Ostend & Fabulous Flanders

You've got to love cosmopolitan Ostend (Oostende in Flemish) - Queen of the Belgian Coast with its surprisingly wide sandy beach, seaside promenade and tea rooms, cafes and bars with glassed-in terraces. It is one of Belgium's most popular beach resorts and has its own special charm with its colourful sea front and yacht-filled marina. A weekend in the 'City by the Sea' is perfect to experience the lively harbour, sandy beaches, well-kept parks, stylish pedestrianised shopping area and outstanding dining. Enjoy an included visit to charming Veurne and a relaxed drive along the Flemish coastYour Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Continue via the autoroute to Ostend. Bed and breakfast on the first two nights and a 3-course buffet dinner with beer, wine, soft drinks and tea/coffee after dinner on the last night in the hotel

DAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Ostend with one included excursion and one optional excursion

Ostend really is a great weekend destination with its excellent shopping, beachfront promenade, outstanding dining and museums such as the Mu.ZEE (Museum of Belgian Art - entrance not included) and the remarkable Atlantic Wall Open Air museum, located out of town (entrance not included and reasonable fitness required). The beach is within a few minutes from the hotel by foot and there are plentiful restaurant and dining options within easy walking distance

INCLUDED EXCURSION:

Veurne (Town of Monuments) & Flanders Coast
Veurne is a beautiful little town, a stone's throw from the coast and the French border. Historical houses and monuments, that each tell their own story, narrow streets and alleys, a pleasant town park, and one of the most beautiful and best-preserved market squares in Belgium make Veurne an idyllic and charming town. Then head back to the sea via the coastal resort of De Panne with its huge beach complete with the Planche beach path as well as great shopping. Return back along the coast to Ostend in the afternoon for time at leisure to explore or relax

OPTIONAL EXCURSION:

Beautiful Bruges
Head off to the lovely city of Bruges. Known as 'the Venice of northern Europe', Bruges is a beautifully-preserved medieval city of picturesque canals, impressive squares of pretty guild houses and narrow cobbled lanes crammed with fine chocolate shops, lace boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops. 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. Your driver may be able to offer you an optional guided walking tour and cruise through the network of canals to see a very different aspect of the town

DAY 4 - Today you head back to Calais after a relaxed breakfast. Time permitting, a stop will be made at a local hypermarket before embarking the ferry for the return Channel crossing and then the journey homeOstend Hotel, Ostend
Located in the heart of the town within a short walk of the beach and shopping areas, this modern 3* hotel offers comfortable bedrooms, all of which are equipped with TV, WiFi and hairdryer.

The hotel also boasts a welcoming restaurant, bar, sauna and gym.

There is a lift.