If you’re looking for a real festive treat for your students, a school trip to the Christmas markets in Bruges and Valkenburg is hard to beat!
You’ll receive a friendly welcome in Valkenburg in Southern Holland, with its numerous restaurants and shops. The city comes alive during the winter months, as thousands of visitors come to enjoy the Christmas markets that are famously hidden in caves underground.
During November and December, Bruges is transformed into a Christmas wonderland – with its quaint cobbled streets and pretty squares. The market stalls form a ring around an open-air ice rink, and there’s even an ice palace!
Suggested Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)
Day 1/3
Morning
Depart school
Afternoon
Ferry/Eurotunnel crossing
Evening
Arrive in resort
Check in to accommodation in time for evening meal
Day 2/3
Morning
Free time to explore Valkenberg
Afternoon
Visit to the Christmas market located in the underground caves
Evening
Evening meal in accommodation
Day 3/3
Morning
Travel to Bruges
Afternoon
Visit to Bruges including Christmas market visit, a canal boat trip, horse and carriage ride or a visit to the Chocolate Museum
Depart late afternoon and head back to Calais
Evening
Arrival back at school
What's included?
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2 nights' half-board accommodation
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Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
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Detailed information pack
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Free staff place ratio 1:8
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Itinerary planning service
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Motorway tolls and taxes
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Other inclusions such as visits and excursions
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Return Channel crossings
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Return executive coach travel
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Vamoos travel app - giving you access to all your trip documents on your phone or tablet
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VAT at current rates to tour operators
Curriculum Links
A-Level
- Festivals and traditions
- Aspects of French-speaking society
- Cultural heritage
- Individual research project opportunities
GCSE
- Food, drink and eating out
- Customs, celebrations and festivals
- Travel and tourism
Key Stage 3
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Cultural traditions
Primary
- Exploring the town
- Food and drink
- Traditional crafts
- Festivals and celebrations
Educational activities and visits
Memling Museum
The St. John’s Hospital (now Memling in Sint-Jan Hospital Museum) is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe… Read More
Valkenburg Christmas Market
Valkenburg's annual Christmas Market is held in an underground grotto. Many hundreds of thousands of visitors have already passed through… Read More
Cultural activities and visits
Belfry of Bruges
One of the city's most prominent symbols, the Belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as… Read More
De Halve Maan Brewery
The museum offers the unique opportunity to discover the old traditional brewing methods in Bruges. Daily guided tours allow you… Read More
Horse and Carriage Ride Bruges
See this beautiful city in style with a 35 minute horse drawn carriage ride which takes you around the main… Read More
Roose's Chocolate World
On arrival, charming and professional shop assistants will lead your group to the demonstration area where they will see pralines… Read More
Wilhelminatoren (Tower)
This magnificent tower which was built in 1906, offers fabulous views of the whole of the Southern Limburg Province. On… Read More
Accommodation
Tucked in the historic and charming town of Valkenburg is this 2-star hotel with a welcoming atmosphere. The humble rooms vary in size from singles to family rooms, making this the perfect location for all types of travellers.
Guests can begin their day with an extensive breakfast buffet before wandering along into the city centre.
Supporting you every step of the way
1 Creating Your Perfect Trip
We'll tailor make your school trip to meet your specific requirements
2 Launching your trip to parents and students
Head to our resources section for FREE promotional materials
3 After you've booked
Your dedicated Itinerary Coordinator will work with you on the finer details of your trip
4 While you're away
You'll be able to reach us 24/7 during your trip if you need our help
5 After your trip
Head back to our resources section to continue the learning
Need help?
Gail Biggins — Tour Adviser
Don’t hesitate to contact me for any advice or further information on how your school trip can be tailored to your requirements.
Munich is fantastic if you are studying Nazi Germany. Thanks Halsbury, once again amazing. Very impressed with itinerary and particularly the transport - the tickets valid for each day made it so easy.— Flint High School
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- Your school trip will be fully financially protected
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- Your trip will be a quality educational experience
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As an Assured Member of the School Travel Forum (STF) we have an effective Safety Management System in place.
As well as reassuring you that your group's safety will be prioritised at all times, this will also help you to meet your due diligence and reduces the amount of External Provider paperwork required.
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