Want to tour the back roads of Devon and Cornwall but don't want to join a large coach group? Looking for a little flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary? Do you have a few days to really get deep into the countryside?

Just across the English Channel lies the ancient land of Flanders. This short tour explores the part of Flanders that is now a province of Belgium.

Since the 14th century, Flanders has been a thriving region of fiercely-independent cities. They share a historical and cultural heritage to which the Grand Squares, magnificent guild houses, awe-inspiring cathedrals and many other monuments bear proud witness of a wealthy and influential past. The numerous smaller squares, cobbled street, churches and beguinages let you feel days gone by with an intimacy all of their own.

In contrast, there are the heart-wrenching battlefields of western Flanders bearing witness to the violent upheaval of the Great War.
There is a lot more to Flemish cities than just architecture and history. You can also spend time looking around a flea market, visiting an art gallery, or just sitting on a cafe terrace watching the world go by and sampling the world famous beer and chocolate!

With a maximum group size of 11 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal - 2008 Dates:

• May 27
• June 24
• July 22
• August 26
• September 16
• October 14

Departure Point:

Tour departs from St Pancras Station at 5:45am

Departure Time:

5:45am

Return details:

Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 10:00pm (Day 5).

Hotel Pickup:

Hotel pick up not available

Itinerary:

Day One:

Brussels hardly requires an introduction as everyone at least knows the Manneken Pis! There is so much more to this wonderful city and you will have the briefest of introduction. The city almost demands four days to itself rather than one on a four-day tour! Still, you will see the main sites on a guided tour including the Grote Markt and Grand-Place, La Monnaie, Saint Michael and Saint Gudula Cathedral, and the newer EU administrative buildings. There will also be time to visit a museum of your choice, do some shopping and, for those interested, a visit to the Waterloo Battlefield. Overnight will be in spent in Leuven.

Day Two:

Today explore Leuven which is often called the open air museum of the past. For those looking to find the most beautiful medieval building in the world, look no further! The magnificent 15th century town hall of the city of Leuven alone is worth the trip. The city center looks like a very well preserved town with buildings from the 17th and 18th century. There are many styles of architecture to be found in and around Leuven.

From the flamboyant Gothic Saint Peter's Church (with the famous 15th century painting of Dirk Bouts "The Last Supper") to the impressive Romanesque Gate, and not forgetting the unrivalled Park Abbey of Baroque Style. The town still owes much of its character to the numerous university buildings, dating from the 16th and 17th century, many of which were renovated in the 18th century.

Another exquisite historic city is that of Mechelen, a town boasting more historic monuments than even Brugge. Visits here can include the medieval square with guild houses and 14th century town hall and seeing works by Van Dyck and other Flemish masters in the cathedral.
All in all, a lovely leisurely day with lots of time for sightseeing, shopping and simply relaxing at street cafes and bars. Overnight is in Leuven.

Day Three:

Ghent is one of the country's noted "art cities" and the capital of East Flanders. Besides two medieval castles, nineteen museums, five abbeys and three beguinages, you will come across dozens of other churches and historic buildings. It boasts waterways lined with gorgeous, gabled buildings, a cathedral decorated with priceless art treasures, the SWAK Museum of Contemporary Art, the museum of the Large Beguinage and a fantastic museum of historical weapons. The city represents something of a find as it is well endowed with historic properties as its neighbor Brugge but not quite as crowded.

Spend time exploring the city and also enjoying the scenic driving between here and your base on the Flanders coast near Ostend (which you will also visit).

Day Four:

Saved perhaps the most famed of all Flanders cities until last - Bruges. This medieval gem criss-crossed by canals and cobbled streets, never fails to surprise and delight its visitors. Enjoy a leisurely and extended visit with sufficient time to explore. There'll be an opportunity of taking an optional horse drawn carriage ride around the city. There will be time for shopping, perhaps visit a brewery or see the Flanders Folk Museum where daily life has been wonderfully recreated in a number of tableaux.

In the late afternoon, early evening, you will return to Lille to board the Eurostar for London.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Entrance fees
• University-educated driver/guide
• Round trip standard class Eurostar ticket
• Three nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner

Exclusions:

• Optional gratuities
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Hotel list:

All properties are chosen on the basis of style, friendliness of welcome, location, historical interest and cooking. All are three star but may include 17th century working farm houses, 17th century coaching Inns, pubs, guest houses, small family run hotels and manor houses.

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 28 days in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received within 48 hours of booking
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise specified
• A current valid passport is required to participate on this tour
• Maximum group size is 11

Terms and Conditions:

A 100% cancellation penalty applies if cancelled 15 days or less prior to travel date.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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