Enrichment school trips to Bruges
Known as the 'Venice of the North', Bruges is one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities, its picturesque canals, medieval architecture and cobbled streets offering students a stunning backdrop for cross-curricular or reward trips. On a school trip to this Belgian city, students can explore local landmarks such as the Belfry Tower, Market Square and Basilica of the Holy Blood, while learning about European history, art and culture. The city also provides opportunities to experience Belgian traditions and sample famous tasty local treats such as chocolate and waffles – something we know they'll love!
Its location means it's easy to explore nearby French cities like Lille, or the European Institutions in Brussels. Alternatively, base yourself on the Belgian coast to take advantage of the long, sandy beaches, or book into the sole-occupancy accommodation options in Ypres – both have easy proximity to Bruges and offer their own excursions to this exciting school trip.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
- Depart the UK and travel by coach to Bruges
- Free time in Bruges
- Belfry visit
- Canal cruise
- Evening meal at accommodation
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Bellewaerde Theme Park
- Own arrangements for lunch
- Evening meal at accommodation
- Breakfast at accommodation
- Historium
- Beach visit
- Chocolate factory visit
- Depart for return to the UK
Features
ACCOMMODATION
Set in a peaceful area within in its own grounds just on the outskirts of Bruges, this practical hostel is a great base for exploring Bruges medieval streets, canals and famous attractions, as well as the surrounding region. As is typical of Belgian youth hostels, this property offers a mix of en suite rooms located in the annexe (which can be booked on sole occupancy) and rooms with shared facilities.
- Wi-Fi
- 15-minute walk from the train station
- Additional facilities include a lounge, bar, TV room, gardens, and a playground.
Set in a peaceful area within in its own grounds just on the outskirts of Bruges, this practical hostel is a great base for exploring Bruges medieval streets, canals and famous attractions, as well as the surrounding region. As is typical of Belgian youth hostels, this property offers a mix of en suite rooms located in the annexe (which can be booked on sole occupancy) and rooms with shared facilities.
- Wi-Fi
- 15-minute walk from the train station
- Additional facilities include a lounge, bar, TV room, gardens, and a playground.
Excursions
Free Time in Bruges
Spend some free time exploring the picturesque city of Bruges. Highlights include the Belfry Tower on the main square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood on the Burg Square, tranquil Minnewater, the many canals and of course plentiful chocolate and waffle shops!
Bruges Belfry
Would you believe this UNESCO-listed 83m medieval bell tower dates back to the 13th century? Climb the 366 steps to be rewarded with a stunning view over the city. On your way up, you can stop off at the treasury, which held the city's charters, seals and coffers during the Middle Ages.
Historium
The Historium is a fascinating attraction that takes you on a trip to medieval Bruges at the time of early Netherlandish painter Jan van Eyck! Film, VR, music and special effects transport your pupils back through time and give them an accessible introduction to the fascinating history of Bruges.
Canal Cruise
Float alongside the city’s swans as you take in the sights of Bruges from the water. From the arteries of the city, you’ll tour some of Bruges’ most beautiful spots with your school group from Jan van Eyck Square to the Beguinage, with students gaining a unique perspective and an explanation of each sight.
Chocolate Museum
An excursion we know your students will love, a visit to the chocolate museum is always popular on our trips to Bruges. Here, students will learn the origin and evolution of chocolate, watch a demonstration of chocolate being made, and then receive the opportunity to taste some of the chocolate products in the museum. Yum!
Chocolate Factory Visit
Located en route back to Calais, this excursion is an excellent way to wrap up your trip. At the chocolate factory, students can enjoy a demonstration, before taking part in chocolate making and tasting themselves, as well as more advanced workshops on request.
Bellewaerde Theme Park
Built in 1954, Bellewaerde is the oldest theme park in Belgium. Students will fall in love with the various attractions on offer, which include thrilling rollercoaster rides, live stunt shows, a zoo boasting over 300 exotic animals and behind the scenes educational tours of the park.
Beach Visit
A short drive from Bruges you’ll find several excellent beach resorts with golden sands. Choose from stylish, upmarket Knokke-Heist, traditional Blankenberg with its long promenade and iconic pier, quieter De Haan with its Belle Epoque architecture, or De Panne with its dune landscapes.
Visit Brussels
Brussels, Belgium’s vibrant capital, is famous for its magnificent Grand Place, the iconic Atomium, and the charming Manneken Pis statue. Explore the historic city centre, elegant Royal Quarter, and European Union district. See our Brussels product for more information.
Visit Lille
Take a half day to visit the vibrant French city of Lille, renowned for its beautiful Flemish architecture, lively squares, and excellent shopping. Highlights include the stunning Grand Place and the charming streets of Vieux Lille (the Old Town). See our Lille product for more information.
Free Time in Bruges
Spend some free time exploring the picturesque city of Bruges. Highlights include the Belfry Tower on the main square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood on the Burg Square, tranquil Minnewater, the many canals and of course plentiful chocolate and waffle shops!
Bruges Belfry
Would you believe this UNESCO-listed 83m medieval bell tower dates back to the 13th century? Climb the 366 steps to be rewarded with a stunning view over the city. On your way up, you can stop off at the treasury, which held the city's charters, seals and coffers during the Middle Ages.
Historium
The Historium is a fascinating attraction that takes you on a trip to medieval Bruges at the time of early Netherlandish painter Jan van Eyck! Film, VR, music and special effects transport your pupils back through time and give them an accessible introduction to the fascinating history of Bruges.
Canal Cruise
Float alongside the city’s swans as you take in the sights of Bruges from the water. From the arteries of the city, you’ll tour some of Bruges’ most beautiful spots with your school group from Jan van Eyck Square to the Beguinage, with students gaining a unique perspective and an explanation of each sight.
Chocolate Museum
An excursion we know your students will love, a visit to the chocolate museum is always popular on our trips to Bruges. Here, students will learn the origin and evolution of chocolate, watch a demonstration of chocolate being made, and then receive the opportunity to taste some of the chocolate products in the museum. Yum!
Chocolate Factory Visit
Located en route back to Calais, this excursion is an excellent way to wrap up your trip. At the chocolate factory, students can enjoy a demonstration, before taking part in chocolate making and tasting themselves, as well as more advanced workshops on request.
Bellewaerde Theme Park
Built in 1954, Bellewaerde is the oldest theme park in Belgium. Students will fall in love with the various attractions on offer, which include thrilling rollercoaster rides, live stunt shows, a zoo boasting over 300 exotic animals and behind the scenes educational tours of the park.
Beach Visit
A short drive from Bruges you’ll find several excellent beach resorts with golden sands. Choose from stylish, upmarket Knokke-Heist, traditional Blankenberg with its long promenade and iconic pier, quieter De Haan with its Belle Epoque architecture, or De Panne with its dune landscapes.
Visit Brussels
Brussels, Belgium’s vibrant capital, is famous for its magnificent Grand Place, the iconic Atomium, and the charming Manneken Pis statue. Explore the historic city centre, elegant Royal Quarter, and European Union district. See our Brussels product for more information.
Visit Lille
Take a half day to visit the vibrant French city of Lille, renowned for its beautiful Flemish architecture, lively squares, and excellent shopping. Highlights include the stunning Grand Place and the charming streets of Vieux Lille (the Old Town). See our Lille product for more information.
Trip details
All Equity packages are tailor-made to suit the needs of our groups. Here are our standard package inclusions:
- Return travel by air or coach (air packages include overseas airport transfer. Coach to UK airport from school is available as an optional extra)
- All security charges, airport and local taxes
- 1 free staff place for every 10 full paying passengers by air OR 1 free staff place for every 8 full paying passengers by coach
- Half-board accommodation
- Excursions
- Full use of your coach during your trip (this applies to coach groups only and is subject to EU drivers hours regulations)
- 24-hour emergency service support
- All travel documentation, luggage labels and resort information
- Lunches
- Meals en-route. While travelling to and from your destination you need to consider meals. These are not included in the package prices
- Tourist tax
Prices are subject to change based on intended dates of travel and final numbers, the Equity team are here to offer you advice and guidance from start to finish, ensuring your school trip runs smoothly and is a great success.
Travel by: Coach
Transfer time from Calais: Approximately 1hr 45mins
Best times to travel: Year round
Suggested tour length: 3D2N, or extend your tour to include additional day excursions.
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