Ypres – Friday 11th to Monday 14th December 2026 🟠 Join the waiting list… you never know! 🤞🏻

Belgium Christmas Markets & Ypres Holiday – Friday 11th – Monday 14th December 2026

Come and join us for another very special festive holiday to beautiful Belgium!

After the huge success of our 2025 tour, we have decided to do it all over again — but this time with a few exciting changes, including an extra night away and a visit to the stunning Christmas market in Bruges.

This wonderful festive break combines magical Christmas markets, fascinating history, beautiful architecture and plenty of time to relax and explore.

Day 1 – Friday 11th December 2026

After an early start, we will travel down to Dover for our 10:00am DFDS ferry crossing to Dunkirk.

The crossing takes approximately two hours, arriving at around 1:00pm local time.

From there, we travel to the beautiful city of Bruges for free time to enjoy its magical Christmas atmosphere.

The famous market in Market Square comes alive with:

• Twinkling festive lights
• Traditional wooden chalets
• Christmas gifts and crafts
• Delicious festive food and drinks

Bruges also hosts a wonderful Christmas craft market in Simon Stevinplein.

At approximately 4:30pm, we continue our journey to the stunning city of Ypres.

As we arrive, the Ypres Christmas Market will be in full swing within the beautiful town square.

We will be staying at the lovely Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields.

Following customer feedback, we have chosen a bed and breakfast basis, allowing everyone the chance to explore Ypres’ fantastic cafés, bars and restaurants during the evenings.

Of course, the hotel also offers a lovely restaurant and bar area if you fancy a quieter night.

Day 2 – Saturday 12th December 2026

Leisure Day in Ypres

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Everything is just a short walk from the hotel, including:

• In Flanders Fields Museum
• Cloth Hall
• Menin Gate

Every evening at 8:00pm, the moving Last Post ceremony takes place at the Menin Gate, where buglers honour the fallen soldiers of World War I.

This heartfelt tribute truly should not be missed.

There are also many friendly pubs and restaurants nearby to enjoy afterwards.

We will provide everyone with a suggested list of places to visit and things to do.

Day 3 – Sunday 13th December 2026

Tyne Cot & Ghent

Our final excursion day is still being fine-tuned, but the plan is to leave after breakfast and visit Tyne Cot Cemetery — the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world.

We also hope to visit some preserved World War I trench sites, offering a fascinating and moving glimpse into history.

Afterwards, we travel to the beautiful riverside city of Ghent.

Ghent is a stunning historic city filled with:

• Spectacular architecture
• Canals and riverside walks
• Beautiful shops and cafés
• Wonderful Christmas atmosphere

At approximately 4:30pm, we return to our hotel in Ypres for our final evening at leisure.

Day 4 – Monday 14th December 2026

After a relaxing morning, breakfast and perhaps a final bit of shopping, we will check out and depart around 12:30pmfor our return journey to Dunkirk.

On route, we will make a special stop at PJ’s Chocolate Emporium for some delicious Belgian chocolate shopping.

The duty-free shopping at the port is also excellent.

We will board our 4:00pm DFDS ferry back to Dover, arriving at approximately 5:00pm UK time.

From there, we begin our journey home.

Ferry Meals Included

On both DFDS crossings, we receive complimentary food vouchers including:

• Hot breakfast with tea, coffee or soft drink on the outward crossing
• Hot lunch with a non-alcoholic drink on the return crossing

Coach Travel

Our executive coach includes onboard toilet facilities, and we will also make suitable comfort stops during the journey.

Tour Includes

• Executive coach travel
• Return DFDS ferry crossings
• Complimentary ferry meal vouchers
• 3 nights at Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields
• Bed & breakfast accommodation
• Visits to Bruges, Ypres and Ghent
• Services of a dedicated Patchwork Tour Leader

Room Types Available

• Single rooms
• Double rooms
• Twin rooms
• Triple rooms

Price

The cost of this amazing festive holiday is:

• £429pp
• Single supplement: £170pp

Coach Pick-Ups

• Shepperton
• Staines-upon-Thames
• Ashford
• Stanwell

It really is an amazing trip and one we are so excited to offer again for 2026.