4 Seasons With Railtrail 2018/19 Brochure

Bruges & Gent Festive Cheers

N E W T O U R

A tour packed with festive cheer, designed with fans of Belgian beers in mind, but also featuring Christmas Markets amidst the timeless gables, belfries and waterways of Bruges and Gent. We visit three Christmas Markets, three breweries, cruise the waters of Gent and trundle along the North Sea coastline on a privately chartered vintage tram, all from our brand new 4* hotel in Bruges.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 Our journey begins at London St Pancras International, travelling by Eurostar to Brussels, changing onto the Belgian rail system for Bruges, where we stay at the brand new 4* Radisson Blu Hotel. Get your bearings ahead of dinner in this UNESCO World Heritage site, with canals and quaint streets leading to the stunning Markt square, flanked by its medieval belfry bell- tower. (D) DAY 2 We spend today at leisure in Bruges, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Our stroll to the stunning medieval centre is punctuated with a visit to De Halve Maan Brewery for a tour and taste of Brugse Zot Blond. After lunch together the rest of the day and evening is free in beautiful Bruges to sample its own Christmas Market and special ambiance. (B,L) DAY 3 Today is a varied and interesting day, beginning with a train journey to the coast to Ostend. After a little free time to visit Ostend’s Christmas Market, we have arranged a chartered vintage tram ride along the Belgian coast to De Panne. Here we rejoin the Belgian rail system, travelling ★ ★ Rail travel from London to Belgium and return ★ ★ Tour & tasting at Halve Maan Brewery in Bruges ★ ★ Explore Bruges and its Christmas Market ★ ★ Included boat trip along Gent’s waterways ★ ★ Tour & tasting at the fascinating Gentse Gruut Brewery ★ ★ Visit Gent’s excellent Christmas Market ★ ★ Spend time at Ostend’s Christmas Market ★ ★ Specially chartered vintage tram on the North Sea Coast Line ★ ★ Tour & tasting at De Dolle Brouwers, ‘The Mad Brewers’!

Fares From £675

5 DAYS

to Diksmuide in West Flanders for a visit to De Dolle Brouwers Brewery. There has been a brewery on this site since 1835, however, it was purchased by ‘The Mad Brewers’ in 1980 to brew ‘Oerbier’ based on their experiments at home and using only natural ingredients. We enjoy lunch in Diksmiude before returning to Bruges (B,L) DAY 4 Today’s excursion visits Gent by train. Alighting at Gent Dampoort, we walk into the city centre, with its cobbled squares flanked by ornate gabled buildings. There is time to browse around Gent’s Christmas Market, boasting 130 festive wooden chalets beneath the magnificent St Baaf’s Cathedral and neighbouring squares, following which we visit the fascinating Gruut Brewery. In the middle ages herbs (‘Gruyt’ or ‘Gruut’ in Flemish) were used in the brewing process instead of hops. The Gruut Brewery has revived this tradition and you have the chance to taste the difference on our tour and tasting, followed by light lunch. No visit to Gent would be complete without a scenic and relaxing boat trip on its waterways, which we also include before returning by train to Bruges. (B,L)

DEPARTS Sunday 9 December 2018

FARE From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to / from Bruges, including £675 Standard Eurostar Single Traveller Supplement £175 4 nights’ bed, breakfast, one evening meal & 3 lunches Eurostar and Standard Class rail travel to/ from Bruges All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

HOTEL Radisson Blu Hotel, Bruges

The brand-new 4* Radisson Blu hotel in Bruges is situated close to the railway station and the historic city centre, with a cosy lounge, bar and restaurant, the station outside your door and all the delights of Bruges within walking distance.

DAY 5 We return to Brussels to join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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