European

In Flanders Field We Remember

Fri 16/10/26 - 4 Days

In Flanders Field We Remember  The First World War finally came to an end at 11 o’clock on the morning of November 11th 1918.   Over a hundred years after the end of the Great War, our commemorative tour explores the poignant battlefield sites, museums and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in Flanders Fields.Day 1 ArrivalAfter our local pick-ups we make our way to Dover for our booked DFDS Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk.  (meal voucher - one main meal and drink (tea/coffee/soft drink included on the ferry)Day 2 Tyne Cot, Passchendaele, Poperinge & Talbot HouseToday we embark on a full day with a Battlefields Expert Step-On guided tour of the wartime sights surrounding Ypres.  Our first stop is the largest and most famous of the British and Commonwealth Cemeteries, Tyne Cot.  A short distance away, we then visit the Memorial Museum of Passchendaele and learn about the history of the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.  After our visit, we enjoy free time for lunch in the town of Poperinge, before making our way to Talbot House, a comfortable retreat for weary troops with a library, canteen, walled garden and a chapel in the attic.  We are immersed in the history of Talbot House, enjoying a cup of tea or coffee in the canteen, reading a book and climbing to the attic.Day 3 Ypres Today is a day at leisure in Ypres.  We visit the excellent In Flanders Fields Museum, located in the Cloth Hall, a short walk from the hotel. This moving museum now makes use of the latest technology in its portrayal of the history of the Great War.  We then spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring this fascinating town. This evening, we make our way to the Menin Gate, a memorial bearing the names of 54,389 soldiers who have no known grave.  Here we join the enormously poignant Last Post ceremony, which takes place at 8pm every evening as an act of remembrance.Day 4 DepartureAfter breakfast, we begin our journey home back to Dunkirk and our ferry across to Dover before our drive back to the local area with comfort stops en-route.Accommodation Novotel Ieper Centrum, Ypres.  This 3 star hotel provides an ideal base from which to explore the rich military heritage of the area, and is just a moment’s stroll from the Menin Gate and Grote Markt.  All 122 bedrooms are comfortably furnished with TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning and minibar. The hotel has a brasserie bar, restaurant, terrace and fitness centre. • Lift • Bar • Restaurant • Tea/coffee in roomWhats included Escorted Luxury Coach Travel with reserved seats Experienced Tour Driver & Courier Extra legroom and comfortable seats USB charging points and Free WiFi onboard the coach Ferry Crossings Dover-Dunkirk and return with meal vouchers onboard ferry included. 3 Nights Bed and Breakfast only at the Novotel Ieper Centrum, Ypres. All single rooms are double or twin All rooms have walk in showers Lifts to all floors Full Day Step on Battlefields Guide Entry to Tyne Cot Cemetery Entry to Passchendaele Memorial Museum Entrance to Talbot House with a cup of tea/coffee Entry to In Flanders Field Museum The Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate Refreshments served onboard the coach (small fee)

Brussels and Bruges Christmas Markets

Fri 04/12/26 - 4 Days

BRUSSELS CHRISTMAS MARKET  The Brussels Christmas market, also known as Winter Wonders. The market, part of the larger Winter Wonders event, will feature over 200 chalets, an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and various attractions. It will be spread across the city centre, including the Grand Place, Place de la Monnaie, Bourse, and Place Saint-Catherine The Brussels Christmas Market is a major part of the larger Winter Wonders festival, which includes cultural activities, a sound and light show, a Christmas tree, an ice rink, and more.  Visitors can enjoy a spectacular light and sound show at Grand Place, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and numerous festive stalls.   The market offers a wide variety of Belgian cuisine, snacks, and warm drinks like mulled wine (glühwein).  Many stalls offer handcrafted goods and unique gifts.   The market is known for its magical atmosphere, festive decorations, and lively ambiance.  BRUGES CHRISTMAS MARKET Bruges's Christmas market, also known as "Winter Glow," is a popular destination known for its festive atmosphere and picturesque setting.   The market features wooden chalets, an ice-skating rink, and various other attractions. Bruges itself, with its medieval architecture and canals, provides a charming backdrop for the festivities. Grote Markt is the main market square is the heart of the festivities, featuring wooden chalets, an ice rink, and views of the 83-meter-high Belfry tower.   Simon Stevinplein is a smaller market focused on local crafts and short-chain products.  A Light Experience Trail with the trail of light installations throughout the city adds to the festive ambiance with plentiful local delicacies.  The market offers a variety of festive food and drinks, allowing visitors to experience Belgian Christmas traditions.   Bruges's Christmas market provides a magical experience with its combination of traditional market stalls, festive decorations, and the city's unique historical charm.  Whether you're interested in browsing the stalls, enjoying the ice-skating, or exploring the light installations, there's something for everyone at the Bruges Christmas market. Whats included Escorted Luxury Coach Travel with reserved seating Experienced Tour Driver & Courier Return DFDS Ferry - Dover-Dunkirk (meal voucher included onboard ferry includes 1 main course, 1 soft drink or tea/coffee/hot chocolate) Extra legroom and comfortable seats USB charging points and Free WiFi onboard the coach 3 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Movenpick Hotel, Brussels Airport All hotel rooms are Double or Twin with walk in showers Free use of leisure facilities, sauna, steam room and gym Tea & Coffee on arrival Lifts to all floors Refreshments served onboard the coach (small fee time at leisure at Brussels Christmas Market Time at leisure in Bruges Not Included Porterage