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EPTDA’s invites all its members and their spouses/partners to another exciting social tour programme at its 2008 Annual Convention, marking the exclusive celebrations of its 10th anniversary in the European capital, Brussels. Welcome to Belgium! And enjoy a mouth-watering cocktail of genuine hospitality and world’s finest flavours. Take a walk inside the ancient museums, historic monuments, impressive castles, and get intimate with the modern face of this small but remarkable country, which plays home to world’s biggest and most influential organisations.
The official convention brochure is about to reach at your doorsteps, but here’s a sneak preview of what you can expect from 2008’s most exciting event.
BRUSSELS - A GOURMET TOUR & A VISIT TO THE ASTONISHING ATOMIUM
Gastronomy has been one of the main elements of the fame of Brussels abroad for years. Belgian people are chocolate addicts and great brewers. Let our gastronomy experts take you on an unforgettable stroll across the entwining streets of Brussels to an experience of one of the finest culinary creations in the world. In addition, we give you another shiny reason to celebrate this year! EPTDA’s 10th anniversary coincides with the Atomium’s 50th anniversary - the most astonishing building of its kind in the world.
ANTWERP – THE METROPOLIS OF DIAMONDS & FASHION
The history of Antwerp as the World Diamond Centre is fascinating. Join us this year to get acquainted with this gem of a city, as we take you on a guided tour to the Diamond Museum. After
a splendid lunch, work off the calories with a walk around the historical heart of Antwerp and visit to the famous ModeNatie, the think-tank and the birthplace of the famous "Antwerp Six", who have changed the fashion scene of the world.
BRUSSELS - EXPLORE THE ARTISTIC WORLD OF JEAN-MICHEL FOLON
This year, Belgium pays tribute to the world famous Belgian artist Jean-Michel Folon through a series of events and exhibitions in Brussels and Wallonia. We take you inside the park of one of the most beautiful castles of Belgium "Castle la Hulpe" and visit the Folon Foundation, which the artist established in 2000, and where a showcase of more than 40 years of creation awaits you in their original setting. Take part in an interactive water painting exercise and get inside the creative mind of Jean-Michel Folon.
BRUSSELS - THE EUROPEAN QUARTER
Ever wondered - what is the European Union? How does the EU Parliament work? Who’s part of the game? Who’s joining the race? What are all those buildings for? Who’s got the license to
get in? Learn all about the composition and function of the EU. How it was founded? Why it was founded? Your guide will tell you the rarest things about the evolution of Europe and the
construction of its political and economic system, the essentials of its architecture, history and the present.
WATERLOO - THE LION, THE WELLINGTON MUSEUM & THE LAST BATTLE OF NAPOLEON
This giant trio is destined to take you centuries back. Work up your appetite, as you climb the famous mountain on which the "Lion" mound was erected to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo (1815). Its 226 steps lead to the top, offering a magnificent view across the battlefield which saw the historic fall of Napoleon. In 1815 the Duke of Wellington, commander of the Anglo- allied army, set up his headquarters in the village of Waterloo. Relive the drama, as we take you back to an era when at the "dernier Quartier- Général De Napoleon", conqueror Napoleon made his final plans for the battle of Waterloo. Both headquarters are now transformed into a museum devoted to tales of this great battle.
BRUSSELS - POWER SHOPPERS, STEP FORWARD
Belgian fashion and design naturally belong on the international stage, so it is no surprise that Brussels has become somewhat of a paradise for the serious power shoppers. Several designer studios and boutiques, and the high end fashion brands of the world proliferate in the centre of the capital, inviting you to step in and indulge in some serious retail therapy. Take a walk along Rue Antoine Dansaert and the surrounding area to discover world-class fashion and design boutiques. Walk on Avenue Louise, a real live catwalk of world-class fashion icons. And while we find the best bargains for you in Rue Neuve stretching up to Rue des Fripiers; stop by at Gallerie St. Hubert, Europe’s first shopping arcade, built in 1847. Finish off with a backstage visit to a jeweller’s workshop and learn the tricks of the trade.
BRUGES - THE VENICE OF THE NORTH
Known as the "Venice of the North", Bruges is one of the most beautiful and loved cities in Europe. The canals and alleyways, the churches, almshouses and patricians’houses, the decoratively restored gables and museums full of art treasures bring the past palpably to life. And for many bespoke reasons, it sits proudly on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2000. The
maze like streets, colourful alleys and romantic canals, with an extraordinary wealth of art, remind you constantly of the city’s rich cultural heritage and upbringing. We invite you to discover
the Belgian way of life, and love for good food during a walk in the historical and gastronomic heart of Bruges – the city of Hanseatic merchants. Feel the nostalgia in the city centre, Town Hall, Holy Blood, Basilica, St Jean Hospital Church of Our lady, and Begijnhof. And just before indulging in a sumptuous lunch, take a romantic boat trip and a visit to the wellknown Groeninge Museum. Taste the local flavour at a chocolaterie and stopover at a local Bruges tavern for a fresh glass of beer. This is the real way of life in Belgium!
BELGIAN CASTLES - THE DELIGHTS OF "ART DE LA TABLE"
Belgium is truly the land of castles. We invite you to discover the art of receiving shared by the most exclusive Belgium aristocracy. We have asked the castle-owners to invite you into their castle, an authentic 19th century setting, in the unique way their ancestors used to play host to their guests. In this treasure house, you will admire furniture, party clothes, services specially ordered in several major places in Europe as well as various dishes, displays exhibiting the most beautiful fruits of the domain. You will have the most extensive guided tour of this private castle, from the cellar to the attic. We offer you a cooking lesson with the original kitchen utensils, pots and pans and recipes concocted by the 19th century cook of the castle. You will have a better idea of the refined and generous Belle Époque gastronomy, remembering the flavours of bygone days, just for one day.
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