Golden Odyssey

Flanders Cruise

Mechelen via Ghent to Bruges

Golden Odyssey offers her six guests the opportunity to explore the most beautiful parts of Europe at their own pace. Our itineraries are as individual as our clients. Europe's canals and rivers are the byways of history, passing through the major cultural and historic centres, as well as the most beautiful countryside. Aboard Golden Odyssey you are free to explore at your leisure. Your schedule is ours.

DAY 1 - Medieval Mechelen
Your chauffeured car will take you the short drive from your Brussels hotel to the Golden Odyssey, moored in the beautiful Flemish town of Mechelen. After a champagne reception on board settle into your state-rooms, before setting out to explore the town. Dating from the thirteenth century, Mechelen is famed for its school of bell ringers, and you may be lucky enough to hear the town carillon as you wander the medieval streets.
Return to aperitifs and dinner aboard; your first taste of Golden Odyssey cuisine.

DAY 2 - River Cruise to Old Ghent
Breakfast and lunch whilst underway to the historic city of Ghent. Arriving late in the afternoon, after a long lazy cruise up the Schelde River and through the city, we moor at our lovely green mooring on the banks of the River Leie, the so called “Golden River” which once carried barges laden with flax and with them the riches of Ghent. Take a stroll into town to whet your appetite for further exploration in the morning. 
Cocktails on deck followed by a marvellous dinner, perhaps a glass of cognac in the spa pool before bed, or step out to the nightlife of Gent.
Golden Odyssey - Ghent Mooring

DAY 3 - Exploring Ghent
Awaken to a new day, feed the ducks that come to visit, and, after breakfast, explore. Ghent dates from the seventh century, and offers rich and diverse architecture, not to mention wonderful shops, taverns, and art galleries. Take advantage of the wonderful shops here, from fine art and antiquities to chocolate, from monastery-brewed beer to handmade lace and tapestries. Visit the van Eyck altarpiece which has been drawing visitors to Ghent for over five hundred years, it is arguably the most beautiful medieval Flemish painting in the world. Meet people, warm and friendly, most Flems speak English or French, as well as Flemish. 

DAY 4 - Cruise the River Leie to St. Maartens Latem
After a leisurely breakfast, perhaps take a side trip down the beautiful River Leie, with verdant banks meandering through the countryside made famous by the 'Latem School' of painting. Nearby is the spectacular Ooidonk castle, a beautiful reminder of the Spanish occupation of ages past. Lunch in the pretty town of St. Maartens Latem or in a waterside pub, or take a trip to Ooidonk Castle with a picnic. Dine aboard in the countryside or return to spend the evening in Ghent .

DAY 5 - From Ghent to the Windmills of Bruges
Underway early for a cruise down the Ghent-Ostend Canal. Awake to the smell of fresh coffee and pastries still warm from the bakers. Lunching aboard, we arrive late afternoon, mooring near the windmills of Bruges. Waiting at the quayside are horse drawn carriages to take you on a trip back in time. Almost nothing disturbs the medieval atmosphere of this jewel of European cities. After Venice it was the finest and richest city in Europe, if not the world. Dinner aboard or in one of Bruges' excellent restaurants. If you wish, take a chauffeured limousine to Knokke-Heist on the seacoast and while away the night in a casino decorated with paintings by surrealist Magritte.

DAY 6 - Culture & Carriages
Bruges was declared European City of Culture 2002, and a day spent enjoying the delights of this incomparable town is an appropriate finale to a canal cruise of Flanders. Perhaps find a special piece of art, or enjoy a few glasses of abbey-brewed beer. An indolent picnic with sinfully delicious food and wines on a grassy riverbank is always an option.
Bruges - UNESCO World Heritage Site

DAY 7 - Farewell
Farewell breakfast. Your chauffeur will drive you to your hotel in Brussels to continue your European tour or direct to the airport as arranged.

NOTE:

The above is only brief outline of the possibilities for a cruise. As a private charter yacht, we normally plan a cruise in association with our clients, so as to meet their desires and interests. Through correspondence, and perhaps a meeting, we seek to determine the food preferences, dietary requirements, and aesthetic interests of the charter party so that we can design an unforgettable cruise patterned to our guests.