THE HIGHLIGHTS OF BELGIUM
BRUGES
Canals and cobbled lanes self-guided tour:
Explore this fairy-tale medieval town, with picturesque cobbled lanes and dreamy canals link photogenic market squares lined with soaring towers, historic churches and old whitewashed almshouses.
Bruges chocolate factory tour and tastings
BRUSSELS
Grand Place (Grote Markt)
Right in the heart of Brussels Old Town, the city’s main plaza (known as Grand Place) is one of the best preserved in Europe. Much of the square’s elegant character is due to the unique architecture of its elegant Gildehuizen (guild houses) with their magnificent gables, pilasters, and balustrades, ornately carved stonework, and rich gold decoration.
Manekin Pis
located Along the Rue de l’Etuve is Brussels’ best-known landmark. The Manneken is, however, surrounded by various legends. According to one, the fountain is a memorial to a courageous infant who averted a conflagration, according to another, it commemorates the son of a count who succumbed to a pressing urge while taking part in a procession
Belgian Royal Museum of Fine Arts
Belgium’s Royal Museum of Fine Arts (1875-81) is one of the largest and best art galleries in the world. The museum grew out of a collection first set up in 1797 and was originally housed in the former palace of Charles of Lorraine.
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Palais Royale (Koningsplein)
The most important building on this square is the Royal Palace (Palais Royal) used by the Belgian royal family as an official residence.
Saint-Michel Cathedral
Dedicated to St. Michael and St. Gudula (the patron saints of Brussels) this Gothic church was first founded in 1225 but only completed in the 15th century. The facade is impressive, rising majestically above a broad flight of steps and crowned with twin 69-meter-high towers designed by Jan van Ruysbroeck.
Mont Des Arts
The architecturally imposing complex of large buildings includes the Bibliothèque Albert I and the strikingly modern Palais de la Dynastie and Palais de Congrès. From the square between them is a fine view of the lower central city.
YPRES
Hill 60 & Caterpillar Crater
Polygon Wood Cemetery
Flanders Field Museum:
Educational workshops provide a detailed and interactive insight into WWI and this exhibition is great for learning through personal experiences. Students are able to trace the life of an individual as the war progresses and follow their journey through time.
ComingWorldRememberMe art installation
Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony
Every night at 8.00pm a moving ceremony takes place under the Menin Gate in Ieper. For a few moments the noise of traffic ceases and stillness descends over the memorial. At exactly 20:00 hours up to six members of the regular buglers from the local volunteer Fire Brigade step into the roadway under the memorial arch. They play Last Post, followed by a short silence and then play Reveille. Group to lay a wreath.
The Peace Village Hostel
is a cosy home in Flanders Fields country, with en-suite studios which can accommodation up to 150 people. The Village houses a restaurant and with sporting grounds, bonfires and activities, is ideally equipped to handle all types of school groups.
Historical Messines Ridge
A fully tailored itinerary awaits in and around the historical Messines Ridge where battles of Ypres, Polygon Wood Cemetery, Passchendaele and Vimy just miles away. Visit these locations, and also take part in the following:
- Australian Platoon Experience: Walk in the shoes of a soldier of the 3rd Australian Division and retrace the events that took place during the Battle of Passchendaele on the 4th October 1917. Students have the unique opportunity to literally walk in the footsteps of Australian soldiers as they are assembled as a World War One Platoon.
- March of the Phoenix night tour to re-enact the Christmas Truce, visit cemeteries and pay respects at the beautifully lit Island of Ireland Peace Park
- Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony: Every night at 8.00pm a moving ceremony takes place under the Menin Gate in Ieper. For a few moments the noise of traffic ceases and stillness descends over the memorial. At exactly 20:00 hours up to six members of the regular buglers from the local volunteer Fire Brigade step into the roadway under the memorial arch. They play Last Post, followed by a short silence and then play Reveille. Group to lay a wreath.
- Beautiful grounds with a wealth of possibilities: free bicycle hire, football fields (the local children can join in for a friendly game!), basketball and a bonfire at night.