Eager for a quick escapade, I hopped into the car and hit the road from Amsterdam to the picturesque Ghent. With visions of cobblestone streets, Gothic architecture, and a dash of local flavor, this two-day road trip had all the ingredients for an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Rollin’ into Ghent
Morning: Departure from Amsterdam
As dawn broke over Amsterdam’s canals, my travel companion and I set the GPS for Ghent. The road beckoned, offering a changing tapestry of landscapes as we headed south.
Midday: Ghent’s Grand Entrance
By noon, the historic city of Ghent welcomed us with open arms. Our charming hotel, situated in the heart of the city, made an ideal home base for our exploration on foot.
Afternoon: Old Town’s Timeless Charm
Our first stop was the Graslei and Korenlei in Ghent’s Old Town. These cobblestone streets flanked by age-old guild houses mirrored gracefully in the calm canals were nothing short of a postcard.
Evening: Canalside Dining Delight
As the sun dipped behind Ghent’s historic facades, we chose a canalside restaurant for dinner. Local specialties like Waterzooi, a creamy chicken or fish stew, paired with regional beer set the mood for an enchanting evening.
Day 2: Ghent Unveiled on Foot
Morning: A Date with St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Our second day commenced with a visit to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famed Ghent Altarpiece. The cathedral’s awe-inspiring architecture and priceless art left us in sheer amazement.
Late Morning: Gravensteen Castle’s Mystique
Gravensteen Castle was our next stop, a medieval fortress right in the heart of the city. Climbing its towers, we were rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Ghent.
Afternoon: Market Munchies
Lunch was an impromptu delight at a local market. Belgian fries, waffles, and other irresistible street food flavors invigorated us.
Late Afternoon: Dive into Ghent’s Arts and Culture
In the late afternoon, we delved into Ghent’s art and culture scene. The STAM – Ghent City Museum and Design Museum Ghent offered fascinating insights into the city’s creative soul.
Evening: Flemish Feast to Remember
Our final evening in Ghent called for a quintessential Flemish dinner. Flemish beef stew and Belgian beer at a traditional restaurant sent us off on a high note
Day 3: A Farewell to Ghent and a Sunset Surprise in Antwerp
Morning: A Fond Final Stroll
Before bidding adieu to Ghent, we embarked on a final morning stroll through the city’s tranquil streets. Ghent’s early serenity was a bittersweet farewell.
Afternoon: Homeward Bound via Antwerp
As we set our course for the journey back to Amsterdam, our route led us through the bustling city of Antwerp. Our plan? A spontaneous stop at Antwerp’s vast port to witness a mesmerizing sight.
Late Afternoon: Antwerp Port – A Sunset Surprise
The sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden hue over the industrial landscape of Antwerp Port. The view was nothing short of spectacular. Massive cargo ships were being loaded and unloaded, painting a vivid picture of the city’s economic heartbeat.
We marveled at the immense vessels, the ceaseless activity, and the sheer scale of international trade taking place as the sun kissed the horizon. It was an unexpected and awe-inspiring experience that added a unique layer to our road trip adventure.
Evening: A Sunset Farewell
As the day turned to night, we continued our journey back to Amsterdam, carrying the image of the port’s enchanting sunset with us. Our impromptu stop in Antwerp had proved to be a delightful detour, showcasing yet another facet of Belgium’s diverse charm.
Our two-day road trip, from the timeless streets of Ghent to the industrial grandeur of Antwerp, had been a journey of surprises and unforgettable moments. It was a perfect blend of history, culture, and a touch of the unexpected, reinforcing the idea that the joy of travel often lies in embracing the unplanned. Until our next adventure!
