St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral (Cathedrale St-Michel et Ste-Gudule) - This Gothic church, dedicated to the patron saints of Brussels, St. Michael and St. Gudula, was founded in 1225 and completed in the 15th century. Its impressive facade, designed by Jan van Ruysbroeck, features twin 69-meter-high towers and rises majestically above a broad flight of steps. The beautifully proportioned interior (108 meters by 50 meters) is lavishly furnished and houses some outstanding stained glass windows by Bernard van Orley. In the transepts, you can see the finest examples depicting Charles V and Isabella of Portugal (south transept) and the Hungarian royal pair Louis II and Mary (north transept). The Chapel of the Holy Sacrament, to the left of the choir, features a window illustrating the story of the Miracle of the Host.

Grand Place - In the afternoon, we explore the city on foot, starting from the fish market, passing through Halles Saint-Géry, and reaching the most beautiful market square in Europe, the “Grand Place.” We conclude with a Brussels specialty: Geueze beer, a beer of spontaneous fermentation brewed only in the Brussels region, with 60% of the production exported to the USA, Canada, Japan, and other countries. Your driver/guide will stick to still water and ensure your safe return to the cruise port.

Manneken Pis - Located along the Rue de l’Etuve, the Manneken Pis is Brussels’ most famous landmark, often surrounded by tourists. Although its origins are unclear, the figure of a little boy urinating dates back to at least 1388 and is known as “the oldest citizen of Brussels.” The statue, created in 1619 by Jérôme Duquesnoy the Elder, has been stolen several times but always recovered. During major celebrations and festivals in Brussels, the statue is often dressed in costume.

Atomium - We will stop at the Atomium, a monument considered the symbol of Brussels and Belgium, where you can take some photos.

Place Royale - A popular spot for photos, the most important building on this square is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal), the official residence of the Belgian royal family. The Belgian flag on the roof indicates the sovereign’s presence, and a ceremonial Changing of the Guard occurs daily at around 2:30 pm. The square is surrounded by cultural buildings with Neoclassical facades, including the Palais des Académies, home of the Royal Academy of Sciences, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts (Paleis voor Schone Kunste), designed by Victor Horta in the 1920s.

Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon - This 15th- to 16th-century church, also known as Onze Lieve Vrouw op de Zavel, is considered one of Belgium’s loveliest Late Gothic churches. It was built to replace a small chapel erected by the Crossbowmen’s Guild in 1304. The interior is breathtaking, particularly the marvelous stained glass. The burial chapel of the Thurn und Taxis family, partly the work of Luc Fayd’herbe, is also of interest. The sacrarium houses a figure of the Virgin, a copy of a Madonna brought to the chapel in 1348 by Baet Soetens, a woman from Antwerp to whom the Virgin had appeared.

Parc du Cinquantenaire - Established in 1880 to commemorate Belgium’s 50th anniversary, the park’s centerpiece is the monumental Palais du Cinquantenaire. The two wings, linked by a massive triumphal arch designed by Charles Girault in 1905, house two of Brussels’ most interesting museums: the Royal Art and History Museum, with one of the world’s most extensive tapestry collections, and the Belgian Army Museum and Museum of Military History, which provides an overview of military technology and major campaigns fought on Belgian soil.

National Basilica of the Sacred Heart - Dominating the Koekelberg district, the massive Basilique Nationale du Sacré Coeur (Nationale Basiliek van het Heilig Hart) is the fifth largest church in the world. Conceived by Leopold II and begun in 1905 to mark Belgium’s 75th anniversary, it was completed in 1970. The building displays a mixture of styles but is impressive due to its sheer size (141 meters by 107 meters). Inside, there is an excellent art collection and an ongoing exhibition on the basilica’s history. Above the altar hangs a picture of Christ giving his blessing by Georges Minne.

Council of the European Union - In the European Quarter, you can brush up on your EU knowledge at the Parliamentarian or admire the shiny glass buildings and modern highrises housing the EU institutions. We love surprises, so you’ll get to experience a whole neighborhood you might not have known existed.