Beautiful Bruges & Ghent

This morning is at leisure for you to begin your exploration of Bruges with its canals, cobbled streets and shops selling the famous Belgian chocolate on almost every corner. The historic centre of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a joy to explore. The Hotel Olympia is located around 1 mile from the historic centre of Bruges (approx. 20 – 30 minute walk). This afternoon spend further free time in Bruges or why not join our optional excursion to Ypres and the Last Post Ceremony? Spend time at leisure exploring the town centre. See the market square, dominated by the huge Cloth Hall, with its magnificent belfry. This evening pause at the Menin Gate, where the Last Post Ceremony is performed daily. The Menin Gate is a memorial dedicated to the missing and bears the names of 54,896 officers and men who died between 1914 and 15 August 1917. Every evening since 11 November 1929, buglers have sounded the emotive Last Post at 8pm beneath the archway. We return to the hotel after the Last Post Ceremony.

Today we enjoy an included morning visit to Ghent. Affectionately known as the ‘Flower Capital of Belgium’, Ghent is a city of great elegance, boasting a wonderful legacy of medieval architecture and imposing monuments. The ‘Gravensteen’ or ‘Castle of the Counts’ was rebuilt by Philip of Alsace in the 12th century as a symbol of his power, and its battlements provide an interesting view of the city. Ghent’s popular City Pavilion is modern building, completed in 2012 by architects Robbrecht & Daem, and a contrast to the surrounding architecture, with its striking design and use of glass, wood and concrete in its construction. There will be free time for you to explore before we return to Bruges for an afternoon at leisure.

Today why not join our optional visit to Ostend, the ‘Queen of Belgium’s seaside resorts’. Ostend gained its resort-town popularity from the Belgian Kings, Leopold I and II, who faithfully spent their summers here. A stroll along the promenade offers views of the Royal monuments and other historical sights, or visitors to the Mercator dock can see the 20th century Barkentine sailing ship, Mercator. Ostend is well known for its gastronomy, and has a huge variety of restaurants and cafés serving local cuisine and specialities such as Dover Sole, Shrimp Croquettes, or Tomato filled with Shrimps, plus many other international dishes. This afternoon we spend further free time in Bruges.

Return home.