Overview:
This trip to Brussels and nearby cities offers a unique blend of cultural exploration and scientific discovery, showcasing the connection between art, history, and chemistry. Participants will delve into the ancient craft of beer brewing and the sophisticated processes behind chocolate production, two of Belgium’s most renowned contributions to the world.
Beer brewing demonstrates the principles of applied chemistry, where biological and chemical reactions create a spectrum of flavors and aromas. Similarly, chocolate production unveils a fascinating chemical journey, from the fermentation of cacao beans to the precise art of tempering that gives chocolate its smooth texture and glossy finish. This trip will not only provide a deep appreciation of Belgium’s cultural heritage but also offer valuable insights into the science behind these iconic products.
Trip Details:
- Maximum Participants: 12
- Cost: Approximately €900
- Includes flights, accommodation, entry to museums, brewery tour, and train tickets.
- Excludes lunches and dinners.
- A detailed packing list, payment deadlines, and further instructions will be shared in future communications.
RyanAir Flight Schedule:
- March 3, 2025: Treviso to Brussels, 07:00–08:40
- March 6, 2025: Brussels to Treviso, 18:05–19:35
Accommodation:
- Hotel: Hotel Bedford Brussels
Preliminary Itinerary
Day 1: Monday, March 3 – Treviso to Brussels
- Meeting Point: 05:00 at Treviso Airport (TSF).
- Flight: RyanAir, Treviso to Brussels (10 kg luggage allowance).
- Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and drop off luggage.
- Free day for city exploration, including:
- Atomium and Planetarium:
- Entry includes the Atomium (permanent and temporary exhibitions, and the panoramic view), Design Museum Brussels (Plastic Design Collection and temporary exhibitions), and the Planetarium (located 150 m from the Atomium).
- Cantillon Brewery (Brasserie Cantillon / Brussels Museum of Gueuze):
- Learn about the science of fermentation and its pivotal role in crafting Belgium’s world-famous lambic beers.
- Atomium and Planetarium:
- Evening: Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2: Tuesday, March 4 – Brussels
- Breakfast: At the hotel.
- Visit: Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
- Located in Leopold Park, this museum is managed by one of Belgium’s premier scientific institutions.
- Discover the diversity of life on Earth and explore the evolutionary processes that shape our planet’s biodiversity.
- Evening: Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3: Wednesday, March 5 – Antwerp and Ghent
- Breakfast: At the hotel.
- Excursion: Train trip (included) to Antwerp and Ghent.
- Antwerp:
- Visit Chocolate Nation, the world’s largest chocolate museum.
- Explore the chemical processes of chocolate-making, from cacao bean fermentation to tempering. Enjoy an immersive journey through 14 themed rooms and a tasting of 10 chocolate varieties (duration: 60–90 minutes).
- Ghent (on the return):
- Famous for its “three towers,” including St. Bavo’s Cathedral, which houses Jan van Eyck’s 1432 masterpiece.
- Explore medieval architecture, Flemish houses, and scenic riverside views.
- Antwerp:
- Evening: Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Thursday, March 6 – Brussels to Treviso
- Breakfast and check-out: At the hotel.
- Free day to explore Brussels, including:
- Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Magritte Museum:
- The Royal Museum of Fine Arts offers an immersive journey through Belgium’s artistic heritage, showcasing masterpieces by renowned Flemish painters, while the Magritte Museum provides a captivating look into the surreal and thought-provoking works of René Magritte, one of the world’s most celebrated surrealist artists.
- Royal Museum of Fine Arts and Magritte Museum:
- Transfer: To Charleroi Airport for the 18:05 flight to Treviso.
- Arrival: 19:35 in Treviso.
Booking and Payment Instructions:
Secure your child’s place by visiting H-IS Trips, selecting “DP1 BRUSSELS”, and completing the deposit payment of €600 by January 10, 2025. The remaining balance is due by February 15, 2025, after finalizing all trip details.
By confirming your child’s participation in the educational trip, you are also committing to pay the full cost of the trip.
If your child will not be participating, please use the enrollment platform to formally decline their participation.