Zundert Flower Parade

ticket. There is no reserved seating on the journey from Brussels to . Travel

Passports Baggage Please ensure your 10 year British Passport is not out of date and is valid for a full three months As with most trains, passengers are responsible for beyond the duration of your visit. EU, Andorra, carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland can be stored on overhead shelves or at the valid national identification cards are also entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St acceptable for travel to . Pancras and Lille, but bags do need to be carried on

to the platform. Porters are sometimes but not

always available at St Pancras. Visas Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery British and EU passport holders are not required to service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase have a visa. can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore For all other passport holders please check the visa removing the worry about carrying your cases onto requirements with the appropriate embassy. and off the trains. For further information: Belgian embassy: 17 Grosvenor Crescent, London http://www.thebaggageman.com SW1X 7EE. Tel: (0)20 7470 3700. [email protected] For visa information: Tel: 0871 376 0023, or visit Labels www.vfs-be-uk.com. Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful Open Mon-Fri 0900-1200. to have your home address located inside your suitcase should the label go astray.

Transfers Tickets There is no coach transfer in Antwerp as the hotel You will be issued with return train tickets. is extremely close to the train station so it is quicker Please take care not to lose your tickets and please to walk. check that the details on your tickets are accurate. Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable. No refund can be given for non-used portions. Special Requests Standard Premier on Eurostar tickets is indicated by If you haven’t already, please notify Travel Editions two asterisks in the class type section in the top of any special requests as soon as possible to allow right hand corner. A light meal will be served to sufficient time to make the necessary passengers travelling Standard Premier on Eurostar. arrangements. Standard class Eurostar tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although there is a buffet car serving drinks and snacks.

Onward tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although a buffet car is available.

Train Seats On the Eurostar you have reserved seat and carriage numbers which are shown clearly on your

Accommodation

The Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel, Antwerp Usually, a discretionary service charge is added to Ideally situated in the heart of Antwerp, close to the your bill in restaurants and bars, and no further city’s historic train station and approximately 20 tipping is required, although if service is considered minutes’ walk to the city’s cathedral, the smart excellent, it is customary to round up the bill. four-star Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel is lovely. The hotel facilities include breakfast room, restaurant, bar, sauna, Jacuzzi, health and wellness centre, massage therapy, indoor pool, and even an in- Drink house aquarium, Aquatopia, boasting 10,000 exotic Over 400 beers are brewed in Belgium – ranging fish and reptiles in natural surroundings. Bedrooms from the mass-produced lagers like Stella Artois to have been recently refurbished and boast free high- the local, artisanal microbreweries. You will find speed wireless internet access, flat-screen everything from brown ales, amber ales, white televisions, private bathroom or shower, telephone, beers, Flemish reds, Indian pale ales, to stouts and safe, coffee/tea making facilities, as well as views of Lambic beers. Trappist beers, such as Chimay, either Astrid Square or the historic cityscape. Achel, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle and Westyleteren, are brewed in Trappist monasteries, For more information please visit the hotel’s website: with monks taking an active part in the production http://www.radissonblu.com/astridhotel-antwerp process and the profits supporting the monastery. Bières d’Abbaye, the best known being Leffe and Grimbergen, however, are commercially brewed, just using the name and recipe of former monastic Food breweries. Try a Hoegaarden for a white beer, Belgium’s food specialities extend far beyond just Lambics and Guezes for oak-aged beers, a Duvel for beer, chocolate, chips and waffles. This small a blonde ale, a local Cantillon (microbrewed in country has rich local resources with fish and Brussels), or if you prefer something sweeter, the mussels harvested from the North Sea, pheasant, cherry-flavoured Kriek. rabbit and venison from the forested hills of the Ardennes, and excellent beef and lamb from the The local spirit is Jenever, similar to gin, originally Flemish polders. flavoured with juniper berries. Traditional dishes include moules frites, stoemp (mashed potato with leeks and carrots), witloof en oven (endives wrapped in ham and covered in Meals included in the price of your holiday are: cheese sauce), waterzooi (fish or chicken and vegetable broth), paling in’t groen (eel with a Breakfast – daily spinach, herbs and white wine sauce), lapin aux pruneaux (rabbit cooked with prunes and beer), Faison à la brabançonne (pheasant cooked in butter with Brussel sprouts and endives), and filet américain (or steak tartare, raw mincemeat mixed with egg, onion and capers).

You will find plenty of places to enjoy a meal or snack, ranging from the Michelin-Starred to the humble fritkot (chip stand). Watch out for restaurants offering a lunchtime special set menu – dagschotel or plat du jour – they offer great value for money.

Destination The pretty town of comes alive each year Ghent to celebrate the oldest flower parade in Europe Ghent is a vibrant university city and Flanders’ featuring huge, elaborate and impressive sculptures spiritual citadel. Crisscrossed by canals and while music and street theatre add to the carnival waterways, its old town is perfect for exploration on atmosphere. Birthplace of , the foot and it is here that you will find a wealth of theme for 2015 is about the artist’s life and sights. One of the city’s great attractions, St commemorating 125 years since his death. Enjoy Baafskathedraal, is where you’ll find the famed 15th the show and take this wonderful opportunity to century Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece by enjoy full day tours to picturesque Bruges, ancient the van Eyck brothers, which is widely regarded as Antwerp and historic Ghent. one of the most important works of art in the world. Do not miss the 12th century Castle of the Details of places of interest included in your tour: Counts, the 91 metre high Gothic belfry, the 15th century Cloth Hall, town hall and the picturesque Zundert Flower Parade Graslei quayside, which is lined with ancient houses Lively festivities and colourful flowers fill Zundert on in a pure Flemish architectural style dating from the the first weekend of September when the town 12th to 17th centuries. There are notable museums, hosts the big parade of flower floats accompanied too, including the Museum voor Schone Kunsten by live music and street theatre. The impressive with its collection of ancient and modern paintings. creations, often mounted on lorries, use only dahlias and each of twenty hamlets cultivates its For more information about Ghent: own blooms to create a float with skills which are http://www.visitgent.be/ handed down from generation to generation. Since it began in 1936, the celebrations have gone from strength to strength and attract up to 50,000 Bruges spectators annually. Picturesque and enchanting, Bruges is set on a labyrinth of canals lined with magnificent medieval For more information about the Zundert Flower Parade: buildings. It is home to a wealth of artistic and http://www.corsozundert.nl/home-EN/ architectural heritage, reflecting its rich history as the cradle of Flemish painting and its economic significance as a textile and trade centre up to the Antwerp late 15th century. The focal point of the city is the With a characteristically Flemish old town, a maze impressive Market square, flanked by magnificent of cobbled streets, at the heart of a thriving modern houses with crow-stepped gables, old guildhalls, the city, Antwerp is a pleasure to explore. Home and belfry, and the covered market. Elsewhere, the Burg birthplace of Rubens, the city has a strong artistic square is lined by some of the city’s most heritage reflected in its host of fine museums and impressive buildings. You could also explore the churches. As many Flemish settlements, Antwerp medieval city walls, St. Salvator Cathedral, boasts a market square surrounded by 16th and 17th picturesque Begijnhofalmshouses and Onze-Lieve- century guildhalls, whilst other unmissable sights Vrouwekerek (Church of Our Lady), famed for its include the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady and belfry, Madonna and Child by Michelangelo. The city the church of St Paul, home to a collection of boasts several superb museums including the paintings by Antwerp masters, and Rubens’ House. Groeninge Museum, housing a superb collection of The city has many museums including the Plantin- Belgian art, and the Memling Museum set in the th Moretus, housed in the former print works of famed 12 century hospital of St John’s, one of the most printer Plantin, and which contains the renowned beautiful buildings in Bruges, and housing splendid Gutenberg Bible, one of only 13 in the world. religious masterpieces.

For more information about Antwerp: For more information about Bruges: http://www.visitantwerpen.be/ https://bezoekers.brugge.be/en

Brussels Europe’s administrative capital and easily reached in just over 2 hours from London; Brussels is lively, wealthy and receptive and has always been willing to embrace new ideas and philosophies. An attractive city for a short break, you might choose to explore its Art Nouveau legacy, visit one of its world class museums, such as the Magritte Museum, housing an excellent collection of fine arts, or the Art and History Museum with its objects from various civilisations, or just take time to wander through the streets of the old town to admire the Grand Place, City hall and Cathedral of Saints Martin and Gudule.

For more information about Brussels: http://visitbrussels.be/

Reading recommendations George MacDonald, Frommer’s Brussels and Bruges with Ghent and Antwerp.

Tour manager Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the tour to ensure that everything operated according to plan. If you have any problems or questions please see him or her immediately – it is often possible to resolve complaints or problems very quickly on the spot, and do everything to help you enjoy your holiday.

Important Information FLOWER PARADE. This is a locally organised event over which we have no control, in the unlikely event of the total cancellation of the parade due to adverse weather or any other cause, only the grandstand ticket price will be refunded under such circumstances and no reimbursement made for travel expenses such as flights, accommodation, meals etc.

form of payment. Even in cities, it’s advisable to carry a supply of cash with you at all times. Varying The Basics amounts of commission can be charged.

Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug. Climate – The weather in Belgium at this time of year is likely to be pleasant, but there is the chance Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink. of the odd shower – Brussels actually receives more (Although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled rain than London! Our best advice is to come water for sale too) prepared.

Shops and museums – Shops are open Mon-Sat 1000-1800/1900. Department stores often remain open longer, up to 2100 on Friday. Outside main areas, some shops may close at lunchtime. Please note that most museums are closed on Mondays.

Clothes & shoes –You may like to bring a warm sweater for cool evenings. Light rain wear for the occasional storm and good grip/flat walking shoes are recommended. Time – GMT +2 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct); GMT + 1 (Standard time Nov-Mar). Maps – we will send you a map of Brussels. Language – French & Flemish. Religion – Roman Catholic. Camera – bring plenty of memory cards/film and any spare camera batteries as these are not always National holidays – New Year’s day (01 Jan); Easter available. Please check with your guide before Monday; Labour day (01 May); Ascension day; Whit photographing people. Sunday; Whit Monday; Independence day (21 Jul); Assumption of Mary (15 Aug); All Saints’ day (01 Bath plugs – The hotel has plugs for basins, but it is Nov); Armistice day (11 Nov); Christmas day (25 useful to carry a ‘universal’ one with you. Dec); Boxing day (26 Dec). Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in your mobile phone in , depending on your denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. operator and contract. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of banking networks are located in all towns and cities, expectation that when receiving a good service, one as well as airports, major train stations and other does award with a tip. Tour Managers, spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, currencies into local money will always charge a but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an allowing you to tip according to your level of ATM usually represents the most logical means of satisfaction with their services, but for your obtaining euros. guidance about £2-3 per person per day for the tour manager is the norm. We would like to reiterate Credit cards – American Express, Diners Club, that tipping is an entirely optional payment and this MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the information is given purely to answer any questions country. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check prior you may have about it. to the meal that your card will be an acceptable

Health

Doctor/Dentist/Chemist Insurance Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling To be covered under your Travel Insurance Policy, unwell and they will organise for you to see a if you become ill, it is essential that you contact a doctor. local doctor and also telephone the emergency Keep receipts for insurance claims. number of you insurance company. You will NOT be covered for any claim unless this procedure is carried out. Your insurance company will then decide on the best course of medical attention. Hospital Your tour manager/hotel reception will arrange hospital transport. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Keep receipts for insurance claims. The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all EEA countries, the card lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for General Health Advice free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed We suggest you take a good supply of your own to allow you to continue your stay until your individual medicines with you and always keep planned return. It also covers the treatment of some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed pre-existing medical conditions. or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your travel insurance. It will not cover any private usual medication for headaches, or stomach medical healthcare or costs such as being flown upsets are always recommended. Oral re- back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and and glucose levels. a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for more important to note that each country’s healthcare generally information specific to the country you system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk cover everything that would be generally free on the NHS. We strongly recommend that you take out an Sun Protection appropriate travel insurance policy when you Always ensure you take sufficient sun protection travel abroad. and moisturiser. A sun hat and sunglasses are also advisable. For more information about the EHIC please visit: https://www.ehic.org.uk

Inoculations You should check with your own doctor and take their advice as to which inoculations are required for the country you are visiting, as only they know your medical history and recommendations are liable to change at short notice.

Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045 Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 20 7431 8201 or 00 44 7899 796542 or 00 44 7831 133079 or 00 44 1235 850720 PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY.

If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday:

British Consulate Brussels Avenue des Nerviens 9-31 1040 Brussels Belgium Tel: +32 2 287 62 11 [email protected]

Open by appointment only. Consular emergency service is in operation every day, 24/7, on +32 2 287 62 11.

Travel Editions 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB Tel: 020 7251 0045 Email: [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.