Oostende – an autumn break on the Belgian Atlantic coast
... with a detour to Boulogne-sur-Mer
- 4 nights with breakfast at the Ibis Hotel De Panne or Mercure Hotel Oostende
- 1 dinner at the hotel as a 3-course menu on the day of arrival
- City tour of Bruges
- Admission to the Nausicaá Maritime Museum in Boulogne-sur-Mer
- Admission and guided tour of the Permeke Museum
NOTICE:
Surcharge for the Mercure Hotel Oostende from € 35,- p. p. / night
YOUR HOTEL:
Mercure Hotel Oostende: centrally located in Oostende, just a 5-minute walk from the beach and Leopold Park. The hotel offers 95 comfortably furnished rooms, some with a balcony. All rooms have a bathroom with bath or shower/WC and a hairdryer. Free WLAN and satellite reception are also available. The hotel has a restaurant, a cozy bar-lounge and an elevator.
Ibis Hotel De Panne: the hotel awaits you with 79 rooms and the latest ibis design. The hotel is located 2 km from the largest amusement park in Belgium (Plopsaland) and close to the beach of De Panne, as well as the coastal streetcar that connects De Panne with Knokke. The city center is also a 3-minute walk away.
With this great combination tour, we offer your customers a new and exciting travel idea. You can expect a balanced mix of culture, history, relaxation and nature. You will experience both the Belgian and French Atlantic coasts and have enough time to explore and enjoy everything at your leisure. Because enjoyment in all its facets is very important here on both sides of the border.
Arrival in Ostend, a lively coastal town known for its beaches and charming atmosphere. After checking into your room, we recommend a walk along the beach promenade. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and the view of the endless sea
Today we recommend a half-day excursion to Bruges, one of the most beautiful and best-known cities in Flanders. A walk through Bruges is like a journey through the Middle Ages. It is not for nothing that the entire old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for many years. On the way from Bruges to Ostend, visit the Permeke Museum in Jabbeke. The museum is dedicated to the life and works of the Belgian painter Constant Permeke. Permeke is considered one of the most important Flemish expressionists of the 20th century and is known for his powerful depictions of landscapes and working-class motifs. The museum displays an extensive collection of his works, including paintings, drawings and sculptures, and offers a deep insight into the artistic development and life of the artist. The exhibitions are housed in a modern building that harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding nature and creates a peaceful atmosphere for viewing his works. Alternative: Excursion to the Atlantic Wall: Explore part of the historic Atlantic Wall, which was built by the Germans during the Second World War. A visit to one of the bunkers or fortifications provides an interesting insight into the history of the region. Let the evening draw to a leisurely close. Ostend has a lively nightlife. Enjoy a drink in one of the bars in the old town or on the promenade.
Today you head towards France. Passing Dunkirk and Calais, you reach Boulogne-sur-Mer, a historic port city with a rich maritime history. A visit to the Nausicaá – the national center for marine sciences in Boulogne-sur-Mer with its impressive marine museum, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, is a must. Immerse yourself in the world of the oceans and discover fascinating marine life from all over the world. Afterwards, take a stroll through the old town of Boulogne-sur-Mer and admire the medieval alleyways, the imposing Notre-Dame basilica and the castle. Enjoy lunch in one of the cozy restaurants on the harbor or in the old town, where you can enjoy French cuisine. Try the regional specialties such as ›moules-frites‹ (mussels with fries). Return to Ostend and enjoy a relaxing evening. Perhaps enjoy the sunset on the beach in Ostend or try another fish dish in a local restaurant.
Another insider tip is a trip to the area around Ostend. Discover the hinterland of West Flanders and visit charming villages such as Nieuwpoort or Veurne, which exude charm with their historic buildings and quiet alleyways. Alternatively, you can also plan a trip to Ypres. Here you will find the impressive museum ›In Flanders Fields‹ – a war museum in the city center of Ypres that was redesigned in 1998. The museum is housed in the town’s reconstructed Cloth Hall and Belfry (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and has been home to a reopened permanent exhibition on the First World War in Belgium since 2012. The name of the museum was chosen in reference to the war poem ›In Flanders Fields‹ by the Canadian John McCrae. Dinner in one of the upscale restaurants in Ostend with a sea view to round off your trip in style.
After breakfast you say goodbye to West Flanders and start your return journey.