Join us on our in exploring Ghent and Bruges on our Christmas Market Coach Tour with a 3 night stay in the 3* Ostend Hotel, Ostend.
Return deluxe coach travel and channel crossing.
3 nights bed & breakfast accommodation in Ostend in a twin room. Single accommodation is available for an additional £50.
Each room will have a bathroom with shower, free wifi, hairdryer, digital TV, safe, air conditioning and kettle for tea/coffee.
Members - £294 (£50 Member deposit + £244 Member Remaining Balance)
Non Members - £334 (£50 Non-Member deposit + £284 Non-Member Remaining Balance)
Single Room Supplement - £50 (An additional payment for a single room)
Friday
Leave Gosport early morning and head for Dover via M3 with pickup stops for passengers at Basingstoke, Maidstone Services and Stop 24 (if required). We then head for our ferry crossing to Calais and on our onward journey to Ostend.
We should arrive at our hotel late afternoon, staying at 3* Ostend Hotel, Ostend. The hotel has it's own restaurant which is where breakfast is provided but unfortunately evening meals are not available. The hotel is only a 5 minute walk into the centre of Ostend and there are plenty of restaurants in and around especially along the harbour. The Christmas Market is located at Leopold park which is about 15 minutes walk from the hotel, so there will be opportunity to visit it in the evenings.
Saturday
After breakfast we will set off for Ghent, which is about an hour from Ostend, to visit the Christmas Markets and the other festive activities that are available.
At around 17:00 we will leave Ghent to return back to our hotel in Ostend where you are free to explore the town or retire for the evening.
Sunday
After breakfast we will set off for Bruges, about half an hour from Ostend where we will spend our time visiting the Christmas Markets within the town. There are also some historical sites that are worth visiting.
At around 17:00 we will leave and return to Ostend where you are, once again, free to explore the town or retire for the evening.
Monday
After breakfast we will depart for the trip home arriving in Calais for the crossing back to the UK. Time permitting we will make a stop at a wine warehouse to stock up with wine for the festive period.
The trip back will include drop offs at the same places where pickups were made, ending in Gosport.
Ghent
The Ghent Christmas Market is one of the best Christmas markets in Belgium, offering a variety of attractions, food and entertainment for visitors of all ages. The market is located in several squares and streets in the old town of Ghent and are connected by a walking route that passes by some of the beautiful sights in Ghent, such as the Belfry, the Cathedral, the City Hall and the Castle of the Counts. Some highlights are the ice skating rink and the Moose bar at Botermarkt, where visitors can glide on the ice and warm up with a hot drink or a snack. The Ferris wheel and the Husky bar at Korenmarkt, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and sip a mulled wine or a hot chocolate.
Bruges
The market is in two main squares: Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein. Grote Markt features wooden chalets selling Christmas items and local food, with an ice rink and a large Christmas tree as central attractions. Simon Stevinplein offers a less crowded market with crafts and carnival games. The historic backdrop creates a unique atmosphere, while local Belgian cuisine provides a delightful culinary experience. Visitors can also find unique gifts and crafts made by local artisans. Ice skating opportunities are available in the main square near Lake of Love, Minnewater. The Bruges Christmas Market offers a variety of local Belgian treats. Visitors can indulge in Belgian waffles, frites, beers and hot chocolate, so a great opportunity to taste Belgian cuisine. It also presents an enchanting fairytale-like atmosphere, with the historic buildings filled with holiday lights.
You must purchase your own travel insurance before travelling.
One non-refundable deposit per person will be required with your booking and the balance due must be paid by 1st September 2024. You can pay the full cost of the trip at time of booking if you wish.
Costs are broken down into 'deposits' and 'remaining balance' payments. Deposits are non-refundable and contribute to the cost of the trip. The deposit secures a place on the trip until full payment can be made. Until full payment is made you have not purchased a space on the trip.
For more details please contact Sue Lumb.