Considered to be one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, life in Bruges centres around the market square, bordered by guildhalls and towered over by the magnificent 13th-century belfry. We arrive in time for the beautiful Christmas Market, and as well as browsing the many and varied stalls, you could take a horse-drawn carriage ride, take a boat ride along the dreamy canals or discover historic churches, picturesque cobbled streets and of course, those irresistible chocolate shops.
Day 1 Morning collection from your home to join the coach for the driveto Dover for our short Channel crossing to Calais/Dunkirk. We continue through France and into Belgium arriving at our hotel in Bruges mid-afternoon.
Day 2 A day to soak up the festive spirit and explore Bruges, one of Europe’s finest medieval cities. The small and intimate Christmas Market is the perfect place to shop for those traditional Belgian gifts including delicious chocolate and homemade lace.
Day 3 Spend another day exploring Bruges on foot, by carriage or by canal. Alternatively, join your driver on an excursion to the city of Ypres. From 1914 for four years Ypres was shelled and reduced to ruins, but it is now as beautiful as it was before the war with much to offer outside its war history. You might like to visit the remarkable In Flanders Field Museum located within Cloth Hall in the centre of the town.
Day 4 We depart Bruges after breakfast and head back to the coast. We have an afternoon crossing to Dover, and continue to the local area arriving mid evening, where our door to door service will be waiting to return you home.
Our four-star hotel is situated in the historic ‘golden triangle’ of Bruges, just 50 metres from the famous Minnewater (Lake of Love). All bedrooms have TV, telephone, WiFi, safe, hairdryer and kettle. The hotel boasts easy access on foot to the city centre. The hotel has a lift, small gym, breakfast room and bar. www.dukesacademie.com
