Brand New Social Circle European City Break in the Historic City of Brussels 24th - 26th June
Come and join us for one truly exciting weekend. Within this cosmopolitan city, admist a backdrop of majestic landscapes, there is something to behold at every turn. We will engage in all what Brussels excels in, namely mouth-watering beer, fanatstic sightseeing and culture, and of course, that divine Belgium chocolate.
Three full days in 4* accommodation, breakfast included, as the perfect base from which to enjoy this amazing break!
And there will be opportunities galore to meet new people right on your doorstep, a world away from home. We will get to know one another whilst enjoying chocolate and beer, as well all of the other wonders that Brussels has to offer.
Brussels is certainly a city tranformed. In postwar years, it has come to be regarded as an exciting, cosmopolitan metropolis, with first-rate architecture and museums, a distinguished restaurant scene, and dynamic nightlife. Most of the must-see attractions are located in a city centre that can be taken in over a few long days. And as you will see below, those attractions are some that you really won't want to miss.
With a return flight of £69.88 (at time of booking) and THREE FULL DAYS to enjoy this fantastic city and your 4* accomodation, thanks to superb flight times, this is a fantastic opportunity.
Fantastic Luxury Accommodation: The Crowne Plaza 4*
Historic Landmark Hotel in Brussels City Centre.
Situated in the Northern Quarter, Crowne Plaza Brussels - Le Palace hotel adds elegance to any Brussels city break.
Situated on Place Rogier, our hotel is within easy reach of places to see. We will be situated within walkng distance of a host of parks, theatres and museums, including the Grand Place and Royal Museum of Fine Arts.. Our guestrooms overlook the Botanical Garden of Brussels, where visitors can find art exhibitions and concerts, or simply stroll the grounds.
If you're a health junkie, you can work or work out anytime; there is also WiFi, a Business Centre and Fitness Centre facilities available around the clock. Questions? The multilingual staff will be at our service. We can also choose from a fast and fresh dining menu and enjoy beer or international cuisine at Nouveau Taste Restaurant or Deco Verre Brasserie.
Provisional Itinerary:
Friday 24th June
Upon arrival in Brussels, we will check in to our 4* accommodation, then head off for some lunch and our very first adventure within this exciting city...
Grand Place
Here lies one of the world’s most unforgettable urban ensembles. Oddly hidden, the enclosed cobblestone square is only revealed as you enter on foot from one of six narrow side alleys: Rue des Harengs is the best first approach. The focal point is the spired 15th-century city hall, but each of the antique guildhalls (mostly 1697–1705) has a charm of its own. Most are unashamed exhibitionists, with fine baroque gables, gilded statues and elaborate guild symbols.
Alive with classic cafés , the square takes on different auras at different times. Try to visit more than once, and don’t miss looking again at night, when the scene is magically (and tastefully) illuminated.
Hop on Hop off Tour
We’ll then hop on board the red double-decker bus for some hardcore Brussels sightseeing. The bus allows us a 48-hour pass for just £24.99, allowing us to plan our very own sighteeing itinerary. The tour includes stops at the spectacular Palais Royal and the beautiful Parc du Cinquantenaire, which is surrounded by a number of world class galleries and museums. We can sit back and admire this great city while learning all about its fascinating history. The hop on hop off tour is the perfect way to see so mjuch of what Brussels has so much to offer. See full details at: http://www.localbrusselstours.com/hop-on-hop-off-tour-in-brussels_19392
After selecting a restaurant of choice and having some traditional fair, we'll explore some of the local drinking haunts to enjoy some of that famous Belgium beer. Enjoying the vibrant nightlife, we'll meet new friends and have a great time!
Options for Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June
Day Trip to Bruge
Only 1 hour away by train, we could visit another stunning city by the name of Bruges. The West Flanders capital is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. The city-center Markt features horse-drawn carriage rides and 17th-century houses converted into restaurants and cafes, as well as the 13th-century belfry with its 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views.
Waterloo Battlefield
This historic landmark draws in visitor after visitor, year after year, and it would be a crime not to fly to Brussels without visiting the secene of one of the most pivotal events in European history.
Take a walking tour around the city
And for the bookish-minded, we can partake in a free walking tour of Brussels. On the tour, the guides will share with us dirty secrets, urban legends, and hidden mysteries of the city, combined with fun facts of Belgium throughout history.
English Building
This 1899 former department store is an art-nouveau showpiece with a black facade aswirl with wrought iron and arched windows. The building contains the groundbreaking music museum , a celebration of music in all its forms, as well as a repository for more than 2000 historic instruments. The emphasis is very much on listening, with auditory experiences around every corner, from shepherds’ bagpipes to Chinese carillons to harpsichords. Don’t miss the rooftop café for a superb city panorama.
Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate
The small entrance fee of €5.50 includes a free sample of melted chocolate on speculoos cookie and as much chocolate as you can eat from the demonstration!
The chocolate demonstration is almost miraculous as you watch the chocolate go from liquid to hard shell and taste the result. The chocolate maker will show you the secret of making seashell chocolates and pralines. It lasts for about 15 minutes and you are offered chocolate to taste throughout the routine – available in English or French.
After having your fill of the demonstration, there are two floors of cocoa facts and chocolate facts to explore. The first floor has a huge canoe, similar to the ones used in the cocoa collecting countries of West Africa. You will also find information about where cocoa is produced and how the beans are turned from fruit seeds into chocolate. The second floor is a display of Belgian chocolates, how it was eaten in the 1500s when it was first brought to Europe and also some posters with myth-busters on eating chocolate.
Located around the corner of the Grand Place, The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate is definitely a treat for chocolate lovers.
Music Village
Polished 100-seat jazz venue housed in two 17th-century buildings with dinner (not compulsory) available from 7pm and concerts starting at 8.30pm, 9pm at weekends. The performers squeeze onto a small podium that’s visible from any seat.
A La Becasse
On Saturday night, we will pay a visit to one of Brussel's best pubs. Voted one of the best traditional pubs in Brussels by The Guardian, A La Becasse, "The Lark", is hidden away at the end of a narrow passage, just near the Grand Place. The bar is famous all over the city for its "jeune lambic blanche", a refreshing white beer served in a stone jug. The waiters wear monastic-style uniforms and prepare the house speciality - delicious open sandwiches of sourdough bread with Ardennes ham or smoked herrings.
Price includes accommodation with breakfast included in your ideal city centre 4* Hotel. Price Inclusive of guide and a truly great time with other European dwellers, any tour costs are payable when there.
What's left to do? Simply book your flight and come join us.....
Cost of flight at 16/02/2016 only £69.88 return so hurry and book. Recommended flight Air Lingus flight FR3238 Depart Manchester 7:50am Friday 24th June arrive Brussels 10:15 Depart Sunday 26th Flight FR3223 9:55pm arrive Manchester 10:20pm.
