Bruges Christmas Market Weekend

Itinerary

Day 1

Join your coach at your convenient local pick-up point, and get comfortable as we head to Kent for the crossing to France. Once in France we head into Belgium for a visit to the pretty town of Ypres before heading on to our comfortable overnight hotel.

Day 2

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, today is all about the festive. Explore Bruges and its beautiful Christmas Markets celebrations - and maybe even get some bargains and unique gifts! Otherwise, just kick back and relax in some of the most romantic and beautiful surroundings in Europe. You will get a full day to enjoy this beautiful city before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Day 3

After breakfast, we’ll rejoin the coach and make a stop at a French hypermarket, with around two hours to browse and pick up a few treats for home (please remember there are limits on certain items you can bring back*). We then continue to the port for an early afternoon sailing back to the UK, before our comfortable homeward journey.

*Please note: there are coach weight restrictions and UK Customs & Excise allowances in place. If purchases exceed these limits, we may have to leave items behind. Please shop responsibly and make sure you know your limits before you buy.

Tour includes

• Return short sea crossing
• 2 nights bed & buffet breakfast
• Visit to Ypres
• Free time in Bruges including time at Bruges Christmas Markets
• Stop at a French hypermarket on return journey
• Direct Coach Travel
• Net Zero Carbon

Please note that the coach drop off in Bruges is approximately a 10-15-minute walk from the centre.

Bruges Christmas Market

Give in to that warm, fuzzy feeling during Christmas in Bruges. The pretty medieval city takes on fairytale airs as the temperatures drop. The intoxicating scent of fresh waffles lingers in the air and the streets are dressed like gingerbread houses with festive fairy lights reflected in the canal. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage for a snow-dusted tour of the cobbles, or linger in one of Europe’s most charming Christmas Markets. The main Bruges Christmas market is in Grote Markt, with its gorgeous wooden chalets surrounding a glittering ice rink, where skaters swish and stumble in the shadow of the 83m-high belfry. If you can face the 366 steps to the bells at the top, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the chocolate-box city below. There’s another smaller market near tree-lined Simon Stevinplein but, with no shortage of tempting chocolatiers and cosy cafés en route, the short walk might take longer than you'd expect. If you’ve over-indulged, a brisk walk will help blow away the cobwebs and work up an appetite for the next course: a plate of warm, crisp kroketten made with shrimp or gorgeously oozing cheese. Perfect for a quick pit-stop before the serious business of shopping begins!

Ypres at Christmas

Ypres offers a uniquely moving experience during the Christmas market period, combining festive cheer with poignant remembrance. The town’s charming market square transforms into a winter wonderland, with cozy stalls offering handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and local delicacies. After exploring the market, attend the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, a daily act of remembrance for fallen soldiers, which takes on a special significance during the holiday season. The ceremony’s solemnity, combined with the town’s festive lights and warm atmosphere, creates a deeply reflective and memorable experience. Ypres during Christmas offers both heartfelt tradition and seasonal celebration for visitors.

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Accommodation

Mercure Hotel Marcq en Baroeul

The 4-Star Mercure Marcq-en-Baroeul offers a comfortable and welcoming stay just outside the vibrant city of Lille, making it an excellent base for a relaxing short break. Set in a quiet residential area, the hotel combines peaceful surroundings with easy access to the region’s highlights.

Rooms are modern, well-appointed and designed with comfort in mind, providing a restful space to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a stylish restaurant serving evening meals, a relaxed bar area and comfortable public spaces ideal for socialising or enjoying a quiet drink. The hotel’s warm, professional service helps create a friendly and easy going atmosphere throughout your stay.

Staying on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis allows you to enjoy hearty breakfasts to start the day and delicious evening meals on your return, removing the need to search for dining options after a full day of exploration. The hotel’s location is particularly well suited to touring northern France and Belgium, offering smooth journeys to nearby cities while avoiding the bustle of a city-centre stay.

With its blend of comfort, convenience and calm surroundings, the Mercure Marcq-en-Baroeul provides an ideal setting for a relaxed and enjoyable break.

For more information on this hotel, please follow this LINK

Hotel location

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