TOURS ON TAP BY CALENDAR 2026, 2027 & 2028!
We are offering only 8 scheduled tour departures for 2026, so space is limited compared to some previous years. Register early to guarantee your seats.
What question do you have? Please contact me. Cheers! Stu
Consider combining tours that are back-to-back.
May & June 2026
Ardennes Mountain Beer Tour, May 6-14, 2026
Arguably one of the most beautiful regions in Belgium, the Ardennes Mountains are rich with beer culture, scenery, gourmet cuisine, enchanting towns and history. It's where Belgians go on vacation. There are just so many breweries and attractions in the Ardennes, it’s impossible to visit them all in one tour. By having an evolving itinerary each year, this keeps it interesting for returning travelers, of which there are more and more of each year. The tour typically overnights in the towns of Aubel, Durbuy, Bastogne and Leuven. The tour takes place in mostly the small southeast region of Belgium, which translates into even less time driving and more time doing. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but it’s my favorite tour.
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour, May 17-26, 2026-SOLD OUT
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Beer & Wine Tour of Croatia, May 31-June 9, 2026 • CONFIRMED AND FILLING
Now one of our flagship tours, this tour was created by my quest to discover my Croatian heritage combined with my love of beer, but since it’s a wine country at heart, we of course, indulge in the wine culture and fine cuisine as well. From the capital city of Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, to a national park with jaw-dropping waterfalls, to the turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast and the Adriatic Sea, this tour checks all the boxes. Grab that significant other in your life and get prepared for a romantic getaway to this Mediterranean paradise!
September & October 2026
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 6-15, 2026-CONFIRMED AND FILLING.
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Oktoberfest & Bamberg: Best of Bavaria Tour, Sept. 18-25, 2026 CONFIRMED AND FILLING (Pro Tip: Consider combining a Trappist Tour with this one. One before or after. You’re already in Europe, right?).
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 27- Oct. 6, 2026 CONFIRMED AND FILLING
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Best Damn Farmhouse Ale Tour of Belgium & France, Oct. 9-17, 2026. CONFIRMED AND FILLING
Here’s a rare fall departure for this tour. Venture into the historic and scenic world of saisons and biére de gardes. Their roots can be traced to rustic ales originally brewed on farms for seasonal workers in this wide area once known as the County of Flanders (which then included parts of France, Belgium and the Netherlands). On this tour you will experience breathtaking views, scenery, geography and architecture. You’ll enjoy regional cuisine and fine beer beyond compare. We’ll visit some small independent artisanal breweries still located on working farms and sometimes large, modern ones, most situated in scenic countryside locations, where we’ll experience these very satisfying ales in rustic taprooms. Itinerary to come.
December 2026
Christmas Beer Festival & Markets Tour of Belgium, Dec. 7-14, 2026. CONFIRMED AND FILLING
Hot-spiced beer and wine, and shopping at some of Belgium's most magical winter markets in Bruges, Gent and Lier (aka Little Bruges)...what’s in your stocking? There’s something for everyone on this tour. The week builds to the Essen Christmas Beer Festival which is a very, very special and merry festival featuring many delightful seasonal Belgian brews, which are only available in Essen and in limited quantities.
April & May 2027
Ardennes Mountain Beer Tour, April 28-May 6, 2027
Arguably one of the most beautiful regions in Belgium, the Ardennes Mountains are rich with beer culture, scenery, gourmet cuisine, enchanting towns and history. It's where Belgians go on vacation. There are just so many breweries and attractions in the Ardennes, it’s impossible to visit them all in one tour. By having an evolving itinerary each year, this keeps it interesting for returning travelers, of which there are more and more of each year. The tour typically overnights in the towns of Aubel, Durbuy, Bastogne and Leuven. The tour takes place in mostly the small southeast region of Belgium, which translates into even less time driving and more time doing. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but it’s my favorite tour.
Best Damn Farmhouse Ale Tour of Belgium & France, May 14-22, 2027
Venture into the historic and scenic world of saisons and biére de gardes. Their roots can be traced to rustic ales originally brewed on farms for seasonal workers in this wide area once known as the County of Flanders (which then included parts of France, Belgium and the Netherlands). On this tour you will experience breathtaking views, scenery, geography and architecture. You’ll enjoy regional cuisine and fine beer beyond compare. We’ll visit some small independent artisanal breweries still located on working farms and sometimes large, modern ones, most situated in scenic countryside locations, where we’ll experience these very satisfying ales in rustic taprooms.
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour, May 23-June 1, 2027
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
June 2027
Beer & Wine Tour of Croatia, June 6-15, 2027
Now one of our flagship tours, this tour was created by my quest to discover my Croatian heritage combined with my love of beer, but since it’s a wine country at heart, we of course, indulge in the wine culture and fine cuisine as well. From the capital city of Zagreb with its Austro-Hungarian architecture, to a national park with jaw-dropping waterfalls, to the turquoise waters of the Dalmatian Coast and the Adriatic Sea, this tour checks all the boxes. Grab that significant other in your life and get prepared for a romantic getaway to this Mediterranean paradise!
September & October 2027
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 5-13, 2027
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Oktoberfest & Bamberg: Best of Bavaria Tour, Sept. 17-24, 2027
Come for Oktoberfest, stay for Bamberg, it will steal your heart and soul. Best of Bavaria describes this tour, there’s just no other words. Be prepared to be amazed at the beers of Franconia and Southern Bavaria, you may not have known existed. I make travel seamless and easy. You talk about it each year, make this the year you do Oktoberfest!
(Pro Tip: Consider combining a Trappist Tour with this one. One before or after. You’re already in Europe, right?).
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 26- Oct. 4, 2027
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
December 2027
Christmas Beer Festival & Markets Tour of Belgium, Dec. 6-13, 2027.
Hot-spiced beer and wine, and shopping at some of Belgium's most magical Christmas markets in Bruges, Gent and Lier (aka Little Bruges)...what’s in your stocking? There’s something for everyone on this tour. This is an especially great tour for the non-beer drinking spouse. Romantic Christmas markets, lots of free time and…shopping. The week builds to the Essen Christmas Beer Festival which is a very, very special and merry festival featuring many delightful seasonal Belgian brews, which are only available in Essen and in limited quantities.
May 2028
Wild & Spontaneous Tour, May 1-8, 2028
This tour is back! Lambic, geuze, kriek, faro, Flemish Red Ales (think Duchesse de Bourgogne) and Brown Ales (think Liefmans). It’s a small, but enthusiastic segment of the beer-loving population who enjoys these special mysterious brews and this group is expanding more and more each day. Join us on this tour as we take a deep dive and attend the Toer de Geuze, which happens only every two years. Be prepared to be amazed!
Ardennes Mountain Beer Tour, May 10-18, 2028
Arguably one of the most beautiful regions in Belgium, the Ardennes Mountains are rich with beer culture, scenery, gourmet cuisine, enchanting towns and history. It's where Belgians go on vacation. There are just so many breweries and attractions in the Ardennes, it’s impossible to visit them all in one tour. By having an evolving itinerary each year, this keeps it interesting for returning travelers, of which there are more and more of each year. The tour typically overnights in the towns of Aubel, Durbuy, Bastogne and Leuven. The tour takes place in mostly the small southeast region of Belgium, which translates into even less time driving and more time doing. I know you’re not supposed to have favorites, but it’s my favorite tour.
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour, May 21-30, 2028
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
June 2028
Cider Tour of Normandy, June 4-11, 2028
The rich tapestry of life comes together on this tour that spotlights cider, scenery and history. Welcome to the majestic landscape, half-timbered houses and unique culture of Normandy, France, where we’ll indulge in this famous cider-producing region. No need to be a cider expert to take this tour. We’ll start with the basics of cider, its history and importance in the region. Then explore other enjoyable beverages made with luscious apples, such as “the finest destination of the apple,” Calvados (apple brandy). In between is Pommeau, a gentle marriage between Calvados and freshly pressed tannin-rich apple juice, which delivers power and sweetness all at once. This is the first time offering this tour since 2022 and I’m delighted to have it back!
September & October 2028
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 3-12, 2028
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Oktoberfest & Bamberg: Best of Bavaria Tour, Sept. 15-22, 2028
Come for Oktoberfest, stay for Bamberg, it will steal your heart and soul. Best of Bavaria describes this tour, there’s just no other words. Be prepared to be amazed at the beers of Franconia and Southern Bavaria, you may not have known existed. I make travel seamless and easy. You talk about it each year, make this the year you do Oktoberfest!
(Pro Tip: Consider combining a Trappist Tour with this one. One before or after. You’re already in Europe, right?).
Lonely Monks Trappist Tour Sept. 24- Oct. 3, 2028
My most popular tour and for good reason. Two words: Trappist Beer. Moving with the present, while respecting the past. On this tour, I’ll lift the veil and you’ll visit all six Trappist Abbeys that brew beer and you visit the four corners of Belgium with its majestic beauty, cuisine and history. Be prepared to taste the silence on this tour of a lifetime.
Best Damn Farmhouse Ale Tour of Belgium & France, Oct. 6-14, 2028
Venture into the historic and scenic world of saisons and biére de gardes. Their roots can be traced to rustic ales originally brewed on farms for seasonal workers in this wide area once known as the County of Flanders (which then included parts of France, Belgium and the Netherlands). On this tour you will experience breathtaking views, scenery, geography and architecture. You’ll enjoy regional cuisine and fine beer beyond compare. We’ll visit some small independent artisanal breweries still located on working farms and sometimes large, modern ones, most situated in scenic countryside locations, where we’ll experience these very satisfying ales in rustic taprooms.
December 2028
Christmas Beer Festival & Markets Tour of Belgium, Dec. 4-11, 2028.
Hot-spiced beer and wine, and shopping at some of Belgium's most magical Christmas markets in Bruges, Gent and Lier (aka Little Bruges)...what’s in your stocking? There’s something for everyone on this tour. This is an especially great tour for the non-beer drinking spouse. Romantic Christmas markets, lots of free time and…shopping. The week builds to the Essen Christmas Beer Festival which is a very, very special and merry festival featuring many delightful seasonal Belgian brews, which are only available in Essen and in limited quantities.
It’s never too early to sign up for a tour!