Group Tour Operator & DMC for holidays to Belgium
Breathtaking Bruges & Brussels
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Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Grand-Place – Grote Markt in Brussels ©VisitBrussels, E.Danhier
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Horse and carriage ride in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Bruges at night
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Grand Place, Brussels ©PT Wilding
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
This delightful short break gives you two full days to explore Belgium’s biggest most famous cities. One of the best-preserved small cities in Europe, Bruges has long captivated visitors with its mix of medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and quaint, narrow streets. As well as this, explore the centre of European culture; Brussels. The Capital of Belgium is best known for being the home of many European institutions, but the Belgian capital of Brussels is also home to beautiful parks, fascinating walks and trendy restaurants and bars.
Read moreHistoric and quaint but full of Life; Bruges
During your time in Bruges, explore the old town and experience the Belgian lifestyle. Another important aspect of visiting Bruges is visiting chocolate shops and sampling the local beers. Around every corner, beautiful architecture and picturesque canals await. Embark on a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective. During your leisurely cruise, wind through the city and pass under the many bridges. Alternatively, view the city from above. Climb the imposing Belfry, which towers over the market square, for sweeping vistas.
Perhaps visit the fascinating Historium. There you follow the story of a young apprentice in medieval times, thus learning more about life in the city during that era. Gain insight into art, religion and trade. There you can also enjoy a virtual reality tour of the town or relax with a Belgian beer tasting. With so many different types to try, you may stumble upon a new favourite. Or if beer isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of chocolate to be found. Furthermore, the city’s many museums host numerous fine examples of Flemish Art. The chance to visit the Notre Dame church will thrill art lovers because it houses Michelangelo’s Madonna. To admire the art form of lace, visit the Kant Centrum. You can watch demonstrations of this intricate craft above the museum during the afternoon.
Discover the Treasures of Brussels
Brussels is at the centre of European culture with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks, fascinating walks and trendy restaurants and bars. The Capital of Belgium is best known for being the home of many European institutions, the Belgian capital of Brussels has an Old Town full of architectural wonders. During your trip, visit the majestic Grand Place, one of the most magnificent city squares in the world. Admire the opulent guilded houses which line the square. Once you’ve taken in these architectural beauties, the next must-see is Mannekin Pis. This amusing statue of a little boy has a vast wardrobe of costumes. Why not pass by a couple of time during your visit to try and spot different outfits? Although small, he draws a big crowd and this quirky little attractions shows that the Belgians don’t take themselves too seriously!
See Belgium’s most well known cities on this fantastic short-stop trip and stay in either city, and see the other on your spare day!
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
We depart from our local area and travel to Dover for a ferry crossing to Calais. Continue the short journey through France into Belgium. Arrive at your hotel in Bruges and begin exploring this beautiful medieval town. exploring the historic centre. Alternatively, why not stay in Brussels and explore the cosmopolitan capital of Belgium .
Day 2
Bruges Canal Cruise & Sightseeing
This morning, spend free time exploring the historic centre. A good starting point is the Grote Markt, the main square in the centre of Bruges, bounded by colourful, ornate, historic gable-housed buildings. Then enjoy a sightseeing boat cruise to see the sights from a different angle to discover the many waterways that give the city the nickname of the ‘Venice of the North’. Back on dry land, then head to Bruges Beer Experience. It is a must-visit for those who wish to experience the most fascinating aspects of beer! A fresh combination of interactivity, innovative technologies and the stimulation of all senses. Enjoy 3 beers tastings from the local selection accompanied by local 1 Brugge Belegen cheese and also personalised explanations by the resident zythologist. Afterwards, you may want to visit the Duvelorium Grand Beer Café to learn about different beers there too, or simply enjoy one (or two) more as you look out across the square.
Day 3
Brussels & Traditional Belgium
This morning, discover Brussels, the Belgian capital. The highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the city’s most interesting architecture but why not take another stroll around the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert to visit some of the many of the designer shops. Afterwards, head to the delightful Chez Leon, a traditional Belgian restaurant with some of the finest food Brussels has to offer for lunch or dinner, depending on your preference.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Belgium and return home. We retrace our route back to Calais for a return ferry crossing to the UK.
Suggested hotels – Bruges
Green Park Hotel, Bruges
A 10-minute drive from Bruges, Green Park Hotel Brugge is surrounded by woodland. It features a heated with terrace, a 24 hour reception and a restaurant which overlooks the garden. The hotel rooms include hot drinks facilities, a TV and seating area. Free WiFi is available throughout, and coach parking is available on site.
Hotel Academie, Bruges
The Hotel Academie is less than 100 metres from the famous Minnewater in a scenic and peaceful area of Bruges. The hotel includes a cosy bar, underground parking and a terrace garden with a fish pond. Air conditioning, a TV and refrigerator are provided as standard in the rooms at Academie. Each room also has a private bathroom with a shower and a bath. The Beguinage and De Halve Maan Brewery are less than 150 metres away. The Academie is a 10-minute walk from both the Grote Markt and coach parking area. A daily buffet breakfast is served in the cellar of the hotel and includes pastries, breads and fresh coffee. There is also a lounge with tourist information and computers with free internet access. Coaches can drop off passengers on arrival approx 200m away.
Le Bois De Bruges (formerly Parkhotel, Bruges)
The Le Bois de Bruges is located in the centre of medieval Bruges, a 10-minute walk from the Market Square with the Belfry of Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood and the shopping district. Guests can benefit from free WiFi and bicycle rental services are available. The air-conditioned rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a safety deposit box. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Guests of the hotel can enjoy a refreshing drink at the bar. A wide choice of eating facilities can be found in the immediate surroundings of the hotel.
NB – Bruges coaching restrictions – Due to local regulations limiting coach access to central Bruges, for arrival/departure transfers, coaches can drop off or collect passengers close to the hotels. However, coaches cannot collect passengers within the city for any day excursions – passengers must walk to the coach park on the edge of town.
Suggested Hotels – Brussels
The Bedford Hotel ***
Inspected by Greatdays staff in September 2022
The Bedford Hotel is located only 500 metres from the Grand Place. The contemporary rooms feature TVs and minifridges. There is a high-end dinner restaurant, as well as a piano bar, plus 17 conference rooms. Coaches can park nearby free of charge.
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre ****
Inspected by Greatdays staff in September 2022
This modern hotel lies a minute’s walk from a metro station and 2 km from both the Manneken Pis fountain, and the exhibitions and concerts at the Centre for Fine Arts (Bozar). The rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minifridges, as well as safes, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgraded rooms add living rooms with sofabeds, while suites have Nespresso machines. Amenities include a bright bar offering grab-and-go fare, as well as a fitness room and a sauna. Coach parking is available nearby.
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| Dates | Hotel | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dates throughout 2024 | Le Bois de Bruges | From £240.00 per person | Price on request |
