We feature below 5 departure dates for the Ardenne Locomotion tours. Each one offers a slightly different itineary and include a variety of fascinating visits and excursions for you to choose from.
DO THE LOCOMOTION ARDENNE STYLE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
5 days / 4 nights duration
Departing Friday 09.07.2010
Return Eurostar (standard class) from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi
Inclusive minibus /coach transportation from day 2
4 nights half board accommodation at 3 star hotels in the Brussels, La Roche-en-Ardenne & Mons areas.
Included excursion package with entrances as per itinerary PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Cost from £599.00pp Twin / Double share
Single supplement will apply – on request only
Balance due in full at the time of booking.  SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 – Departing London St Pancras International late morning, you travel by Eurostar to Brussels Midi where you will transfer to the national Belgian rail service to Liege. Your overnight accommodation this evening is within walking distance of the railway station. Dinner is included in a local restaurant this evening and afterwards you might choose to explore the city centre at your leisure. We would like to suggest a visit to the Bar Vaudree where they have a fine selection of beers, and they especially promote the artisan beers, many of which are only sold locally. Here you can find 42 types of hand pulled beers, hundreds of bottled beers, Belgian & foreign including blonde, white, brown & those from Trappist abbeys ... a typical introduction to Belgium! 
Day 2 – Today we start by travelling to the pretty riverside town of Dinant, a pretty town situated on the banks of the Meuse river where you will have some free time. We will also be visiting the spectacular Freyr Chateau where you will be given a guided tour. This magnificent Renaissance residence, which in the eighteenth century became a ducal home and has stunning gardens with orange groves, 6 km of mazes, a tree-lined avenue and a lookout From here we continue on to the Treignes Steam Railway museum for your included visit. This museum presents you with a collection "from times gone-by" as well as the story of the industrial and railway history of Belgium. You will find on four of the 100m tracks, old steam locomotives, diesel auto-ra ils, locomotives from the 1950’s, passenger coaches and railway maintenance vehicles. This museum was founded in 1994 and is situated on the grounds of the old international railway station. After this visit you will enjoy a 35 minute steam train journey to Mariembourg on the Three Valleys Steam Railway. From 1816, before the independence of Belgium, there were the first thoughts about making a Belgian Railway. In 1925, the Belgian railways wanted to double the railtrack between Mariembourg and Treignes. Today you still can see some bizarre spots like the bridge next to crossing line at Olloy and the beginning of the second perforation of the tunnel at Abannets. Nowadays nature has reclaimed its rights and covers the entrance with vegetation. This track is called track 132 & in the archives of the SNCB, the track was used for the general public up until 29 September 1963. Track 132, which is 14km in length,  travels through the valleys of "La Brouffe", "l’Eau Blanche", "l’eau Noire" and " Viroin". Our last visit today is to the Brasserie des Fagnes, where you will be given a guided tour and tasting of the local beer before we continue onto our base for 2 nights, La Roche-en-Ardenne. This town nestles in a leafy setting on the banks of the River Ourthe, and is a 'Jewel of the Ardenne' and has a fascinating past - a wealth of history & legends. Time permitting, we will finish this afternoon with a visit to the excellent museum relating to the Battle of the Bulge. This museum tells the story of the fierce fighting in the Ardenne offensive in December 1944, which destroyed 90% of the town, injuring many and killing 114 inhabitants and this museum tells a very personal story relating to the inhabitants of the town at this time. Having checked in to your hotel in La Roche and freshened up, dinner is included this evening. Day 3 – After a continental buffet breakfast at the hotel, we start by travelling to Ciney, where we take the ‘Chemin de Fer de Bocq’, a tourist train , which has operated since 1992 and shows the charm of this magnificent valley . Having relaxed and enjoyed the stunning Ardenne scenery, we continue on to the picturesque town of Durbuy, known as the ‘smallest town in the world’, where they have a ‘Crayfish’ event this weekend. You may one to visit Europe’s best Topiary gardens whlst here (entrance not included) or just relax  and explore at your leisure before we travel on to the village of Briscol where we will visit the Artisan Chocolate maker, Defroidmont, where you will be given a tour and tasting. The manufacturing is done completely with respect for tradition and with products of the highest quality and 100% cocoa butter. You will get to see the whole chocolate making process and of course taste and purchase products here also. Also this afternoon, we include a journey on the Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne which allows you to take a tram ride, like the ones that were available between 1885 to 1960, in an open or closed carriage, depending on the weather. A reception point with all modern comforts and a small museum on the 1st floor, await visitors at the departure of the tramway at the Pont d'Erezée. The tramway follows the Aisne river so that passengers can admire the best of the local nature. This excursion, combining nature  with authenticity, is a very pleasant experience and relaxing also. We return to the hotel later today where dinner is included. This evening, we include a very special event in the chateau of La Roche where you will get to sample a number of local beers in the fantastic surroundings of the ruins of this medieval castle. Day 4 - Departing the picturesque region of La Roche this morning we travel north, where our first included visit of the day is to the Brasserie du Bocq, which was set up in 1858 by Martin Belot and is still a 100% family business and which remains one of the last traditional Belgian breweries. . Our next stop is at the restaurant adjoined to the Castle & gardens of Annevoie, where you can purchase lunch locally and time permitting, visit the gardens (payable locally). This chateau was constructed in the 1620’s and was heavily modified in 1775 when the spectacular water gardens were established. The gardens feature over twenty ornamental ponds and lakes, fed by approximately fifty water jets and waterfalls, and are widely regarded  as some of the best, not only in Belgium, but also in the whole of Europe. The next visit today is to the Distillerie de Biercee, which is unique in Belgium, and here you will be given a guided tour of the distillery & discover the secrets of distillation and how 10 kg of fresh fruit are transformed into one bottle of eau-de-vie or liqueur. You will see the Distiller’s room with its collection of ancient stills, tools and old books and see a video presentation before sampling one or two of the products in the ‘Grange des Belges’ (Belgian Barn) which is set in the splendid ‘Ferme de la Cour’. The last leg of the journey today takes us to the Tournai region, where you the finale event includes a tour of the Brasserie Dubuisson followed by dinner. This brewery has deep roots and values that give it an authenticity that few breweries can copy ... and is the oldest and most authentic brewery in Wallonia.
Day 5 – We finish this tour by including a visit to the "Canal du Centre" and its four hydraulic boat lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts. Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy i.e. water. This 2 hour visit will include a trip on the little tourist train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms and a guided boat trip which gives you a ride with one or more of the hydraulic lifts. From here we continue into Brussels, where you will have some free time in the city centre to visit at your leisure before re-joining the Eurostar, for your afternoon journey of 1 hour 51 minutes to London St Pancras, where this tour will terminate.
Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary. Please note that Eurostar prices can increase as availability decreases. It is therefore imperative that we secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary surcharges being incurred. DO THE LOCOMOTION ARDENNE STYLE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
5 days / 4 nights duration
Departing Friday 14.08.2010
Return Eurostar (standard class) from London St Pancras International to Lille/Brussels Midi
Inclusive minibus /coach transportation throughout
4 nights half board accommodation at 3 star hotels in the Tournai, La Roche-en-Ardenne & Brussels areas.
Included breakfasts daily, dinners on 3 evenings & light lunches Ardenne style on days 2 & 4
Included excursion package with entrances as per itinerary PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Cost from £599.00pp Twin / Double share
Single supplement will apply – on request only
Balance due in full at the time of booking. SAMPLE ITINERARY  Day 1 – Departing London St Pancras International late morning, you travel by Eurostar to Lille where you will transferred to Mont St Aubert on the outskirts of Tournai, where you will overnight at the Floreal Panoramique hotel. Having checked in to the hotel, you will be transferred in to the centre of the historic city of Tournai where we start with a drinks reception, where you will get to sample a few of the local beers that are brewed in the area of Hainaut. We return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening.
Day 2 – Today we start with a visit to the historic "Canal du Centre" and its four hydraulic boat lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts. Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy ie. water. This 2 hour visit will include a trip on the little tourist train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms and a guided boat trip which gives you a ride with one or more of the hydraulic lifts. From here we continue onto the Distillery of Biercee which is unique in Belgium! Here we will start with an included light lunch before you discover the secrets of distillation and how 10 kg of fresh fruit are transformed into one bottle of eau-de-vie  or liqueur. You will see the Distillers room with its collection of ancient stills, tools and old books and see a video presentation before sampling one or two of the products in the Grange des Belges set in the splendid Ferme de la Cour. A traditional light lunch is included here which will consist of a variety of local products, including meats & cheeses. Departing here this afternoon we continue on to the Centre de Decouverte du Chemin de Fer Vicinal Tramway, where there is a special festival today. Our last visit of the day is to the Dubuisson Brasserie which has a long and distinguished history. In 1994 it celebrated its 225th anniversary, brewing a beer - Bush 7% - to mark the occasion. The brewery claims to be the oldest Wallonian brewery still in ownership by the family and is determined to stay independent. The products we know today were developed as a direct result  of Alfred and Amedée Dubuisson opting in 1931, to be brewers rather than farmers. At this time British beers were becoming fashionable to Belgian drinkers so, in 1933, Alfred developed a high alcohol beer with both Belgian and British characteristics. The name given to this powerful brew - Bush Beer - is indicative of its "Britishness" in that Bush is the English for Dubuisson. You will be given a guided tour, after which a set 3 course dinner is included. We return to the hotel after a fun-packed day where you can relax and unwind. Day 3 – After a continental buffet breakfast at the hotel, we start by travelling to the province of Namur, where we start with a visit to the stunning Castle & Gardens of Annevoie. The Castle was constructed in the 1620’s and was heavily modified in 1775 when the spectacular water gardens were established. The gardens feature over twenty ornamental ponds and lakes, fed by approximately fifty water jets and waterfalls, and are widely regarded as some of the best, not only in Belgium, but also in the whole of Europe. After your guided visit here, we continue onto Purnode, where we take the ‘Chemin de Fer de Bocq’, a tourist train, which has operated since 1992 and shows the charm of this magnificent valley . Having relaxed and enjoyed the stunning Ardenne scenery. Our last visit of the day is a 35 minute steam train journey to Mariembourg on the Three Valleys Steam Railway. From 1816, before the independence of Belgi um, there were the first thoughts about making a Belgian Railway. In 1925, the Belgian railways wanted to double the railtrack between Mariembourg and Treignes. Today you still can see some bizarre spots like the bridge next to crossing line at Olloy and the beginning of the second perforation of the tunnel at Abannets. Nowadays nature has reclaimed its rights and covers the entrance with vegetation. This track is called track 132 & in the archives of the SNCB, the track was used for the general public up until 29 September 1963. Track 132, which is 14km in length, travels through the valleys of "La Brouffe", "l’Eau Blanche", "l’eau Noire" and " Viroin". From here we continue onto La Roche-en-Ardenne, where having checked in to our hotel, dinner is included this evening. Day 4 - Today we start with a some free time in La Roche or you can choose to join the included visit to the WWII Battle of the Ard ennes museum which is the only Battle of the Bulge museum to include a British section. Of course the American and German army with their respective arms and vehicles are well represented in attractive dioramas and showcases. The museum has however decided to put the accent on the British participation during the Allied counter-attack (3 to 16 January 1945) and the liberation of La Roche and the villages of the left bank of the River Ourthe. Alternatively, you might like to visit instead the Gres de la Roche pottery where their modern audio visual guide is very interesting and well worth visiting. We then visit the castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne which was a feudal fortress dating back to the 9th century. The towers, murder-holes and oubliettes give you a real feeling of the atmosphere during mediæval times. Here we will have a reception and will get to taste a number of local beers before an included light l unch ‘a l’Ardennaise’. This afternoon a visit to the ‘Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne’ which allows you to take a tram ride, like the ones that were available between 1885 to 1960, in an open or closed carriage, depending on the weather. A reception point with all modern comforts and a small museum on the 1st floor, await visitors at the departure of the tramway at the Pont d'Erezée. The tramway follows the Aisne river so that passengers can admire the best of the local nature. This excursion, combining nature with authenticity, is a very pleasant experience and relaxing also. From here we visit a local artisan chocolate maker. Philippe Defroidmont discovered his passion for chocolate in the family bakery -patisserie and with his wife, he founded a chocolate factory in 1984. The manufacturing is done completely with respect for tradition with products of the highest quality and 100% cocoa butter. We will get to see the whole chocolate making process and of cour se you will be able to taste and purchase products here also. Our last visit of the day is to the pretty town of Durbuy, known as the smallest town in the world, where you can either choose to visit the town at you leisure, the stunning Topiary gardens or the centrally situated Marckloff Brewery. From here, sit back and relax as we transfer you to Belgium’s capital city, Brussels where this evening is at your leisure, once we have checked in to the hotel. Day 5 – Today we include a guided Brussels city tour, both by coach & on foot after which you will have a little free time in the city centre to explore at your leisure and can purchase lunch before re-joining the Eurostar. Your journey time this afternoon by Eurostar back to to London will be 1 hour 51 minutes, where this tour will terminate. Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary. Please note that Eurostar prices can increase as availability decreases. It is therefore imperative that we secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary surcharges being incurred. DO THE LOCOMOTION ARDENNE STYLE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
5 days / 4 nights duration
Departing Friday 27.08.2010
Return Eurostar (standard class) from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi
Inclusive minibus /coach transportation throughout
4 nights accommodation at 3 star hotels in the Brussels, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Tournai & Mons areas.
Included breakfast daily & dinner on 2 evenings
Included excursion package with entrances as per itinerary PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Cost from £499.00pp Twin / Double share
Single supplement will apply – on request only
Deposit £80.00pp (non refundable)
Balance due by 13.07.09 SAMPLE ITINERARY  Day 1 – Departing London St Pancras International mid morning, you travel by Eurostar to Brussels Midi where you will transferred to your overnight hotel in Brussels. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant which will be at your leisure. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the administrative centre of the European Union which has earned the city the title of the Capital of Europe. Brussels has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture, and it is nowadays home to nationalities around the world, adding a cosmopolitan flavour to its atmosphere. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is further enhanced by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments, spacious parks, cosy cafés, interesting restaurants and an active cultural life. Day 2 – You we start with an included visit to the ‘Urban Transport Museum’ in Brussels where since 1982, volunteers have run this living museum which concentrates mainly on the history of public transport in Brussels. The museum houses a collection of more than 60 vehicles dating from 1868 to today. Alternatively, there will also be a guided tour of the city of Brussels on offer, both by coach and on foot which will introduce you to many places of interest. Following this tour we head south into the Province of Hainaut and the Dubuisson Brasserie which has a long and distinguished history. In 1994 it celebrated its 225th anniversary, brewing a beer - Bush 7% - to mark the occasion. The brewery claims to be the oldest Wallonian brewery still in ownership by the family and is determined to stay independent. The products we know today were developed as a direct result of Alfred and Amedée Dubuisson opting in 1931, to be brewers rather than farmers. At this time British beers were becoming fashionable to Belgian drinkers so, in 1933, Alfred developed a high alcohol beer with both Belgian and British characteristics. The name given to this powerful brew - Bush Beer - is indicative of its "Britishness" in that Bush is the English for Dubuisson. You will be given a guided tour, after which you can purchase lunch before we continue on to the Chateau du Beloeil for a visit with guided tour. The park covers 25 hectares and together with the castle, it forms one of the most beautiful curiosities in Belgium. In each room you will find authentic furniture and unique collections which are testimony to the glorious history of this castle. Our last visit of the day is to the Brasserie Saint-Feuillien which has ben in existance since 1873 when the Friart family began brewing various beers, but the history of this beer goes back even further. In the 7th century, an Irish monk by the name of Feuillien came to the Continent to preach the Gospel. Unfortunately, in 655, whilst travelling through the charcoal forest across the territory of what is now the town of Le Roeulx, Feuillien was martyred and beheaded. On the site of his martyrdom, Feuillien’s disciples erected a chapel which, in 1125 became the Abbey of Prémontrés, but later became known as the Abbaye St-Feuillien du Roeulx. The Abbey prospered until the upheaval as a  result of the French Revolution where during these troubled times, it was condemned by the revolutionaries. For centuries, monks have brewed beer and this tradition has been preserved until this very day by the fourth generation of brewers of the Friart family. From here, it s a short journey to your overnight hotel in the Mons area, where dinner is included this evening. Day 3 – Today we start with a visit to the historic "Canal du Centre" and its four hydraulic boat lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts. Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy i.e. water. This 2 hour visit will include a trip on the little tourist train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms and a guided boat trip which gives you a ride with one or more of the hydraulic lifts. From here we continue onto the Distillery of Biercee which is unique in Belgium!. You will discover  the secrets of distillation and how 10 kg of fresh fruit are transformed into one bottle of eau-de-vie or liqueur. You will see. the Distillers room with its collection of ancient stills, tools and old books and see a video presentation before sampling one or two of the products in the Grange des Belges set in the splendid Ferme de la Cour where you can also purchase lunch. . We return to Mons where there is a special event which honours the 3rd Armoured Division and which celebrates the City’s Liberation in WWII – ‘The Tanks are in Town’. Dinner is at your leisure this evening. Day 4 – Departing this province this morning, we head in to the heart of the Belgian Ardenne starting with a 35 minute steam train journey from Mariembourg to Treignes on the Three Valleys Steam Railway. From 1816, before the independence of Belgium, there were the first thoughts about making a Belgian Railway. In 1925, the Belgian railways wanted to double the rail track between Mariembourg and Treignes. Today you still can see some bizarre spots like the bridge next to crossing line at Olloy and the beginning of the second perforation of the tunnel at Abannets. Nowadays nature has reclaimed its rights and covers the entrance with vegetation. This track is called track 132 & in the archives of the SNCB, the track was used for the general public up until 29 September 1963. Track 132, which is 14km in length, travels through the valleys of "La Brouffe", "l’Eau Blanche", "l’eau Noire" and " Viroin". Afterwards, you will have a little free time in the pretty riverside town of Dinant, which is situated on the banks of the Meuse river, where you can purchase lunch before we continue on to the pretty town of Durbuy, known as the smallest town in the world, where you can either choose to visit the town at you leisure, the stunning Topiary gardens or the centrally situated Marckloff  Brewery. Created in 1989, in the restaurant of the Oak Farm of Durbuy, the Marckloff micro brewery adopted a 14th-century tradition. A micro brewery is an installation of modest proportions and sells its products in a short circuit (straight from the brewery to the bar). The cycle of fabrication takes little more than a month. We then journey to the picturesque town of La Roche-en-Ardenne, where dinner is included at the hotel this evening followed by a VIP visit to the castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne which was a feudal fortress dating back to the 9th century. The towers, murder-holes and oubliettes give you a real feeling of the atmosphere during mediæval times. Here we will have a reception and will get to taste a number of local beers before returning to the hotel later tonight. Day 5 - Today you will have a little free time in La Roche where you can choose to join the included visit to the WWII Battle of the Ardennes museum which is the only Battle of the Bulge museum to include a British section. Of course the American and German army with their respective arms and vehicles are well represented in attractive dioramas and showcases. The museum has however decided to put the accent on the British participation during the Allied counter-attack (3 to 16 January 1945) and the liberation of La Roche and the villages of the left bank of the River Ourthe. Alternatively, you might like to visit instead the Gres de la Roche pottery where their modern audio visual guide is very interesting and well worth visiting. Departing here at lunchtime, we retrace our steps towards Brussels, where you will take an afternoon Eurostar back to London St Pancras, where this tour will terminate. Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary. Please note that Eurostar prices can increase as availability decreases. It is therefore imperative that we secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary surcharges being incurred.
DO THE LOCOMOTION ARDENNE STYLE
WHAT’S INCLUDED
5 days / 4 nights duration
Departing Friday 03.09.2010
Return Eurostar (standard class) from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi
Inclusive minibus /coach transportation from days 2-5
4 nights half board accommodation at 3 star hotels in the Brussels, La Roche-en-Ardenne, Mons areas.
Included light lunches Ardenne style on days 2 & 3
Included excursion package with entrances as per itinerary PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Cost from £549.00pp Twin / Double share
Single supplement will apply – on request only
Deposit £80.00pp (non refundable)
Balance due by 03.08.09 SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 – Departing London St Pancras International late morning, you travel by Eurostar to Brussels Midi. You will be transferred to your 3* hotel in the city centre, where you will check in and having freshened up, dinner is included. This evening you are free to enjoy the Belgian Beer Event in the Brussels’ Grand’ Place. Many small, medium-sized and large Belgian breweries will be present with their best selections of beers. Entrance is free and beer prices are very reasonable and there will be a total of 40 breweries exhibiting ! Perhaps you are a confirmed beer lover or you are keen on tasting something new. Maybe you never realized that Belgium boasts  the largest range of distinctly different beers and labels in the world. At this festival you can chat with the brewer of your favourite beer or relax in one of the many street cafés whilst enjoying a delicious glass of Belgian beer in the most beautiful Market Place. How tempting does that sound ? Belgium offers a unique range of beers which have the most contrasting tastes and flavours and nowhere else in the world can you find a larger choice of regional, authentic and colourful beers. Day 2 – This morning we start with an included visit to the ‘Urban Transport Museum’ in Brussels where, since 1982, volunteers have run this living museum which concentrates mainly on the history of public transport in Brussels. The museum houses a collection of more than 60 vehicles dating from 1868 to today. Alternatively, there will also be a guided tour of the city of Brussels on offer, both by coach and on foot which will introduce you to many places of interest. From here we continue onto The Dubuisson Brasserie, which opened this first micro-brewery in 2000 and here you will be given a guided tour, followed by lunch and several tastings. The Brasse-Temps uniquely only serves beers that have been brewed on site. This afternoon we continue on to Mariembourg for a 35 minute journey on the Three Valleys Steam Railway. From 1816, before the independence of Belgium, there were the first thoughts about making a Belgian Railway. In 1925, the Belgian railways wanted to double the railtrack between Mariembourg and Treignes. Today you still can see some bizarre spots like the bridge next to crossing line at Olloy and the beginning of the second perforation of the tunnel at Abannets. Nowadays nature has reclaimed its rights and covers the entrance with vegetation. This track is called track 132 & in the archives of the SNCB, the track was used for the general public up until 29 September 1963. Track 132, which is 14km in length, travels through the valleys of "La Brouffe", "l’Eau Blanche", "l’eau Noire" and " Viroin". Our last visit of the day is to the pretty town of Durbuy where you can either choose to explore the town at you leisure or visit the famous Topiary  Gardens . After this last visit we continue on to our overnight hotel in the La Roche-en-Ardenne area where dinner is included
Day 3 - Today we start with a some free time in La Roche or you can choose to join the included visit to the WWII Battle of the Ardennes museum which is the only Battle of the Bulge museum to include a British section. Of course the American and German army with their respective arms and vehicles are well represented in attractive dioramas and showcases. The museum has however decided to put the accent on the British participation during the Allied counter-attack (3 to 16 January 1945) and the liberation of La Roche and the villages of the left bank of the River Ourthe. We then visit the castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne which was a feudal fortress which dates back to the 9th century. The towers, murder-holes and oubliettes give you a real feeling of the atmosphere during mediæval times. Here we will have a beer reception where you will get to taste a number of local beers before an included light lunch ‘a l’Ardennaise’ This afternoon a visit to the ‘Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne’ which allows you to take a tram ride, like the ones that were available between 1885 to 1960, in an open or closed carriage, depending on the weather. A reception point with all modern comforts and a small museum on the 1st floor, await visitors at the departure of the tramway at the Pont d'Erezée. The tramway follows the Aisne river so that passengers can admire the best of the local nature. This excursion, combining nature with authenticity, is a very pleasant experience and relaxing also. From here we visit a local artisan chocolate maker. Philippe Defroidmont discovered his passion for chocolate in the family bakery patisserie and with his wife, he founded a chocolate factory in 1984. The manufacturing is done completely with respect for tradition with products of the highest quality and 100% cocoa butter. We will get to see the whole chocolate making process and of course you will be able to taste and purchase products here also. We return to the La Roche area later in the day, where dinner is again included.
Day 4 - Departing the picturesque region of La Roche this morning we travel north where you will travel via the ‘Chemin de Fer de Bocq’, a tourist train , which has operated since 1992 and shows the charm of this magnificent valley . Having relaxed and enjoyed the stunning Ardenne scenery. you will be able then to purchase some refreshments at the Brasserie du Bocq, before we continue on to the stunning Castle & Gardens of Annevoie, close to Namur. The Castle was constructed in the 1620’s and was heavily modified in  1775 when the spectacular water gardens were established. The gardens feature over twenty ornamental ponds and lakes, fed by approximately fifty water jets and waterfalls, and are widely regarded as some of the best, not only in Belgium, but also in the whole of Europe. You can purchase lunch here before we continue on to our last visit of the day, which is to the Centre de Decouverte du Chemin de fer Vicinal Tramway. Here there are displays of about a dozen old tramcars, the oldest dating from 1888 (steam engine). It also houses the oldest electric tramcar (1901), built in Belgium. The tramcars run on the line Thuin-Lobbes, which is the last Belgian metric railway line, allowing electric, gasoline and steam tramcars to pass. Dinner is included at our overnight hotel tonight. Day 5 – Today we start with a visit to the historic "Canal du Centre" and its four hydraulic boat lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts. Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy ie. water. This 2 hour visit will include a trip on the little tourist train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms and a guided boat trip which gives you a ride with one or more of the hydraulic lifts The last visit of the day is to the Beer Museum in Quenast which features the local brewery of Lefèbvre. Since 1876, the Lefebvre Brewery has used its knowledge in order to produce the best beers which range from Abbey beers, fruited & seasonal, white beers & special brews. Although you cannot visit the brewery itself, across a small bridge you will find the Small Mill of Arenberg, where you discover an old flour trade and a new beer house that was created in collaboration with the traditional local brewery Lefèbvre. Departing here this afternoon, we return to Brussels for your late afternoon Eurostar journey of 1 hour 51 minutes to London St Pancras, where this tour will terminate. Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary. Please note that Eurostar prices can increase as availability decreases. It is therefore imperative that we secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary surcharges being incurred. DO THE LOCOMOTION ARDENNE STYLEWHAT’S INCLUDED
5 days / 4 nights duration
Departing Friday 17.09.2010
Return Eurostar (standard class) from London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi
Inclusive minibus /coach transportation from days 2-5
4 nights half board accommodation at 3 star hotels in the Liege, Brussels & La Roche-en-Ardenne areas.
Included daily breakfasts, dinner on 3 evenings & light lunches Ardenne style on days 3 & 4
Included excursion package with entrances as per itinerary PRICE & SUPPLEMENTS
Cost from £579.00pp Twin / Double share
Single supplement will apply – on request only
Deposit £80.00pp (non refundable)
Balance due by 20.08.09 SAMPLE ITINERARY Day 1 – Departing London St Pancras International late morning, you travel by Eurostar to Brussels Midi where you will transfer to the national Belgian rail service to Liege. Your overnight accommodation this evening is within walking distance of the railway station. Dinner is included in a local restaurant this evening and afterwards you might choose to explore the city centre at your leisure. We would like to suggest a visit to the where they have a fine selection of beers, and they especially promote the artisan beers, many of which are only sold locally. Here you can find 42 types of hand pulled beers, hundreds of bottled beers, Belgian & foreign including blonde, white, brown & those from Trappist abbeys ...! Day 2 – After a continental buffet breakfast at t he hotel, we start by travelling to Purnode, where we take the ‘, a tourist train to Ciney, which has operated since 1992 and shows the charm of this magnificent valley . Having relaxed and enjoyed the stunning Ardenne scenery, we disembark and continue on to the picturesque town of Durbuy, known as the ‘smallest town in the world’. We include a visit to the micro-brewery of whose beer has retained a flavour of the past. Created in 1989, in the restaurant of the Oak Farm of Durbuy, the Marckloff micro brewery adopted a 14th-century tradition. This micro brewery is of modest proportions and sells its products in a short circuit (straight from the brewery to the bar). The cycle of fabrication takes little more than a month and the Marckloff is an amber coloured  beer. You will have some free time here to purchase lunch or relax and explore and maybe visit the famous Topiary Gardens (extra cost), before we travel on to the village of Briscol where we will visit the Artisan Chocolate maker, Defroidmont, where you will be given a tour and tasting. The manufacturing is done completely with respect for tradition and with products of the highest quality and 100% cocoa butter. You will get to see the whole chocolate making process and of course taste and purchase products here also. Our next stop is to the ‘Tramway Touristique de l’Aisne’ in Erezee, which allows you to take a tram ride, like the ones that were available between 1885 to 1960, in an open or closed carriage, depending on the weather. A reception point with all modern comforts and a small  museum on the 1st floor, await visitors at the departure of the tramway at the Pont defreeze. The tramway follows the Aisne river so that passengers can admire the best of the local nature. This excursion, combining nature with authenticity, is a very pleasant experience and relaxing also. It is then just a short drive to La Roche-en-Ardenne, where you will be based for 2 nights and where dinner is included at the hotel this evening. Day 3 - Today we start with a some free time in La Roche or you can choose to join the included visit to the WWII Battle of the Ardennes museum which is the only Battle of the Bulge museum to include a British section. Of course the American and German army with their respective arms and vehicles are well represented in attractive dioramas  and showcases. The museum has however decided to put the accent on the British participation during the Allied counter-attack (3 to 16 January 1945) and the liberation of La Roche and the villages of the left bank of the River Ourthe. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the Gres de la Roche, an artisan pottery in the town centre where their very modern tour with audio guides, is extremely interesting and well worth a visit. We then visit the castle of La Roche-en-Ardenne which was a feudal fortress which dates back to the 9th century. The towers, murder-holes and oubliettes give you a real feeling of the atmosphere during mediæval times. Here we will have a VIP reception where you will get to taste a number of local beers before an included light lunch ‘a l’Ardennaise’ This afternoon we journey to Mariembourg where you will take the Three Valleys Steam Railway. From 1816, before the independence of Belgium, there were the first thoughts about making a Belgian Railway. In 1925, the Belgian railways wanted to double the railtrack between Mariembourg and Treignes. Today you still can see some bizarre spots like the bridge next to crossing line at Olloy and the beginning of the second perforation of the tunnel at Abannets. Nowadays nature has reclaimed its rights and covers the entrance with vegetation. This track is called track 132 & in the archives of the SNCB, the track was used for the general public up until 29 September 1963. Track 132, which is 14km in length, travels through the valleys of "La Brouffe", "l’Eau Blanche", "l’eau Noire" and " Viroin". From here it is just a short drive to the pretty riverside town of Dinant, situated on the banks of the Meuse river where you will have some free time before we return to La Roche for a leisurely evening and dinner at the hotel. Day 4 - Departing the picturesque  region of La Roche this morning we travel north where you will travel via the ‘Chemin de Fer de Bocq’, a tourist train , which has operated since 1992 and shows the charm of this magnificent valley . Having relaxed and enjoyed the stunning Ardenne scenery. You will be able then to purchase some refreshments at the Brasserie du Bocq before we continue onto the Distillerie de Biercee, which is unique in Belgium, and here you will be given a guided tour of the distillery & discover the secrets of distillation and how 10 kg of fresh fruit are transformed into one bottle of eau-de-vie or liqueur. You will see the Distiller’s room with its collection of ancient stills, tools and old books and see a video presentation before sampling one or two of the products in the ‘Grange des Belges’ (Belgian Barn) which is set in the splendid ‘Ferme de la Cour’. A light lunch is included here ‘a l’Ardennaise’ before our next visit which is to the "Canal du Centre" and its four hydraulic boat lifts, the only ones in the world still in use and classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Let yourself fall under the century-old spell of these hydraulic lifts. Each one is able to compensate for a change in level of approximately 17 metres thanks to a single source of energy i.e. water. This 2 hour visit will include a trip on the little tourist train, a guided tour of one of the engine rooms and a guided boat trip which gives you a ride with one or more of the hydraulic lifts. We travel on to the Brussels area, where having checked in to the hotel, the evening is at your leisure to explore and purchase dinner locally in the city centre.
Day 5 – Today you can choose between an included guided Brussels city tour or you may  choose to visit the ‘in Brussels where, since 1982, volunteers have run this living museum which concentrates mainly on the history of public transport in Brussels. The museum houses a collection of more than 60 vehicles dating from 1868 to today. Following this visit you will have a little free time in the city centre to explore at your leisure and can purchase lunch before re-joining the Eurostar™for your afternoon journey of 1 hour 51 minutes back to London St Pancras, where this tour will terminate. Simply Groups reserve the right to make minor alterations to this itinerary. Please note that Eurostar™ prices can increase as availability decreases. It is therefore imperative that we secure your seats as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary surcharges being incurred.
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