French & Belgian Christmas Markets - Bruges & Lille

What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than a short hop across the Channel to stock up on some original gifts? Enjoy the exquisite sight of medieval buildings illuminated by twinkling festive lights and the wonderful traditional stalls that entice visitors with their delicious specialities and colourful crafts.What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossings3 nights at a selected hotel in France/Belgium (JG3 rating) with breakfastExcursions to Ostend, Bruges Christmas Market, Arras Christmas Market & LilleEn-route visits to Ypres & Dunkirk

Itinerary
Day 1 - Journey to France/Belgium via YpresWe take the ferry to Calais before travelling to the lovely Belgian town of Ypres. The charming cobbled streets lined with pretty Flemish-style buildings belie the town's past as the scene of some of the most intense battles of the First World War. Almost completely destroyed, the town was faithfully rebuilt including the striking medieval Cloth Hall. Here we have some free time to find a local restaurant for dinner before we continue to our hotel.Day 2 - Ostend & Bruges Christmas MarketToday we spend a couple of hours in Belgium's premier seaside resort of Ostend, before heading 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 and warming mulled wine. Enjoy dinner in Bruges before we return to the hotel.Day 3 - Arras Christmas Market & LilleOur first destination today is the charming town of Arras where the Christmas Market is held in the magnificent setting of the Grand Place. Against the soft silhouettes of the rounded Baroque townhouses, over 100 artisans sell traditional crafts and gifts from their wooden chalets, transforming the whole square into a magical winter wonderland. Late afternoon we journey to Lille, sure to be crowned with huge festive garlands. Sample the spice bread or enjoy other regional specialities from the festive food stalls for dinner before we rejoin the coach to head back to our hotel.Day 4 - Journey home via DunkirkThis morning we check out of the hotel, stopping at on the coast at Dunkirk before we head back to Calais for our return ferry home.

Bruges
Often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges is a medieval city that has been suspended in time and is now one of the most visited destinations in Northern Europe.
The picturesque market squares and stunning, winding canals combine to create one of the most beautiful cities you can imagine. Lose yourself for a few hours on one of the canal boats as they take you through a real taste of history in this spectacular city.
You can't take a coach break to this fantastic city without checking out two of Belgium's most passionate pastimes; chocolate and beer. Both are certainly looked after in some style in Bruges- with fine chocolatiers for your indulgence and quaint cafes and bars from which to watch the world go by with one of their famous brews!
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Lille
Lille is a vibrant yet cultural city with plenty to offer our coach passengers from museums exploring the artistic side of this beautiful location such as the Hospice Comtesse Musuem, Metropole Museum of Modern, Contemporary & Outsider Arts and the most famous, Palais des Beaux - Arts de Lille coupled with fantastic shopping opportunities for all visitors. \n\nThis cultural hub and bustling university town was once an important operator of the French Flanders with many of the Flemish influences remaining, from its varied cuisines and architecture.Selected Hotel (JG3 Rating) Hotel
We'll stay at a well-appointed hotel such as the Acacias in Tourcoing or the Horizon in Ath. All the comfortable rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.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 RatingsJG3 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.