Belgian Christmas Delights

We depart the UK and make our way to our 4-star hotel on the outskirts of Brussels.

We have some free time in Brussels today to explore everything the city has to offer, including the Christmas Markets, which bring a festive atmosphere to many of the squares and streets (subject to confirmation of 2024 dates). The Grande Place will be decorated beautifully with its renowned buildings adorned in festive lights. Place St Catherine is home to the biggest Christmas Market in the city and normally includes an ice rink and a ferris wheel!

We make the journey to the beautiful town of Bruges today, home to one of the most famous Christmas markets in Belgium spread across the Markt Square and the smaller Simon Stevinplein. Aside from the festive market, Bruges itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to amazing architecture. It is a joy to explore with its quaint cobbled streets and canals.

Enjoy a leisurely day today where you can enjoy the facilities in the hotel or why not join our optional excursion to Antwerp, Belgium's fashionable diamond city. The Christmas Markets should still be open (subject to confirmation of dates), where you can purchase some last minute festive treats and souvenirs. This evening there will be a live cooking buffet including traditional roast turkey before an evening of entertainment.

After a leisurely breakfast, we make the short journey to Ghent today. The Christmas markets should still be open, with over 100 festive stalls and chalets spread out from Sint-Baafsplein in areas such as the Botermarkt, and Klein Turkije, to the end of the Korenmarkt.

Ghent manages to combine medieval architectural wealth and idyllic charm within its city walls. From St. Michael’s bridge, there is a wonderful view of the skyline of Ghent, including the three impressive towers of St. Nicholas’ Church and Sint Baafs Cathedral with its elaborate stone and marble naves.

We leave our hotel after breakfast and return to the UK.