48 days in Belgium Itinerary

The allure of the multi-cultural capital, Brussels, stems from its mix of political intrigue, artistic influence, historical significance, and a thriving social scene.

Get out of town with these interesting Brussels side-trips: THANKS Galerie (in Mons), European Flight Simulator (in Gosselies) and Antwerp (De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery, Antwerpen-Centraal, & more). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Grand Place, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, appreciate the history behind Manneken Pis, and admire the landmark architecture of Parc du Cinquantenaire.

For reviews, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Brussels tour planner .

Melbourne, Australia to Brussels is an approximately 26-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of train and flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (Victoria) (AEST) to Central European Time (CET) is minus 9 hours. When traveling from Melbourne in October, plan for little chillier days in Brussels, with highs around 16°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) early enough to take a train to Bruges.

The medieval town of Bruges centers around a canal, and the architecture of its historical district has made it a World Heritage Site.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bruges: Huyghe Brewery (in Melle), Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk en de Gravenkapel (in Kortrijk) and Ghent (Geeraard de Duivelsteen (The Castle of Gerald the Devil), Monumento Hermanos Van Eyck, & more). There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Historic Centre of Brugge, pause for some serene contemplation at Church of Our Lady Bruges, make a trip to Burg Square, and indulge your thirst for a good beer at Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Bruges planner .

Getting from Brussels to Bruges by train takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In October in Bruges, expect temperatures between 18°C during the day and 10°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Poperinge.

Poperinge is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders, Flemish Region, and has a history going back to medieval times. Venture out of the city with trips to Spas (in Oostduinkerke), Eddy Merckx Bicycle Trail (in Kluisbergen-Ruien) and Het Vrijbos (in Houthulst). Next up on the itinerary: make a trip to Menin Gate Memorial, explore the different monuments and memorials at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, take in the history at WW1 Battlefields Alive, and take an in-depth tour of In Flanders Fields Museum.

For reviews, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Poperinge trip website .

Traveling by car from Bruges to Poperinge takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. November in Poperinge sees daily highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Liege.

Although decidedly industrial on the outskirts, Liege also boasts impressive architecture.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Liege: Bastogne (Bois de la Paix, Bastogne War Museum, & more), Grandmenil Panther Tank Ausf. G (in Manhay) and Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery (in Henri-Chapelle). Next up on the itinerary: get to know the resident critters at The Domain of the Caves of Han, put a fun spin on your tour with Enigma Liege, explore the fascinating underground world of Centre archeologique De La Grotte Scladina, and hike along Musee en plein air et Tour St Martin.

For more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Liege online trip maker .

You can drive from Poperinge to Liege in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In November, plan for daily highs up to 11°C, and evening lows to 3°C. You will have some time to spend on the 29th (Fri) before leaving for home.