Beautiful Bruges & The Last Post

With its lacework of narrow cobbled streets, gabled houses and tree lined canals, together with the friendliness of the Flanders people, Bruges is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe. Often described as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges was untouched by the industrial revolution that ravaged other European cities in the 19th century. You can stroll through the photogenic old streets or take a delightful trip on the dreamy canals. Time seems to stand still in these unspoilt surroundings where lace makers work at their intricate craft. Watch the horse drawn carriages trot past and sample the delicious handmade chocolates. \nNEW FOR 2026! An included visit to Ypres to witness the city's daily act of remembrance, the incredibly moving Last Post ceremony, which takes place every evening at the Menin Gate at 8pm
Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights in central Bruges with buffet breakfast- Leisure time in Bruges- Included visit to Ypres for The Last Post- Optional Bruges Walking Tour & Canal Cruise

Beautiful Bruges
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and the short distance to Belgium and your centrally located hotel in Bruges for your 3 night stay. BB\n\nDAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Bruges with one included excursion\n\nExplore the many delights of Bruges, one of the best preserved cities in Europe. Life in Bruges is centred around the 't Zand Market Square, bordered by historic houses, old guildhalls, restaurants and the market buildings. Your hotel is ideally located to step out right in the heart of the city and explore at your leisure. You make like to join the optional excursion available during your stay.\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSION\nYpres & The Last Post\nDepart for an afternoon/evening in Ypres, an important and poignant place in 20th century history after being almost completely destroyed in WW1. It has an impressive cathedral, medieval market square and an historic cloth hall but it best known for its place on WW1 history. The 'In Flanders Fields Museum' is housed in the Cloth Hall and is a brilliantly curated museum telling the powerful story of what happened in Flanders during the course of the war (entrance approx. €12 pp in 2025 - closes at 17.30). There will be time to explore the town and enjoy dinner at your leisure in one of the many restaurants and cafes in Ypres centre before making your way to the world-famous Menin Gate, engraved with the names of the 54,389 Allied soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during WW1 without a known grave. At exactly 8pm, the police halt the traffic passing under the memorial and buglers play the Last Post - a daily act of remembrance that will continue in perpetuity.\n\nOPTIONAL EXCURSION\nOptional Bruges Walking Tour & Canal Cruise\nJoin the guided walking tour and canal cruise. All the major sights are close by and a gentle stroll through level streets is the ideal way to appreciate this historic town. A network of canals plays an important part in Bruges and the cruise allows you to see a very different aspect of the town.\n\nDAY 4 - Late morning, travel back through Belgium and France to Calais for the return to England.\n\nIMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION\n\nEES\nEES (European Entry & Exit System). This is the new entry and exit system for UK citizens (and many other citizens) when entering or exiting the EU. For more information, please visithttps://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/eesThe new Entry/Exit System (EES) will start operations on 12 October 2025.European countries using the EES will introduce the system gradually at their external borders.This means that data collection will be gradually introduced at border crossing points with full implementation by 10 April 2026ETIASThe ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) 'Visa-waiver' programmewill start operations in the last quarter of 2026.Please note: Once implemented ETIAS will be compulsory, like a Passport. No ETIAS - No Entry. It is your responsibility to make sure you have the required documentation in place.For the latest information regarding ETIAS please visit:https://travel-europe.europa.eu/en/etiasPassport\nFor advice on passports when travelling into Europe please visit:https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/travelling-in-europe/Le Bois de Bruges Hotel, Bruges
\nThe 4* Bois de Bruges Hotel is well situated in the centre of Bruges next to 't Zand square, just a 10 minute walk to the main square. \n\nContemporary styled guestrooms have been recently renovated and offer free WiFi, flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities and in-room safe. \nMost rooms have walk-in showers and singles are doubles for sole use. Buffet breakfast is available in The Greenery, a bright atrium area and there is a lobby bar as well as the Morning Star bistro restaurant. \n\nThe pavement terrace overlooks the lively 't Zand square. There is a lift.