Jim
Ringleader
FLANDERS FIELDS – AND MORE
FOR MOTORHOME FUN<o
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FOR MOTORHOME FUN<o
></o>> </o>A Funster only tour of Flanders Fields organised for us by GB Privilege.
An excellent opportunity to take an expertly guided tour in good company.
An excellent opportunity to take an expertly guided tour in good company.
Of course we visit the battlefields of World War One, but there is more to Flanders than just trenches and cemeteries. This tour would be a perfect introduction to European motorhome touring as there is very little driving, So if you are a Funster who has not driven abroad before this tour would be a great place to start. Here is the proposed itinerary so get your diary out, it looks like a good one:thumb:
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> </o>Sunday 5<sup>th</sup> June 2011:
Today we drive to Dover and catch ferry to Dunkirk. A drive of about 70 miles will bring us to our first campsite near Bruges, where we can all relax and get to know each other at an informal drinks reception.<o></o>
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Monday 6<sup>th</sup> June 2011:
This day trip includes a packed lunch as well as a fascinating insight into the history of Flanders. We first learn of Bruges' great prosperity in the 14th century, which saw famous craftsmen from all over the world employed to create one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.<o></o> But when the old port in inner Bruges died with the silting up of the estuary "Het Zwin", the focus turned to Damme. Here, tree-lined canals provide a backdrop as we wander past charming medieval buildings and a windmill.<o></o>
Grand Castles also line our route, with a visit to the picturesque Loppem Chateau and a stroll around the moated Castle of Tillegem included.<o></o> Other surprises include the bridge to nowhere; German bunkers; and the oldest gothic building in Belgium at the delapidated monastery Ter Doest.<o></o> During the trip we will sample a traditional Belgian Waffle after lunch overlooking the magnificent Polder scenery of fertile farmland and villages; nibble on delicious Belgian chocolate as you see it being made; and finish with a tasting (and talk) of our excellent Belgian beers. <o></o>
Tuesday 7<sup>th</sup> June 2011:></o> But when the old port in inner Bruges died with the silting up of the estuary "Het Zwin", the focus turned to Damme. Here, tree-lined canals provide a backdrop as we wander past charming medieval buildings and a windmill.<o></o>Grand Castles also line our route, with a visit to the picturesque Loppem Chateau and a stroll around the moated Castle of Tillegem included.<o
></o> Other surprises include the bridge to nowhere; German bunkers; and the oldest gothic building in Belgium at the delapidated monastery Ter Doest.<o></o> During the trip we will sample a traditional Belgian Waffle after lunch overlooking the magnificent Polder scenery of fertile farmland and villages; nibble on delicious Belgian chocolate as you see it being made; and finish with a tasting (and talk) of our excellent Belgian beers. <o></o>
A completely free day to explore the sights of Bruges – or to do the chores.<o></o>
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Wednesday 8<sup>th</sup> June 2011:
This daytrip, which includes a packed lunch, concentrates on the WWI battlefields of the Great War (1914-1918) infamously remembered as the "Fields of Flanders". <o></o> Never conquering but always conquered, Belgium has always been the punching bag of great nations, lying as it is at the crossroads of Britain, Germany, France, etc. <o></o>
The Salient around Ypres is full of eye-opening surprises where we often find ammunitions unearthed by farmers from their poppy dotted fields. The poppies are now a symbol of remembrance, "lest we forget". <o></o>
We will visit the bunkers on the preserved Hill 60 battlefield; and learn of the hardships the men endured for four long years where impressive monuments of the British Forces (including Anzac and Canadian) are erected in proud memory of their sacrifices.<o></o>
We visit the beautiful city of Ypres (also known as Wipers) which was rebuilt to medieval plans after being totally flattened in WWI. Here the imposing Menin Gate Memorial to the missing soldiers, complete with 55,000 names, was erected on the spot where the soldiers left the city for the frontline. <o></o> Whether you have ancestors buried here or not, or have little knowledge of the "Great War", you will find your guide will both amaze and impress you with arrays of true and informative stories.<o></o>
></o> Never conquering but always conquered, Belgium has always been the punching bag of great nations, lying as it is at the crossroads of Britain, Germany, France, etc. <o></o>The Salient around Ypres is full of eye-opening surprises where we often find ammunitions unearthed by farmers from their poppy dotted fields. The poppies are now a symbol of remembrance, "lest we forget". <o
></o>We will visit the bunkers on the preserved Hill 60 battlefield; and learn of the hardships the men endured for four long years where impressive monuments of the British Forces (including Anzac and Canadian) are erected in proud memory of their sacrifices.<o
></o>We visit the beautiful city of Ypres (also known as Wipers) which was rebuilt to medieval plans after being totally flattened in WWI. Here the imposing Menin Gate Memorial to the missing soldiers, complete with 55,000 names, was erected on the spot where the soldiers left the city for the frontline. <o
></o> Whether you have ancestors buried here or not, or have little knowledge of the "Great War", you will find your guide will both amaze and impress you with arrays of true and informative stories.<o></o>
Thursday 9th June 2011:
This morning there is enough time to re-visit Bruges if you wish – or go shopping in either Belgium or France - as the distance to our final destination, the Franglais drinks outlet, is only about 70 miles. Franglais closes to the public at 19.00 and at 19.30 we will stroll into the wine & drinks store for a meal-sized buffet with free wine tasting. Beer will also be available to drink at French prices. During the evening you can stroll around the shop and buy whatever you want from the huge selection at low, French prices, with an extra 5% discounton still wines. All major credit cards are accepted. Your purchases can be stored overnight for collection in the morning. No facilities are available, so you will need to use your motorhome’s toilet and shower etc. <o></o>
Friday 10<sup>th</sup> June 2011:></o>
The ferry port is only about 20 minutes drive away so there is no hurry to leave the campsite this morning.<o></o>
<o></o>
> </o><o
> </o><o></o>[FONT="]PRICES: <o
></o>[/FONT][FONT="]<o
> </o>[/FONT]TOUR PRICE IS PER PERSON, WITH THE RELEVANT NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN ONE MOTORHOME. <o
></o><o></o><o
> </o><table class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none;" align="left" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody><tr style=""> <td style="width: 51.05pt; border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="68">
4 pp<o></o>
></o>3 pp<o></o>
></o>2 pp<o></o>
></o>1 pp
£295<o></o>
></o>£320<o></o>
></o>£370<o></o>
></o>£520<o></o>
></o>> </o><o
> </o><o
> </o>MINIMUM NUMBER OF MOTORHOMES: 15<o
></o>MAXIMUM NUMBER OF MOTORHOMES: 25<o
></o>[FONT="]<o
> </o>[/FONT]INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE<o
></o><o></o>- Dover/Calais ferry
- 4 nights at Bruges campsite with 220 volt hook-up
- Drinks reception
- English language bus tour of “the real Flanders”, as detailed above
- English language bus tour of the “Ypres Salient”, as detailed in the itinerary
- Packed lunch on each tour
- 1 night at Franglais
- Overnight parking at Franglais
- Private wine tasting at Franglais
- Finger buffet meal at Franglais
- Route suggestion
- Relevant road map
- Services of experienced GB Privilege Tour Director
I know tours are not for everybody, and if they are not for you, here is not the place to say so. start a new thread and say it there
Thanks<o
> </o>
oh: 
