Christmas in Bruges Tour

Christmas in Bruges Tour

6 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom

Visiting: Bruges

Tour operator:

Travel Editions

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

0 - 35

Physical rating:

Moderate

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Experience the magic of the festive season with the Christmas in Bruges Tour, a delightful journey through Belgium's most enchanting cities. Begin your adventure with a Eurostar trip from St Pancras to Lille, followed by a coach ride to the picturesque city of Bruges. Stay at the charming four-star Aragon Hotel, perfectly located near the bustling Markt square. Enjoy guided tours and free time to explore Bruges' medieval architecture, vibrant Christmas markets, and renowned museums. Delight in festive dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at local restaurants. Discover the artistic treasures of Ghent, including the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, and explore Antwerp's rich cultural heritage, from its historic guildhalls to the iconic Ruben's House. Conclude your holiday with a leisurely morning in Bruges before returning to London. This tour promises a blend of cultural exploration and festive cheer, perfect for a memorable holiday season.

Highlights

  • Picture postcard medieval cities in Belgium

  • Explore the artistic and architectural heritage of Bruges

  • Visit the impressive Markt square and Burg square in Bruges

  • Discover the vibrant university city of Ghent and its canals

  • See the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece in Ghent

  • Tour the Flemish old town and museums of Antwerp

  • Experience the festive atmosphere and Christmas markets in Bruges

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1:

Location: Bruges

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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

Accommodation Name: Hotel Aragon

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

What's Included

  • Return Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille

    The tour includes a return Eurostar journey from St Pancras to Lille.

  • Five nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the four-star Aragon Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double

    Enjoy five nights' accommodation at the four-star Aragon Hotel with breakfast included, based on shared occupancy of a twin or double room.

  • Christmas Eve festive dinner at local restaurant

    A festive dinner on Christmas Eve at a local restaurant is included in the tour.

  • Christmas Day festive dinner at local restaurant

    Celebrate Christmas Day with a festive dinner at a local restaurant, included in the tour.

  • Transfers and full coach touring itinerary conducted by tour manager

    The tour includes transfers and a full coach touring itinerary managed by a tour manager.

  • Tour manager throughout

    A tour manager will be present throughout the tour to assist and guide you.

What's Not Included

  • Double for sole use supplement

    A supplement is required for double rooms used for sole occupancy.

  • Upgrade to Executive Room at the hotel

    Upgrading to an Executive Room at the hotel is not included and will incur additional costs.

  • Holiday insurance

    Holiday insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.

  • Standard Premier/1st class upgrade on Eurostar, this constitutes upgraded seating and a light meal with complimentary drink

    Upgrades to Standard Premier or 1st class on Eurostar, which include upgraded seating and a light meal with a complimentary drink, are not included.

  • Meals other than those stated

    Meals not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are not included in the tour.

  • Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc

    Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, and telephone calls are not included.

  • Porterage and gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included in the tour package.

Accommodation

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 include a comfortable lounge/bar, a breakfast room, and 42 well-appointed bedrooms with private bath/shower, hair-dryer, TV, minibar, and telephone. Upgrades to executive rooms are available.

Mode of Transport

Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille, followed by a coach transfer to Bruges. The return journey is also via Eurostar from Lille to St Pancras. Transfers and a full coach touring itinerary are conducted by a tour manager throughout the trip.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes five nights' accommodation at the four-star Aragon Hotel in Bruges, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room. The hotel is cosy and friendly, located just behind the Markt square, and offers facilities such as a comfortable lounge/bar and a breakfast room.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes a bed and breakfast basis at the Aragon Hotel, as well as festive dinners on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at local restaurants.

  • What is the mode of transportation for the tour?

    The tour includes return Eurostar travel from St Pancras to Lille, followed by coach transfers to Bruges and for the full touring itinerary.

  • Is there a tour manager present throughout the tour?

    Yes, a tour manager will be present throughout the tour to conduct the full coach touring itinerary and assist with any needs.

  • What activities are planned for Christmas Day?

    Christmas Day is a full day free for you to continue exploring Bruges at your leisure, followed by a festive dinner at a local restaurant.

  • What can I expect to see during the day trip to Ghent?

    During the day trip to Ghent, you can explore the old town, visit St Baafskathedraal to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece, and see other sights such as the 91-metre high belfry, the 15th-century Cloth Hall, and the Graslei quayside. There are also notable museums like the Museum voor Schone Kunsten.

  • What are some highlights of the tour in Antwerp?

    In Antwerp, you will visit the Flemish old town, the market square surrounded by guildhalls, the cathedral and belfry, the church of St Paul, and Ruben's House. The city also has many museums, including the Plantin-Moretus Museum, which houses the renowned Gutenberg Bible.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.

  • Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?

    Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.

  • Where does the tour manager meet us?

    In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Ledwick  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2022

Ms Judith O'Shea  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2015

Mr Terence Knagg  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2015

wonderful hotel, tour good would do it again.

Mr Derek Martin  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2016

The hotel was lovely...newly refurbished. The tour manager Mark was well organised and really nice.

Anonymous  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2022

Bruges is an historically interesting city.I would recommend a visit to anyone. The hotel Aragon was very comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. Our tour manager could not have been more helpful.

Mr G Whittingham  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2015

We must pay compliments to our tour guide Joanna who not only spoke excellent English but was very conscientious and helpful - not always easy in a large and somewhat elderly party like our own! Our grateful thanks to her for all she did for us.

Mr John Bell  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2015

Anonymous  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2023

Morton  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2023

There were travelling problems which were not the fault of Travel Editions. One or room problems were quickly resolved.

Dunkley  

Christmas in Bruges Tour

22-December-2017

Third time in 6 years I've this trip. Has the great advantage of no flying and Bruges is one of my favourite European cities. Had problem with the room on the first night but Mark the TM helped me get a room change. The second included restaurant the Den Dyver was inferior to Brasserie Raymonde that was used for my 2 previous trips. Overall very satisfactory.

Read all 31 reviews

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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.

  • 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.

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