Duration: 3 Day Minibreak
Kortrijk lies in the Belgian Province of West Flanders, on the
river Leie. Nowadays, Kortrijk is a very dynamic city of about
80,000 inhabitants, with a solid entrepreneurial image and flare.
The town is encircled by remnants of ancient walls. Located in
Kortrijk are a castle, a belfry tower and a 16th century town
hall.
ITINERARY:
Friday: We make our way to Folkstone for our Eurotunnel crossing
to Calais, and on to our hotel in Kortrijk. Early evening we travel
to Ypres in time for dinner and the moving Last Post ceremony
at the Menin Gate. Every night, just before 8pm, the Buglers stand
ready. The traffic is stopped from passing through the gate, and
the Buglers then make their way to stand in the centre of the
Hall of Memory at the eastern entrance of the Menin Gate Memorial.
For a few moments the noise of the traffic ceases, and a stillness
descends over the memorial. At 8pm, the Buglers step into the
roadway under the Memorial Arch and play the Last Post. After
a short silence, they then play Reveille.
Saturday: After breakfast, we make a visit to Grand Bigard. We
visit the flower exhibition at the castle of Groot-Bijgaarden,
and enjoy an unforgettable flower experience. The park, which
is about 14 hectares, incorporates nearly all spring bulb varieties.
The castle’s gardeners have planted more than one million
bulbs - by hand! You will have the opportunity to discover 500
varieties, including 300 tulip varieties. There is also an indoor
exhibition with rhododendrons and azaleas, plus flower arrangements
which are changed every week. During our time here, lunch is included
in the “Orangerie”.
Sunday: We leave our hotel and make our way home, calling at
Sluis on the way. A popular shopping town for the Belgians and
Dutch, Sluis has a wide range of shops and restaurants. Also worth
seeing are the town gates, canal, quay, mill and town centre.
We aim to be home during the evening.
ACCOMMODATION:
Our hotel is the 4-star Best Western Hotel Belfort, located on
the scenic Market Place. All bedrooms have private facilities,
cable TV, hairdryer, fridge and room service. The Hotel has a
lounge, restaurant, bar and lift.
PRICE:
£245
Single Supplement £55
Includes all coach travel, Bed & Breakfast,
plus entrance and lunch at Grand Bigard.
Times:
tba.
More Information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kortrijk
Images:
Top left, Kortrijk.
Top right, The Menin Gate.
