Belgium by Design Trip: April 14-20, 2026

Discover the storybook charm of Bruges and Ghent, the effortless style of Antwerp, and the most beautiful hidden pockets of Brussels. Together, we’ll visit local designers, be spoiled with delicious food, hit up the most delightful shops & museums, and soak up endless inspiration on this very small group trip.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Visit an exquisite 1930s Art Deco home that was the gathering place of renowned artists from all over Europe.

• Be invited into the atmospheric home and studio of an incredible artist who worked in costume design in the major opera houses for 20 years and now makes delicate creations out of hand dyed silk.

• Appreciate the luxury of traveling with an unusually small group (12 max), which makes the experience that much more intimate and special.

• Discover the most delightful spots in Brussels that are well-loved by locals but most tourists never find.

• Explore the jewelry and fashion boutiques of Antwerp, which is the diamond capital of the world and was recently named “Europe's Effortlessly Cool Design Destination” by Condé Nast Traveller.

• Take in all the charms that fairytale Bruges has to offer, including stunning paintings by the Flemish masters.

• Ride on a private chartered boat through the canals of Ghent, a hidden haven that you’ll fall in love with.

• Get your fill of wonderful food and drink in thoughtfully chosen restaurants, charming cafés, bakeries, and more.

• Hunt for treasure in a local flea market, well curated antique shops, bookstores, design boutiques, and museum shops.

• Experience a majestic performance in a world class concert hall that dates back to the 13th century.

• Create your very own broadside using wooden type during an artisanal letterpress workshop.

• Stay in a stunning boutique hotel that’s situated right on the most picturesque canal in Ghent.

• Be transported from town to town by an attentive driver in a well-appointed van.

• Feel the warmth and connection created when traveling with a group of diverse people who come together over their love of travel, art & design, kindness, and curiosity about the world.

• Take advantage of the bespoke services of your trip leader, Eva Jorgensen, who absolutely loves finding wonderful, under-the-radar places to share with others, hunting for treasure at flea markets, small museums, and local shops, connecting around the dinner table with friends old and new, and taking care of her beloved travelers. (And in case you’re curious about other qualifications——she’s an 18 year design industry veteran with an MFA in studio art who has learned through hard-won experience how to take good care of her clients and deliver fantastic results. (Hear from past travelers themselves here and here.) Plus, she has lived in France & Belgium, speaks French, and is the author of Paris by Design: An Inspired Guide to the City’s Creative Side (Abrams NY). You can learn more about Eva here.)

  April 14-20, 2026 (6 nights). ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT. In addition to extensive trip planning, leading, and priceless local knowledge and connections, all exclusive tours, activities, local creative host visits, hotel lodging, and meals are included (except where mentioned in the below itinerary). Group size is limited to 11 travelers (plus Eva), which affords the luxury of an intimate experience and beautiful connections within the group and with our local creative hosts. See more details below and feel free to email hello@evajorgensen.com with questions.

A MESSAGE FROM YOUR TRIP LEADER:

Belgium is one of the best-kept secrets hiding in plain sight. Nestled in a cozy corner between France and the Netherlands, this little country packs a punch——and I can’t wait to share all of its charms with you!

Peaceful boat rides through storybook canals, intimate visits with accomplished artists and artisans, unique architecture and gorgeous gardens, delicious meals (not to mention the pastries and the chocolate)——this is just a peek into the magic that awaits us.

I’ve lived there and let me tell you, Belgium is incredible. It’s highly underrated and just waiting to be discovered by those who are savvy enough to visit. Come along and experience it with me before the masses arrive!

And with everything that’s going on in the world right now, we could all use a moment to pause and nourish our souls with creativity and connection. That’s exactly what we’ll do together in this enchanting place. Let me take the planning, the navigating, and all the little details out of your hands so that you can just show up and fill your cup with inspiration.

Now doesn’t that sound nice? Looking forward to chatting soon…

x Eva

p.s. You can learn more about me here, including how all of my previous experiences in life came together beautifully and serendipitously for the creation of this creative travel company. (It’s so interesting how life unfolds, isn’t it?)

Quick Links

“The two trips I have gone on with Eva have been life changing! They have given me more confidence in my own creative pursuits and more confidence to travel on my own.”

Rachel j.

Itinerary

DAY 1

Check into our boutique hotel and marvel at the stunning, century-old architecture, the tasteful restoration and interiors, and the amazing location.

Next, we’ll get to know each other and go over logistics for the week while chatting and quenching our thirst in our hotel’s stylish bar, which is beloved by travelers and locals alike. Its panoramic view and seasonally crafted drinks are the kind you’ll remember for a long time.

After a little free time to unpack and freshen up, we’ll head out to take a peaceful ride on a private chartered boat through the canals of Ghent, taking in the beautiful scenery of our home base for the week.

For dinner tonight, we’ll enjoy tasty Belgian cuisine at a cozy, local spot that’s full of personality.

DAY 2

This morning, as with every morning of the trip, a fresh, seasonal breakfast complete with fruit, croissants, yogurt, fresh squeezed juice, coffee, and more will be waiting for us in a lovely room with a view.

Then we’re off to Brussels for an exclusive visit to an artist’s home and studio. She’s never opened her doors to the public or groups like this before——lucky us! We’ll get to peek into the enchanting world she’s created after training at a prestigious art school and then working in major opera houses for 2 decades.

Next, we’ll experience an early, fresh-from-the-sea lunch of local specialties (including frites!) at a nearby square that always feels lively and festive.

In the afternoon, we’ll have some free time to explore an elegant shopping district or Brussels’ iconic Grande Place (your choice).

Then we’ll tour 2 fascinating house museums——one Art Nouveau and one Art Deco. Both are small and won’t take much time, but both are legendary and an absolute treasure trove of inspiration.

Before dinner, we’ll head to one of the most charming, hidden pockets of Brussels where we’ll have the chance to meet the shop owner of a spot that feels like the most lovely cabinet of curiosities you’ve ever seen. There will also be some more free time to explore the neighborhood, shop in some great independent boutiques, and/or sit on a cafe terrace and watch the world go by.

After a quick rest and freshen up at the hotel, we’ll eat dishes bursting with flavor at a beloved local Thai restaurant that’s oozing with style.

DAY 3

Luxuriate in some free time this morning to sleep in, check out one of the fantastic local museums, hole up in a homey café, or whatever your heart desires.

This afternoon, we’ll meet up to take part in a chocolate workshop just a short walk away from the hotel. Think about it for a minute… we’re making chocolates in a storybook town filled with cobblestone streets and meandering canals? What a dream!

Early this evening, they’ll open the local cathedral just for us so that we can peacefully take in the incredible interior and the Northern Renaissance masterpiece it holds.

As a sendoff to this special day, we’ll sit down to an elegant Michelin star meal and chat about life, art, our travels, and wherever the conversation takes us.

DAY 4

Today, we’re off to visit the exciting, design-forward city of Antwerp!

First, we’ll explore the only museum in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll learn about the incredible craft of old world printing that started here in the 16th century. Almost 5 centuries later, the museum exists in the very same beautifully-appointed historic house and workshops.

For lunch, we’ll eat at an upscale family-run Italian restaurant that’s been in business for 35 years and has been consistently delicious throughout those years.

Then we’ll enjoy a couple of hours of free time in Antwerp’s city center with its jewelry ateliers, fine art museums, bookshops, cathedral, and more.

Next, it’s time to enter the atmospheric workshop of a local graphic designer and letterpress printer to learn the artisanal process of setting and printing with wooden type. We’ll marvel at his cornucopia of antique equipment, deep knowledge of his craft, and how much fun it is to see an idea come to life in print.

Tonight we’ll duck into an off-the-beaten-path establishment recommended by a local jewelry designer. The food is amazing and the decor and atmosphere glow with warmth and personality.

DAY 5

We’re off on an adventure today! We’ll be in Bruges, and if you haven’t been, it really is as wonderful as you’ve heard.

First, we’ll take an easy, breezy bicycle ride, led by a friendly local guide. When I visited Bruges for the first time 20 years ago, I did the same, and it’s still one of the very best ways to explore all that this charming town has to offer. (For anyone who may be unable to participate, don’t worry! We will arrange an alternate activity.)

After we’ve worked up an appetite, we’ll be rewarded with a fantastic meal at one of the best spots in town. It’s a natural wine bar that also serves a variety of delectable homemade lemonades and tasty, shareable plates made from the freshest ingredients.

From there, we’ll head over to a legendary museum that hosts 6 centuries of incredible Belgian art all under one roof.

After heading back to our own lovely village, we’ll have a bit of time at the hotel to rest and freshen up. I’ll deliver light and tasty takeout for you to enjoy in your rooms during that time.

As a grand finish to the day, we’ll experience the amazing sounds of a concert held in a world class hall that dates back to the 13th century.

DAY 6

It’s flea market time! This morning, we’ll take a little walk over to the local flea market and have the time of our lives hunting for treasure. (You may need want to pack a foldable duffle bag in your suitcase in case you return home with a bit more than you came with.😉)

Next, we’ll get to explore an incredible antique shop / art gallery that’s housed in an 18th century chapel.

This afternoon, we’ll enjoy a pretty local spot that specializes in homemade tarts, both savory and sweet. As we say our goodbyes, you might be surprised at how much we’ve all bonded over the course of the week——there really is a special alchemy that happens on these trips, and it’s always a little bittersweet to go our separate ways.

DAY 7

As with every other morning of our trip, a beautiful breakfast spread will be waiting downstairs. We’ll come away feeling inspired and replenished for whatever comes next!

—

Eva Jorgensen reserves the right to change the itinerary because of local schedules, weather, or if something new and delightful becomes available.

If you have any food allergies, please let us know as soon as you apply so we can make arrangements to accommodate you as best we can. Reach out to hello@evajorgensen.com with any questions.

Still wondering if this trip is for you? Ask yourself these questions. Are you?

• Interested in art and design?

• Open minded and curious about other people and cultures?

• Excited about the itinerary and the idea of exclusive meetings with local creatives?

• Prepared to be on your feet, probably walking on uneven garden paths, climbing stairs, and navigating narrow sidewalks for much of the day?

• Kind, respectful, and conscientious to others around you, in spite of any differences that may exist?

• Willing to go with the flow——even if something unexpected comes up——which is often the case while traveling, of course? 

• Someone who appreciates traveling with an expert trip leader & curator—the time and worry this kind of experience saves you, the expertise it brings to your fingertips, and the doors it opens?

• Looking forward to connecting with a small group of fellow design-loving, kind-hearted, adventurous travelers——during long, leisurely dinners, while walking or driving from place to place, during workshops together, etc?

• Able to get around on your own and/or with a fellow traveler during free time. (Don’t worry, we’re always happy to help with recommendations of places to visit, and will help orient you before setting you loose. There are always other travelers in the group to buddy up with, too.)

• Willing to conform to Belgium’s requirements for entering the country, visiting restaurants, museums, etc? As of the publication of this page, there are no special Covid regulations in place. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the dates of your stay. Please be aware that these rules may change at any time.

• Interested in an authentic, charming, high quality, high value boutique experience? (AKA if you compare our trips to handbags, we’re not H&M but we’re not Chanel either. We’re more like R.S.V.P. Paris, which delivers excellent design, function, and craftsmanship. They fly under the radar, but those in the know are avid fans. Their bags are an investment AND an immense value for the heirloom level of quality you’re receiving. Although they limit production and sometimes sell out quickly, they don’t make their clients jump through arbitrary hoops to create a false sense of scarcity.) If I lost you with this longwinded handbag analogy, lol, just go back to the question: Are you interested in an authentic, charming, high quality, high value boutique experience?

If you found yourself nodding yes to each of these questions, then I’m guessing this trip is for you! But feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any additional questions: hello@evajorgensen.com.

“This was a very special trip, the worst part about it was when it was over. 😉 Each day was a well-planned adventure filled with the right mix of delicious food, beautiful scenery and interesting activities shared with easygoing, friendly people. Every detail was planned out. The only thing to do was enjoy the experience and the only decision to be made was what kind of jam to put on your croissant at breakfast.”

MARCi C. 

Belgium by Design Trip Application: April 14-20, 2026

Don’t worry, it only takes a few minutes. :)

FAQ

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING FREE TIME?

• We’re happy to help give you personalized recommendations so that you can make the most of your free time in each spot! If you email us leading up to the trip, we can provide written recommendations based on your interests and preferences, or feel free to chat with Eva during a meal, ride to the next town, etc. over the course of the trip.

• There will also be some curated suggestions of what to do, see, eat, etc. in the detailed itinerary you’ll receive leading up to the trip. Don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of delightful options!

WILL I GEL WITH THE GROUP?

• Short answer, yes! If you’ve read through this entire trip info page and it feels like a great fit for you, then you’ll be a great fit for the group, too. (And no, you don’t have to work in a creative field, like some travelers have asked. As long as you appreciate creative things, and answered “yes” to the questions in the “Still wondering…” section above, you’re good!) Looking forward to meeting you. ♥️

• For these trips, we welcome a diverse group of travelers——age, race, background, occupation, sexual orientation, location, etc. (More on this below.) This makes our experience more rich as we each bring different skills, experience, knowledge, and more to the table. That said, because we’re all drawn to this kind of trip, we all share a love of travel, beautiful things, artists, creativity, under-the-radar gems, as well as an openness, kindness, and curiosity about the world. So in that sense, we end up finding out that we have much more in common than not. It’s a beautiful thing to see unfold and honestly, you’ll probably be surprised at how quickly the group gels and how much our bonds with our fellow travelers enrich our overall experience. In fact, this seems to always end up being one of our travelers favorite aspects of the trip.

• One of our past travelers described our trips as “group travel for people who don’t like group travel”, and we think that’s pretty accurate, ha! There isn’t a typical guide with a microphone and a red umbrella, no tour bus, no pat explanations or memorized speeches you have to sit through. We focus on lesser known (yet utterly delightful) places, connect with locals, and keep the group size very small. There are also people who come on our trips who love the more typical group travel experience, too.

• From a practical standpoint, we’ll arrange to have a Zoom call and start a group text thread in the weeks leading up to the trip. This helps to break the ice before our travels even start, so that we’ll be greeted by friendly faces when we arrive.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICING?

• Everything mentioned in the above itinerary.

• A trip planner (Eva) who is passionate about doing extremely thorough research and scouting to put together a transformative experience for everyone involved.

• A trip leader (also Eva 😘) who has lived in France & Belgium, is fluent in French, has an MFA in fine art, 18 years experience in the design world, decades of extensive travel experience——including leading a dozen By Design trips & retreats in recent years (all successful!), is the author of Paris by Design, and has priceless local knowledge, connections, and experience.

• A VERY small group size. Most guided trips have at least 20——if not 50!——people in the group. We keep our Belgium by Design trip group size to 11 participants at most, in order to move around in a more nimble fashion and have a more intimate experience.

• All classes, exclusive visits, and tours as listed in the itinerary. These are incredibly unique and valuable experiences with local creatives that most travelers wouldn’t be able to have on their own.

• A group of vetted, fellow travelers who are generous in spirit, up for adventure, appreciative of design, and looking forward to traveling and bonding with each other.

• Your very own private bedroom and bathroom in a stylish boutique hotel on the most picturesque section of canal in the fantastic town of Ghent. (If you are traveling with someone, you may be able to share a room for a reduced rate, based on availability.)

• All meals, snacks, and drinks mentioned in the itinerary.

• All transportation during our time together as a group, which includes a vetted driver with a luxury Mercedes minibus on the days we take daytrips to other cities.

• 6 nights / 5 full days / 2 partial days

WHAT IS THE TRIP PRICING?

• 2 payments of €2950 for single occupancy or 2 payments of €2700 for double occupancy (for people traveling together, based upon availability). Total investment of €5900 single / €5400 double. Payment plans available upon request.

• We price trips according to the currency of our destination, so in Euros for this trip. Conversion rates may vary, depending on when you pay.

• Once your application is accepted, you will be asked to make the deposit. The remainder will be due approximately 90 days before departure. (Unless it has been arranged to break up the payments in to more than 2 installments, in which case, there will be a custom payment schedule.)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TRIP PRICING?

• Transportation to/from our hotel in Ghent at the beginning and end of the trip. (Airfare, train fare, cab fare, or whatever transport is necessary for you to arrive. The simplest for most people in the US would be to fly into the Brussels airport and then take a taxi from there to our hotel, which takes just under an hour without traffic. )

• Any meals, cab rides, or activities you do during free time (see the itinerary above to check free time).

• Anything of a personal nature: shopping purchases, dry cleaning, room service, etc.

• Travel insurance and trip medical coverage (REQUIRED). You can find more information about this here and here.

• Alcohol and mocktails beyond what is offered at meals.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

• Because of all the up-front costs and labor incurred from planning a highly curated group trip like this, we cannot give refunds for any reason, including health issues and any other personal/family/work emergencies. 

• However, if we have someone on our waitlist who would like to take your spot, and/or if you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you may transfer your spot to them, pending our approval and the standard application procedure. (In this case, any money would be exchanged between you and the person you are transferring your spot to, not with EJT.)

• When purchasing your travel insurance, trip cancellation insurance coverage with a Cancel for Any Reason rider is highly recommended.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THERE ARE RENEWED COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS OR A TRAVEL BAN?

• In the event of renewed Covid-19 travel-related restrictions or travel bans imposed by the relevant authorities in the US or in Belgium that make it impossible to travel or to do the majority of the planned activities, we will postpone the trip to a later date, making our best efforts to choose new dates that work for everyone, so that you do not lose your deposit and we all still get to go on the trip.

• If you are unable to make the new dates work, and if we do not have someone on the waiting list to take your spot, you may find someone to fill your spot, pending our approval.

WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES?

• We believe in the transformative nature of travel, especially through creative inspiration and through connections made with people, whether they’re locals or fellow travelers.

• We are committed to cultivating a culture of kindness, curiosity, and connectedness on this trip for all, and ask that all participants do the same.

• Supporting, celebrating, and gathering inspiration from independent artists, makers, designers, artisans, chefs, etc. is a critical part of everything we do, including these trips & retreats, the Paris by Design book, Letters from Eva, etc.

• We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse group of travelers. In recruiting for this trip, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, gender expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, size, and beliefs.

• We know that giving back is important to many of you, and it’s an essential part of our ethos, too. A percentage of proceeds from each guided trip is donated to vetted non-profits doing crucial work. Non-profits we’ve donated to include our local food pantry, The Fresh Air Fund, World Central Kitchen, First Peoples’ Fund, Give Kids the World Village, Active Minds, the United Way, The Trevor Project, International Rescue Committee, and more.

  All photos on this page by Eva Jorgensen.

“This is the way to travel! We will be traveling anywhere the By Design trips take us. Easy-Fun-Unique!”

Lisa & Jon H.