From Newcastle
Medieval buildings, romantic squares, pretty canals, world-class art; Bruges is a lavish feast for the eyes.
A perfect destination to explore by foot, Bruges is ideal for discerning travellers keen to discover a city where history, culture and cuisine combine like nowhere else. You’ll immediately soak up the unique atmosphere of Bruges’ beautifully preserved historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of its gabled buildings were built on wealth accrued from the textile industry that transformed the city into one of Northern Europe’s most important trading centres during the Middle Ages. Whether strolling by one of the many waterways that give Bruges its ‘Venice of the North’ moniker, sipping coffee in the old market square with bells from the 13th-century Belfry peeling in the background, or taking a gentle trip by horse and carriage, the city’s ambience is sure to instil a sense of tranquillity.
At a glance
3 nights in three to four-star accommodation
Return Eurostar & transfers
Programme of daily tours & visits
Bed & breakfast
Expert Tour Manager
Checked luggage
All local taxes
Highlights
Explore the fascinating medieval history of Bruges on an illuminating walking tour of its many highlights
Discover the significance of Flanders during the First World War in a thought-provoking visit to Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery
Learn how the world’s finest chocolates are made at one of Bruges’ last surviving traditional chocolatiers
Itinerary
Day 1
Rail connection to London then take a 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, transfer time approximately one hour.
Day 2 Walking tour
After breakfast we take a guided walk to discover the highlights of this alluring city. We begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon.
This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 366 steps to the top, the reward being a breath-taking view of Bruges and the Flanders countryside extending beyond. We also visit two other notable buildings in the Burg, the city’s second main square – the elegant Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the 18th-century law courts – plus the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Another must-see is the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo’s beautiful white marble sculpture, Madonna and Child.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The Groeningemuseum and Sint-Janshospitaal are home to sublime works of art and you can find museums dedicated to Belgium’s holy trinity of beer, chocolate and frites. You can take a boat tour of the canals so you can see the city from a waterside perspective, or find a café and enjoy watching the world go by.
Day 3 Ypres, Passchendaele & Tyne Cot cemetery
Late morning a coach leaves Bruges to visit Ypres and nearby Great War battlefields.
Ypres
Late morning, for those interested, a coach leaves Bruges to visit Ypres and nearby Great War battlefields. Alternatively, you can simply choose to remain in Bruges to spend your time as you please.
The battlefield tour centres on Ypres, which was almost flattened during the First World War as Allied and German forces fought for control of this strategically important town. The countless lives lost are remembered with a moving ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial each evening at 8pm.
Passchendaele Memorial Museum
You can also visit the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, which shines a light on some of the darkest days of the Great War. During the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917, over 500,000 troops died in just three months as the Allies attempted to take the village of Passchendaele. We visit the bunkers, craters and trench sites of this monumentally bloody battle.
Tyne Cot Cemetery
The day concludes with a visit to the world’s largest Commonwealth cemetery at Tyne Cot, its sea of 11,961 graves reflecting the First World War’s staggering loss of life. Returning to Bruges in the late afternoon, you cannot fail to be touched by the sights and sounds of this unforgettable trip back in time.
Day 4
Belgian chocolates are known as the finest in the world, and this morning we visit one of the few establishments in Bruges where they are still made by hand. During the demonstration you’ll learn all about this artisanal craft, including the top-quality ingredients that are used and the techniques involved in making these delicious luxuries.
Later, a coach returns you to nearby Lille for an afternoon Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International, and onward journey to Newcastle
Accommodation
We offer a choice of hotels as follows:
Three-star superior Martin’s Brugge – Ideally located opposite the belfry in the historic centre, the hotel has recently undergone a facelift to create a stylish and modern interior and offers a tranquil private garden, bar offering a host of local beers and restaurant serving regional specialties.
Three-star Golden Tree - A former 19th century railway tycoon's house just s short stroll from the market square has been recently converted into a beautiful boutique property. Features include a stunning breakfast room with frescoed ceilings and an area in which to relax.
Four-star Dukes Academie - The Dukes Academie Hotel is a family run establishment and is within the historic centre of Bruges. It offers modern facilities and comfortable, stylish accommodation. Relax in the cosy bar or if you prefer the pleasant courtyard garden which the hotel is built around.
Departing Newcastle Station
Classic Tour 08 Sep 2024 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior £639 pp
Signature Tour 11 Sep 2024 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4* £739 pp
Classic Tour 22 Sep 2024 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior £689 pp
Classic Tour 02 Oct 2024 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4* £669 pp
Signature Tour 23 Oct 2024 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£729 pp
Classic Tour 03 Nov 2024 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£589 pp
Signature Tour 20 Nov 2024 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£689 pp
Classic Tour 01 Dec 2024 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£639 pp
Classic Tour 12 Mar 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£539 pp
Classic Tour 16 Mar 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£609 pp
Signature Tour 09 Apr 2025 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£879 pp
Classic Tour 16 Apr 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£649 pp
Classic Tour 20 Apr 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£749 pp
Classic Tour 11 May 2025 Newcastle Station Golden Tree Hotel 3*£619 pp
Classic Tour 25 May 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£749 pp
Classic Tour 15 Jun 2025 Newcastle Station Golden Tree Hotel 3*£619 pp
Classic Tour 22 Jun 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£749 pp
Classic Tour 06 Jul 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£699 pp
Classic Tour 13 Jul 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£749 pp
Classic Tour 17 Aug 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£709 pp
Classic Tour 07 Sep 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£699 pp
Signature Tour 10 Sep 2025 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£899 pp
Classic Tour 24 Sep 2025 Newcastle Station Grand Hotel Casselbergh 4* Superior£749 pp
Signature Tour 01 Oct 2025 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£879 pp
Signature Tour 19 Oct 2025 Newcastle Station Martin's Brugge 3* Superior£699 pp
Signature Tour 05 Nov 2025 Newcastle Station Dukes Academie 4*£839 pp
Occasionally the opening times of the places of interest vary, and if this happens we may change the order of the visits on this tour.
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at a supplement of £95 per person.
Standard Premier Class Upgrade
In order to enjoy your Eurostar experience to the full, you may upgrade to Standard Premier Class. subject to availability. The includes a complimentary light meal, offered from a selection of sweet and savoury cold snacks and includes a drink appropriate to the time of day, served at your seat while you relax in the spacious comfort of Standard Premier Class.
We also have similar trips by Eurostar to Paris
Tours operated by Riviera Travel. ATOL NO 3430
Westoe Travel act as agents for Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel Terms and Conditions apply<
Mobility
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to call us to discuss these concerns
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Call Just Travel Cover 0800 2942972 quoting reference L4746 for best prices OR
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Call Holiday Extras 0800 0833551 quoting reference L4746 for best prices or
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All passengers must have a valid passport for this tour. Depending on the country issuing your passport, a visa may also be required. More information can be found at the Identity & Passport Service
Identity and Passport service
Customers should ensure that they are fit enough to travel, please check with your General Practitioner and www.fco.gov.uk/travel and www.nathnac.org
The latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office about travelling abroad
Foreign and commonwealth office
We strongly advise that you check the latest advice from the Foreign and commonwealth office about travelling abroad both before booking and before travelling
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