Best of Belgium
Christmas Markets
8th - 11th December 2023

The base for our 2023 Christmas Markets tour is the ever popular seaside resort of Ostend. Being just over an hour from Calais give us the opportunity  to make a couple of enroute stops, as well as being within travelling distance of some of the best Belgium Xmas Markets.

Our first day out will be a visit to nearby Lille, with one of the most popular Xmas Markets in Europe. There are over 80 traditional Christmas stalls selling a wide range of products such as handmade decorations, honey, toys, beer, local and European food specialities, hot soup, mulled wine, chocolate crepes and hot doughnuts. Why not try the merry-go-round or take in the spectacular views from the 50m high Ferris wheel, which turns majestically to the sound of Christmas carols.

Our second day out will start with a visit to Bruges. The Xmas Market on the main square forms a ring around an open-air ice rink, with stalls selling sweets, handmade decorations and gifts. Wander in any direction from the market square to discover historic churches, picturesque cobbled streets and, of course, those irresistible chocolate shops.

We then travel on to nearby Ghent, where the city centre will again be turned into a winter wonderland and an ice-skating rink will be installed under the City Pavilion. Enjoy the view of Ghent from the giant Ferris wheel in front of St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Ghent is home to the famous Graslei and Korenlei areas arguably one of the most beautiful spots in the country with a stunning skyline of preserved medieval port houses and buildings.

Traffic and time permitting, we will also make short en route stops at the Christmas markets in Dunkirk and Calais, as well as one of the French hypermarkets.

Tour price includes:-

Deposit £40 per person

Your Hotel - The Hotel Ostend

Located in the heart of the town within a short walk of the Christmas Market, beach and shopping areas, this 3 star hotel offers 110 comfortable bedrooms, all of which are en suite and are equipped with TV and hairdryer. The hotel also boasts a welcoming restaurant, bar, sauna and gym.