Painting in Belgium

You will be enchanted by the Capital of the Flemish painters, Bruges or the Venice of the North and Belgium's specialties like chocolate, lace making, beer, diamants and waffles.

Days 2, 3 and 4: Bruges, the Venice of the North

This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels and is largely considered one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. In no other European city are the look and feel of medieval times so present as here in this city close to the North Sea.

© Toerisme Bruges

© Toerisme Bruges

© Toerisme Bruges

Watercolor journal workshop Bruges, Belgium

The historic downtown of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. In 2002, Bruges was designated the 'cultural capital of Europe'. We will get a guided tour from the quaint Beguinage quarters to the impressive Grand Place so that you can decide what to paint. Lace is one of the specialties in Bruges. We will attend a lace making demonstration by Anya who learnt how to make lace since she was 6. You will also have some free time to explore more of Bruges. There is so much to do! Visit one of the various art museums displaying the famous Flemish paintings, the first 13th century hospital, the Church of Our Lady with the sculpture "Madonna and Child," the only one of Michelangelo's sculptures to have left Italy within his lifetime. We will also take a boat ride on the peaceful canals with delightful views of medieval Flemish mansions.

Lace making demonstration in Bruges

Watercolor Painting by Sonja Hamilton, SWA

Day 5: Mills and canals in Damme Damme is one of the most charming villages in Belgium. Located in the Flanders, between the beaches and Bruges, this village will enchante you with its mills, canals, barges, gothic church and plaza. The vignettes to paint are endless. Instead of painting, you can rent a bike at the hotel for a very easy and beautiful bike ride (or walk) along romantic canals with its barges, between quaint towns, outdoor cafés and wind mills. In less than 45 min, you will be in Holland.

Day 6: Dune Beaches by the North Sea Ten miles from our guesthouse, we will go to the coast by the North Sea. You can paint (or shop) all along the sandy beaches or by the boardwalk that is alive with outdoor cafes, shops, bikers, rollerbladers and strange vehicles known as cuistax. We will have dinner by the beach to see the sunset.

Day 7: The Royal City of Brussels Today will be a cultural day but you can decide to paint in Brussels and not do the visit. Morning: Guided Walk in the Heart of Brussels The bilingual capital of Belgium, is renowned for its architecture (medieval, Gothic, Art Nouveau and Art Déco), the Grand Place, the royal palace, its pubs and its expensive boutiques. The Grand Place, (an old market square surrounded by buildings from 16th - 18th centuries) with its Golden Gothic facades, is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful town squares in Europe.

Afternoon: Free Time for Shopping, Museums or Painting
Since this is your last day, you will probably have some shopping to do. You can find everything in Brussels, from cheap shops to luxurious boutiques. If you are not a shopper, there are plenty of museums to choose from. You can also buy some chocolates at the famous Newhaus chocolate maker regarded as number one in Belgium.

Day 8: Departure

Transportation You will be well taken care of from your pick up at the Brussel airport to your drop off at the end of your stay. Every day, we will drive you in a comfortable A/C mini van to different painting locations.

Watch our video about painting in Belgium

Accommodation

A charming B&B next to Bruges

The guesthouse in Flanders is only 7 miles from Brugges. The quaint guesthouse has a beautiful sun room where we will take our breakfasts and a big living room with a grand piano. It has 11 rooms, each with radio and TV, and full bathroom. You will be able to relax either in the open air swimming pool or in the hot tub.

Watch our video about the accommodation

Dates & Rates