|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
The World Heritage City Of Bruges
Art and Architectural Riches of Lille
Travel by Eurostar, Staying at Mercure Opera Central Lille
and the Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges
11 – 14 October 2010 (three nights)
|
|
A wonderful opportunity to visit both the historic and attractive small city of Bruges, a medieval masterpiece of cobbled streets, guild houses and stone bridges over hidden canals, and the impressive city of Lille with its fine 17th century buildings and great art galleries. Travelling by Eurostar from St Pancras (or joining at Ebbsfleet International) this tour includes one night at the Mercure Opera Central in the centre of Lille and two nights at the four-star Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges, ideally located for exploring the heart of this world heritage city. The itinerary includes visits to the Roubaix La Piscine Museum of Art and Industry and Le Palais des Beaux-Arts in Lille, and the Gothic Hall, Cathedral, Museums and Art Galleries in Bruges together with a horse-drawn city tour and a boat tour on the canals. There will also be time for a chocolate making demonstration and to shop or leisurely explore this unique Flemish city.
Monday 11 October: Meet at St Pancras Station 12.00 for 12.57 Eurostar to Lille. Arrive 15.24 (local time) to be met by a coach with local guide for a tour of the highlights of the city before checking into the Mercure Opera Central, Lille. Dinner this evening at a restaurant a short walk from the hotel.
Tuesday 12 October: Coach departs for a visit to the Roubaix La Piscine Museum. This amazing art deco building was originally the municipal swimming pool and today forms part of the city’s heritage, displaying textiles, ceramics, fine art and sculpture and a special exhibition of works by Degas. Lunch is available in the restaurant before continuing to Bruges and the Grand Hotel Casselbergh. Check into the hotel, then late afternoon a short walk to board a boat that will take you on the scenic journey along the canals and under the bridges around the city. Dinner this evening will be at a restaurant close to the hotel in the main square.
Wednesday 13 October: The day starts with a horse drawn tram passing through the cobbled streets and oldest part of Bruges in order that you can enjoy (without having to walk) the architecture and places of interest. Finishing at the magnificent Gothic City Hall with superb 19th century murals, and before you relax and enjoy lunch, a short visit to one of the city’s leading chocolatiers - every other shop in Bruges sells chocolates or tapestry – but this is a chance to see the art of making chocolate and no doubt succumb to its temptations. The afternoon is at leisure – you might like to join your guide on a walk to St. Salvator's Cathedral, Bruges’ oldest parish church filled with works of art, beautiful Flemish tapestries and stained glass, and perhaps the Groeninge Museum which houses an important collection of 15th C Flemish masterpieces and other works by artists who lived and worked in Bruges – or you may prefer to explore Bruges independently. Shops don’t close until 7 pm so there is time to explore and browse before finding dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Thursday 14 October: Check out of the hotel to return to Lille for a mid-morning visit to the Palais des Beaux Arts, this imposing 19th century building is France’s second museum after the Louvre, renowned for its fabulous art collection originally bought to Lille under orders from Napoleon. There is a restaurant in the museum for lunch before returning to the coach to travel the short distance to the station and board the Eurostar train back to London departing 15.05 arriving around 15.35 local time. **Please Note: those travelling to Ebbsfleet will have more time in Lille as there is no afternoon connection, currently the next train is 18.35 arriving 18.45 local time – this must be requested at time of booking.
Tour Cost:
Price per person £589
Single Supplement £125
Non Refundable Deposit £200
Upgrade Leisure Select Eurostar £90 if available
Canal View/Heritage Rooms Bruges £50 per room
This tour requires a valid passport and you are required to take the appropriate personal travel insurance.
Price includes:
 |
3 nights accommodation, breakfast |
|
A dinner in Bruges and in Lille |
|
Eurostar – standard class |
|
Entries, tours, boat trips as above |
|
Professional guide and executive coaching |
 |
|
Staying at Mercure Opera Central Lille and the Grand Hotel Casselbergh, Bruges
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
