Social activities not included in the congress fee
The congress dinner
When: Friday evening, 20th July, at 20h00; It starts with an apéritif reception, at 21h00 dinner and then it is up to you...!
Where: The «Grand Cafe Horta», Hopland 2, 2000 Antwerp; is located in the city centre of Antwerp, close to the house of the famous painter Pieter Paul Rubens.
What: It will include an apéritif reception, dinner and dancing (DJ). By its location, «Grand Cafe Horta», allows you to explore the Antwerp nightlife after the dinner as well... it is close to the hotels and with the public transport (night busses) it is easy to return to the campus accommodation.
Price: 50 €/person (delegates and non-delegates)
Leisure activities on Wednesday
For an overview of all the leisure activities on Wednesday you can download a
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Price: 25 €/person/option delegates or non-delegates; meals and consumptions NOT included, unless indicated otherwise)
Option 1: «Saeftinghe»
The nature reserve “Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe” is one of the largest (3484 km²) tidal marshes of Europe and harbours a unique fauna and flora. The reserve is of international interest as breeding and wintering site for dozens of bird species. A guide will take you on a 3-hour adventurous and spectacular trip over the mud-flats! Further, you will visit several other beautiful places in “Zeeuws-Vlaanderen” (The Netherlands) with a nice walk in the dunes and on the beach. Collecting molluscs will be possible.
For whom: Those who love physical exercise and nature!
Practical: Price includes bus trip, guide and entrance to the nature reserve. Participants are advised to bring spare clothes and waterproof shoes or boots (see photographs on the WCM website later on). Because of the length (3 hours) and the difficulty of the trip, children under the age of ten are not allowed. Please note that with this trip you will cross the Belgian-Dutch border, which means that participants requiring a visa should make sure that they have a “SCHENGEN VISA” (see the page practical information look for "Travel documents").
Option 2: «Bicycle tour»
The harbour of Antwerp, one of the largest in the world, is a vast area of docks and (petrochemical) industry. Nevertheless, in and around the harbour there are many scenic, rural and traditional landscapes, including several nature reserves, that have been (more or less) preserved. You will explore the harbour and some of these landscapes by bike and learn more about the conflicts that result when trying to integrate industry, nature and living areas, which often results in weird, spectacular and nostalgic sceneries. Of course, regular stops will be made to “taste” Flander's way of living (beer, ice-cream, waffles, chocolates)!
For whom: This trip is a must for those who are sportive, but who nevertheless like to enjoy the good things of life!
Practical: Approximate biking distance: 40-50 km. Price includes bus trip and rent of a bike.
Option 3: «Castle of Bouillon»
The castle of Bouillon was founded in the 8th century and is one of the largest and best preserved West European castles of the medieval “dark ages”. The castle is famous because Godfried of Bouillon sold it to the diocese of Liège to fund the first cruisade (1096). During the guided visit of the castle you will attend a spectacular falconry with a variaty of birds of prey. Afterwards, you will visit the abbey “Notre-Dame de Orval” which was founded in 1132 and which is one of the most famous Cistercian abbeys. It produces one of the world's five “Trappist” beers of which, of course, you will have a taste! Although visiting the abbey itself is not allowed, you will visit the ruines of the oldest parts of the abbey and the botanical garden with its large collection of medicinal herbs.
For whom: Recommended to those who like to combine nature and history!
Practical: Price includes bus trip, guide, visits to the castle, the falconry, the ruines of the abbey and the botanical garden.
Option 4: «Bruges»
Bruges is perhaps the most famous Belgian city and is often called the “Venice of the North”. The city has a beautifully preserved historical centre and houses a wide diversity of museums, with famous collections of paintings of Flemish Primitives, contemporary art, classical “fine-arts”, archeological items, historical furniture, silverware, folklore and so on. In short, there is something for everybody! You will start with a guided tour of two hours to get an idea about the historical wealth that Bruges has to offer. Afterwards you
will get the opportunity to explore Bruges yourself. You will receive a museum ticket that allows entrance to Bruges' most popular museums (Groeninge museum, Arentshuis and Forum museum). At the end, you will visit the brewery “De Halve Maan” with, of course, a degustation! Finally, you will have dinner at the
brewery.
For whom: Recommended to those who love art, folklore and architecture!
Practical: Price includes bus trip, guide,museum tickets and visit to the brewery. Dinner at the brewery not included.
Practical details and some photographs providing a glimpse of what these social activities will offer, will follow later.
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