2025 Floralia & Beautiful Bruges
- Duration: 4 days
- Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Ref: D2TCRU9289
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
Floral Spectacular Weekend in Belgium
A fabulous floral treat awaits on this special departure staying in Beautiful Bruges with its lacework of narrow cobbled streets, gabled houses and tree lined canals. Enjoy an unforgettable included visit to the spectacular Floralia Spring Flower show in the parks and green houses of the Groot-Bijgaarden castle. Open for just one month a year from April to the first weekend of May, the castle’s 14 hectares incorporate nearly all spring bulb varieties. A Springtime floral delight!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend exploring the 'Venice of the North', Bruges, untouched by the industrial revolution that ravaged other European cities in the 19th century. Stroll through the photogenic old streets or take a delightful trip on the dreamy canals. 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.
For more departures to Beautiful Bruges click here
PLEASE NOTE: Price is per person and based on two people sharing a twin/double room. Single room supplements and upgrades are not included.
Itinerary
Weekend Highlights
- Hotel for 3 nights in central Bruges with buffet breakfast
- Porterage
- Entrance to Floralia Flower Show
- Visit to Ghent
- Leisure time in Bruges
- Optional Walking Tour & Canal Cruise in Bruges
Floralia & Beautiful Bruges
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais and the short distance to Belgium and your centrally located hotel in Bruges for your 3 night stay. BB
DAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Bruges with one included excursion
Explore the many delights of Bruges, one of the best preserved cities in Europe. Life in Bruges is centred around the 't Zand Market Square, bordered by historic houses, old guildhalls, restaurants and the market buildings. You make like to join the optional excursions available during your stay.
INCLUDED EXCURSION
Floralia Flower Show & Ghent
Each year, the team of gardeners at Groot-Bijgaarden castle (located just outside Brussels) plant more than one million bulbs by hand, ready for the spring flowering. Almost 400 varieties of tulips are tended to, along with a variety of hyacinths, daffodils and lilies. The flowers are arranged in unique flower beds forming patterns and figures and you can also visit the 1000 m² greenhouse where there are new flower arrangements weekly. Azaleas and rhododendrons flower under the ancient trees in the parkland. The castle itself is not open to visitors but does provide a beautiful backdrop to the show. There is a cafe located in the greenhouse for light snacks and drinks
The next stop is one of Belgium's oldest cities with a wealth of medieval and classical architecture, rich history, culture and a trendy city vibe. Ghent offers a vibrant canalside, an abundance of quirky bars and restaurants, some fantastic museums (including the Museum of Fine Arts - entrance not included approx. €13 pp in 2024), the world heritage Ghent belfry and a wonderful pedestrian shopping zone with a great range of authentic boutiques, big name stores and independent shops.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
Optional Bruges Walking Tour & Canal Cruise
Join the guided walking tour and canal cruise. All the major sights are close by and a gentle stroll through level streets is the ideal way to appreciate this historic town. A network of canals plays an important part in Bruges and the cruise allows you to see a very different aspect of the town.
DAY 4 - Late morning, travel back through Belgium and France to Calais for the return to England.
For other departures to Bruges, please click here
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 10 November 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
Accommodation
Le Bois de Bruges Hotel, Bruges
The 4* Bois de Bruges Hotel is well situated in the centre of Bruges next to 't Zand square, just a 10 minute walk to the main square.
Contemporary styled guestrooms have been recently renovated and offer free WiFi, flat screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities and in-room safe.
Most rooms have walk-in showers and singles are doubles for sole use.
Buffet breakfast is available in The Greenery, a bright atrium area and there is a lobby bar as well as the Morning Star bistro restaurant.
The pavement terrace overlooks the lively 't Zand square. There is a lift.