Ostend – The Queen of the Belgian Seaside

LeShuttle to Calais and on to Ostend, Belgium’s favourite seaside resort, where our central hotel is just moments from the beach and within easy walking distance of the waterfront, shops and restaurants.

Ostend – The Queen of the Belgian Seaside

The beautiful city of Bruges is often described as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval gems. Spend the day exploring its cobbled streets, picturesque canals and grand market squares, discover independent boutiques and tempting chocolate shops or simply relax in one of the many cafés and restaurants overlooking the water. From historic churches and striking architecture to horse-drawn carriages and peaceful waterways, Bruges offers postcard-worthy views around every corner. We return to Ostend later this afternoon, where our central location means you can enjoy dinner at leisure in one of the resort’s many bars and restaurants.

Ostend – The Queen of the Belgian Seaside

Today is ours to enjoy Ostend at leisure. Stroll along the sweeping promenade, relax on the beach or explore the bustling marina, shops and cafés that have made this Belgium’s favourite seaside resort for generations. Seafood lovers won’t want to miss the famous seafood stalls near the harbour, serving everything from fresh prawns and oysters to traditional Belgian specialities. If you’d like to see more of the coast, hop aboard the famous coastal tram, which runs the length of the Belgian shoreline and makes it easy to visit neighbouring resorts such as Blankenberge and beyond.

Ostend – The Queen of the Belgian Seaside

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Ostend and begin our journey home, breaking up the journey with some free time in the charming seaside resort of De Panne. Known for its wide sandy beaches and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a final stroll along the seafront, a coffee overlooking the North Sea or perhaps one last taste of Belgium before we continue to Calais for our return LeShuttle home.

Cruise the canals of Bruges on a classic open boat, slipping under low stone bridges and past waterside guild houses mirrored in the reien. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, adding a tranquil vantage point to your time in the medieval city.

Skippers share stories of merchant fortunes and monastic life as you glide by Poortersloge, Jan van Eyck Square, and the silhouette of the Church of Our Lady. The route reveals secret gardens, ivy-draped walls and weathered quays inaccessible on foot.

Raise a glass at Hotel Cocoon with a hosted welcome drink, a relaxed moment to meet fellow travellers and toast the Belgian coast. Steps from the promenade, sea breezes and gull calls set a holiday mood for your seaside stay.

Known as the Queen of the Belgian Seaside, Ostend blends belle-époque elegance with creative energy shaped by painter James Ensor. In the hotel’s contemporary lounge, savour the region’s convivial spirit before venturing out to waterfront galleries and brasseries along the sands.

Step inside a Bruges chocolaterie for a hands-on chocolate workshop and tasting, learning how couverture is tempered, moulded and filled. This optional experience is at additional cost and bookable on tour, with time to sample Belgian pralines crafted in batches and discover flavour notes from bright cacao to nutty gianduja.

Trace the city’s sweet heritage from medieval guilds to 20th-century innovators, and hear how cocoa came into Europe via Antwerp’s bustling port. Leave with practical tips on storage and pairing, plus a small selection to enjoy back at the hotel.

Explore the UNESCO-listed heart of Bruges on an included excursion, wandering cobbled lanes and crossing humpbacked bridges between the Markt and Burg. Pause beside swan-dotted canals, admire stepped-gable guildhouses, and listen for the carillon chiming from the Belfry above the square.

Gain a feel for the city that prospered on medieval cloth and Hanseatic trade, preserved its street plan, and earned the moniker “Venice of the North”. Consider stepping into the serene Basilica of the Holy Blood or sampling master-crafted chocolates near Katelijnestraat during your time in Bruges.