Bruges, Ostend & The Last Post In Ypres

Itinerary

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

The highlights of Belgium await on this getaway, from the beautiful cities of Bruges and Ghent to the seaside resort of Ostend. We also pay our respects in Ypres, the scene of a series of battles during the First World War where casualties are believed to have surpassed one million. During our visit we witness the city’s daily act of remembrance, The Last Post, played in honour of those who fell in the Ypres Salient from 1914-1918. At exactly 8pm every evening, the police stop traffic around the Menin Gate Memorial to let the buglers complete the world-famous fanfare; an incredibly moving experience that should be observed first-hand.

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

Ferry to Calais and onwards to our hotel in Belgium.

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

This morning we visit Bruges, a beautifully-preserved medieval city of picturesque canals, and narrow cobbled lanes crammed with fine chocolate shops, lace boutiques and souvenir shops.

Our next stop is Ypres, the scene of one the biggest battles in the First World War. Having been completely rebuilt after the war, it serves as a place of pilgrimage and memorial; there are plenty of museums and monuments to pay your respects and find out more about the town’s historic role. One special highlight is listening to The Last Post, played every evening at 8pm at the Menin Gate in tribute to those who fell.

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

For our first excursion we head to pretty Ghent, with its perfect patchwork of medieval cobbled streets, quaint market squares, striking churches, an ancient castle and plenty of museums which sit on a peninsula of peaceful waterways. No other city in Belgium has as many classified buildings, so make sure to admire the stunning architecture here, including St Bavo’s Cathedral, which stands on the site of a 10th-century church and a 12^th-century Romanesque church. Due to the city’s power in the Middle Ages, the churches were converted during the 15^th and 16^th centuries into the impressive Gothic cathedral we see today.

We then make our way to Ostend, Belgium’s premier coastal resort. Known as ‘the City by the Sea’, Ostend is a cosmopolitan gem that boasts miles of sandy beaches, a beachfront promenade, a yachting marina plus a whole host of shops, bars and restaurants.

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

After checking out of our hotel we make an en-route stop in Dunkirk. The third largest port in France, Dunkirk has a rich maritime heritage and is also famous for the evacuation of Allied troops during the Second World War. The town also has a long seafront and a fine sandy beach, nicknamed the ‘queen of the northern beaches’. Later we continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• 3 nights at the Hotel Horizon Ath-Lessines, Belgium (JG3+ rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Bruges, Ypres for The Last Post, Ghent & Ostend
• En-route visit to Dunkirk
• Services of a tour manager

Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

• 3 nights at the Hotel Horizon Ath-Lessines, Belgium (JG3+ rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Bruges, Ypres for The Last Post, Ghent & Ostend
• En-route visit to Dunkirk

Accommodation

Hotel Horizon Ath-Lessines, Ath, Belgium JG4

Hotel Horizon Ath-Lessines is nestled in the picturesque region of Ath-Lessines. With exquisite architecture and friendly service, this hotel offers guests comfort and elegance. Spacious rooms are equipped with modern amenities, and hotel facilities include a fitness centre, spa and gourmet restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

Hotel Rating

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.