Ostend & Bruges Christmas Markets
- Duration: 4 days
- Board Basis: Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Ref: D2TLEI9211
Holiday Summary
- Travel Type: Coach
4 days
CE4AAV
Ostend has long been a firm favourite with Leisuretimers along with the ever popular Royal Astrid Hotel, which features an excellent spa and wellness complex and located only 100m from Ostend's lovely sandy beach.
In addition to enjoying free time in Ostend and the facilities at the Royal Astrid Hotel we will take you the short distance to the Bruges Christmas Markets for a day of sightseeing and festive shopping in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
An ideal choice for:
* Friends and family looking to get away together and have some fun
* Shopping, food, drink or history lovers
* Anyone wanting to experience a short European weekend
Valid passport required for travel
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
On arrival in Calais, we continue the short distance to our hotel in the centre of Ostend to check in. Then maybe have a drink in the hotel bar before heading out to find somewhere nice to eat.
Days 2 - 3
Day 4
Ostend
This well known, enchanting Belgian seaside town combines a fascinating history with a thriving modern culture. Described as the cultural capital of the Belgian coast, it has become a firm favourite with British visitors. Ostend is Belgium's premier resort known as the "City by the Sea", with miles of sandy beaches. Stroll down the delightful wide promenades where you will find many shops to browse and buy or perhaps just relax in one of the many bars or restaurants. Ostend has grown from a humble fishing village into a lively and cosmopolitan seaside resort with a pretty harbour, marina, casino and pedestrianised shopping streets. Visitors will be amazed by all there is to see and do with many activities taking place all year round. It is a fine place to sample a wonderful, friendly European ambience.Bruges Christmas Markets
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!Tour includes
- Return short sea ferry crossings Dover/Calais
- 3 nights bed & breakfast
- Free time in Ostend
- Full day visit to Bruges Christmas Markets
- Tourist Tax
- Direct Coach Travel
- Net Zero Carbon
Capacity at Early Bird prices strictly limited. Early Bird savings end when capacity is reached.
Accommodation
Royal Astrid Hotel Ostend
Hotel & Wellness Royal Astrid is a three-star hotel located 100m from the beautiful sandy beach of Ostend. The hotel is known for its warm welcome and all 173 bedrooms are well appointed with Wifi throughout (please note that in keeping with many 3* hotels in Europe, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities are not available). Single rooms are double or twin for sole occupancy. There is a lovely bar and restaurant for those preferring to stay in rather than explore the extensive range of nearby bars are restaurants. The hotel has a spa & wellness complex of about 1000 m², which includes a lovely swimming pool (extra charges apply for some services).
For more information, click here for the hotel website (opens in a new window)
Hotel Location
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