Bruges, Ostend & The Last Post In Ypres

Itinerary

Description

The highlights of Belgium await on this getaway, from the beautiful city of Bruges to the coastal town 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 to let the buglers complete the world-famous fanfare; an incredibly moving experience that should be observed first-hand.

Itinerary

Day 1

Ferry to Calais and on to the vibrant city of Lille to enjoy dinner (not included). We continue to our hotel where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2 – Ghent & Ostend

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 10^th-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.

Day 3 – Bruges & Ypres for the Last Post

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.

Day 4

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.

Coach Bullets

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• 3 nights at a selected hotel in Belgium or France (JG3 rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Ghent, Ostend, Bruges & Ypres for The Last Post
• En-route visits to Lille & Dunkirk

Please note: Due to essential maintenance work, to protect it from long term damage and to ensure the safety of visitors, the Menin Gate will be covered in scaffolding until Spring 2025. The Last Post ceremony will continue daily at 8pm and take place on the bridge over the Menin Gate.

Search Bullets (Evening)

• 3 nights at a selected hotel in Belgium or France (JG3 rating) with breakfast
• Excursions to Ghent, Ostend, Bruges & Ypres for The Last Post
• En-route visits to Lille & Dunkirk

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Accommodation

Hotel

Hotel (JG3 rating)

We’ll stay at a comfortable hotel (JG3 rating) such as the Logis Hôtel des Acacias in Tourcoing. All rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.

Hotel accessibility information

Your hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.