The Itinerary
FLOW OF THE WEEK
Each day has its own rhythm. Some are fuller — with private visits, workshops, and shared meals — and others open up into bigger stretches of personal time. Along the way, you’ll also have built-in space to explore at your own pace: wandering a museum on your own, shopping in a great neighborhood, slipping back to the hotel to reset before dinner. The week is thoughtfully balanced — not rigid — with time to absorb what you’re seeing and enjoy it fully.
DAY 1
Arrive in Ghent and settle into our canal-side boutique hotel — a beautifully restored historic building in the heart of the city. With soaring windows and thoughtful interiors, it’s the kind of place that makes your body exhale.
We’ll gather for welcome drinks in a room with a view and ease into the rhythm of the week together.
As golden hour approaches, we’ll head just outside the city for a private visit to an under-the-radar castle garden.
Dinner is at an intimate, chef-led neighborhood restaurant that’s opening tonight just for us— refined Belgian cuisine in a modern, cozy space.
DAY 2
Breakfast awaits each morning — fresh pastries, fruit, eggs, yogurt, juice, and coffee in a light-filled room overlooking the city.
Today we’re off to Brussels.
We begin with a pre-opening visit to the 1930s Art Deco jewel, Villa van Buuren. Before the public arrives, we’ll wander its exquisite interiors and gardens at an unhurried pace.
For lunch, we’ll enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties in a lively square.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the studio of a Belgian artist who spent decades designing for major opera houses before turning her attention to her extraordinary handmade silk flowers. We’ll step inside her enchanting world, hear her story, and see her meticulous craftsmanship up close.
Before returning to Ghent, we’ll spend time in one of Brussels’ most charming, tucked-away neighborhoods — the kind of place locals treasure and most tourists never find. Independent boutiques, beautifully curated shops, and café terraces tucked into quiet corners make it a delight to wander at your own pace.
Dinner this evening is at a beloved local restaurant known for its vibrant flavors and effortless style.
DAY 3
A free morning to sleep in, wander the canals, explore a museum, or settle into a café.
In the afternoon, we’ll gather for a hands-on letterpress workshop. Using antique wooden type and historic presses, we’ll create our own hand-printed poster — tactile, meditative, deeply satisfying.
Afterward, we’ll board a private canal boat and drift back through Ghent’s waterways, the light dancing across facades we pass by.
Dinner tonight is at a relaxed, design-forward restaurant. We’ll let the conversation flow.
DAY 4
Today we head to Antwerp.
Our morning begins at the extraordinary Museum Plantin-Moretus — the only museum in the world designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this preserved 16th-century home and workshop, we’ll trace the origins of printing where it first flourished, and have the chance to learn about the pioneering women who helped make it a success.
You’ll then have free time in Antwerp’s elegant city center to explore jewelry ateliers, bookshops, museums, and cathedral squares. Lunch is on your own — we’ll happily share suggestions.
Later, we’ll visit a working flower farm surrounded by tulip fields (timing dependent on bloom). You’ll pick your own bouquet and wander rows of color in the open countryside.
Dinner tonight is at a refined Flemish restaurant known for its thoughtful take on regional cuisine.
DAY 5
We return to Brussels for Floralia Brussels — a spectacular spring garden exhibition unfolding across formal gardens and wooded paths in full bloom.
Afterward, we’ll visit the home, gallery, and studio of renowned Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave. Alongside a lovely brunch spread, we’ll experience her creative world firsthand and take part in a workshop that reflects her lifelong devotion to craftsmanship and artistry.
Next, we’ll visit a house museum that showcases one of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the world.
Back in Ghent, there will be time to rest and freshen up. I’ll deliver dinner for you to enjoy at the hotel before we head out for the evening.
Tonight, we attend a concert at De Bijloke, the city’s historic music hall. The architecture, the acoustics, the shared hush before the music begins — a beautiful way to experience Ghent’s cultural life together.
DAY 6
It’s flea market morning.
We’ll stroll to Ghent’s lively weekend market to browse antiques, linens, books, and unexpected treasures.
Next, we’ll step inside a remarkable antique shop housed in an 18th-century chapel — cinematic in its beauty.
For lunch, we’ll gather at a charming local favorite known for its savory and sweet homemade tarts.
After some free time, this evening we’ll share farewell drinks at a neighborhood bar we’ve come to love — conversations easy, friendships deepened, the week taking on that quietly magical quality that’s hard to name but unmistakable when it happens.
DAY 7
Enjoy a final morning in Ghent at your own pace. Breakfast is included at the hotel, and you’re free to depart whenever your schedule allows.
You’ll leave Belgium creatively energized, inspired, and part of a small circle of travelers who value beauty, craftsmanship, and thoughtful connection.
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To ensure the best possible experience, small adjustments may occasionally be made in response to local schedules, weather, or the opportunity to add something especially delightful.
If you have food allergies, please share them at the time of registration so we can accommodate you with care. For any questions, you’re always welcome to reach out at hello@evajorgensen.com.
