Bruges & the Flavour of Flanders Tour 2012 

We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. In the Belgian capital we change trains and continue to charming Bruges. We transfer to our hotel and after settling in, we stroll to the delightful Restaurant Tea Room Verdi, tucked away just off the main square. (D)

This morning we enjoy a guided walking tour and discover the remarkable history and secret nooks and crannies of the city. This is the perfect way to get your bearings in Bruges, and then the rest of the day is free for you to explore at leisure. The city has many museums and art galleries, where you can admire work by Flemish painters. In the Church of our Lady you can view the Madonna and Child, one of Michelangelo's great works of art. You may also wish to climb to the top of the Belfry for a bird's eye view of Bruges. (B)

We journey by coach towards Ypres, to see some of the monuments that record the events of the Great War, including the imposing Menin Gate.

On our tours departing between 25 March and 17 June, we include a visit to the Hooge Crater War Museum with its unique collection of artefacts and exhibitions relating to the Great War.

On tours departing from 24 June onwards, we visit the newly reopened and greatly extended 'In Flanders Fields' Museum, housed in the Cloth Hall in Ypres. This award-winning, interactive museum is devoted to the Great War, focusing very much upon the human cost of the war that was meant to end all wars. As well as exhibitions about the role of Ypres and its battlefields, visitors learn about the personal experiences of the inhabitants of Ypres who were forced to evacuate the city in May 1915 and about the realities of life during the war for the thousands of soldiers who fought and died at the front.

Following lunch together a local guide will join us for the afternoon, and will be on hand to describe the events and history of the local area we also visit Sanctuary Wood museum and trenches. We return to Bruges in the late afternoon, for a free evening. (B,L)

Today's excursion is a private boat trip along the maze of canals, a relaxing way to see the beautiful heart of Bruges. We also visit an artisan chocolate-maker and see a demonstration. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy some shopping, perhaps for craft work such as Bruges' famous lace. This evening we enjoy a final dinner of refined Flemish cuisine in another favourite Bruges restaurant. (B,D)

We transfer to Bruges station for our return to Brussels and London. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday