From Newcastle
Unwind with a relaxing few days on our escorted tour to Bruges - with its picturesque canals and medieval charm you can totally switch off for a few days from the pressures of modern day living.
Its beauty and tranquility are outstanding, as befits the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Europe. Whether it’s a stroll by one of the canals, indeed Bruges is also known as ‘Venice of the North’, sipping a coffee in the Old Market Square with the 13th Century Flemish chimes ringing out from the belfry, or perhaps a gentle trip around the town by horse and carriage, its serenity will captivate you and it has something for all tastes.
Includes
• Return rail connections on selected dates from Newcastle, Durham or Darlington
• Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Lille, Bruges' nearest Eurostar station
• Return coach transfer to your hotel
• Choice of excellent quality three and four-star hotels, superbly located in the heart of the old preserved town
• Guided walk of historic Bruges
• Visit to a traditional Chocolate Maker
• Visit to Ypres and the First World War battlefields
• Escorted by experienced tour manager
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
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 emphasizes the main sights and attractions perfectly. Bruges has so much to offer and is centered on 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 breathtaking. 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
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, the coach will leave Bruges for a tour of some of the places made famous during the First World War. However, the excursion is not compulsory so should you choose to have free time in Bruges, perhaps ride in a horse drawn carriage, or visit one of the many other attractions, this afternoon is the ideal opportunity to do so.
Your main visit is to Ypres, the centre of British activity in Belgium and although the town was flattened, it has been restored to its original appearance. Ypres is the home of the Menin Gate, the memorial to the missing where the last post is played every evening at 8 o’clock. You also visit Hill 62, more commonly known as Sanctuary Wood to see some preserved trenches. Perhaps the most moving part of the afternoon is the visit to Tyne Cot cemetery at Passchendaele, which is the largest in the British sector. You will return to your hotel in Bruges late afternoon.
Day 4
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 and your rail connection back to your home station.
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 Academie - Built around a pleasant courtyard garden, this centrally located hotel is a superb place to relax after a hard day’s sightseeing. Recently renovated it offers excellent facilities and comfortable, stylish accommodation, bar and winter garden
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
Not included: entrance to 'Halve Mann' brewery museum €6.50, boat trip €5.80, Flanders Field museum €5.50, Hill 62 €5, approximate costs, payable locally.
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 from only £139 return, subject to availability. This price 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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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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