Raymond

Cruising through Belgium between Halle and Ghent

Deborah cruising

Cruise through Belgium. Travel along the country's canals while indulging in art, heritage, and flavors.

GHENT - OUDENAARDE - PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING - MONS - STREPY-THIEU - HALLE - Brussels

GMH / HMG

Belgium has a dense network of waterways crossing Flanders and Wallonia from east to west and north to south. Join us for a gentle cruise focusing on the good things in life. With the abundance of cultural riches concentrated on the canal banks, you'll discover the characteristic cities, exciting sites, and unique flavors only Belgium can offer. Indulge in local specialties such as chocolate, beer, wine, and other delicacies. Discover Ghent, Bruges, Oudenaarde, Mons, and Brussels. Enjoy a visit to the Château de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—and the award-winning Chant d’Éole vineyard and wine cellar.

raymond flanders cruising map

GHENT to BRUSSELS

DAY 1: GHENT

Possibility of transfer between Brussels and Ghent (about a one-hour ride). Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail

DAY 2: GHENT - OUDENAARDE

This morning, join us for a guided tour of Bruges and a brewery. We'll head to Bruges (about a 60 to 75-minute coach ride leaving Ghent). Its works of art, tranquil ambiance, romantic aura, and stunning architecture make it one of the top places to visit during any European vacation. The city has meticulously preserved the elegance and class it exuded during its golden age as a maritime trade center. We'll then visit a brewery for a taste of ale. This brewery was founded in 1856. Six generations later, it is a dynamic brewery still attached to its origins and the authentic Brugse Zot. We’ll return to the ship in Ghent. During our afternoon, we'll glide along the Scheldt from Ghent to Oudenaarde, surrounded by the magnificent scenery of several natural parks. We'll arrive in Oudenaarde in the early evening. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 3: OUDENAARDE - PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING

This morning, join us for a guided tour of Oudenaarde and a distillery. Oudenaarde is a picturesque city full of historic monuments, with the most notable being the town hall and its two main churches. Other memorable sites include the lovely beguinage, the house where Margaret of Parma was born, the Boudewijnstoren, and the 18th-century meat market. Everything is testimony to a rich and lively past. The city has more than 100 historic monuments. Set off on an urban hike taking you to the loveliest areas and tourist sites. Enjoy some free time on your own to see what the city has to offer. We’ll then head over to a distillery. This will be the time to learn about how jenever, gin, and whiskey are distilled. Of course, we'll have a taste! After we return on board, our ship will continue cruising to Péronnes-lez-Antoing. Take advantage of some downtime to relax on the Sun Deck and watch the scenery roll by. We'll cross through the city of Tournai before arriving in Péronnes-lez-Antoing in the early evening. If you'd like, you can work off dinner during an evening stroll. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 4: PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING - MONS

We'll spend the morning cruising on the Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes Canal, a strategic waterway in the center of Belgium. The canal opened in October 1955 and enabled a liaison between the Canal du Centre and the Scheldt River. We'll arrive in Mons at the beginning of the afternoon. Set off on a visit to the Château de Beloeil and the Chant d’Éole vineyard. We'll head over to the Château de Beloeil—nicknamed the Belgian Versailles—which contains a valuable collection of 15th- to 19th-century art, including a library with more than 20,000 books and precious manuscripts. The furniture is a sampling of some of the top work of French cabinet makers in the 17th and 18th centuries. The paintings depict the grand achievements of most of the castle's family members. We'll continue on to the Chant d’Éole estate. The vineyard came to be when a family of Belgian farmers joined forces with a family of eminent sparkling-wine makers. They use the best modern techniques to guarantee a sparkling wine that adheres to Belgian tradition. We'll take a guided tour recounting the vineyard's history. Our enthusiastic guides will explain the different stages of production— from planting to bottling, and everything in between. We'll finish up the tour will a tasting of three signature spirits—the Brut Blanc de Blancs, the Rosé Brut, and the Elixir Saint-Georges. We'll return to Mons. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 5: MONS - STREPY-THIEU

Join us for a food tour in Mons this morning. Few cities can boast about their heritage like Mons can. This is a vibrant, modern city with a deep, historic past. The Grand-Place offers a myriad of places to lose yourself in. Our guide will take us to the center of Mons to learn about the city's history and edible delights. This stroll is a combination of history, culture, and anecdotes accented by a tasting of four local specialties. Indulging in the local cuisine makes this tour an unforgettable experience.

We'll return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, we'll cruise on Canal du Centre to Strapy-Thieu. We'll remain in port overnight.

DAY 6: STREPY-THIEU - HALLE

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as our barge takes a boat lift. Using two independent caissons, the lift allows a crossing in less than 35 minutes with a 240-foot height difference (75 m) and single-handedly replaced four former boat lifts and two locks. We'll continue our trip on the Brussels-Charleroi Canal to Halles. The next adventure is the monumental Ronquières Inclined Plane, built between 1960 and 1968. Construction of the plane reduced delays caused by the 14 previous locks. We'll continue cruising to Halle. In the afternoon, we'll take a coach to Brussels for a guided tour of the city and a Belgian chocolate maker's workshop. We'll set off for the Belgian capital. In the city center, we'll see the Grand-Place with its glorious city hall and lavish guildhalls. With its richly decorated facade and impressive tower, the City Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Further along, we'll see the iconic Manneken Pis and the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. After, we'll visit a Belgian chocolate maker in the heart of Brussels. Discover the origins of our favorite indulgence, from its Mayan roots to the modern creations of master chocolate makers, as you watch a demonstration of the meticulous and precise work through windows that peer into the small factory. We will return on board the ship in Halle. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

DAY 7: HALLE - Brussels

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of transfer from Halle to Brussels.

BRUSSELS to GHENT

DAY 1: BRUSSELS - HALLE

Transfers between Brussels and Halle are available (allow 1 hour each way).
Boarding at 6 p.m. Crew introductions and welcome cocktail.

DAY 2: HALLE - STREPY-THIEU

In the morning, depart by coach for a guided tour of Brussels and a Belgian artisanal chocolate factory . Drive to the Belgian capital. In the heart of the city, admire the grandeur of Brussels' Grand Place with its glorious town hall and numerous guild houses. With its richly decorated façade and impressive tower, Brussels Town Hall is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country. Further on, you can admire Manneken Pis, the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, etc. Then, visit a Belgian artisanal chocolate factory in the heart of Brussels. From its origins since the Mayans to current production under the supervision of Master Chocolatiers, come and watch a demonstration while observing this meticulous and precise work through the windows of the living workshop. Return on board in Halle.

Afternoon cruising on the Canal du Centre towards Strepy-Thieu.

DAY 3: STREPY-THIEU - MONS

Morning cruise. You will cross the Ronquières inclined plane, a monumental structure built between 1960 and 1968. Its construction was part of the general canal modernization plan. Then, you will pass the boat lift with the barge. Thanks to its two independent ferries, the lift allows you to cross in less than 35 minutes, all maneuvers combined, a difference in height of 73 m between the Scheldt basin and a watershed towards the Meuse basin, which also includes a section of the Brussels-Charleroi Canal. The cruise continues to Mons.

Departure for the visit of the Château Beloeil and the Chant d'Éole estate . Route to the Château Beloeil, nicknamed the "Belgian Versailles", it contains a rich collection of art objects from the 15th to the 19th century including the Beloeil library which houses more than 20,000 works and precious manuscripts. The furniture is a sample of the works of the best French cabinetmakers of the 17th and 18th centuries. The paintings represent most of the members of the family who occupied the place and retrace the highlights of their existence. Continue to the Chant d'Éole estate. Born from a meeting between a Champagne winemaker and a family of Belgian farmers, the wine estate is inspired by the best techniques developed to date to guarantee the production of sparkling wines faithful to the Belgian terroir. A guided tour will take you to the heart of the history of the vineyard. Passionate guides will explain the different stages of nectar-making, from planting to bottling, including grape variety selection, vine maintenance, and winemaking. A tasting of Brut Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé, and Elixir Saint Georges will conclude the tour. Return to Mons.

DAY 4: MONS - PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING

A gourmet stroll in Mons . Few cities can boast such a rich heritage. Modernity has had no impact on its urban planning, which reveals history like an open book. From the Grand-Place, there are many opportunities for escape. Accompanied by our guide, head to the heart of Mons to discover the city's history and its regional dishes. A blend of history, culture, and anecdotes, enhanced by four tastings of local specialties. Gastronomy combined with culture makes this culinary stroll an unforgettable experience.

Afternoon cruise on the Nimy-Blaton Canal, a strategic waterway in the heart of Belgium towards Péronnes-lez-Antoing. It was built in October 1955 and connects the Canal du Centre with the Escaut River. Arrival at the end of the day in Péronnes-lez-Antoing.

DAY 5: PERONNES-LEZ-ANTOING - OUDENAARDE

Morning cruise to Oudenaarde. Take the opportunity to relax on the sun deck and enjoy the surrounding scenery. We'll pass through the city of Tournai before arriving in Oudenaarde in the early afternoon.

Guided tour of Oudenaarde and a distillery . The Scaldean city is full of historical monuments, the highlights of which are undoubtedly the town hall, the Church of Our Lady of Pamela, and the Church of St. Walburga. You will also appreciate smaller buildings such as the picturesque beguinage, the majestic house of Margaret of Parma, the Baldwin Tower, and the 18th-century meat market. All bear witness to a rich and eventful past. The city has more than 100 listed monuments. The urban walk "Oudenaarde through the centuries" takes you to surprising hidden corners and monuments. Free time to enjoy this small city. Then, head to the distillery. This will be an opportunity to discover the artisanal distillation process of genever, gin, and whisky, followed by a tasting. Return on board. Overnight stopover.

DAY 6: OUDENAARDE - GHENT

In the morning, guided tour of Ghent. Departure by coach to Ghent. You will discover the historic center of Ghent, the birthplace of Charles V and former capital of the County of Flanders. You will admire its rich medieval heritage, including Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Gothic belfry, the Cloth Hall, as well as the Herb and Corn Quays, up to the Castle of the Counts (exterior view). Free time will allow you to enjoy the city, followed by a stop at a local brewery where you will taste a gruut beer and learn about Ghent's brewing history.
Return on board in Gavere-Asper (or surroundings) for lunch.
In the afternoon, guided tour of Bruges and a brewery . Drive to Bruges (allow 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes per coach journey from Ghent). Its artistic collections, its gentle way of life, its romantic aura, and its architectural appeal are some of the assets of the Little Venice of the North, a jewel of Flanders and an essential stop in Northern Europe. A wealthy maritime city in the 14th century, the city retains from this period a rich and masterful architecture with discreet and elegant finishes. Then, visit a brewery and tasting. The history of this brewery began in 1856. After many years and six generations of family, it is today a dynamic brewery faithful to its origins, with authentic Bruges beers. Return to the boat in Ghent.
Gala evening.

DAY 7: GHENT - Brussels

Enjoy breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of transfer from Ghent to Brussels.

2026 RATES

DATES	SHIP	ITINERARY	PER PERSON RATE DOUBLE	SINGLE RATE

Apr 8, 22; Jun 3, 17; Jul 1, 15, 29; Aug 12, 26; Oct 21	Raymond	Halle to Ghent	$3538	$5140
Apr 1, 15, 29; May 13; Jun 24; Jul 8, 22; Aug 5	Raymond	Ghent to Halle	$3538	$5140

2027 RATES

DATES	SHIP	ITINERARY	PER PERSON RATE DOUBLE	SINGLE RATE

Apr 7, 21; May 5; Jun 30; Aug 11	Raymond	Halle to Ghent	$3538	$5140
Mar 31; Apr 28; May 12; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29; Oct 13	Raymond	Ghent to Halle	$3538	$5140

Rate includes: 6 night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, drinks from the bar and excursions. Bicycles available for cycling.

22 passenger Raymond

Cruises in Belgium

The MS Raymonde is a beautiful Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22
passengers, in 11 cabins spread over two decks. The size of the cabins is 9m2 (including a PRM cabin of 11 m2) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest
detail and the 6 crew members guarantee a personalized service. The decoration is stylish with an elegant and intimate atmosphere.
Located on the upper deck are the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, the lounge bar and a relaxation area
with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
A journey aboard the MS Raymonde promises an unforgettable getaway on the water.

FEATURES:

Barge - New for 2014
Size of barge: 128 ft by 17 ft
Number of Passengers: 22
Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 11
Crew: 6
Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
Salon: Salon with comfortable sofas, bar area and separate dining room with seating for 22.
Bar: All drinks and meals included on board (excluding champagne & drinks from the wine list)
Deck: Sundeck with tables, chairs, and umbrellas for shade, barbecue and jacuzzi at the prow of the barge.
Cabin Features: Eleven cabins, all twin-bedded, with TV, each approximately 97 sq. ft., all with large windows and ensuite bathroom with shower. safe, internal telephone, individual AC control
Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Motor coach
Accessibility: Steps to cabins.
Bicycles: Yes