Christmas Markets of Kent and Belgium

Take a festive tour of four Christmas markets on this yuletide getaway to Kent and Belgium. Step into the pages of a classic Christmas novel with a trip to Canterbury and marvel at the historic streets decorated with twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments. Then take a short 'sleigh ride' across the water to Ostend and Bruges, a winter wonderland of wooden stalls, delicious treats and live music. Simply magical! This is the perfect pre-Christmas package, ready to be unwrapped and enjoyed!What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossings2 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone (JG2 rating) with dinner & breakfast2 nights at a selected hotel in Belgium or France (JG3 or JG4 rating) with breakfast plus one dinner2 for 1 bar (6pm to 9pm) on selected drinks at the Grand Burstin Hotel, FolkestoneExcursions to Canterbury, Ostend & Bruges Christmas MarketsFree time in Folkestone for the Christmas Market

Itinerary
Day 1After joining the coach, we make our way to our hotel and check in.Day 2 - Canterbury Christmas Market & Folkestone Harbour Arm Christmas MarketAfter breakfast, we make our way to Canterbury to enjoy the first market of the day. Canterbury is well-known for its historic charm, meandering little alleyways and the world-famous cathedral. At this time of the year, the medieval streets are lit up with over 70 traditional wooden stalls. After soaking up the atmosphere in Canterbury, we head back to Folkestone to experience our second market of the day - opposite our hotel. The Folkestone Harbour Arm Christmas Market is a true gem of festive fun. With stalls, live music, delicious food and more decorations than you count! You can also explore the cobbled streets of the Creative Corner with its artisan shops, perfect for Christmas gifts.Day 3 - Ostend Christmas MarketAfter breakfast, we take the ferry from Dover to Calais and head to Ostend to enjoy time at Ostend Christmas Market. Located in the historic centre of Church Square, this much-loved festive market has become one of the largest in Belgium. Browse over 150 beautifully decorated wooden stalls and enjoy the magical setting, with twinkling lights, live music, ice sculptures and more!After filling up our stockings with yuletide treats, we continue to our hotel in Belgium or France, where we stay for the next two nights.Day 4 - Bruges Christmas MarketAfter breakfast, we enjoy time at leisure to explore or relax at our hotel. Then, in the afternoon we head to the beautiful medieval city of Bruges, famous for its picturesque canals. Held in the city's main market square, the Christmas Market is full of stalls selling a tempting array of hand-made Christmas decorations and gifts as well as tasty local produce such as indulgent Belgian waffles and warming mulled wine.Day 5After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head back to Calais for our return ferry home and onward journey.Hotel
Grand Burstin Hotel, FolkestoneJG2 ratingThe Grand Burstin Hotel is best known for its location, right next to Folkestone's harbour and seafront. Simple yet comfortable throughout, all rooms have en-suite facilities and there is also a leisure club with a heated pool, gym and sauna (small charge applies). All meals are buffet style.European HotelsWe'll also stay at a well-appointed hotel in Belgium or France, either the Hotel & Aparthotel Alize Mouscron (JG4 rating), Logis Hôtel Restaurant Des Acacias (JG3 rating) or The Originals Residence Le Wax Lille Est.Hotel & Aparthotel Alize MouscronJG4 ratingConveniently located in the centre of the pretty Belgian city of Mouscron, just steps away from the Grand Place and a range of restaurants, the Hotel & Aparthotel Alize Mouscron has everything we need for a comfortable stay. The hotel features a sauna, fitness room, free Wi-Fi, en-suite rooms with flat-screen TV, hairdryer and tea and coffee-making facilities.Logis Hôtel Restaurant Des AcaciasJG3 ratingThe family-run Logis Hôtel Restaurant Des Acacias is situated just five minutes from the French city of Tourcoing, close to the Belgian border. You can expect a restaurant, bar, games room, free Wi-Fi, fitness room, unique music-inspired décor and comfortable en-suite rooms with views of the park and flat-screen satellite TV.The Originals Residence Le Wax Lille EstJG3 ratingThis modern and stylish hotel opened its doors in 2024 and is conveniently located in the Lille East, a ten-minute walk from the metro and tram stations. Hotel facilities include a coffee shop, bar, lounge and dining area. All 97 rooms are en-suite with TV, safety deposit box fridge, kettle, microwave and free Wi-Fi throughout.Hotel accessibility informationYour 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.Hotel RatingsJG2 ratingHotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are clean and well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and may have tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited but efficient.JG3 ratingHotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.