The Belgian Ardennes in 5 days

 Dinant is a picture-perfect town on the Meuse River, the main route of transport through much of history. On the cliff above the town is the Citadel – you can climb the 408 stairs from behind the Church of Our Lady of Dinant or take an easy way by cable car. The views over the Sacred Valley that gave Dinant its name, will be equally rewarding. 

The picturesque Durbuy claims to be the smallest city in the world. Whether this is still true is for others to debate. We will continue to the nearby caves – Hotton Caves and Han Caves are a short drive away and offer a remarkable insight into the formation of underground world.

 No region in Europe is complete without seeing some amazing castles. Start the day with Modave Castle, built in the Middle Ages and reconstructed in the 17th century.    

We continue to the Vệves Castle near Dinant. This magnificent medieval castle dates back to the 7th century, although it was rebuilt in the military fort we see today in 1230. 

Bouillon Castle may be dating back to the Roman Era. Many famous names are connected to the castle, such as the crusader Godfrey de Bouillon and military engineer Vauban. An impressive structure is the 165m deep castle well. And  just north of Dinant are Gardens of Annevoie with the history going back to the 15th century. 

Visit to the Ardennes is not complete without seeing the town that gave the name to the mineral water resorts around the world: Spa.

The renown of the medicinal properties of Spa water has spread since the Roman Era; so much so that the name became a shorthand for any thermal or mineral water resort. In 2021 the town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the day at the Thermes de Spa, its parks, the grand Casino and a permanent Joan Mirò exhibition.

The main attraction of the Ardennes region are the forests and valleys. The Ladder Walk, officially known as Walk 84, is suitable for experienced hikers. You will be climbing over 150m, some of it via steel ladders. These were installed in the 1930s by a local mayor. The views over the Semois river will be the reward for this short and demanding walk.

If you are not a hiker, spend the last day in the main city of the region, Liege. The city is known to be the industrial capital of Belgium, but it is nevertheless an interesting mix of historic and modern architecture.