The finest flowers, plants and botanical treasures, noted for their size, form, colour and smell, will all be on show in the halls at Flanders Expo. You will be able to see 9 acres of gardens along 2 km of paths to enjoy plants and flowers from Belgium as well as stunning creations from the world’s most celebrated ornamental artists from China, Japan, South Africa, England, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, The Netherlands and Ireland.
Organised by the Royal Society of Horticulture in Ghent, this magnificent event is only operated every 5 years and promises to be one of the highlights of the horticulture world in 2010.
The centre of Bruges is surrounded by an almost continuous ring of canals and is the best preserved example of medieval Flanders. So picture postcard perfect is the city centre, known as ‘the Venice of the North'’, it is nigh on impossible to take a bad photograph. Being the best preserved medieval city in Flanders, there is an abundance of architecture to admire virtually everywhere you wander in Bruges. Start at the Markt, with its gabled buildings and Belfry, and then wander south to the Beguinage before wending your way back to walk along Dijver, through the Vismarkt to the Burg, historically the most important square in Bruges, where it is possible to see 700 years of architecture in one place. Not forgetting the tempting chocolate and lace shops that abound in the city.

Itinerary: Day 1: Ghent via the Channel Tunnel
Depart local pick-up points to drive to Folkestone to take a late morning Shuttle to Calais. On arrival we drive directly to Bruges and to the hotel. Free time in Bruges. Set dinner available at the hotel (£20pp supplement).
Day 2: Visit Floralies
Depart the hotel after breakfast for the drive to Ghent to visit Floralies. Whole day to enjoy the festival and gardens. Return to hotel. Optional dinner at the Old Brewery – De Haalve Maan in Bruges.
Day 3: Visit to Knokke Heist
Morning visit to Knokke Heist – Knokke is the most North–Eastern seaside resort on the Belgian coast. It lies close to the Dutch border and is separated from the Dutch territory by the ‘Zwin’, a beautiful and extremely interesting natural reserve. Nowadays, Knokke is considered to be the most exclusive beach city in Belgium, primarily because of  ‘Knokke-Zoute’, an area of splendid villas. Return to Bruges early afternoon with free time to explore the city and obtain dinner in one of the many restaurants.
Day 4: Home via the Channel Tunnel Depart the hotel after breakfast and drive just 15 mins south of Calais to a selective wine store for a tasting. Return to the Eurotunnel check–in for an afternoon shuttle to Folkestone. We return to your original pick–up point mid-–to–late evening.

Hotel Ibis Centrum, Bruges
The Ibis Bruges Centrum hotel is located in an ancient medieval building in the centre of Bruges, a few minutes from the railway station. Close to the hotel, you can visit the famous Belfry, Notre Dame church and the Minnewater park with its Lac d’Amour (love lake). The hotel bar is open 24hrs for snacks, and the restaurant offers regional specialties.

INCLUDED: • Return coach travel only from these joining points (subject to minimum numbers)
• Channel crossing by Eurotunnel • 3 nights sharing a twin/double-bedded room at the Hotel Ibis Centrum, Bruges with 3 cold buffet breakfasts • Entry to the Floralies • Visit to Knokke Heist • Wine tasting • All transfers and touring
OPTIONS: • 1 dinner at the Old Brewery de Haalve Mann, Bruges £49pp • Single room supplement £117pp • Dinner on day of arrival £20pp
NOT INCLUDED: • Travel Insurance