Bruges, Ostend & the Last Post in Ypres

The highlights of Belgium await on this getaway, from the beautiful city of Bruges to the coastal town of Ostend. We also pay our respects in Ypres, the scene of a series of battles during the First World War where casualties are believed to have surpassed one million. During our visit we witness the city's daily act of remembrance, The Last Post, played in honour of those who fell in the Ypres Salient from 1914-1918. At exactly 8pm every evening, the police stop traffic around the Menin Gate Memorial to let the buglers complete the world-famous fanfare; an incredibly moving experience that should be observed first-hand.What’s Included?
Includes- Return coach travel & ferry crossings- 3 nights at a selected hotel in Belgium or France (JG3 rating) with breakfast- Excursions to Ghent, Ostend, Bruges & Ypres for the Last Post- En-route visits to Lille & Dunkirk

Itinerary
ItineraryDay 1Ferry to Calais and on to the vibrant city of Lille to enjoy dinner (not included). We continue to our hotel where we stay on a bed and breakfast basis.Day 2 - Ghent & OstendFor our first excursion we head to pretty Ghent, with its perfect patchwork of medieval cobbled streets, quaint market squares, striking churches, an ancient castle and plenty of museums which sit on a peninsula of peaceful waterways. No other city in Belgium has as many classified buildings, so make sure to admire the stunning architecture here, including St Bavo's Cathedral, which stands on the site of a 10th-century church and a 12th-century Romanesque church. Due to the city's power in the Middle Ages, the churches were converted during the 15th and 16th centuries into the impressive Gothic cathedral we see today.We then make our way to Ostend, Belgium's premier coastal resort. Known as 'the City by the Sea', Ostend is a cosmopolitan gem that boasts miles of sandy beaches, a beachfront promenade, a yachting marina plus a whole host of shops, bars and restaurants.Day 3 - Bruges & Ypres for the Last PostThis morning we visit Bruges, a beautifully-preserved medieval city of picturesque canals, and narrow cobbled lanes crammed with fine chocolate shops, lace boutiques and souvenir shops.Our next stop is Ypres, the scene of one the biggest battles in the First World War. Having been completely rebuilt after the war, it serves as a place of pilgrimage and memorial; there are plenty of museums and monuments to pay your respects and find out more about the town's historic role. One special highlight is listening to the Last Post, played every evening at 8pm at the Menin Gate in tribute to those who fell.Day 4After checking out of our hotel we make an en-route stop in Dunkirk. The third largest port in France, Dunkirk has a rich maritime heritage and is also famous for the evacuation of Allied troops during the Second World War. The town also has a long seafront and a fine sandy beach, nicknamed the 'queen of the northern beaches'. Later we continue 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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Ostend
Welcome to delightful Ostend! Located in the Flemish province of West Flanders, this wonderfully cosmopolitan city attracts coach tours from far and wide. With five and a half miles of glorious, sandy beaches, Ostend is a popular seaside resort, with an attractive esplanade, pier and promenade, with vibrant shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Rich in history, it has many beautiful heritage sites, from the days of Leopold II, the English Monarchy and even the Russian Tsar. During your coach break to Ostend make sure you take a stroll down the famous Albert II Promenade, offering views of the Royal monuments, or for culture, visit the Museum of Modern Art.
Renowned for its many restaurants and lovely cuisine, visit the Fisherman's Quay where you'll find a lively and colourful scene, enjoy the local specialities including Dover sole, mussels and shrimp croquettes, all washed down with the local beer. A treasure trove of delights, Ostend has much to offer visitors all year round!
Hotel
Selected HotelJG3 RatingWe'll stay at a comfortable hotel (JG3 rating) such as the Logis Hôtel des Acacias in Tourcoing. All rooms are en suite and other facilities include a bar and restaurant.Hotel RatingJG3 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.