Belgium
A perfect “close-to-home” tour, offering something all year round, it’s no surprise that Belgium has become one of our most popular destinations. Alongside the cultural delights of this country, the local markets, canal cruises, diamond museums and renowned brewery tours offer your choir a terrific insight into this region. On a more reflective note, a visit to the battlefields of the First World War is a truly moving experience for any touring party. Perfect for a long weekend, your choir can enjoy performing in stunning concert venues whilst experiencing the finer sides of Belgian culture. Regardless of which beautiful, historic city you choose to base your group in, we can offer the perfect finale for your tour with a farewell dinner in a traditional Belgian restaurant.
Where to Sing
Last Post Ceremony – The Menin Gate
Choirs are invited to participate in the moving Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. This is a truly unforgettable experience for any group at one of the most visited Great War Memorials on the Western Front.
St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Michielskerk – Ghent
We offer your choir the opportunity to perform in St Bavo’s Cathedral and the ever impressive St Michielskerk which boasts a stunning interior and accepts choirs performing a secular repertoire.
St Pauluskerk – Ghent
Situated on the outskirts of Ghent, this is one of our favourite venues thanks to the friendly priest and welcoming, enthusiastic audiences.
Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and St. Salvator’s Cathedral – Bruges
Many churches in Bruges, including the Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk and St. Salvator’s cathedral offer a warm welcome to our choirs and are available for both concert performances and mass participations.
Flanders’ Cathedrals
Our long associations with many of Belgium’s impressive cathedrals ensure all groups receive a very warm welcome. Whether it be full group recitals or participation in mass, the superb acoustics of these venues offer a memorable experience.
All churches in Belgium welcome groups throughout the year. Why not choose to combine your concert tour with the beautiful and atmospheric Belgian Christmas Markets during December?
What to Do
Bruges
A stunning destination steeped in culture and history, Bruges offers its visitors a well-rounded Belgian experience. Watch the famous Belgian chocolate being hand-made and visit one of the many engaging museums. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, in English, on a canal cruise before trying your hand at a little beer tasting on a brewery tour. This historic town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was the European Capital of Culture in 2002.
Ghent
Ghent combines historical canals, statues, squares and beautiful old architecture with a cutting edge university scene. Modern art collections delightfully juxtapose UNESCO world heritage sites whilst the gentle canals pulse with a festival atmosphere during the annual Ghentfest.
Ypres
A beautiful town that has been fully restored after the devastation it suffered during World War I. The “In Flanders Fields Museum” and the daily Last Post Ceremony are not to be missed, whilst the main square boasts the recently restored Cloth Hall and Belfry, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bruges Christmas Market – November/December
There can’t be many settings more beautiful at Christmas than medieval Bruges, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and horse-drawn carts. The Christmas market on the main square forms a ring around an open-air ice rink whilst colourful lights illuminate festive stalls and buildings during the evening.
Prices from £279*
Where to Stay
Pax Hotel, Dixmuide
The 4-star Pax Hotel is located in the centre of the small town of Dixmuide. All rooms are equipped with en-suite facilities, T.V., radio, telephone and hairdryer; some also have a balcony. The hotel is within walking distance of the historic town centre, complete with a large market place and many bars and restaurants.
*Price based on 45 paying passengers travelling by coach in October, on a bed and breakfast basis at the Hotel Pax for 4 days 3 nights. The tour price also includes the services of a courier and two concerts.
Priced on the 19.03.10.
