Flanders is a fantastic region for exploring through tours. Its rich culture, historic towns, and tasty cuisine make for memorable experiences. We especially love the authentic Belgian cuisine cooking lesson in Ghent, where you can learn to make classic dishes like stoverij or witloof, all while sharing a meal with warm local hosts. For a more interactive experience, the e-Scavenger hunts in Turnhout and Hasselt offer an engaging way to explore at your own pace, solving puzzles and uncovering hidden corners of these charming cities. Meanwhile, a private walking tour of Lissewege provides a quiet, in-depth look at a village brimming with Templar history and sacred symbolism. Each of these options brings something unique and genuine to your Belgian adventure.
Below is a quick overview of the best tours in Flanders, each offering a different slice of regional life—from food and history to fun self-guided exploration.
1. Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local
This 4-hour culinary experience in Ghent invites you into a real Belgian kitchen and garden to learn about the country’s beloved dishes. Your hosts, Suzy and Bob, will guide you through making traditional recipes like beef stewed in beer (stoverij) or Belgian endives with cheese and ham (witloof). The class is interactive, fun, and packed with tips on Belgian ingredients and cooking techniques. You’ll prepare and then enjoy your meal together, making it a true cultural exchange.
What makes this class stand out is its welcoming atmosphere and the chance to see behind the scenes of a Belgian household. With a perfect 5.0 rating from 21 reviews, visitors rave about how much they learn and how delicious the food is. Many mention how this experience offers a warm, authentic taste of Belgium and a chance to connect with locals. The price of $99 per person is quite reasonable considering the hands-on nature and personalized attention.
Bottom line: If you’re a foodie or want a relaxed, authentic experience that includes a home-cooked meal, this class is hard to beat.
2. e-Scavenger hunt Turnhout: Explore the city at your own pace
At number 2, this interactive scavenger hunt turns your sightseeing into a puzzle-solving adventure. Using a smartphone app, you choose when to start and pause your exploration of Turnhout, a city rich in history and character. The game guides you through landmarks like St. Peter’s Church, the Taxandria Museum, and the Begijnhof, while offering fun facts along the way.
This activity is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who prefers to control their pace. For around $35.54 per group, you get an affordable, flexible way to learn about Turnhout’s history, industry (like the famous playing cards), and hidden stories. The itinerary features highlights like the UNESCO-listed 14th-century beguinage and the House Metten Thoren, giving you a well-rounded taste of the city’s past.
One reviewer notes: “This was a fantastic way to see Turnhout without rushing.” The game’s mix of education and entertainment ensures a memorable day without the constraints of a traditional tour.
Bottom line: If you enjoy puzzles and exploring on your own terms, this scavenger hunt offers a fun, budget-friendly way to discover Turnhout.
3. 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the Templar Village of Lissewege
Positioned as a more intimate option, this private 2-hour walking tour transports you into the quiet beauty of Lissewege, a village famously associated with Templar legends. The tour is tailored exclusively for your group, so you can ask questions and explore topics like sacred geometry, ley lines, symbols, numerology, and gematria.
Your guide will take you to the Onze-lieve-vrouw-bezoekingkerk, a church with an intriguing connection to Celtic goddess worship, water springs, and Templar lore. You’ll see the statue of an ex-Templar and learn stories about the village’s secret history. The tour’s focus on mystical and symbolic stories makes it a hit for travelers interested in esoteric traditions or medieval mysteries.
Although only one review exists, praising the tour’s depth and personalized approach, the $80.26 per person price reflects the private nature and specialized content. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, or anyone craving a meaningful glimpse into Belgium’s lesser-known stories.
Bottom line: For those who love secrets, symbols, and a quiet, detailed exploration, this private tour offers a rare, personal experience.
$80.26 per person
4. e-Scavenger hunt Hasselt: Explore the city at your own pace
The last on our list is the Hasselt scavenger hunt, which offers a lively way to explore the city’s sights through an engaging smartphone game. You can start and stop as you wish, making it perfect for fitting into your schedule. The game guides you past highlights like the St. Quintinus Cathedral, the Modemuseum Hasselt, and the town hall.
This tour is well-suited for families or teams of up to six, with a price of about $36.79. You’ll enjoy interactive tasks and discover details about Hasselt’s history, architecture, and quirky attractions like Plopsa Indoor, Belgium’s first indoor theme park. The game’s flexibility means you control your experience, avoiding the rush of regular guided tours.
One reviewer notes: “The app made exploring Hasselt fun and easy,” praising the mix of education and entertainment. The balanced itinerary makes it a good choice for those wanting a relaxed, informative visit.
Bottom line: If you’re after a flexible, fun way to see Hasselt’s main sights, this self-guided scavenger hunt offers great value and entertainment.
How to Choose Your Perfect Flanders Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your interests and travel style. If you’re a food lover, the Ghent cooking class (Experience Belgian Cuisine) offers delicious hands-on learning. For history and mystery fans, the private Templar village tour (Lissewege) dives into secret symbols and legends.
If you prefer flexible exploration, the self-guided scavenger hunts in Turnhout (Turnhout Hunt) or Hasselt (Hasselt Hunt) allow you to control the pace and customize your route.
Budget-wise, the scavenger hunts are affordable and ideal for groups, while the private walk and cooking class offer more personalized experiences at a higher price point. Booking early is advisable, especially for the popular Ghent class, which sells out quickly.
In The Sum Up
Flanders offers a range of engaging tours—from immersive food classes to in-depth village explorations and fun city scavenger hunts. For a taste of authentic Belgian cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting, the Ghent cooking class is hard to beat. History enthusiasts will appreciate the private Lissewege tour, while those seeking flexible city exploration will enjoy the Hasselt and Turnhout scavenger hunts.
Whether you’re after cultural insights, culinary delights, or simply a fun way to discover, these tours give you a wonderful way to connect with Flanders. Book early and pick the experience that best matches your interests—these authentic adventures won’t disappoint.