Christmas Markets of Bruges & Lille 2012 

Thanks to a renegotiation with some of our suppliers, we are delighted to confirm a reduction in the prices for this tour from the original brochure prices as of 12 August 2011.



We depart St Pancras International and travel by Eurostar to Lille in Standard Premier Class. We enjoy a light meal and drinks, served on board. Our journey continues by coach across the Belgian border to the picturesque city of Bruges. We stay here for three nights at the wonderful Hotel Aragon. The main square is just a short walk away and is brimming with bistros and restaurants for you to choose from for dinner tonight. (E)

This morning we discover Bruges and its rich history during a guided walking tour. Having prospered originally as a port, much of Bruges' beautiful medieval architecture has been preserved, and the city's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000. We then experience one of the country's most popular exports, with a visit to a chocolate maker followed by a lunch in a charming Belgian restaurant. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Bruges and its Christmas Markets. (B,L)

Today is free for you to browse around Bruges Christmas Market, or explore the local museums and shops. The stalls sell a tempting array of hand-made Christmas decorations and gifts as well as tasty local delicacies and warming glühwein. The festive atmosphere is enhanced greatly by the twinkling lights adorning the surrounding gabled buildings, and the ice rink on Markt Square. Other options for today could include a trip on the pretty canals to see the city from a different angle, or a tour of one of the Bruges' breweries. For those wishing to venture further afield, Ghent and Brussels are both fascinating to explore, and are quickly reached by rail. We have a meal together at a traditional Flemish restaurant this evening. (B,D)

We travel by coach to Lille, where we enjoy free time to visit its exciting Christmas Market. Held in the city's Place Rihour, every year the centre of Lille comes alive with approximately 80 wooden stalls and chalets selling gifts and local cuisine. Perhaps sample the crêpes or tasty mulled wine, or ride on the Ferris Wheel for great views over the pretty city. The market itself has a reproduction of a snow-covered village - complete with a chapel, and even a frozen 'pond' for visitors to skate on. After time to explore the market and the surrounding lanes, we join the Eurostar Standard Premier Class to St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday