Ypres & the Battlefields of Flanders

Discover the history, culture and charm of one of Belgium's most fascinating cities on this memorable break to Ypres. Staying in the heart of this beautifully restored medieval city, there will be some free time to explore its picturesque streets, welcoming cafés and poignant memorials at your own pace.

A highlight of the tour is our included guided excursion to the famous Ypres Salient battlefields. Accompanied by an expert local guide, we will visit some of the most significant First World War sites, including the restored dressing station where John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Langemark German Military Cemetery and other moving places of remembrance that bring the history of the Great War vividly to life.

There is also the opportunity to join an optional excursion to the magnificent city of Ghent. With its stunning medieval architecture, scenic canals 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
Battlefields guided tour
Return Dover-Calais Ferry Crossing
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

Early morning departure for a journey south to Dover, where we board a ferry to cross the channel to Calais. We then continue on to Belgium and the delightful town of Ypres where we stay for the next three nights.

Day Two

Today we are joined by a knowledgeable local guide for a moving tour of Ypres and the surrounding battlefields. Our journey begins at Essex Farm Cemetery, where we visit the restored dressing station in which John McCrae served and found the inspiration for his famous poem, In Flanders Fields. We then continue to Artillery Wood Cemetery and pause nearby at the Hedd Wyn Memorial, a touching tribute to the celebrated Welsh poet who lost his life during the First World War. From here, we travel via the German Military Cemetery at Langemark before arriving at Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendaele, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Returning to Ypres, the rest of the day is at leisure. You may wish to visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, wander through the beautifully restored medieval town centre or simply take time to reflect in one of the city's many peaceful and commemorative spaces.

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

This morning we check out from our hotel and bid farewell to Ypres 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, 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