Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
4 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: Bruges, Ypres
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 50
Age range:
9-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Battlefield Tours, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Bruges with this captivating tour. Begin your journey with a Eurostar trip from London to Lille, followed by a coach transfer to your charming hotel in Bruges' old town. Discover the medieval heart of Bruges on a guided walking tour, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Markt, the Belfry, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Delve into the poignant history of the First World War with a visit to Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Experience the art of chocolate making at one of Bruges' last traditional chocolatiers. Enjoy three nights in quality accommodation with daily breakfast, and return travel included.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel for three nights in Bruges’ old town
Take the late morning/early afternoon Eurostar service from London St Pancras International to Lille. On arrival, we transfer by coach to your hotel for three nights in Bruges’ old town.
Day 2
Location: Bruges
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we take a guided walk to discover the highlights of this alluring city. We begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 366 steps to the top, the reward being a breathtaking view of Bruges and the Flanders countryside extending beyond. We also visit two other notable buildings in the Burg, the city’s second main square – the elegant Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the 18th-century law courts – plus the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Another must-see is the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo’s beautiful white marble sculpture, Madonna and Child. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The Groeningemuseum and Sint-Janshospitaal are home to sublime works of art and you can find museums dedicated to Belgium’s holy trinity of beer, chocolate and frites, while no visit to Bruges would be complete without a brewery trip. Why not try ‘De Halve Maan’, which has constructed a two-mile-long pipeline from the brewery to a bottling plant on the city’s edge; a fascinating tour of the cellars concludes with a tasting of its excellent Brugse Zot Blond.
Day 3
Location: Ypres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we can arrange an optional boat tour of the canals so you can see the city from a waterside perspective (subject to seasonal operation). Late morning, for those interested, a coach leaves Bruges to visit Ypres and nearby Great War battlefields. Alternatively, you can simply choose to remain in Bruges to spend your time as you please. The battlefield tour centres on Ypres, which was almost flattened during the First World War as Allied and German forces fought for control of this strategically important town. The countless lives lost are remembered with a moving ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial each evening at 8pm. You can also visit the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, which shines a light on some of the darkest days of the Great War. During the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917, over 500,000 troops died in just three months as the Allies attempted to take the village of Passchendaele. We visit the bunkers, craters and trench sites of this monumentally bloody battle. The day concludes with a visit to the world’s largest Commonwealth cemetery at Tyne Cot, its sea of 11,961 graves reflecting the First World War’s staggering loss of life. Returning to Bruges in the late afternoon, you cannot fail to be touched by the sights and sounds of this unforgettable trip back in time.
Day 4
Location: Bruges
Meals Included: Breakfast
Belgian chocolates are known as the finest in the world, and this morning we visit one of the few establishments in Bruges where they are still made by hand. During the demonstration you’ll learn all about this artisanal craft, including the top-quality ingredients that are used and the techniques involved in making these delicious luxuries. Later, a coach returns you to nearby Lille for an afternoon Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation
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Fully Guided
The tour includes the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.
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International Travel
Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar
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Meals
Daily breakfast
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Transport
Coach transfer from Lille to your hotel in Bruges
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All local accommodation taxes
All local accommodation taxes are included.
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Hotel porterage
Hotel porterage is included.
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Excursions
Included excursions are a walking tour of Bruges, a chocolate making demonstration, and a visit to the First World War battlefields.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Insurance
Insurance is not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to the 'Halve Maan' brewery museum, the boat trip, the Flanders Field museum, and the Passchendaele Memorial Museum are not included and are payable locally.
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille, followed by a coach transfer to your hotel in Bruges.
Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation in Bruges' old town, with options including The Golden Tree Hotel, Dukes Academie Hotel, Martins Brugge, or Grand Hotel Casselbergh.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights in 3 to 4-star accommodation in Bruges' old town. The hotels you may stay at include The Golden Tree Hotel, Dukes Academie Hotel, Martins Brugge, or Grand Hotel Casselbergh.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
Daily breakfast is included in the tour package.
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Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included. This covers a return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Lille, and coach transfers from Lille to your hotel in Bruges.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional boat tour of the canals in Bruges, which is subject to seasonal operation.
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What significant historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery to explore the significance of Flanders during the First World War. You will also visit the Passchendaele Memorial Museum and various Great War battlefields.
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Will there be any guided tours during the trip?
Yes, there will be a guided walking tour of Bruges, where you will explore its medieval heart, the Markt, the Belfry, the Burg, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Church of Our Lady.
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Is there a demonstration or workshop included in the tour?
Yes, on the last day of the tour, you will visit one of the few establishments in Bruges where Belgian chocolates are still made by hand. During the demonstration, you will learn about the artisanal craft of chocolate making.
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Are tips and gratuities included in the tour price?
No, tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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