MS Raymonde Barge Cruise
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MS Raymonde - Belgium through Wallonia & Flanders
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MS Raymonde Barge Cruise
Lounge
Restaurant
Cabin - Main deck
MS Raymonde
Belgium

MS Raymonde - Belgium through Wallonia & Flanders (Tour code: 14910)

Starts and Ends
Ghent to
Halle
Travel Periods
01 Apr 26 - 14 Oct 26
Experience
Travel Style
Cruise
Experience a unique cruise through Wallonia and Flanders on the MS Raymonde, featuring the stunning Strepy-Thieu elevator and Ronquières inclined plane.

Highlights

Exclusive cruise to the heart of Wallonia and Flanders

The Strépy-Thieu Boat Lift and the Ronquières Inclined Plane—two extraordinary achievements

Explore Bruges, a stunning showcase of Flemish architecture.

Oudenaarde, a town located in the East Flanders region, has a rich history dating back to the medieval era and beyond

The Château de Beloeil, often referred to as the Belgian Versailles, along with its vast gardens

The Chant d’Éole vineyard and its sparkling wines with a unique Belgian touch

7 days
From
AUD 4,881
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Belgium’s extensive waterways offer a scenic journey through Flanders and Wallonia, showcasing vibrant cities, historic landmarks and cultural treasures. Explore charming destinations like Ghent, Bruges, Oudenaarde, Mons and Brussels while savouring local specialties such as chocolate, beer and wine. Visit the Château de Beloeil, known as the Belgian Versailles and the renowned Chant d’Éole vineyard, offering award-winning wines. This cruise blends history, culture and indulgence - providing a memorable experience through Belgium’s picturesque landscapes and rich heritage.

Please note: This tour also operates in the reverse direction.

Inclusions

6 nights onboard the MS Raymonde in a Twin Room
All port fees
Bicycles available on board
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served onboard daily
Crew of 6 members guarantee a personalised service
Drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are included with meals and at the bar, except for select premium beverages
Farewell gala dinner on your last night
Free Wi-Fi onboard
Excursions as per itinerary (headsets are included)
Official welcome from the captain and crew
Use of barge facilities

Deck MS Raymonde

MAIN DECK | 22 Passengers | 6 Crew

  • Canal cruise, measuring 38.5m long and 5m wide
  • 10 Twin cabins - 2 single beds (9m2)
  • Amenities: TV, bathroom with shower and toilet, towels, telephone (for internal calls only), safe, independent air-conditioning, electricity 220V and Wi-Fi
  • Please note that there is no laundry service on board the ship

SUN DECK

  • Sun loungers

UPPER DECK

  • Restaurant, Lounge/bar, terrace, jacuzzi and 1 Double cabin for people with reduced mobility 
MS Raymonde

Day 1 Ghent

Boarding begins at 6 p.m. After settling into your cabins, enjoy a welcome cocktail where the crew will be introduced.

Dinner
Ghent
Ghent

Day 2 Ghent Oudenaarde

This morning, take a guided tour of Bruges and a visit to a brewery. After a 60- to 75-minute coach ride from Ghent, arrive in Bruges, a city renowned for its art, peaceful atmosphere, romantic charm and stunning architecture. Its well-preserved beauty reflects the elegance of its golden age as a maritime trade hub. Following the tour, visit a brewery founded in 1856, where six generations have maintained its traditions, including the authentic Brugse Zot ale. Afterward, return to the ship in Ghent.

In the afternoon, cruise along the Scheldt River from Ghent to Oudenaarde, passing through breathtaking natural parks. Arrive in Oudenaarde by early evening and remain docked overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ghent → Oudenaarde
Burges Market

Day 3 Oudenaarde Peronnes-lez-Antoing

This morning, take a guided tour of Oudenaarde and visit a distillery. Oudenaarde is a charming city filled with historic monuments, with the town hall and its two main churches being the most prominent. Other notable sites include the picturesque beguinage, the birthplace of Margaret of Parma, the Boudewijnstoren and the 18th-century meat market. The city boasts over 100 historic landmarks, each telling the story of its rich and vibrant past. Enjoy a guided urban hike through the city’s most beautiful areas and top tourist attractions, followed by some free time to explore on your own. Next, visit a distillery to learn about the distillation of jenever, gin, and whiskey, with a tasting included.

After returning aboard, the ship will continue its journey to Péronnes-lez-Antoing. Relax on the Sun Deck and take in the passing scenery as you cruise through Tournai before arriving in Péronnes-lez-Antoing in the early evening. If you wish, enjoy an evening stroll to work off dinner. The ship will remain in port overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Peronnes-lez-Antoing Mons

The morning will be spent cruising along the Nimy-Blaton-Péronnes Canal, a key waterway in central Belgium. Opened in October 1955, the canal links the Canal du Centre with the Scheldt River. By early afternoon, we'll arrive in Mons.

A visit to the Château de Beloeil and the Chant d’Éole vineyard follows. First, explore the Château de Beloeil, often called the Belgian Versailles. This historic castle is home to a valuable collection of 15th- to 19th-century art, including a library with over 20,000 books and rare manuscripts. The furniture showcases exceptional works by French cabinetmakers from the 17th and 18th centuries, while the paintings celebrate the achievements of the castle's noble family.

Next, visit the Chant d’Éole estate, where a Belgian farming family partnered with renowned sparkling-wine makers to create the vineyard. Using modern techniques, they produce sparkling wines that honor Belgian tradition. A guided tour will take us through the vineyard’s history, explaining each step of production—from planting to bottling. The tour will conclude with a tasting of three signature wines: Brut Blanc de Blancs, Rosé Brut and Elixir Saint-Georges.

Afterward, return to Mons, where the ship will remain docked overnight. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Peronnes-lez-Antoing → Mons
Mons

Day 5 Mons Strepy Thieu

This morning, enjoy a food tour in Mons, a city with a rich heritage and a vibrant, modern atmosphere. The Grand-Place is filled with charming spots to explore, and your guide will take you through the heart of Mons to discover its history and culinary delights. The tour blends history, culture and local stories, with tastings of four regional specialties, making it a truly memorable experience.

Afterward, return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, cruise along the Canal du Centre to Strépy-Thieu. The ship will remain in port overnight. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mons → Strepy Thieu
Mons Market

Day 6 Strepy Thieu Halle

Prepare for a unique experience as the barge navigates a boat lift. This lift, using two independent caissons, allows a crossing in under 35 minutes, overcoming a 240-foot height difference (75 m). It replaced four former boat lifts and two locks. Afterward, continue the journey on the Brussels-Charleroi Canal toward Halles, where the next highlight awaits: the monumental Ronquières Inclined Plane, constructed between 1960 and 1968. This innovative engineering feat reduced delays caused by 14 previous locks. The cruise will continue on to Halle.

In the afternoon, a coach will take you to Brussels for a guided tour and a visit to a Belgian chocolate maker’s workshop. Upon arrival in the Belgian capital, explore the Grand-Place, renowned for its magnificent city hall and ornate guildhalls. The City Hall, with its stunning facade and impressive tower, is one of the country’s architectural treasures. Also visit the famous Manneken Pis and the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries. Next, learn about Belgian chocolate in the heart of Brussels, discovering its history—from its Mayan origins to the artistry of modern chocolatiers—while observing a live demonstration of the chocolate-making process through windows into the workshop. Return to the ship in Halle, where the evening will conclude with a festive gala. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Strepy Thieu → Halle
Halle

Day 7 Halle

Enjoy breakfast aboard this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. The tour concludes here.

*Please note: Transfers from Halle to Brussels are available upon request for an additional fee. For more information, kindly consult our team.

Breakfast

Additional information

  • This itinerary may be subject to change. On alternate weeks, the cruise may be in the reverse direction.

Supplier Booking Conditions Apply

Due to the boutique nature and limited capacity of this travel experience, under our Bookings Conditions this package classifies as “Booking Type 2 – Travel Experience where we act as agent only”. Your contract for the delivery of travel arrangements will be with the principal supplier and will be subject to their Booking Conditions. We will advise you prior to confirming your booking the full details and Booking Conditions of the principal supplier. Our responsibility to you where we sell travel arrangements as agent for the supplier is specified in the ‘Responsibility’ section of our Booking Conditions.

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Transfers
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Drinks from the premium list, or drinks ordered during excursions
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

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Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

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Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

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Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

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Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

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Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

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At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
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Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
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We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

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