We will meet the tour leader at the airport at 2pm for our flight to Brussels Airport departing at 4.30pm and arriving at 7.35pm. We shall be transferred to our 3-star Hotel Royal Astrid in Ostend to check-in.

We shall start our day by having a familiarization walk in Ostend. Ostend is mostly known for its lively art and culture scenes, making it a year-round destination. In the afternoon, we will have an optional half-day excursion to Bruges, often called a real-life Christmas village. We will be greeted by cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and historic buildings dusted with frost. We shall explore the Markt Square, where the Christmas market is set against the backdrop of the Belfry of Bruges. The square is filled with festive stalls selling handmade gifts, ornaments, and seasonal delicacies like Belgian hot chocolate and oliebollen (deep-fried doughnuts). We will take some time to explore Simon Stevinplein, a smaller but equally charming Christmas market known for its focus on artisan crafts, before heading toward Minnewater Park, where you’ll find the Lover’s Lake Ice Rink, one of the most scenic skating spots in Europe.

Today’s exciting optional full-day excursion will take us to nearby Lille in Northern France. She shall walk through the cobbled streets of the old town ‘Le Viewux Ville’ with its charming patchwork of pretty squares and the ornate 17th Century Vielle Bourse, Lille’s finest building. For over 30 years, the Lille Christmas Market (known locally as the Village de Noël) has been a signature festive evenet in Northern France, attracting thousand of visitors each year. Traditionally held at Place Rihour, the Christmas market is decked out with lights and colour. This historical city comes to life at this time of year, and we’ll be able to buy Christmas presents and treat ourselves to some tasty regional specialities and festive souvenirs.

After breakfast, our coach will take us for an optional full-day in Ghent, a city that perfectly blends medieval charm with festive warmth. Upon arrival, we will make our way to Korenmarkt Square, where the Christmas market awaits with wooden chalets selling artisan crafts, seasonal treats, and steaming cups of hot chocolate. For a spectacular view, one can climb the Belfry of Ghent, where you can admire the city’s rooftops dusted with frost. Next, we shall visit Gravensteen Castle (extra), which transforms into a medieval winter wonderland during Christmas. The castle’s halls are decorated with twinkling garlands, and costumed performers bring festive history to life. We will stroll along the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei, where medieval houses line the canal, creating a breath-taking winter scene. Before leaving, we will visit the Patershol district, one of the oldest parts of the city, where you can find boutique shops and a quieter, more intimate holiday atmosphere.

Today, we will have an optional full-day excursion taking us to Antwerp and Leueven. Antwerp is a city known for its stylish Christmas market spread across Grote Markt, Handschoenmarkt, and Groenplaats. The towering Cathedral of Our Lady creates a breathtaking backdrop as you browse the festive stalls. Here, you’ll find unique gifts, including Antwerpse Handjes cookies and handmade jewellery. In the afternoon we will head to Leuven, a university city with one of Belgium’s most charming Christmas markets. The main market at Ladeuzeplein features over 100 stalls selling handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and Belgian beer-infused cheese. Leuven is famous for its stunning Town Hall, which is illuminated in golden light, creating one of the most magical Christmas sights in Belgium.

This morning we check-out from our rooms, and head to Brussels. Brussels is home to one of the most spectacular Christmas markets in Europe, and here we shall see the main markets at the Grand Place, Sainte Catherine Place and Bourse Square. We will start by visiting the Grand Place, where the massive Christmas tree and dazzling Sound & Light Show create a magical atmosphere. Strolling through this UNESCO-listed square will feel like stepping into a Christmas card, with twinkling lights reflecting off the golden guild houses. From here, we will make our way to Winter Wonders, the city’s main Christmas market spread across Place Sainte-Catherine and Bourse Square. With over 200 charming wooden chalets, you will find everything from handcrafted gifts to delicious Belgian chocolates and mulled wine. One can take a break from the festivities to explore Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, one of Europe’s oldest shopping arcades, beautifully decorated for the season. Late in the afternoon, we will make our way to the airport for our return flight departing 8.25pm and arriving in Malta at 11.20pm.