Medieval Bruges & Ghent

We leave from our local departure points and drive south by coach to Hull where our ferry awaits for the overnight crossing to Zeebrugge. Twin low-berth outside cabins.

We travel this morning to Ghent, one of Belgium’s oldest cities. It remains small enough to feel cosy but big enough to be a relevant centre for trade and culture. There is a wealth of medieval and classical architecture here with a vibrant student population and picturesque canal-side architecture. Later this afternoon, we travel to Bruges, our host for three nights. Hotel Novotel Centrum.

Bruges resembles a medieval film set and is one of Europe’s finest cities. The stunning views from the Belfry Tower, the romantic canals and the beautiful gable houses are sights to be cherished. So picture postcard is the city centre, it is nigh on impossible to take a bad photograph! We spend three nights in the Novotel Centrum and our hotel is a short walk from the beautiful area known as Minnewater where swans, the symbol of Bruges, glide across the Lake of Love. We include a visit to Ostend, ‘City by the Sea’. Ostend has a wealth of beautiful belle epoque and art deco architecture scattered around its residential streets and boasts a spacious promenade above a white-sandy beach. As Bruges is renowned for chocolate making, we visit a well-known chocolate shop and as the city has a wonderful gastronomic reputation, we have arranged a bed and breakfast package in our hotel, allowing us the opportunity to sample the many delicacies on offer.

We spend a relaxing morning in Bruges, before we return to Zeebrugge, where our ferry awaits for the overnight crossing to Hull. Twin low-berth outside cabins. Dinner and breakfast on board ship.

We return to Scotland after a wonderful Belgian coach holiday.