Brugge, Ypres & The Last Post

Step into the pages of a medieval fairy tale and embark on an enchanting city break to Bruges, Belgium's immaculately preserved gem. With its winding cobbled streets, meandering canals, and soaring Gothic spires, Bruges is a living, breathing museum that offers a captivating glimpse into Europe's storied past. Explore the exquisite Gothic Town Hall and ascend the iconic 13th-century Belfry, where panoramic views will leave you utterly spellbound. Meander along romantic canals, discovering charming bridges and hidden corners, all while indulging in the world of Belgian chocolate, savoring its sweet delights.

Your journey will also lead you to Ypres, a town steeped in history, where beautifully preserved medieval architecture beckons you to explore its timeless streets. Uncover poignant war museums that pay homage to a bygone era, and don't miss the opportunity to partake in the moving Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate—a solemn tribute to the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. Stand in solemn reverence as buglers fill the air with hauntingly beautiful notes that resonate through time, creating a deeply moving tribute to these heroes.

Join us on this unforgettable journey where medieval Bruges and the poignant Last Post in Ypres combine to create a city break like no other, a seamless blend of enchantment and remembrance.

ACADEMIE HOTEL

The four star Academie Hotel is situated right in the historic “golden triangle” of Brugge, just 50 metres from the famous Minnewater (Lake of Love) and with easy access on foot to the city centre. The stylish rooms all feature air-conditioning, television, radio, telephone, Wi-Fi, iron/ironing board, fridge, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. The Academie hotel also features a restaurant and bar, plus a lovely winter garden and terrace. Lift to all floors.

Please note that as with many hotels in Brugge, the Academie hotel is situated on a narrow street that is not accessible by large coach. Accessing the hotel will involve a short walk of 150 meters between the coach drop off area and the hotel entrance.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
Return Dover to Calais ferry crossings
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Due to restrictions placed upon coaches and large vehicles in Brugge, only coaches dropping off/collecting passengers with luggage to/from their hotel are allowed access to the inner city. For all excursion days, passengers will be required to walk to the Kanaaleiland coach park (approx. 15 minute walk). Alternatively local taxies are available for a small fee.

Day One

Early morning departure for a journey south to Dover, where we board a ferry to cross the channel to Calais. Upon arrival, we continue our journey to Belgium, arriving at the delightful city of Bruges early evening.

Day Two

Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore Bruges. This afternoon we embark on drive through the Flanders countryside to the Tyne Cot memorial before continuing to Artillery Wood Cemetery where the famous Welsh poet Hedd Wyn is buried. You will also have an opportunity to see the Welsh National memorial at Langemark.

We then continue into Ypres, a town with strong associations with the First World War. Highlights here include the Cloth Hall and the 'In Flanders Fields Museum' plus the famous Menin Gate, placed there in honour of those who perished in the war and where each evening the Last Post is sounded at 20.00 and has done so since 1929. We will stay in Ypres this evening until the Last Post ceremony has finished.

Day Three

Today offers a leisurely exploration of the medieval splendor that is Brugge. Perhaps opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride to uncover historic churches, meandering cobblestone streets, and the irresistible allure of lace and chocolate shops. Alternatively, embark on a tranquil boat trip along the winding canals, where the city's peaceful ambiance will transport you. Brugge, often referred to as 'The Venice of the North,' awaits your discovery.

Day Four

This morning we check out from our hotel and bid farewell to Brugge as we make our way to Calais for our return ferry crossing to Dover. After disembarking the ferry, we continue our journey home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bangor, Pontio Centre	Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Chirk	Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Northop	Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop
Oswestry	Oswestry, Mile End Services Coach Park
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Crossroads (Outside Victoria Hotel)
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Wrexham	Wrexham, Bus Stand Lord Street
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop