Belgium
Proven Belgium, Brussels, Bruges & Antwerp Destination Management Company: DMC and Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
 |
OVATION BRUSSELS(EVENTIA / ISES / ICCA / MPI / SITE / IAPCO) |
 |
|
|
COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
Ovation Brussels is part of the Ovation Global DMC network; the world's first and only professional organisation offering consistent and seamless world class destination management services at over 20 locations around the world. The thought-leader in destination management, Ovation Brussels draws on the experience of an expert team operating high end incentive and corporate meeting programmes in the Benelux region for more than 30 years. For further details on Belgium please use the below link.
Belgium Destination Management Presentation
Destination
Belgium - a Country of Contrasts
From the medieval charm of Bruges and Ghent to the castle-studded countryside of the forested Ardennes, visitors to Belgium experience not only the country, but perhaps the best of what is considered 'European' as well. The two distinct and contrasting cultures - Flemish and French ( Wallonia ) - provide a variety of architecture, cuisine and culture for the visitor.
Brussels is also the capital of the European Union and NATO. A cultural and linguistic meltingpot, rarely seen in the whole world.
Already in 57 BC, Julius Caesar wrote “Horum omnium, fortissimo sunt Belgae…” – among them all (referring to the people of Gaul ), the most courageous are the Belgians. For the last two millenniums, this small country in the heart of Europe, with 11.000.000 inhabitants has witnessed the passage of foreign troops: Spanish, Bourguignon, French, Austrians, Dutch, Germans… until they had enough of being a perpetual battle ground, where kings and emperors practiced their warring skills, and declared independence in 1830. The country experienced economic, scientific and social development at dizzying speed. Business leaders such as Empain, Nagelmackers, Franki, Ernest Solvay, Adolphe Sax and Zénobe Gramme, led by Leopold II, second king of the Belgians and of the Congo made Belgium grow to the 5th largest economy in the late 19th century.
Since the middle ages, this country full of dynamic individuals has been known for its sense of luxury craftsmanship, trade and construction. In addition to the ‘joie de vivre’, the Belgians have a great tradition of pictorial art: Van Eyck, Memling, Breughel, and Rubens just to name a few.
The Belgian Cuisine is legendary. There are over 800 different beers. And don’t leave the country without buying some of the best chocolates in the world!
Brussels in particular is known for several mainstream art movements: the Surrealists (Magritte, Delvaux, Ensor,.. to more recent artists such as Folon, or COBRA Icon Alechinsky. More popular is the art of Comic Strips: Hergé’s Tintin, Fanquin, Jijé, Tibet, Peyo, Vandersteen, Morris, Will, Roba, Sleen … a feast for the eye which can also be discovered during a stroll in Brussels whilst discovering painted façades with Tintin, Smurfs, Lucky Luke, Marsupilami, Gaston or Natacha.
Song and music in Brussels are very much related to the franch culture with icons such as Maurane, Adamo, Axelle Red, Arno, Helmut Lotti, Lara Fabian and so many more.
The Belgians elected Eddy Merckx as the greatest Belgian ever but there are other well known sports figures such as Jacky Ickx, Stefan Everts, Kim Klijsters and Justine Hénin-Dardenne that call Belgium home!
Example Programmes
Day 1 - Brussels
Meet & greet on arrival at Airport or Eurostar Terminal. Guided city tour by deluxe coach ending at the Grand Place. Pub lunch in a 17th century tavern overlooking this beautiful Square.
Check-in at your hotel and relax.
Start the evening with an exciting and original diamond cocktail party. "A Sparkling Event"
Welcome dinner at the hotel or restaurant of your choice.
Day 2 - Medieval Bruges
Buffet breakfast before departing by deluxe coach to Bruges one of Europe 's most beautiful cities for a full day excursion.
Guided walking tour in the old town complemented by a horse drawn carriage or canal cruiser followed by lunch at the restaurant Maximiliaan Van Oostenrijk.
Free time for shopping, or visiting the Memling museum or hunting for antiques.
Late afternoon return to Brussels.
European Night dinner party in the hotel of your choice. Decorated Market Stalls each featuring traditional dishes or drinks from all member counties of the European Union. Entertainment provided by a dance quartet who continue the European theme.
Day 3 - Waterloo
Buffet breakfast and morning sightseeing to Waterloo, followed by transfer to the Airport or Eurostar Terminal.
VISIT BELGIUM FOR A WEEKEND
Friday
Arrival at Brussels National Airport, or arrival at Brussels south station by HST, Thlays or the Eurostar, where you will have a warm welcome by one of our hosts or hostesses. They will guide you to one of the limousines or luxury coaches. After approximately 30 minutes you will arrive at the Be Manos Hotel, a 5-star metropolitan hotel. Upon arrival you will have some time to refresh, but soon after that you will be heading off to one of the great restaurants in Brussels - Museum Brasserie a well hidden and amazing restaurant.
In a sumptuous interior overlooking the Place Royale, refurnished by the architectural genius of Antoine Pinto, a feast of famous Belgian recipes awaits you, created by the three-star chef, Peter Goossens. The authenticity of produce and the manner in which it is prepared to maximize flavours are the guiding principles of the establishment. As well as a “Tartar Bar” where the freshest ingredients are prepared before your eyes, numerous Belgian specialties feature on the menu.
You will be picked up by your driver and brought back to your hotel, to eitehr rest or discover the trendy bars in the immediate vicinity. But you should keep in mind that the next day you will have an exciting program waiting for you, so enjoy the Belgian nightlife, but not too much!
Saturday
After a good night's sleep, the Be Manos hotel has a lavish breakfast waiting for you. Shortly after, you will be picked up from the hotel to go to Waterloo, which is just south of Brussels.
Discover the Waterloo Battlefield. See the battlefield exactly asit was on June the 18th of 1815, when Wellington faced Napoleon for an ultimate battle that changed Europe's face forever. Visit the Lion Hamlet and experience the new animation: a Battlefield Tour. A historical introduction using the 1815 maps from the Visitors Centre, a battlefield by foot or by truck, and walk up to the top of the Lion Mount, visit to the Panorama, visit to Hougoumont Farm and Napoleon’s last headquarters.
When this visit will be over you will have half an hour to have a coffee or refreshment in one of the local pubs and then you will return to Brussels to have some traditional Belgian food on the famous Grand’Place. Named after Brussels’ premier tourist attraction, the Manneken café is also a major stop for travellers. Set near the Grand Place, the Manneken offers a warm and typical Brussels welcome, with cranberry coloured walls, glazed tiles, crackling open fireplace, scrubbed wooden floors and tables, charmingly mismatched chairs, chandeliers, and a cosy mezzanine level. The menu features dishes like a starter of pan-fried prawns in garlic butter, main course of grilled beef entrecote with aubergine tomato, and crème brulee or classic Brussels dishes like mussels, waterzooi with chicken, and waffles will be on the menu too!
Since you are so close to the Grand Place, there will be some free time to browse. You will have about two hours to yourself to visit different kinds of shops and enjoy the beautiful and historical features of Brussels. You will not be left alone for the entire time, as our guides will meet again to go for a beer tour. Nowhere else will you find more beers than in Belgium; with over 450 different varieties, each one of them with personalized beer glasses, in which their beer only may be served. The shape of each glass is made to enhance the flavour of the beer it is designed for. This strict beer separatism may seem like behaviour usually reserved for wine snobbery, but Belgians do take their beer seriously - and with good reason. Belgium has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for its specialty beers since the middle Ages. Connoisseurs flavour Belgian beers for their variety, real flavour and character.
Our guide will take you for a guided walk around the Grand Place, relaying anecdotes to you and of course stop at 3 typical estaminets (small cafés where beer and food are served) around the Grand Place. You will taste a few beers accompanied with Belgian cheese. The perfect way to work up an appetite and learn the history of this all important drink!
After a day full of activities and a little free time, you can either come back to the hotel or go shopping or sample the local delicacies, such as beers, waffles, chocolate. You will be picked up from the hotel for a late dinner. By coach you will go to Belgaqueen - Antoine Pinto's desire to create get-a-way spaces, which offer a gastronomic trip throughout Belgium and this is the foundation of the Belgaqueen Brasserie adventure. At Belgaqueen the Belgian cuisine is adapted to today's taste, lightened and given a very national touch through the addition of beer to numerous dishes. Original, high-quality products are chosen with care from Belgian artisans who still have respect for the soil. The wines come from Belgian producers and the Ponti coffee is from a selection of 'pure Arabica' coffee beans from various continents and roasted locally. After your dinner you willbe able to stay on and go to the bar in the volt or take the coach back to the hotel.
Sunday
For most of us, Sunday mornings are lazy moments, and probably after the exhausting Saturday that may be what you may need to do. Not for long though, because Sunday’s in Brussels are known for visiting the antiques market, and having coffee and pastries. After antique shopping and enjoying all the Belgian sweets, we will stroll back to the hotel to pick up the suitcases, where someone will be waiting for you, to head back to the airport. Unfortunately the weekend is over and we need to say goodbye to Belgium.
VISIT BELGIUM FOR 5 DAYS
Day 1
Arrival at Brussels National Airport, or arrival at Brussels south station by HST, Thlays or the Eurostar, where you will have a warm welcome by one of our hosts or hostesses. They will guide you to one of the awaiting limousines or luxury coaches.
After approximately 30 minutes you will arrive at the brand new “Dominican Hotel”, which is a haven of elegance in the centre of Brussels. Located behind the opera theatre - La Monnaie, off the Grand Place, this Brussels design hotel offers 150 stylish non-smoking rooms, a private courtyard and bustling Grand Lounge, which ensure indulgent hospitality. High ceilings and cloisters incorporated into the design of the hotel are reminiscent of the Dominican Abbey located here in the 15th century. The award winning architects have created an eclectic mix of design in both the interior and exterior – resulting in an array of new styles and experiences. The health and fitness facilities help to relax within the peaceful environment of The Dominican.
After your check-in, you will have some time to get ready for our special beer tour. Nowhere else will you find more beers than in Belgium; with over 450 different varieties, each one of them with personalized beer glasses, in which their beer only may be served. The shape of each glass is made to enhance the flavour of the beer it is designed for. This strict beer separatism may seem like behaviour usually reserved for wine snobbery, but Belgians do take their beer seriously - and with good reason. Belgium has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for its specialty beers since the middle Ages. Connoisseurs flavour Belgian beers for their variety, real flavour and character.
Our guide will take you for a guided walk around the Grand Place, relaying anecdotes to you and of course stop at 3 typical estaminets (small cafés where beer and food are served) around the Grand Place. You will taste a few beers accompanied with Belgian cheese. The perfect way to work up an appetite and learn the history of this all important drink!
After this you will be brought back to the hotel for a small time to get some rest. Time to get a dressed, (smart casual) and you will be brought to Tasso at Tour & Taxi. Tasso is located in the impressive and magnificent Entrepot Royal on the Tour & Taxis site. The interior is a combination of classic elegance with a touch of ‘nouveau chic”. The ambiance is intimate, luxurious and mysterious. In summer there is a wonderful terrace in front of the Entrepot Royal, where one can relax, away from the bustling busyness of the nearby town centre and where the chef only uses fresh produce of top quality.
There is also a sushi and sashimi for those who prefer the cuisine of the east. The wine menu boasts a combination of French and World wines.
All dishes on the menu card will have Brussels Top Chef Jean Pierre Bruneau’s personal quality seal of approval and he has also taken responsibility for creating an exceptional wine cellar. The prime location, the designer and the top chef.
After your dinner you will be brought back to the hotel where you will have the choice to discover some pubs around the hotel or the bar in the hotel. Keep in mind that the next day an exciting program awaits.
Day 2
After your breakfast there will be a luxury coach waiting for you in front of the hotel. This coach will bring you to the brilliant little stone, which every young woman is supposed to dream about - a daily reality in Antwerp. The age old flirtation between man and diamond is often sung about, but nowhere more faithfully than in Antwerp.
During this guided walk you will relive the heyday, the near extinction and finally the revival of Antwerp's diamond industry in the 19th century and you will pass by “Rubenhuis”. Strolling along the main shopping streets towards Central Station, you suddenly find yourself in the heart of the diamond district. A colourful mix of different nationalities threads its way through the streets, busily negotiating the next transaction as they go.
The walk culminates in a visit to the interactive diamond museum. Look, listen and feel almost all the senses that are stirred in this introduction to diamonds. The guide steers you through the story of diamonds in which man plays a pivotal role: the sites where diamonds are found and mined, diamond processing and the many applications of diamond. Finally, in the treasure-houses you can marvel at unique diamond creations from the contemporary and historic to the diamond jewels.
We will not leave the diamonds for long, as we will bring you to another “diamond” - the restaurant Zuiderterras. Either a long walk can be arranged or a transfer by coach. This restaurant lies like a moored ship along the Schelde River, near to the cruise terminal. The building is a project of Flemish master-builder Bob van Reeth. Transparency and outlook are the central points in this unique architecture, so that an idyllic panorama is guaranteed! You are at the perfect place for a sumptuous lunch; The venue provides contemporary cooking with contrasts for the eye as well as the mouth. The emphasis lies on honest and fresh products, fine quality and service. Al fresco dining is possible during the summer months, weather permitting.
After lunch it is time to carry on with the visit of Belgium, as the coach is waiting for the final destination of the day - the historic city of Ghent. However, even if it is the final destination of the day there will be many exciting things happening upon arrival. You will be brought to the Marriot Hotel in Ghent; this five-storey hotel retains the original façade of a 16th century Ghent merchant's house. In striking contrast, the interior boasts a futuristic lobby with soaring, curved glass walls. The Poppi Bar and Lounge is located in the glass-walled atrium lobby. Business services and meeting and conference facilities are available. The 150 guestrooms have light, contemporary decor and stylish modern furnishings, including desks.
You will first check-in and then you will have some time to refresh before embarking on an but action-packed itinerary. How about a pedestrian town rally “Ghent Upside Town”? A stimulating tour on foot through historic Ghent. The tour takes the group on a diverting walk past the most important sights of the city. Those taking part get to know the rich history of the magnificent Old Town of Ghent in an entertaining way. (An ideal formula for incentives, teambuilding and tourist leisure programs.)
After all the running around you will have some time to relax, having a drink with the colleague who you did not know before the program or checking your emails if need be. Getting ready for an exciting dinner, at Belga Queen - this certainly needs no further introduction. This latest concept by Antoine Pinto, internationally renowned for his highly individual restaurant style, has rapidly become a reference point in new Belgian gastronomy. The top quality products used in the preparation of the dishes are, wherever possible, grown from Belgian soil and all of the wines on the list originate from Belgian winegrowers around the world. Furthermore, the restaurant serves a large range of high quality Belgian beers. Belga Queen Ghent, housed in a former grain storehouse known locally as the ‘Spijker’, overlooks the canal and bridges of the historical Graslei.
This day now comes to an end, and you will be brought back to the hotel, to either retire to your room or have a digestive in the impressive lounge bar of the hotel.
Alternatively, you can stay a second night in Brussels, should you wish to do so.
Day 3
The world heritage city of Bruges awaits! After your breakfast the coach will take you to Bruges to spend two nights in this lovely town.
Upon arrival you will walk from the ramparts into the heart of this ancient city and get a real feel for Bruges. Optional is the horse tram - a means of transportation very common in Bruges, which provides a roof above the head in case of rain. The walk or ride will take you to the market place and the Belfry Tower; you can enter and climb to the top (only 366 steps!) to discover the treasury, the impressive clock mechanism, the 47-bell carillon and finally a breathtaking view over the city. The private concert “Carillon” will take place at the “binnenkoer”, which is incredible to listen to. While enjoying this exclusive musical intermezzo, guests will enjoy a glass of Cremant.
From there, it is just a short walk to the typical canal boats. The boat ride will take about half an hour, going through the canals and passing numerous historical bridges. Your guests will try some real Jenever. (Also known as genever or jeniever, this is the juniper-flavoured and strongly alcoholic traditional liquor of the Netherlands and Flanders, from which gin has evolved.)
The boat will drop you off at the Saint Anna Canal, and after a short stroll you will arrive at the Old Crossbow Guild of Saint George. Here, a demonstration will be given. This venue is usually not open to the public; the crossbow archers of St. George preserve valuable archives as well as a unique collection of crossbows. At this place you will have your lunch. Rest assured, you will not have to hunt for it, but if you would like to give crossbow shooting a go, be our guest! Now we will take you to a place close to the Grand Place, the Relays "Oud Huis Amsterdam" mirrors its grand classical frontage in the peaceful waters of its canal. This truly historic house nowadays provides the most demanding guest with the utmost comfort, a peaceful setting and exceptional service. The meeting rooms, overlooking the garden or the canal, are situated in the 13th century building. The rooms and suites each have a unique character and view. They are all decorated with antique paintings and furniture. Dinner will be served at the 'Restaurant de Zilveren Pauw’ - The Restaurant of Patrick Devos. This is a gastronomic restaurant in a suberb historical building, in the centre of the town of Bruges. The elegant Art-Nouveau interior decor puts you in the mood to really enjoy the rich, inventive and colourful culinary preparations of the highest quality, signed Patrick and combined with the international wine list.
Afterwards you will have a free evening, to discover Bruges at your own pace. Bruges is full of great bars and the tour guide will be able to inform you about these.
Day 4
After a delightful breakfast, you will be picked up to experience an exciting day. The land between Bruges and the Dutch border offers some of the loveliest countrysides of Belgium. You will be briefed on the program and divided into teams of 4. Get ready for the rally of your life, by MINI, on a smuggler adventure! Go back in time to the sixties, when the smuggling of Jenever occured! Smugglers would cross the border, without any lights, trying to get as much contraband to the other side as possible. The circumstances will be a bit more pleasant nowadays, however a diligent border official and police officer will make your attempts challenging. Competing in a shrimp peeling competition, and other original Flemish Folk Games. You will have lunch in between, but not for too long, as you will need to go on to win the trophy. The trip ends in “de Hoeve De Stamper in Damme”, where the prizes will be awarded in combination with a BBQ dinner. A really fun activity, in the theme of the Car Industry while discovering the stunning West Flanders region!
Day 5
The last and the final day in Belgium, we visit Bruges - a city with two town squares. The largest one is the Market, the commercial heart of medieval Bruges. The second square is called the 'Burg'. Here is the heart of the administrative Bruges. The Market is the central location of the Market square indicating, that this was the medieval heart of the city. Right in the middle of the square the statue of ‘Jan Breydel’ and Pieter de Coninck can be seen. The other sides of the market are occupied by restaurants and shops located in former private houses as well as in guild houses.
But you are not staying here to long because you are still going to visit one of the local artists, called “Brody Neuenschwander”. He is a calligrapher and text artist whose work explores the boundaries between text and image. In many of his collages and large painted works image and text merge into one another, suggesting that the two may be read according to the same set of rules. Other works contradict this very idea, suggesting that there may be no way of reconciling these two fundamental ways of reading the world
After the visit of the market you will go to Restaurant Den Dyverl; it appears as if this restaurant is a decades, if not centuries old Bruges institution, however, the restaurant actually opened in 1992 and since then has established itself as one of the favoured and most respected restaurants in the city. The food is excellent, inventive and with wonderful mixtures of flavours, very well cooked and marvellously presented. Inside the restaurant it has a large country cottage feel to it, with its wood-beamed ceiling, brick and plaster walls and wooden furniture, however, the crisp white tablecloths, lovely ironwork chandeliers and large fireplace give it more of a country manor house look. Last but not as least you will be brought to a chocolate maker, where you will be taught about the history of the Belgium chocolate and will be able to taste different kinds of chocolate. This will bring you to the end of your stay.
Unfortunately the country with many surprises, great hospitality in the hotels, restaurants and tours must say goodbye. You will be brought back to the airport or station where we will say for the last time goodbye, and hope, that you had a great time in Belgium.
Suggested Sightseeing
Brussels City Tour
Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral of St. Michel, the Royal Palace, Palais des Nations, the E.U. Headquarters and the amazing Atomium, then on to the world famous Grand Place and the Manneken Pis!
Waterloo/Gaasbeek
A half-day tour to the famed battlefields of Waterloo. Visit the panorama museum, which vividly displays scenes from the battle. Then on to the beautiful Castle of Gaasbeek.
Brussels - City of Art Nouveau
Accompanied by an art expert visits are made to "Horta House" - former home of Victor Horta, originator of Art Nouveau, to relive the thinking which went towards marrying architecture and art into one. Then to the David and Alice Van Buuren Museum, with the most spectacular example of Art Deco in Belgium.
Ghent/Bruges - The Medieval Cities
Historic Gent, rich in art and history followed by the Venice of the North, the city of Bruges. A delightful little city full of the most wonderful architecture and criss-crossed by romantic canals.
Antwerp - City Art & Diamonds
City of Peter Paul Rubens, Diamond Capital of the World, one of Europe ’s largest Ports. All contribute to making Antwerp one of Belgium ’s most fascinating cities.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
Diamond Cocktail
Unique cocktail venue in one of Belgium 's most popular cities - ANTWERP . Antwerp has long been one of Belgium 's most popular Incentive and Meeting destinations. Ovation Brussels has added a new, yet very old venue combining the city's tradition of Art & Diamonds - Rubens' House and Studios. Today your clients can enjoy an exclusive cocktail reception in the original Workshop where one of the world's greatest artists created his masterpieces! To add even more sparkle we can organize a 'diamond cocktail'. Just imagine the excitement as you guests eagerly seek the real diamond locked in an ice cube in one of the cocktails.
Brussels 1900 Dinner Party
A buffet dinner with costumed waiters. Groups of traditional craftsmen help create the atmosphere of yesteryear for your guests. Belle-époque music, buffet, dinner and dancing.
Nights of Royal Splendour
Exclusive use of the Chateau de Beloeil - one of the great Châteaux of Belgium and residence of the Prince de Ligne. Waiters in court livery, outstanding cuisine, dinner served in the exquisitely decorated Grand Salon. 50 - 120 persons.
Roaring Twenties Night
Stand by for the FBI raid on "Big Al’s" place. Set in the Brussels Cartoon Museum , a night of immense fun awaits your clients. Drinks served from Tea Pots, buffet dinner, wanted posters, jazz music. Minimum 100 - max 300.
Rent your own Train
You can now rent for your own private train either modern train or for something really special a VINTAGE train with Diesel engine and wagons dating back to the 1940's. complete with train staff dressed in period outfits. Catering on board of the trains is possible. With the Antique Train the maximum number of wagons available is 7 that will comfortably take up to 400 persons. With the modern trains we can go up to higher number of participants. The private train can have a personalised name given by your client or yourself and will be announced and sign posted in each station where the train will stop.
A Few Extra Touches
Trumpeteers - Hunter-costumed musicians playing hunting horns or medieval dressed soldiers.
Flag Throwers - Medieval folklore's with huge banners performing exercises of skill, rhythm, and co-ordination.
Show Time - Shows à la carte. Creative productions with international themes.
Convention Centres
Palais Des Congres (Central Brussels)
36.076 sq. ft / 16 meeting rooms - 15 to 250 persons
Auditorium: Capacity 1200 persons
(re opening in Fall of 2008 after complete renovation)
Brussels International Conference Centre
341.883 sq. ft / 12 meeting rooms: 20 to 250 persons
2 Auditoriums: Capacity 500 & 2500 persons.
14 Exhibition halls: 10,000 to 140,000 sq.ft.
Welcome Gifts
- Lace Handkerchiefs
- Richly illustrated book of Brussels, Bruges or Belgium
- Crystal zodiacs
- Framed old etched engravings
- Basket of Belgian cheese
- Beer mug with client's logo
- Wood carving
- Crystal desk paper weight
- Old engraved maps of Belgium basket of Belgian food specialities
- Bottles of artisan Belgian beer
- Video of Brussels or Bruges
Specialist Groups
- Will research into any specialist Group.