Ypres and the Welsh Connection

Nestled in Belgium’s West Flanders region, Ypres is renowned for its deep connection to the First World War. While its history is forever shaped by the events of that time, today Ypres is a charming medieval town, with cobbled streets, elegant gabled houses and one of the most picturesque market squares in Belgium. Our short break includes a guided tour of Ypres and its surrounding areas, where we will visit significant sites such as the Menin Gate, Essex Farm Cemetert, Artillery Wood Cemetery, the Welsh Memorial Park at Langemark, Hedd Wyn plaque and the Welsh Cemetery (Caesar's Nose) in Boezinge. These poignant locations offer a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by Welsh soldiers during the First World War. We also offer an optional excursion to the beautiful Belgian city of Ghent, known for its picturesque canals, grand medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

NOVOTEL IEPER CENTRUM FLANDERS FIELDS

Located in the heart of historic Ypres, just steps from the Menin Gate, Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields is a modern, family-friendly hotel. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen television, mini fridge, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and safe. The hotel also features on-site restaurant and bar, a fitness centre and a peaceful inner courtyard. Lift access to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast
Guided tour of Ypres & First World War Welsh Monuments
Return Eurotunnel Journeys
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

Early departure for our journey south to Folkestone and through the Eurotunnel to France. We then continue on to Belgium and the Hotel Ariane in the delightful town of Ypres where we stay for the next three nights.

Day Two

Today, we are joined by a local guide for a poignant tour of Ypres and its surrounding areas, retracing the footsteps of Welsh soldiers who served during the First World War. Our journey begins at Essex Farm Cemetery, where we visit Plot III, the resting place of members of the 38th (Welsh) Division who fell during the autumn of 1916. We then continue to Artillery Wood Cemetery, where we pay tribute to the renowned Welsh poet Hedd Wyn, who lost his life on the battlefield. Next, we visit the Welsh Cemetery at Boezinge, also known as Caesar's Nose, before moving on to the Welsh Memorial Park at Langemark. Here, we honour all Welsh soldiers who served in the war and pause at the nearby Hedd Wyn plaques, a moving tribute to his life and legacy. Our tour concludes with a reflective visit to the German Military Cemetery at Langemark, offering a broader perspective on the human cost of war, before we return to Ypres, where the remainder of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Perhaps visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, stroll through the medieval town centre or reflect quietly in one of Ypres' many peaceful corners.

Day Three

Enjoy a day at leisure or join us on an optional excursion to the charming Belgian city of Ghent, affectionately known as the 'Flower Capital of Belgium'. Graslei and Korenlei are the main quays where you will find unique rows of historical buildings with elegant facades representing different architectural styles. The city is overlooked by the mighty Medieval Castle; constructed in 1180, this impressive, moated fortress tells the story of Ghent's turbulent history. Another main attraction is St Bavo's Cathedral, a majestic building containing a Romanesque crypt and Gothic tower, richly decorated inside with unique paintings.

Day Four

We leave Ypres and return to the Eurotunnel terminal at Calais for our journey back to Folkestone and 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, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
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