The Christmas Markets of Bruges & Lille

Discuss this fascinating rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 730 731

Day 1 – To Bruges
We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar bound for Lille. From here, we transfer for the journey by coach to Bruges and our hotel for the next three nights, the 3* Ibis Centrum. Tonight we enjoy dinner together in the hotel.

Day 2 – Bruges
This morning we discover Bruges, its rich history and stunning medieval architecture during a guided walking tour. Having prospered originally as a port, much of Bruges’ beautiful medieval architecture has been preserved, and the city’s historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Following the tour, we experience one of the country’s favourite exports, with a visit to an enticing artisan chocolate maker. All of the delicious chocolates are made by hand, on the premises, to a traditional recipe. The rest of the day is free for you to spend in Bruges. The city is truly mesmerising at Christmas, as the centre of Bruges is transformed by the small but charming Christmas Market. The traditional stepgabled buildings around the main square are decorated with twinkling lights, and the seasonal ice rink adds to the delightfully festive atmosphere. The stalls are laden with all sorts of treats, including unusual hand-made decorations, gifts, chocolates and lace as well as brightly coloured sweets. Following your look around the market, you may wish to enjoy a warming glass of glühwein or relax in a splendid Belgian tea room.

Day 3 – At leisure
You are free to spend today as you wish. You could visit some of the art museums, many of which celebrate works by Belgian and Flemish painters. Otherwise, perhaps take a trip on the pretty canals to see the city from a different angle. The Brewery Museum is well worth a visit, or you could take a tour of one of the city’s many breweries. Alternatively, both Ghent and Brussels are easily accessible by rail and have interesting Christmas Markets to explore, which are filled with a whole host of festive delights.

Day 4 – Lille & homeward bound
Today we leave Bruges, travelling by coach to Lille, where we enjoy free time to take in its vibrant Christmas Market. Perhaps try the crêpes or a warming mulled wine, or take a ride on the Ferris Wheel for great views over the city. Held in the city’s Place Rihour, every year the centre of Lille comes alive with approximately 80 wooden stalls and chalets selling arts, crafts, decorations and local cuisine. Many of the streets in the area have their own seasonal decorations, and the Market itself features a reproduction of a snow covered village, complete with a chapel, and even a frozen ‘pond’ for the more adventurous to skate on! After time to explore the Christmas Market and the surrounding lanes, we head back to the train station and take a late afternoon Eurostar service back to St Pancras International in London.

Single room prices include the supplement for single occupancy throughout: £100