Bruges Tour

Itinerary

Day 1

You fly to Brussels where you will be met and transferred by coach to your hotel, located in the heart of Bruges' Old Town.

You take the late morning/early afternoon Eurostar service from London St. Pancras International to Lille (exact time will be indicated on travel documents), arriving approximately 1 hour 30 minutes later. A coach will then take you to your hotel in the heart of Bruges old town.

Day 2 - Walking Tour

After breakfast you have a guided walk of this beautiful town which really does show off its charm perfectly. The whole atmosphere of Bruges is pure romance and really reflects the true spirit of medieval Flanders. Its streets are crammed with fascination and yet it is so compact that the walking tour emphasises the main sights and attractions perfectly. Bruges has so much to offer and is centred around the main square, dominated by the Belfry and when the unique old Flemish chimes are heard, the atmosphere is perfect. You can climb this tower, if you can face the 366 steps: the view is breath-taking. You will also see the City Hall, the old Law Courts and the ‘Basilica of the Holy Blood’ in which is housed some of Jesus’ blood. Another must is the Notre Dame Church which houses Michelangelo’s beautiful Madonna and Child, carved in pure white marble. Belgium, and Flanders in particular, is very famous for brewing beer, indeed there are over 500 varieties throughout the country. One of the features of brewing in Belgium is the great variety of types of beer and ingredients used, even things as diverse as cherries and oats! So a tour to Bruges would not be complete without a visit to a brewery! Some of you may choose to take the short walk to the “Halve Maan” brewery museum to learn the ins and outs of brewing in this quaint and very traditional establishment and then unwind with a tasting.

Day 3 - Tyne Cot Cemetary

After breakfast we will arrange an optional tour by boat of some of Bruges’ canals, which gives an interesting view of the town (subject to seasonal operation). Late morning, for those who are interested, you visit some of the places made famous during the First World War in nearby Ypres, the centre of British activity during those turbulent times and home of the Menin Gate. You then visit Passchendaele Memorial Museum to see a fascinating recreation of life in the trenches (2016 tours visit Hill 62, more commonly known as Sanctuary Wood), but perhaps the most moving part of the afternoon is the visit to Tyne Cot cemetery - all in all, a fascinating and yet poignant afternoon.

Day 4 - Chocolatier

Bruges chocolates are known throughout the world and so this morning you visit one of the few establishments which still makes chocolates by traditional methods. They are only made from the finest ingredients and during the demonstration you learn all about this delicious craft.

You will be transferred to Brussels airport by coach in time for your flight home, after a truly memorable tourl.

Please note: If you are returning home on an early flight you will still visit the Chocolate Factory on Day 3 of the tour instead.

Bruges chocolates are known throughout the world and so this morning you visit one of the few establishments which still makes chocolates by traditional methods. They are only made from the finest ingredients and during the demonstration you learn all about this delicious craft.

A coach will later return you to nearby Lille to take an afternoon Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International.

Please note: If you are returning home on an early train you will still visit the Chocolate Factory on Day 3 instead.