In Flanders' Fields & Beautiful Bruges
4 days
GE4BFF
Enjoy a memorable long weekend break to Belgium, combining historic cities, scenic waterways and poignant moments of remembrance. You’ll be based at the comfortable 4-star Mercure Lille Roubaix located in the heart of pretty Roubaix, staying on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. This relaxed base allows you to unwind each evening while enjoying excellent access to some of Belgium’s most fascinating destinations.
One full day is dedicated to exploring the fairytale city of Bruges. With its winding canals, medieval buildings and charming squares, Bruges offers a timeless atmosphere that’s perfect for sightseeing, shopping or simply soaking up the scenery. There’s time to explore at your own pace and enjoy the city’s unique character.
The weekend also includes a guided visit to Ypres, where history comes powerfully to life. You’ll have the opportunity to attend the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate, a deeply memorable tribute to those who served and we will also visit the famous Tyne Cot Cemetery along with a poignant visit to the Welsh Memorial.
This well-balanced long weekend combines culture, history and comfort for a rewarding and enriching escape.
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
Day 1
Day 2
Next, we head to Ypres for a two-hour guided walking tour through this historic city. Your expert guide will bring the past to life as you explore the reconstructed Cloth Hall and the iconic Menin Gate, learning about the battles that shaped this region and the enduring legacy of remembrance. After your tour, enjoy free time around the beautiful Grote Markt, where you can grab lunch at one of the many cafés and restaurants, browse the local shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere. We've also included admission to the award-winning In Flanders Fields Museum, housed in the Cloth Hall – an immersive and powerful experience that tells the story of the First World War through the eyes of those who lived it.
At 8pm, we gather at the Menin Gate for the deeply moving Last Post Ceremony, held every single evening since 1928 to honour the fallen. A truly unforgettable experience.
Return to the hotel for a late dinner.
Return to the hotel for a late dinner.
Day 3
Enjoy another good breakfast before joining our excursion to explore the enchanting medieval city of Bruges, often called the 'Venice of the North'. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a living fairytale, with its cobbled streets, romantic canals, and stunning medieval architecture. Enjoy free time to discover Bruges at your own pace. Wander through the picturesque Markt square, dominated by the impressive Belfry tower. Stroll along the tranquil canals and admire the beautiful bridges and historic buildings. Browse the charming chocolate shops – Bruges is famous for its Belgian chocolates – or stop for a traditional Belgian waffle and a coffee at one of the many inviting cafés. Don't miss the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the stunning Church of Our Lady with its Michelangelo sculpture, or simply lose yourself in the winding medieval streets. Whether you're shopping for lace, sampling Belgian beer, or taking in the breathtaking views, Bruges offers something magical around every corner.Return to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.
Day 4
Tour includes
- Return short sea ferry crossings
- 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast
- Visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery & The Welsh Memorial
- Visit to Ypres with guided tour and Last Post Ceremony
- Excursion to Bruges
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon
Ypres
A visit to Ypres is a powerful and moving experience, offering visitors the chance to reflect on history while exploring a town rich in character and resilience. Beautifully rebuilt after the First World War, Ypres today is a welcoming city where medieval architecture, quiet streets and open squares sit alongside deeply significant memorials.
At the heart of the town stands the Menin Gate, a lasting tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave. Each evening, visitors gather here for the Last Post Ceremony, a poignant act of remembrance that has taken place almost every night since 1928. The sounding of the Last Post is a deeply emotional moment, bringing together people from around the world in quiet reflection and respect.
Beyond the ceremony, Ypres offers much to explore. The Cloth Hall, one of the largest medieval buildings in Europe, dominates the main square and houses exhibitions that bring the town’s history to life. Nearby, cafés and shops provide a gentle contrast, allowing visitors time to pause and absorb the atmosphere.
Whether attending the Last Post or simply exploring the town, Ypres leaves a lasting impression through its powerful blend of remembrance, history and humanity.
Bruges
The enchanting town of Bruges remain one of the most popular places to visit in Belgium and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its picturesque canals and winding streets of medieval buildings and remarkable architecture including the beautiful 13th century Belfry and Market Square. Why not enjoy a carriage ride along the historic streets or see the beauty of Bruges from the water with a boat trip on the canals around the city. Visit one of the many chocolate shops or or sample a beer in one of the traditional Belgian breweries.Tyne Cot Cemetery & The Welsh Memorial
A visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery is one of the most moving experiences on the Flanders battlefields. It is the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world and the final resting place for almost 12,000 soldiers of the First World War. Set amid the quiet countryside, the cemetery’s endless rows of white headstones create a powerful sense of scale and sacrifice. At the far end stands the Memorial to the Missing, bearing the names of thousands of soldiers who have no known grave, offering a solemn place for reflection and remembrance.
Nearby, the Welsh Memorial stands as a tribute to the Welsh regiments who fought and fell in Flanders. Uniquely, this memorial takes the form of a traditional Welsh dragon set upon a stone plinth, symbolising national pride, courage and loss. Located close to where Welsh soldiers saw heavy fighting, it provides a deeply personal connection for visitors from Wales and beyond.
Together, Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Welsh Memorial offer a poignant insight into the human cost of war, encouraging quiet reflection, respect and remembrance in a landscape forever shaped by history.
Back to topAccommodation
Mercure Lille Roubaix
The Mercure Hotel Lille Roubaix is a stylish and welcoming 4-star hotel located in the centre of Roubaix, making it an excellent base for exploring northern France. Housed in an impressive historic Art Deco building, the hotel blends classic character with modern comfort, offering a relaxed and comfortable stay for leisure travellers.
Guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with contemporary décor and include all the comforts you’d expect, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, tea and coffee facilities and comfortable bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep. The hotel offers a range of room types, making it suitable for couples, friends and solo travellers alike.
On-site facilities include a welcoming bar and restaurant where guests can enjoy a drink or a meal in comfortable surroundings. There is also a fitness room and sauna, ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. The hotel’s public areas are bright and stylish, creating a pleasant atmosphere to relax in during your stay.
Ideally positioned close to Roubaix’s main square, shops and cafés, the hotel is also well placed for visiting local attractions and museums. With easy access to public transport, the lively city of Lille is within easy reach.
The Mercure Hotel Lille Roubaix offers comfort, convenience and a touch of French elegance for a memorable stay.
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