Group tour Operator for holidays to Ostend, Belgium
Ostend, Ypres and Bruges
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Menin Gate, Ypres
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The James Ensor House, Ostend ©Arne Deboosere
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Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
including Bruges and Holland
Located on the Belgian coast and boasting beautiful sandy beaches, Ostend has been a favourite for groups for many years and one can see why with its white-sandy beach and promenade lined with midrise architecture and cosy seafront cafes. Its cosmopolitan centre and beautiful parks are just the tip of the iceberg. Ostend has a rich Maritime history and its location on the Belgian coast, of course, opens the doors to a number of culinary delights, so why not head to a seafood restaurant to sample them?
Dates
16 September & 14 October 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Ostend
Depending on your preference, travel to Belgium via a short sea sailing or enjoy a comfortable overnight sailing.
Day 2
Ostend
Today, explore your base of Ostend with its 7 kilometre white-sandy beach and promenade. This coastal town, has lots to do, with Atlantikwall Raversyde, Mu.ZEE and Maritime Quarter and visit the Mercator – a museum ship with National Heritage status, to name a few! For others looking for a more culinary experience, perhaps head to a local tea room and watch passers-by with a coffee and a Belgian waffle.
Day 3
Ypres
Ypres (leper), is a pretty town in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It’s surrounded by the Ypres Salient battlefields, where many cemeteries, memorials and war museums honour the battles that unfolded in this area during World War I. After being destroyed in the war, many important buildings were carefully reconstructed, including Gothic-style Sint-Maartens kathedraal (St. Martin’s Cathedral) and its soaring spire. You can take a guided tour of the Hooge Crater museum and the war memorial that resides opposite that you can walk around, a must for any tourist. Then take a visit to some more sites and memorials including Tyne Cot and Langemark cemeteries. Then enjoy dinner in Ypres and then watch the emotional ‘Last Post’ ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Day 4
Beautiful Bruges
Belgium’s beauty is owed partly to its size and that so many fabulous towns and cities are a mere 30 minute drive away from Ostend. This fairytale town of Bruges is so close and definitely worth a visit. Often dubbed ‘the Venice of the North’, you can enjoy the crow-stepped gabled buildings from another perspective, and take a sightseeing cruise on the famous canals?
Day 5
Return to the UK
Depart Belgium and make your way back to the ferry port for a short sea sailing or an overnight sailing arriving in the UK.
Featured Hotel
Hotel Royal Astrid, Ostend ***
Visited by Greatdays Staff in February 2023
Hotel Royal Astrid is situated 100 metres from Ostend’s beautiful sandy beaches. The 173 comfortably furnished bedrooms are equipped with a safe, private bathroom and free toiletries. Start the day in the Mozart Restaurant with a wide selection of hot and cold items for breakfast. Dinner is also served here and there is a cosy bar to retire to after a busy day. There is also a spa where a wide range of amenities are on offer to include, sauna, steam bath and spa bath. Lifts to all floors.
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- Royal Astrid Hotel Restaurant
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- Royal Astrid Hotel Bar
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- Royal Astrid Hotel Double Bedroom
You may also be interested in:
The 3 B’s of Belgium – Blankenberge, Battlefields and Bruges
| Half Twin | Single Supplement | |
| April, May & October 2024 | From £315.00 per person | Price on request |
| June & September 2024 | From £345.00 per person | Price on request |
*Alternative dates and hotel are available. Overnight sailing is available on request.
