Day 1: We travel to France via LeShuttle and arrive at our centrally located Bruges hotel early afternoon. Enjoy free time exploring some of the city’s highlights and be spoilt for choice with the huge variety of restaurants in which to dine this evening.
Day 2: Today is at leisure to explore this beguiling city as you wish. There is so much to see and do and here are some suggestions:
Canal Cruise: Discover the city from a different perspective as you sit back and relax on a guided cruise through the beautiful, historic canals.
Food glorious food: Bruges is a great destination for foodies with a unique and varied selection of delicacies on offer. From award-winning Michelin-star restaurants, authentic ‘brown cafes’, world renowned moules-frites, Belgian waffles and, of course, chocolate.
The Diamond Museum: The museum shows how medieval Bruges was the first diamond city in the world, featuring permanent and temporary exhibitions, a shop dedicated to all things diamond-related, and unique Diamond Polishing Show every day.
Chocolate Factory: Experience the mystical lives of the Mayans and the Aztecs, who saw their chocolate drink as a drink from the gods. Discover the success of the sweet chocolate drink in the royal courts of Spain, France and later on throughout the whole of Europe and, of course, find out how the Belgium's make their chocolate and why Belgian chocolate is so delicious.
Museums and Galleries: There’s a host of other museums and galleries such as; Historium Bruges, go back in time and discover the fascinating history of Bruges; Frietsmusuem, the history of the potato and Belgian fries; Dali Xpo-Gallery, a fantastic collection of world famous graphics and statues by the great artist Salvador Dali; Groeningemuseum, a varied overview of the history of Belgian art; Torture museum, one of the oldest prisons in Europe offering an impressive collection of artefacts and lifelike waxworks… and many more.
Brewery Tours: With two local breweries in the centre of the City why not join a brewery tour with an included tasting of traditional Belgian Beer. De Halve Mann Brewery offers a behind the scenes tour of the family brewery where you’ll be able to soak in a spectacular 360° view over Bruges. Alternatively explore the brewery of Bourgogne des Flandres which offers an insightful visit followed by a tasting in their industrial chic taproom with canal views.
Architecture: Bruges’ architecture is predominantly Gothic with brickwork dating from the Middle Ages. At 83 metres high and dominating the skyline, the 13th century Gothic Belfort tower overlooks the Grote Markt in the Historic Centre of Bruges and you can chose to climb the 366 steps to the top for outstanding views of the city. Known as a place of pilgrimage, The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a 12th century chapel housing a phial reputedly containing Christ’s blood, brought back from the Crusades. Other notable places of interest include; St Bonifacius Bridge, also known as Lovers Bridge; Stadhuis, the 14th century Town Hall; Sint-Janshuismolen, a working windmill and Oude Civiele Griffie, Bruges’ former law court.
Day 3: Enjoy another leisurely morning exploring the delights of the city before beginning our journey back to the UK early afternoon.