Christmas in Bruges Tour
6 Days
Visiting: Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Lille
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$1904NB: Prices correct on 01-Jun-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Bruges is a picture-perfect example of a medieval city, made even more atmospheric by the trimmings of the season; its cobbled streets are festooned with lights, its towering belfry illuminated and the magnificent Markt square replete with towering tree. This six day festive break is based at the central, cosy and charming Aragon Hotel, includes two dinners at excellent local restaurants, free time and visits to Ghent and Antwerp.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1:
Location: Bruges
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and onwards by coach to Bruges (approx. two hours). On arrival check-in to Hotel Aragon for five-night stay on bed and breakfast basis. This evening we will have a welcome drink at the hotel.
Day 2: Morning Guided Walking Tour Of Bruges With Afternoon Free To Explore At Your Leisure.
Location: Bruges
As picturesque as they come, Bruges is set on a labyrinth of canals lined with magnificent medieval buildings. It is home to a wealth of artistic and architectural heritage, reflecting its history as the cradle of Flemish painting and its economic significance as a textile and trade centre up to the late 15th century. The focal point of the city is the impressive Markt square, flanked by magnificent houses with crow-stepped gables, old guildhalls, the belfry, and the covered market. Elsewhere, the Burg square is lined by four of the city's most impressive buildings: the Gothic townhall, the 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Renaissance court record office and the old law courts. You could also explore the medieval city walls, St. Salvator Cathedral, picturesque Begijnhof almshouses and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerek (Church of Our Lady), famed for its Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, but part of the attraction of this beautiful city is just to wander at leisure along its canals and squares, soaking up the festive atmosphere, enhanced by a colourful Christmas market. The city boasts several superb museums too: the Gruuthuse Museum, housed in a 15th century palace, with an impressive collection of tapestries and lace, the Groeninge Museum and it's collection including Jan van Eyck's serene portrait of Margaretha van Eyck and Gerard David's gruesome The Judgement of Cambyses; and the Mernling Museum set in the 12th century hospital of St John's, one of the most beautiful buildings in Bruges. This evening, enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3:
Location: Bruges
Full day free to continue your exploration of Bruges before Christmas Day dinner at another excellent local restaurant.
Day 4: Full Day Trip To Ghent
Location: Ghent
Ghent is a vibrant university city and Flanders' spiritual citadel. Criss-crossed by canals and waterways, its old town is perfect for exploration on foot and it is here that you will find a wealth of sights. One of the city's great attractions, St Baafskathedraal, is where you'll find the famed Adoration of the Mystic Lamb alterpiece by Jan van Eyck, which dates from the 15th century and is widely regarded as one of the most important works of art in the world. Do not miss the 91 metre high belfry, 15th century Cloth Hall, town hall and the Graslei quayside, which is lined with ancient houses in a pure Flemish architectural style dating from the 12th to 17th centuries. There are notable museums, too, including the Musem voor Schone Kunsten with its collection of ancient and modern paintings.
Day 5: Full Day Tour To Antwerp.
Location: Antwerp
Belgium's second city, Antwerp, is one of the world's largest ports, with a characteristically Flemish old town at the heart of a thriving modern city. Home and birthplace of Rubens, the city has a strong artistic heritage reflected in its host of churches and museums. As with many Flemish settlements, Antwerp boasts a market square surrounded by 16th and 17th century guildhalls, whilst other unmissable sights include the cathedral and belfry, the church of St Paul, home to a collection of paintings by Antwerp masters, and Ruben's House. The city has many museums including the Plantin-Moretus, housed in the former print works of famed painter Plantin, which contains the renowned Gutenberg Bible, one of only 13 in the world.
Day 6:
Location: Lille
Morning free to visit a museum of two before a coach transfer back to Lille for the return Eurostar to St Pancras.
What's Included
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Return Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille
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Five nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Aragon Hotel,based on shared occupancy of a twin/double
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Christmas Eve festive dinner at local restaurant
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Christmas Day festive dinner at local restaurant
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Transfers and full coach touring itinerary conducted by tour manager
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Tour manager throughout
What's Not Included
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Double for sole use supplement
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Upgrade to Executive Room at the hotel
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Holiday insurance
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Standard Premier/1st class upgrade on Eurostar, this constitutes upgraded seating and a light meal with complimentary drink
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Meals other than those stated
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
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Porterage and gratuities
Accommodation
Hotel Aragon, Bruges
The cosy and friendly four-star Aragon Hotel enjoys a superlative location just behind the Markt square within easy walking distance of Bruges' myriad of sights. Facilities here include a comfortable lounge/bar, a breakfast room and 42 very well-appointed bedrooms with private bath/shower, hair-dryer, TV, minibar and telephone. Upgrades to executive rooms are also available at the hotel, many of which have a small balcony or terrace, some with views of the belfry. The hotel does not have a restaurant but there are plenty of restaurants close to the hotel.
OUR VIEW ON THE HOTEL
This lovely hotel is perfectly located close to all of Bruges main sights and for the tour as a whole. The Aragon also offers those little extra touches to make your stay extra special.
Pre-tour accommodation is available at the Premier Travel Inn, London Kings Cross St Pancras, about a 5 minutes walk from St Pancras International, at an approximate rate of £120 per room. Bookings can be made direct with the hotel on 0871 527 8672 or visit their
Check out our Q&As
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Where will we be staying?
You will be staying at the Hotel Aragon, Bruges. It is a cosy and friendly four-star hotel located just behind the Markt square, within easy walking distance of Bruges' myriad of sights.
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What is the name of the tour?
Christmas in Bruges Tour
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How long is the tour?
The tour duration is not explicitly mentioned, but it includes a five-night stay at the hotel.
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Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?
Exclusions include double for sole use supplement, upgrade to Executive Room at the hotel, holiday insurance, Standard Premier/1st class upgrade on Eurostar, meals other than those stated, items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls, etc., porterage, and gratuities.
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What is the pick-up location and time?
The pick-up location is St Pancras at 09:01.
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What is the drop-off location and time?
The drop-off location is St Pancras at 15:30.
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What are the highlights of the tour?
Highlights include picture postcard medieval cities, a wonderful festive atmosphere, a cosy and charming hotel, traditional Belgian architecture, and museums and galleries in Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp.
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What meals are included?
The tour includes five nights' accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Aragon Hotel, a Christmas Eve festive dinner, and a Christmas Day festive dinner at local restaurants.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Dates & Availability
Monday - Saturday
Dec 23, 2024 - Dec 28, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.