The city of Antwerp in Belgium will be hosting the Tall Ships for the fifth time in 2010. About 100 Tall Ships are expected to line the waterfront to prepare for the start of the Tall Ships Race. To see these ‘cathedrals of the sea’ from Antwerp’s riverside is a breathtaking experience. Antwerp is world famous as the ‘City of Diamonds’ and no visit would be complete without a visit to see diamond craftsmen at work. We also include an excursion to Brussels, Belgium’s capital.
TOUR INCLUDES
- Return ferry Dublin-Holyhead
- Return overnight cruise ferry Hull-Zeebrugge with dinners and
- breakfasts on board
- Luxury coach with fully qualified Driver/Escort
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with dinner, bed & breakfast
- Excursion to Brussels
- Visit to Bruges
HOTEL
Novotel Antwerpen Noord
COST
€595 per person sharing
€125 single supplement
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ITINERARY
THURSDAY 8TH JULY
After a pick up from your local area we drive to Dublin for the ferry to Holyhead then make our way to Hull for the overnight cruise ferry to Zeebrugge. Relax and enjoy the crossing with en-suite cabins, dinner and breakfast on board. (Dinner, B&B)
FRIDAY 9TH JULY
We dock at Zeebrugge this morning and head for Antwerp, located on the river Scheldt and linked to the North Sea by the Westerschelde estuary. This vibrant, cosmopolitan city has magnificent architecture, fine shopping and a wealth of museums and galleries. We enjoy an orientation drive around the centre then make our way to Diamondland to see highly-skilled diamond setters and cutters at work in the vast showroom – perhaps you’ll be tempted to make that extra special purchase! Later we check in to our hotel in time for dinner. (Dinner, B&B)
SATURDAY 10TH JULY
Spend a day at leisure in Antwerp to enjoy the spectacle of the Tall Ships. All crewed by youngsters as part of a sail training initiative there will be a buzz of excitement in the air and a festive atmosphere. The largest tall ships will be moored along the Scheldekaaien, whilst others will tie up at the docks on het Eilandje, together with dozens of smaller vessels. The array of masts and rigging will create a spectacular sight – don’t forget your cameras! There will be a maritime market and various concerts by Flemish performers will be taking place. Entertainment and refreshments will be available at numerous locations and shuttle buses will make it easy to get from one site to the next. (Dinner, B&B)
SUNDAY 11TH JULY
We set off on an excursion to Belgium’s capital city, Brussels. Our Driver/Escort will show you the main sights including the European district, the Royal Palaces and the Atomium then there will be free time to see the magnificent Grande Place and cheeky ‘Mannekin Pis’ statue. Perhaps try a traditional Belgian lunch of mussels with chips, then we return to Antwerp to enjoy more of the Tall Ships festival. (Dinner, B&B)
MONDAY 12TH JULY
We leave Antwerp and travel to beautiful Bruges with its canals and cobbled streets. See the Grote Markt market square and maybe visit a lace-making centre, a chocolate factory or even a brewery. Discover the delightful Beguinage and the Lake of Love or take a canal cruise or horse-drawn carriage ride. Time for last minute souvenir shopping before we drive the short distance to Zeebrugge for the overnight cruise ferry back to Hull with dinner and breakfast on board. (Dinner, B&B)
TUESDAY 13TH JULY
After disembarkation we retrace our route across northern England and Wales to Holyhead for the ferry to Dublin with onward transfers to your pick up points. |