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Tours and activities Pre-conference tour (Sunday, May 31st) Theme: Castles of Wallonia Busses will leave at the Ladeuzeplein , in the center of Leuven, at 09.00 hrs. Participants gather on the Ladeuzeplein at the ‘Totem’ (Artwork of Jan Fabre, present from the K.U.Leuven to the city at the occasion of the celebration of the university’s 575th anniversary)
(Totem. Source: K.U.Leuven) During this trip we will visit some of the numerous beautiful castles and gardens of Wallonia (the Southern French speaking region of Belgium).
	Our first stop will be the Castle of Corroy-le-Château. This castle, dated first half of the 13th century is one of the best preserved water castles of Northern Europe.
(Castle of Corroy-le-Château. Source: www.belgiancastles.be) After this visit we drive to the Gardens of Annevoie (Jardins d’Annevoie): magnificent, 17th century water gardens, part of Wallonia’s major heritage, located between Namur and Dinant. To take a glimpse of what to expect click here: www.annevoie.be At this location we will also have lunch.
(Castle of Vêves. Source: www.belgiancastles.be)	In the afternoon we will visit the Castle of Vêves, in the village of Celles, close to Dinant. This classified monument was built in 1410 and is a remarkable example of 15th century military architecture. Nevertheless is has a bit of a fairy-tale outlook. We will enjoy afternoon tea in the Salle d’Armes of the castle.
Buses will return to Arenberg Campus Library for a reception.

Conference cultural tour (Wednesday, June 3rd)

Programme :

Participants gather on the Ladeuzeplein, in the center of Leuven, in front of the Central University Library under the ‘Totem’ (Artwork of Jan Fabre, present from the K.U.Leuven to the city at the occasion of the celebration of the University’s 575th anniversary. See picture above) at 08.00 hrs.

First stop will be the city of Antwerp.

Arriving in Antwerp on the right bank of the Scheldt, some city guides are waiting for us to take us on a morning trip through Antwerp or lead us through one of the many museums of Antwerp. You can choose between ONE of the following programs:

• Guided visit to the Museum Plantin-Moretus, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The ‘Plantin-Moretus house, workshop and museum complex’ (dated 2nd half of the 16th century) not only possesses an extraordinary collection of typographical material with (amongst others) the two oldest surviving printing presses in the world along with complete sets of dies and matrices. It also contains a magnificent library, a richly decorated residence and the entire company archives. http://museum.antwerpen.be/plantin_Moretus/index_eng.html
• Guided visit to the Rubenshouse, home of the great baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. This artist’s home with the features of a palazzo is unequalled and nowhere else the rich past of Antwerp is so tangible. The life of this great painter unfolds before your eyes: you can wander round the impressive art gallery, the studio where he shaped art history, the garden and the rest of the house which was home to one of the Flemish masters of baroque. http://museum.antwerpen.be/rubenshuis/index_eng.html
• Guided historical city walk through Antwerp. An experienced city guide will take you on an exploratory walk through Antwerp to discover not only the market place with the mighty Renaissance Town Hall and guild halls, but also the famous Cathedral of Our Lady and other remarkable buildings, the many charming places and narrow streets of the medieval town, charming sixteenth century inner yards, etcetera… At the end of this discovery trip participants can enjoy a real Antwerp ‘Bolleke Koninck’ or one of the many other famous Belgian beers. And the city guides can probably recommend you plenty of other delicacies!

After this activity we gather for lunch and refreshments.

In the afternoon we will set course for Ghent. We will be welcomed at the Ghent University Library for a guided tour of the library and an introduction to its history and the architecture of the 'book tower'. http://lib.ugent.be/index_en.shtml

Finally, we are expected in the Ghent harbour to board ship for a relaxing trip on the river the Leie towards Sint-Martens-Latem, also known as 'the painters village' and the cradle of Flemish expressionism. Many painters have found their inspiration along the banks of this 'golden river'.

On board of the ship we’ll enjoy aperitif and diner. Buses will be waiting for us in Sint-Martens-Latem. Estimated hour of arrival in Leuven: 22.30 hrs.