2025 - Ostend & Fabulous Flanders

Itinerary

Highlights

• Hotel for 3 nights in central Ostend with buffet breakfast
• First night 3-course buffet dinner in the hotel with included beer, wine & soft drinks
• Tea / coffee after dinner
• Included excursion to Veurne & De Panne
• Voucher for welcome drink
• Ticket for Coastal Tram from De Panne to Ostend
• Porterage 
• Local city tax
• Optional visit to Bruges

A Weekend on the Belgian Coast

DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Continue via the autoroute to Ostend. On the first night a 3-course buffet dinner with beer, wine, soft drinks and tea / coffee after dinner is included in the hotel. The other two nights are on a Bed & Breakfast basis only to allow you to try out some of the wonderful local eateries

DAY 2 - 3 At leisure in Ostend with one included excursion and one optional excursion

Ostend really is a great weekend destination with its excellent shopping, beachfront promenade, outstanding dining and museums such as the Mu.ZEE (Museum of Belgian Art - entrance not included) and the remarkable Atlantic Wall Open Air museum, located out of town (entrance not included and reasonable fitness required). The beach is within a few minutes from the hotel by foot and there are plentiful restaurant and dining options within easy walking distance

INCLUDED EXCURSION
Veurne (Town of Monuments) & Flanders Coast
Veurne is a beautiful little town, a stone's throw from the coast and the French border. Historical houses and monuments, that each tell their own story, narrow streets and alleys, a pleasant town park, and one of the most beautiful and best-preserved market squares in Belgium make Veurne an idyllic and charming town. Then head back to the sea via the coastal resort of De Panne with its huge beach complete with the Planche beach path and great shopping. Return to Ostend by coach in the afternoon or alternatively take a ride on the excellent Kusttram (Coastal Tram) with an included ticket (be sure to scan the ticket when you board the tram). The tram runs approx. every 10 mins (at peak times) and takes you right along the coast via Nieuwpoort and Middelkerke. Nearest stops to disembark for the hotel in Ostend are Marie-Joseplein or Ostend Station (both approx.10 mins walk to hotel). Enjoy time at leisure in Ostend to explore or relax

OPTIONAL EXCURSION
Beautiful Bruges  
Head off to the lovely city of Bruges. Known as 'the Venice of northern Europe', Bruges is a beautifully-preserved medieval city of picturesque canals, impressive squares of pretty guild houses and narrow cobbled lanes crammed with fine chocolate shops, lace boutiques, restaurants and souvenir shops. Time seems to stand still in these unspoilt surroundings where lace makers work at their intricate craft. Watch the horse drawn carriages trot past and sample the delicious handmade chocolates. Your driver may be able to offer you an optional guided walking tour and cruise through the network of canals to see a very different aspect of the town

DAY 4 - Today you head back to Calais after a relaxed breakfast. Time permitting, a stop will be made at a local hypermarket before embarking the ferry for the return Channel crossing and then the journey home

IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION

ETIAS
ETIAS (European Travel Information Authorisation System) is due to begin in April 2025 and will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (inc. UK) travelling to Europe. ETIAS will be linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

ETIAS must be applied for at least 72 hours in advance of travel and will cost €7.00. Under 18’s and Over 70’s are free, but they still need to be registered. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en

Passport
For advice on passports when travelling into Europe please visit https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/travelling-in-europe/

EES (European Entry & Exit System)
As of 6^th October 2024, EES has been in place. This is the new entry and exit system for UK citizens (and many other citizens) when entering or exiting the EU. For more information, please visit https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees_en

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Accommodation

Ostend Hotel, Ostend

Located in the heart of the town within a short walk of the beach and shopping areas, this modern 3* hotel offers comfortable bedrooms, all of which are equipped with TV, WiFi and hairdryer.


All rooms have walk-in showers with a 5cm step in. There are no standard double rooms at the hotel but twin rooms instead.

The hotel also boasts a welcoming restaurant, bar, sauna and gym.

There is a lift to all floors

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