Partners' Programme

The following optional tours are offered to Accompanying Persons and Delegates for an additional fee. All tours are subject to cancellation if the minimum number of registrations is not met.

You and/or your partner can sign up for the partners' programme (1, 2 or 3 days) as part of the online participant registration procedure.

The Partners' Programme is given below.

Tuesday, May 21

09:00 - 10:00 Bus transport to Antwerp

10:00 - 12:00 Guided walk

This tour starts on the Grote Markt.
We then quietly stroll to "Het Steen" (the old castle), the "Vleeshuis" or Meat Hall, the "Vlaaikensgang" (a medieval alley) and the Groenplaats
We will take you through Antwerp's trendy fashion district, the typical Antwerp square "de vrijdagmarkt" with it's stately 16th century mansion of the family Plantijn-Moretus.
During our walk, your guide will stop frequently to allow you to absorb the grandeur of the sights, give you some interesting background and allow you to take pictures.

12:00 - 13:30 Lunch

This brasserie in the centre of Antwerp is a must-visit, and during the summer months customers can choose to eat outside on the lovely terrace. The menu includes several traditional Flemish dishes featuring beer as an ingredient.
In addition, De Groote Witte Arend also has an extensive beer list, with a number of speciality beers that are quite rare

13:30 - 16:00 Fashion and shopping in Antwerp
 
Shopping in Antwerp can be an unforgettable adventure. Popular shops and shopping centers are located very close to outstanding historical monuments, so a shopping trip always resembles an exciting excursion.

16:00 - 17:00 Bus transport to Ghent

Minimum participants: 10

Price: 105,00 EUR

Wednesday, May 22

13:00 Departure at the Congress Centre - Bus transport to Bruges (organized together with the congress participants)

14:30 Start of the guided walk through the city centre of Bruges

18:00 Dinner

21:00 Return to Ghent centre

Bruges is a city that will capture your heart. It is a city of human proportions, but one that can never be truly fathomed. Its history has made it great, a fact that garnered it the title of a Unesco World Heritage City. Retaining the mysteries of the Middle Ages and unashamedly exuberant, Bruges has been an international metropolis for centuries.

Bruges' golden age may have been from the 12th to 15th centuries—when it was a busy trading port—yet this medieval city remains one of the world's most beautiful culture hubs. Laden with Gothic architecture and home to early Flemish painters, it is a city that has captured hearts for centuries.

Bruges is an outstanding example of a medieval settlement that has maintained its historic fabric as it evolved over the centuries. As one of the commercial and cultural capitals of Europe, Bruges—a showcase of original Gothic constructions, which formed part of its identity—developed cultural links to different parts of the world.

Water has played a crucial role in the birth and development of Bruges. When visiting, you will see how its canals and lake played an important part in the city's development - as well as adding a unique sense of charm and beauty to this historic city. By taking a boat ride through the canals you will be rewarded with unexpected views, hidden romantic corners and secret gardens.

Price: 50,00 EUR

Thursday, May 23

 

NIBBLING THROUGH THE PRINSENHOF AND PATERSHOL + LUNCH + BICYCLE TOUR

9:30 - 13:30

The “Prinsenhof” or Prince’s Court and the “Patershol” are by far the most picturesque
and charming neighbourhoods of Ghent. Our guide will tell you all about the neighbourhood and its history. In between the stories we taste some
fine delicacies and we take a pause for a drink.

We go for lunch in a typical Ghent restaurant.

13:30 - 15:30

In the afternoon we discover more of Ghent by bike.
Sightseeing by bicycle is the best way to discover more of the city!
Hop on a bike and pedal your way from the centre to
the outskirts of Ghent. Enjoy some of the city’s hidden gems:
the picturesque ruins of Saint Bavo’s Abbey, the prestigious architecture of the “Miljoenenkwartier”, the South Quarter, the old beguinage, ...

Minimum participants: 10

Price: 90,00 EUR