Group Tour Operator & DMC for holidays to Belgium
Belgian Coast, Ghent and Lille – NEW TOUR
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Blankenberge Pier ©Tourist Office Blankenberge
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Begijnhof in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Boat at the Graslei ©Piet De Kersgieter
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Ostend, Belgium
On this new tour visits will be made to some of the most popular places in Belgium – Bruges, Ghent and the Coast – together with a short hop over the border into France and the cosmopolitan city of Lille.
The base for this tour is the historical town of Mouscron in Wallonia. Highlights include the Grand Place, a stunning square located in the heart of this charming Belgian town which is also renowned for its picturesque architecture and vibrant atmosphere. The square is surrounded by beautifully preserved buildings that reflect the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region and it also hosts various events and markets throughout the year, making it a lively gathering spot.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of cafes and shops lining the square, offering a taste of local Belgian delicacies and artisanal products. The atmosphere is particularly enchanting during the evening when the buildings are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
Dates
06 April, 20 July, 07 September and 05 October 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Drive to Dover and take the ferry across to Calais/Dunkerque. Continue to Mouscron for the next 4 nights. After check-in, there may be time to relax and start exploring this delightful town before dinner in the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Brugge and the Belgian Coast
Depart after breakfast for a visit to one of the most popular medieval and best-preserved cities in Belgium, Bruges. There will be time to explore the city at leisure, visit the ‘Lake of Love’ and see the main square ‘Grote Markt’ surrounded by colourful, ornate and historical buildings overlooked by the Belfry. Discover the city from a different angle on a canal cruise or maybe take a horse and carriage ride. There are also many museums including the Choco-story, Bruges Beer Experience and the Historium amongst others. Enjoy strolling around the maze of meandering cobbled streets or sitting in a cafe and watching the world go by. Maybe get some lunch before departing for the coast this afternoon.
From Bruges travel towards the Coast and to the picturesque resort of Blankenberge. There may be time to take a stroll along the promenade that runs alongside the vast sandy beach, and explore the marina and Belgium’s only pier. Continue along the coast to cosmopolitan Ostend, with 9km of wide sandy beach and a spacious promenade. Ostend is one of Belgium’s most popular seaside resorts offering many shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Maybe sample the famous Ostend Shrimp Croquettes with a glass of Krevet, a locally brewed beer?
Return to Mouscron for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 3
Lille Sightseeing
Enjoy a full day exploring the city of Lille, the ‘Capital des Flandres’. Meet up with a local guide for a short walking tour of the Old Town (Le Vieux Lille). Feast your eyes on the ornate 17th century Vielle Bourse, Lille’s finest building. After the tour, perhaps stop in a café in the Grand Place and watch the Lillois going about their business whilst having a spot of lunch. Maybe visit The Palais des Beaux-Arts museum which is home to France’s second largest art collection after the Louvre, with works by Goya, Rembrandt and Rubens.
Alongside the highbrow culture, Lille is historically a market town. The Wazemmes market in the city centre sells everything from fruit and vegetables to furniture and electronics. This covered market is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm and the outdoor market is open Tuesday, Thursday & Sundays.
Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.
Day 4
Ghent Sightseeing and Canal Cruise
Today we take to the canals and streets to discover Ghent. Beginning with a 40 minute canal cruise followed by a 2 hour guided walking tour. En-route, stops will be made for tastings of regional and typical Ghent produce. Enjoy many of the sights including a large and regal dragon perched atop the Belfry, which soars over the city and the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral which is home to the The Ghent Altarpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ a work of art recognised worldwide and is made up of a total of 18 panels forming scenes from the Bible. (Group visits/tours bookable in advance – charges applicable).
(Note: If preferred, the canal cruise and walking tour can be split, i.e. take the cruise in the morning and the walking/tasting tour in the afternoon)
Return to the hotel for our final evening and dinner.
Day 5
Return to the UK
Depart after breakfast and travel to Calais and take the ferry crossing to the UK.
Featured hotel – Visited by Greatdays staff in 2024
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the bustling Grand Place and just 15 minutes drive from Kortrijk XPO, this is the perfect base from which to explore the Ypres memorials or the charming city of Lille.
The hotel has 62 bedrooms including rooms specially adapted for people with reduced mobility. All are air-conditioned and equipped with ultra-comfortable beds, a seating area with smart TV and fast Wi-Fi, courtesy tray, private bathroom and toilet. Enjoy a rich breakfast buffet and dinner in the restaurant or enjoy the fitness room or relax in the sauna.
4* Hotel Alize, Mouscron
| Departure date | 5 days / 4 nights | Single Supplement |
| 06 April, 20 July, 07 September and 05 October 2026 | From £479.00 per person | From £125.00 per person |
