DFDS
Experience the charm and convenience of sailing from Amsterdam to IJmuiden with DFDS. The state-of-the-art vessels offer a seamless blend of luxury and comfort, ensuring an unforgettable journey. Enjoy spacious cabins equipped with all modern amenities, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
There’s plenty to keep you entertained as you cruise from the UK, indulge in a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes, from casual cafes to fine dining restaurants. Savor exquisite meals prepared with the freshest ingredients, accompanied by panoramic sea views. For entertainment, the ships feature a range of facilities including duty free shop, cinemas, live music, and a vibrant bar scene. Kids will love the dedicated play areas and interactive activities, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Royal Astrid Hotel, Ostend
Experience the enchanting blend of luxury and hospitality at the Royal Astrid Hotel. Nestled in the heart of Ostend, the hotel offers a perfect retreat with its elegant rooms, spa facilities, and exceptional dining options. This contemporary hotel combines comfort with sophistication, providing an ideal base for exploring the vibrant city.
Experience the charm of Belgium's premier seaside resort in enchanting Ostend. This vibrant coastal city seamlessly blends historic elegance with modern coastal living. The wide sandy beaches and beautiful promenade (known as 'The Albert I Promenade') invite visitors to enjoy refreshing walks along the North Sea coast. The city center buzzes with activity, from its bustling shopping streets to the varied restaurants serving fresh seafood and local specialties.
Discover Ostend's rich cultural heritage at the Mu.ZEE art museum, explore the fascinating Japanese Garden, or visit the majestic St. Peter and St. Paul's Church. The historic Venetian Galleries offer a stunning architectural backdrop for seaside strolls, while the marina area provides the perfect spot to watch fishing boats return with their daily catch. Whether you're interested in maritime history, eager to sample Belgian cuisine, or simply want to relax by the sea, Ostend offers something for every visitor.
Fort Breendonk: A Journey Through Dark History
Our second day takes us to Fort Breendonk - a military fort that became one of World War II's concentration camps. As we walk through with our guide, we'll learn how this fortress changed from a military stronghold into something much darker.
A university expert in European history will join us to share powerful stories of those who were held here, helping us better understand this sobering piece of history.
WWI and WWII: Ypres, Passchendaele, and Dunkirk
Day three connects us with major sites from both World Wars. We'll start at Ypres, exploring the captivating In Flanders Fields Museum where personal stories and hands-on exhibits bring WWI to life. We'll pause for reflection at the Menin Gate, honoring thousands of missing soldiers.
Next, we head to Passchendaele's museum to see authentic trenches and war artifacts, followed by a visit to Tyne Cot - the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Our day ends at Dunkirk, where we'll walk the famous beaches and visit the Dunkirk 1940 Museum to learn about Operation Dynamo's incredible evacuation story.
Vlissingen: Where Maritime Meets Wartime
Our fourth day discovers Vlissingen, a historic port town. We'll visit Uncle Beach, where Allied forces landed during Operation Infatuate in WWII, and explore the MuZEEum Maritime Museum to understand the town's crucial role in both World Wars.
A walking tour reveals buildings that survived the conflicts, each with its own story to tell. After lunch in town, we'll head back to IJmuiden to catch our overnight ferry to Newcastle.
