Tours & Vacations Curated by Impulsive Escape Travel

Belgium vacation idea

Belgian Holiday Markets: Brussels Roundtrip

An 8-day luxury holiday river cruise from Brussels through Belgium’s festive cities and waterways, with time for Ghent and Bruges.

Belgium Luxury River Cruise Christmas Markets Culture
Length8 days / 7 nights
FormatLuxury holiday-market river cruise
ActivityEasy to moderate; excursions vary
Route Brussels • Ghent & Bruges • Belgian & Dutch Waterways • Brussels

Why This Trip Stands Out

This gives the Christmas-market collection a completely different feel: Belgian cities, boutique-style river cruising and a slower holiday itinerary centered around Brussels.

  • Brussels illuminated for the holiday season.
  • Ghent and Bruges with medieval streets and winter atmosphere.
  • Luxury boutique river-cruise accommodations.
  • Included dining and curated shore experiences.
  • A festive alternative to the usual Germany-and-Austria routes.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1 | Brussels

Arrive in Brussels, embark and settle into the ship for the start of the holiday sailing.

Days 2–4 | Ghent, Bruges & Belgian Cities

Explore historic cities, seasonal squares and medieval architecture with guided options and time to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Days 5–7 | Belgian & Dutch Waterways

Continue through the region for smaller-city experiences, cultural sightseeing and winter scenery from the ship.

Day 8 | Brussels

Return to Brussels and disembark, with the option to add extra time in Belgium before flying home.

What You Get

What’s Included

  • 7 nights aboard a luxury boutique river cruise ship
  • Onboard dining throughout the sailing
  • Selected beverages and ship amenities
  • Guided shore experiences
  • Onboard enrichment and entertainment
  • Scheduled river-cruise services

Your Stay

Where You’ll Stay

Seven nights are aboard a luxury boutique river cruise ship. Stateroom category and deck location affect the fare.

Getting Around

Transportation

The core journey is aboard a river cruise ship, with arranged transportation for included shore experiences.

Food & Dining

Meals & Dining

Onboard dining is included throughout the sailing, with menus and beverage service designed around the ship’s luxury format.

More to Add

Optional Experiences

Additional private sightseeing or pre- and post-cruise experiences can be added around the core sailing.

Stay a Little Longer

Extensions Available

Extra nights in Brussels or nearby European cities can be coordinated before or after the cruise.

Make It Yours

Ways to Customize It

I can coordinate airfare, hotels and additional Europe travel around the fixed river cruise dates.

Group Details

How the Group Works

This is a boutique river cruise sailing with guided shore experiences rather than a traditional escorted coach tour.

A Good Match?

Who This Trip Is Best For

Travelers who want an upscale Christmas-market river cruise in Belgium with elegant ship life, included experiences and a route that feels different from the classic Rhine and Danube options.

Before You Choose It

A Few Things to Know

Exact port order and excursions can vary by sailing and river conditions. Holiday-market dates are set locally and can change from year to year.

Interested in This One?

Ask me about this trip.

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Pricing & availability: Prices shown are starting prices from the applicable tour operator and were available when last verified. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is per person based on the occupancy shown above. Availability, taxes, fees, supplements, promotions, and supplier terms can change. Your exact price and availability will be confirmed before booking. Nothing is confirmed until payment is applied.

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