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0330 440 3999, monday - friday 9am to 5pm, coach holidays to bruges.

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Bruges Coach Holidays

Language: The official languages are Dutch, French and German. Dutch is slightly more widely spoken than French, and German is spoken the least. Currency: Euro Time Zone: Central European Standard Time = GMT+1, Central European Summer Time = GMT+2 Tipping: Tips are not compulsory and in Belgium there are no generally established rules, although it is common practice to leave a sum amounting to around 10% of the bill if you are satisfied with the service you have received.

Bruges - an introduction

Very few people know this but Bruges actually gained cult status thanks to the film 'In Bruges' about two Irish assassins holed up in the Old Town. The popularity of this black comedy film has meant that young fans have descended upon the city to see the locations featured in the film, there is even an 'In Bruges' themed walking tour!

Unfortunately, over the years, Bruges has become a victim of its own popularity, with house prices in the Old Town increasing beyond the realistic reach of the locals meaning that quite a number of properties are left vacant which is why the city can appear to be like a 'ghost town' during the quieter seasons. It can also be silent during the summer months, particularly when the tourists have gone to bed. Bruges city breaks are not recommended if you are looking for somewhere with a vibrant nightlife but during the day, the city comes to life as its cobbled streets fill to bursting with camera-wielding tourists.

Many visitors come to Bruges on city breaks just to gaze in awe at the magnificent medieval architecture that's on display so don't be surprised to find people suddenly coming to a standstill in front of you as they spot another building they are amazed by! Add a bit of romance to your city break with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Main Square . You should also visit The Belfry in Markt Square which is an iconic landmark of Bruges and no coach trip here would be complete without climbing to the very top of this 15 th century masterpiece to admire the best views of the city below. Really soak up the atmosphere by stopping and listen to the traditional sounds of the Carrilon (allowing the bells in the Belfry to be played by means of a hand keyboard).

For those culture vultures among you, Bruges is fit to bursting with museums showcasing everything from furniture to local folklore. Explore the waterways by taking a leisurely cruise along the canals or wonder around Burg Square where you'll come across the Basilica of the Holy Blood which supposedly contains the blood of Jesus Christ. You cannot leave Bruges without visiting the Chocolate Museum and we're sure your loved ones at home will not be best pleased if you return without buying a handmade treat or two from some of the city's famous chocolate shops. Lighten the mood another notch with a visit to the only working brewery in the Old Town and maybe sample the world-famous Belgian beer.

Anyone planning on a city break to Bruges who is looking for culinary delights will not be disappointed, however your wallets may retract a little in your pocket! To enjoy the fine cuisine, be prepared for your wallet to rapidly empty as dining here comes with a high price tag – think London prices and double it! Bruges may not suit those holidaying on a budget but you can always be self-sufficient and cook your own meals if you're staying self-catering.

Bruges in a nutshell is a well-preserved city that represents a time long forgot. It's the perfect destination to come to if you're looking for a cultural city break or a fabulous stopover should you wish to explore the rest of Europe.

Coach holidays to Bruges typically include; return coach travel, accommodation in good standard hotels, meals and a variety of included or optional excursions so you can really get a taste of what life is like in beautiful historic city.

Find out more

Thinking of travelling to Belgium? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather

To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Bruges, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):

Health and Travel Insurance When visiting Belgium you should always obtain a free European Health Insurance Card EHIC prior to leaving the UK. The EHIC isn't a substitute for travel insurance, but it will entitle you to state provided medical treatment should it become necessary throughout the duration of your trip. Any treatments provided are on the same terms as that of Belgian nationals. The EHIC won't cover the costs of a medical repatriation, on-going medical treatments or non-essential treatments, so you must always ensure you have the correct travel insurance and can access funds which will cover the costs of any medical treatments and possible repatriation.

Crime Petty crime rates in Belgium are similar to those in the UK, but appear to be on the increase. Always take sensible precautions which will protect both yourself and your belongings.

When you go out, only take the minimum amount of cash which is needed and be sure that any additional credit cards and personal ID are essential before carrying them with you. If possible, leave any jewellery, valuables and documents somewhere secure such as the hotel safe. Try to spread your personal items to avoid carrying your money, your passport and bank/credit cards in the same pocket or bag. Before leaving the UK, take a photocopy of your passport and leave it with a friend or family member in the UK. Always fill out your next-of-kin details on the back page of your passport.

Should you become a victim of theft, always contact the nearest police station to get a police report If you are unfortunate enough to lose your passport, you must also contact the British Embassy located in Brussels. If you are struggling to report the theft of your cards to your card issuer in the UK, you can contact the Belgian Group 'Card Stop' (telephone: +32 (0) 70 344 344) who will send a fax to your UK card issuer telling them to block your card.

Always be vigilant and take extra precautions when in major railway stations or when travelling on public transport, particularly when it is late at night. Thieves and muggers often operate around Brussels Gare du Midi/Zuidstation (the Eurostar terminal), Gare du Nord and also Schuman (the EU quarter). Pickpockets operate on a number of international trains, mainly Amsterdam-Brussels and Paris-Brussels.

Never leave your luggage unattended, there have been a number of reports of luggage being taken from the racks located at the end of carriages on high-speed trains (TGV and Thalys), usually just before the train doors close.

Never leave valuable items on show in your car, even when you are in it. Always keep car doors locked and windows secure. It has become more common for thieves, who are normally on motorbikes, to break a car window and snatch valuables from the passenger seat when a vehicle is stationary at traffic lights. As ever, carjacking, especially of high cost vehicles, remains a risk.

Local Laws and Customs According to Belgian law, you must carry some form of identification with you at all times.

The possession of drugs and also trafficking are serious offences. It is illegal to wear clothing which covers or hides a person's face largely or completely in a public place (such as in parks, on public transport, when in the street or in buildings). People who wear such clothing (for example a burka and nikab) risk being fined up to €137.50 and/or being detained for up to 7 days. Tourists are not exempt from this law.

Entry Requirements British passport holders endorsed as a 'British Citizen' do not need a visa when entering Belgium. If you are intending to work or stay in Belgium for more than 3 months, you must apply for a residence permit from the local communal authority.

Those with differing types of British nationality should always check entry requirements with the Belgian Embassy located in London.

When staying for up to 3 months, your passport should always be valid for the proposed entirety of your stay; you will not need any additional period of validity beyond this.

Any other nationality looking to visit Belgium must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.

Tourist offices For further information on Bruges, you can visit the official tourism website at visitbruges.be

It's hard to believe but even though Brugge is a small part of Belgium, there's quite a varied amount of things to do and see:

Choco-Story - The Chocolate Museum Bruges is well known for its production of chocolate, so if you are interested in finding out how cocoa is transformed into chocolate then this is the place for you. On visiting the museum, you will be an expert on all things chocolate-related so why not visit one of the 49 chocolate shops and may be purchase a treat or two? After all, you're in the capital of chocolate so it would be rude not to!

Boat ride on the canal As this attractive city is filled with canals, why not take a boat ride and discover Bruges from a different perspective? This is a perfect way to escape the crowds, see picturesque buildings and learn some interesting facts about this truly medieval city.

The Belfry This prominent landmark is difficult to miss in the historical centre of Bruges. For great views of the surrounding area, not climb all 366 steps to the top of this 83 metre high medieval bell tower? Just a word of warning though, the staircase is narrow and can be steep in parts.

The Markt The Grote Markt, or Market Square in Bruges has been there for over a thousand years and is surrounded by remarkable architecture. Around the square you will find many banks, restaurants and also the Belfry and Cloth Hall and on the north side, the Provincial Court. Every Wednesday morning, there is a market showcasing handicrafts and local produce for you to browse and purchase.

To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Belgium, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):

Health and Travel Insurance You should apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK when you are visiting Belgium. Please note this card is not a substitute for travel insurance or medical cover, however, you will be entitled to state provided medical treatment at a reduced cost or sometimes for free if this is required during your stay in Austria.

Local Laws and Customs You are required to carry a form of identification with you at all times.

Entry Requirements

Passport validity If you are planning to visit Belgium, you must meet the following passport requirements.

Your passport must be: - Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) - Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.

Visas You can travel to Belgium for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.

Passport stamping Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Belgium as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.

Any other nationality looking to holiday in Austria must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.

Any other nationality looking to visit Belgium must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.

Bruges has more Michelin starred restaurants per head than anywhere else in the World

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Bruges holidays

Bruges holidays and city breaks.

Few cities lend themselves better to a short visit than Bruges, one of Belgium's prettiest destinations. With its winding cobbled lanes, picturesque canals and colourful history, the city feels modelled from a fairytale. Bruges holidays, in fact, feel like stepping into a storybook. The old town’s historic heart has changed so little since medieval times that the entire city centre has been made a UNESCO World Heritage site. Naturally, a Bruges city break is popular with day trippers: trains from Brussels take just under an hour, and the old town can be crossed on foot in half an hour. It’s worth booking a weekend break in Bruges, though, if only to sample its remarkably good dining scene.

Things to do in Bruges

Explore the rich culture of Bruges

The best way to see the city is to explore on foot, but a boat tour of the canals is a fun way to get your bearings. You’ll get a swan’s eye view of the city and lively details from its fascinating past. You can hop on at one of five stops along the route, between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. Colin Farrell fans are also in for a treat with a tour of 15 locations from his dark comedy film In Bruges . Shopping is one of the best things to do in Bruges.

Bruges' chocolate delights

The city is famous for its chocolate shops: you’ll find one at practically every street corner around the central square. Make sure you leave some space in your bags for other treats to bring home – Bruges has some excellent concept and designer stores.

Things to see in Bruges

It’s easy to imagine medieval life in full swing on Markt, Bruges’s grand central square. Its weekly market has been going for a good thousand years, and you can still grab picnic essentials here come Wednesday mornings. Look out for the neo-gothic Provincial Court on the eastern side of the square and the bronze statue of local heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. You’ll also find horse-drawn carriages for romantic tours of the city. Sint-Joris restaurant, on Markt’s northern side, is a good spot for a pit stop: expect friendly service, cold beer and classic Flemish fare.

Hansa District

North of the Markt, this atmospheric district has kept much of its historic character. Spanish traders settled on Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Quay), while merchants from the Baltic Hanseatic League set up shop on Oosterlingenplein, or Easterner’s Square. Tranquil Jan van Eyckplein (named after the famous Flemish painter) was once a wealthy, cosmopolitan port. Views from the Spiegelrei canal towards the Burgher’s Lodge are some of the finest in town. See if you can spot the Toll House and the narrow Rijkepijndershuis, the porters’ house illustrated with figures carrying heavy loads

Built on top of the Cloth Hall, the Belfry soars 83 metres high above the city, casting its long shadow over Markt below. It’s worth climbing the 366 steps to the top. The views over Bruge are beautiful, but even more impressive is the enormous musical drum used to run a complex system of gears, strings and 47 bells. Time your visit for one of the 11am Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday concerts to see the carillon in action and feel its full power. In summer, evening concerts take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9pm; grab a spot in the courtyard to listen.

A 15-minute walk south from Markt, this lovely lake and surrounding park feels a world away from the bustle of central Bruges. Its nickname – the Lake of Love – comes from the tragic story of lovers Minna and Stromberg. Legend has it that couples who cross the Minnewater Bridge will be blessed with eternal love. With its weeping willows and pairs of swans gliding gracefully over the water, it’s a perfect spot for a romantic stroll. If you’re less inclined towards romance, cross over to the Beguinage nearby: this community for emancipated single women is now home to Benedictine nuns.

Church of our Lady

After years of painstaking work, the brick-clad Church of our Lady has been restored to full medieval glory. It’s easy to spot from the street, thanks to its tall distinctive steeple. Shipped from Siena by a wealthy Bruges family, a delicate Michelangelo marble of the Madonna and Child is the highlight, but you’ll find other treasures within. There’s a grand triptych of the Passion, plus the gloriously gilded mausoleums of Charles the Bold and his daughter Mary of Burgundy. Entrance to the church is free, but tickets are needed for the museum section containing most of these works.

Where to stay in Bruges

In a city so small and so ancient, the best places to stay in Bruges are central, stylish and full of character. From grand hotels with unique histories to homely B&Bs, there’s something for every budget. You could bed down in cosy guesthouses with a lively bar scene, say, or elegant stays tucked away behind stained-glass windows and timbered façades. If you’re travelling on foot, it can be a good idea to book somewhere by the station, or the uneven cobblestones might make short work of your suitcase wheels. For the ultimate experience, look for a room with canal views. Hotels in Bruges tend to fill up quickly, so book early – especially if you’re looking for cheap places to stay in Bruges.

Best places to eat in Bruges

For a city of its size, Bruges packs a mighty gastronomic punch. With some exceptions, such as the fabulous Tanuki , don’t expect exotic cuisine or fusion flavours. The best places to eat in Bruges draw their inspiration from French and Flemish traditions. Eating in Bruges is a joy, thanks to fashionable restaurants, careful plating and an abundance of fresh local produce. The super-sized mussels at Breydel de Coninck make for a memorable moules frites. Locale works with – you guessed it – locally sourced seasonal and organic produce. If you have something to celebrate, book a table at one of two Michelin-starred restaurants: Zet'Joe or Sans Cravate .

Where to drink beer in Bruges

Propped up on the edge of the water, Brouwerij De Halve Maan Brewery has been churning out Brugse Zot – the city’s strong, hoppy beer – since 1856. Book one of the daily tours for a crash course in brewing; entrance comes with a taster or three, best enjoyed in the beer garden. This being Belgium, it’s by no means the only beer-tasting spot in town. Bierbrasserie Cambrinus has an attractive wood-panelled room and more than 400 different beers on its menu. Check out local bands at hip late-night venue De Kelk in the Sint-Anna quarter – the craft beer and cocktail selection isn’t bad, either.

Where to brunch in Bruges

There’s nothing like a proper brunch to get in the mood for a day of exploring. Thankfully there are plenty of trendy spots in Bruges to start the day right. Right on the picturesque Jan van Eyckplein, Blackbird claims to serve the best breakfasts in town. It’s hard to argue with the cosy café’s colourful take on the most important meal of the day. The menu’s vegan-friendly: expect fluffy pancakes, nutrient-packed bowls and sparkling mimosas. Overslept? Not to worry – That’s Toast serves delicious breakfasts, proper coffee and freshly mixed juices until mid-afternoon.

The best waffles in Bruges

There’s nothing quite so restorative as a warm, freshly baked waffle when you’ve been hitting the cobblestones all day. You could just follow your nose to the nearest stall (this is Belgium, after all), but waffles aren’t all made equal. On Katelijnestraat, Otto Waffle Atelier rustles up oat waffles garnished with tempting toppings, like a rather grown-up rhubarb and ginger compote. Look for the Arlecchino van by the Markt, where Liège and Brussels style waffles are cooked to order. If you’d rather sit in, make a beeline for Lizzie’s Wafels ’ extra-large, heaven-scented creations.

Best time to visit Bruges

An all-weather knockout, Bruges can be enjoyed in any season. In spring, daffodils bloom in the Beginjhof’s tranquil gardens; it’s a good time to experience the city at a more leisurely pace. Look out for the Procession of the Holy Blood, a colourful tradition that has been taking place on Ascension Day since 1304. Summer crowds can get a bit wearing, though there’s plenty of peaceful pockets to be found off the beaten path. Make time for a visit to the Sint-Janhuis windmill in Park Kruisvest. The Christmas Market in Bruges is magical – but if you miss that special time of the year, De Witte Pelikaan sells handcrafted Christmas ornaments throughout the year.

Book a train and hotel package to Bruges

Eurostar city breaks to Bruges don’t begin and end with the travel, we also give you the opportunity to select your hotel and book the full trip with us.

Christmas market in Bruges

London to Bruges trains

Bruges is a bit like stepping back in time with its medieval streets, horse-drawn carriages and cobbled squares. Romantic and charming, perfect for a weekend break.

Eurostar destinations

Between Amsterdam's canals, Paris' botanical gardens, Bruges' architecture, and London's royal parks, Eurostar has something for everyone.

Belgium – A day in beautiful Bruges

Bruges tour, the “venice of the north”, bruges is breathtaking and one of the most interesting cities in all of europe..

Known as "The Venice of the North", a day trip to Bruges from London is a must for anyone wanting to tour Belgium. Our guided tours take you around this stunning UNESCO world heritage city, offering the kind of charm rarely seen elsewhere. Bruges is in the Dutch speaking Northern part of Belgium and is a postcard perfect stop on any trip to Europe.

Described by many as a fairy-tale city, marvel at the labyrinth of canals that break up the mediaeval charm of your surrounds, treading the historic cobbled laneways through a city that oozes charm and beauty.

Explore the canals, chocolate shops and Belgian beer houses (amongst others) which make this city fantastic to visit at any time of the year!

We leave at 8am (sharp) from our London Eye departure point and begin our tour to Belgium, driving south out of London to Folkestone where we take the Channel Tunnel under the sea to France before continuing our journey by road to Bruges.

We will make a quick comfort stop on the way out of London, and there are toilet facilities on board the Eurotunnel.

Don't forget your valid passport and travel visa (if your nationality requires one).

On arrival in Bruges you can begin exploring this wonderful historic Belgian city! You can explore the city at your own leisure - we will provide you with a map, and some recommendations of things to see and do. Your guide will offer an optional walking tour - you can decide on the day whether you want to join, or if you prefer to discover the delights for yourself.

After spending around 5 hours exploring Bruges, hopefully full of chocolate, beer and mussels; we'll head back to London, driving through Belgium and France and taking the Channel Tunnel back to England.

We'll arrive back in London at approximately 9.30pm. The tour will end at the same place we started - opposite the London Eye and very close to Waterloo Station.

What's included?

Small group tour guaranteed - never more than 16 people
Expert, passionate and friendly driver/guide
Full commentary throughout the day along the route (but with some quiet time for resting too)
Walking tour in Bruges
Map of Bruges with city highlights and recommendations
Transport on a luxury purpose built Mercedes mini coach with USB charging ports, individual A/C controls, reclining leather seats, panoramic glass windows, windshield and roof
Complimentary bottled water
Small groups - back roads - great guides

Not included

Food/drink – Your guide will provide some recommendations – there are so many places to choose from in Bruges to sample some delicious local treats

Book this tour.

Great news! We’d love to meet you and give you a day tour you’ll never forget. Just select the date below, and away you go...

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