irresistible culinary treasures. Sample pralines at a master chocolatier; crunch into golden fries at the whimsical frites museum; and sip artisanal suds at a boutique brewery hidden among the medieval lanes. As twilight gilds Bruges’ storybook spires, linger over dinner ashore in one of the city’s celebrated restaurants before returning to Delfine.

Begin the morning ashore in Bruges by immersing yourself in Belgium’s craft coffee scene, where passionate roasters reveal the secrets behind the perfect cup. Energized and inspired, return to Delfine for a leisurely lunch and lazy cruise before stepping back in time. First, uncover ancient daily life at the Roman Archaeological Museum, then trace more recent history at the Atlantikwall fortifications, an extensive system of defenses built by Nazi Germany between 1942–44. Back onboard, enjoy appetizers and aperitifs on deck before gathering for a hearty dinner, as aromas of beer-braised stews and freshly baked breads drift from Chef’s open kitchen.

Spend a leisurely morning on deck as Captain Tim expertly pilots Delfine toward Nieuwpoort, site of the dramatic stand that halted the German advance in World War I. Then roll up your sleeves for Loaves and Legends, a hands-on baking experience that brings Belgium’s pastry traditions deliciously to life. In the afternoon, wander the storybook halls of Beauvoorde Castle, where moated walls and manicured gardens whisper of centuries of romance and intrigue. Return to the Delfine, where tonight's dinner party is served onboard.

This morning, meet a local specialist in military history, who guides you through important memorials and cemeteries, bringing WW I history vividly to life. Return to the barge for a final cruise culminating in Ypres this afternoon, then gather with Captain Tim and Hostess Karina for a sumptuous Farewell Feast. The evening’s activities conclude at where the Last Post ceremony offers another stirring remembrance honoring those who served in WW I. Return to the barge for dessert, a sweet and delicious send off to your intimate Belgian voyage on the darling Delfine.

After breakfast, you will be chauffeured to your designated drop off point in Brussels.