With medieval architecture, winding canals, Michelin-starred dining, and world-class art, Bruges is an enchanting Belgian city. Just a 40-minute drive from Hotel Amigo in Brussels, it’s the perfect day trip destination. Be inspired with our Bruges itinerary.
MORNING
Stretch your legs with a walk around the city’s historic heart, exploring the cobbled streets and historic sights of Markt and Burg. If you have the stamina, climb the iconic belfry in Markt for sweeping panoramic views across the city. Make sure to pay a visit to the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek (the Basilica of the Holy Blood) while you’re in Burg, to see the phial said to contain the blood of Christ. There’s also a well-preserved 12th century chapel, murals, stained glass, and an opulent treasury.
LUNCH
On Kleine Sint-Amandsstraat, a few minutes’ walk from the basilica, you’ll find the intimate De Stove restaurant. Serving freshly caught fish from Zeebrugge, alongside other expertly crafted, internationally-influenced dishes, De Stove is just the place for a restorative lunch. Make it an occasion to remember with a glass or two of perfectly paired, sommelier-approved wine.
AFTERNOON
No trip to Bruges would be complete without seeing its canals. After lunch, take a carriage ride or boat trip to explore this beautiful area of the city. Or stroll alongside the canals, if you’d rather walk off your lunch. Just make sure to take in the Rozenhoedkaai (the Quay of the Rosary) on your way. It’s one of the most photogenic sights Bruges has to offer.
End up the Groeningemuseum (Bruges’ fine arts museum), three minutes’ walk from the Rozenhoedkaai, to take in some Flemish masterpieces, including The Virgin and Child with Canon Van der Paele by Jan van Eyck and the Moreel Triptych by Hans Memling.
EVENING
Bring the day to a close with a meal at the ivy-clad, Michelin-starred restaurant, Den Gouden Harynck, just a minute away from the museum. In addition to the fine French cuisine, Philippe Serruys’ wine cellar is a thing of beauty.
If you have time before leaving Bruges, take in a concert or performance at the renowned Concertgebouw. Otherwise, simply head back to the welcoming surrounds of the Hotel Amigo to relax with a nightcap in your suite after a day well spent.
The Hotel Amigo is the idea base from which to enjoy a day trip to Bruges. Call us on +32 2 547 4747 or email (enquiries.amigo@roccofortehotels.com) to book your stay today.
Image Credit:
Bruges Canal © iStock/dem10
Groeningemuseum © Sarah Bauwens
Den Gouden Harynck dish and restaurant © Den Gouden Harynck
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
