The wild poppies may be on their way out of season, but soon war memorials across the world will be sheathed in a sea of red flowers to commemorate the fallen. As Remembrance Day draws near, why not consider a trip to the very ground where the events occurred on one of these Second World War battlefield tours?
The Pageant of the Golden Tree
The Belgian city of chocolate, waffles and old world architecture, it’s a well-known fact that anyone who visits Bruges can’t help but fall in love. And while it’s already a place set to capture your heart, once every five years, a special event is held to really stir up your senses. Read on to find out all about the Pageant …
Find a Last Minute August Holiday
Get ready for ice cream on the beach, camping under the stars, and plenty of new and exciting places to explore! We know planning ahead can be difficult – especially if you’re juggling a whole family’s schedule. But never fear, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a spot of sunshine this summer with these last minute August holiday ideas.
Lesser-known Cycling Events in Europe
With the weather hotting up and the evenings growing longer, the open road calls to many a fan of two wheels. A huge number of lesser-known cycling events take place across Europe during the summer and early autumn months, and if you’re excited for the finale of the Tour de France you should definitely check out these other events too.
Best European Music Festivals to Catch this Summer
America might have founded the first events back in the 1960s, but fast forward to the present day and Europe has a firm grip on the festival baton. The UK alone hosts approximately 500 festivals each year, and the incredible roster of European music festivals continues to evolve every summer.
Marking 100 Years since the Battle of Passchendaele
On 31 July 2017, events in Belgium will commemorate 100 years since the start of the Battle of Passchendaele – a series of attacks on Ypres in the country’s Flanders region. With 450,000 casualties by its end on 10 November 1917, this particular campaign is known not only as one of the bloodiest of World War I, but also one …
Unusual European Festivals
This summer’s festival season is well and truly upon us, and fields all across the country will be filled with people wanting to camp, sing and dance to some of the world’s best music. If you’re looking for something different though, continental Europe could offer something totally unique. Celebrating the weird and the wonderful – from bathtub sailing in Belgium to …
Early music events: Flanders, Bruges and more
While the term refers to pieces composed between 500 and 1600, early music is far from being stuck in the past. In fact, today’s early music scene – spanning medieval, renaissance and baroque genres – is thriving, bringing together a huge number of instruments in harmonious and immersive performances. A number of talented musicians are taking to the stage this …
Family Adventures in Wallonia
Want to try something new over the school holidays? All the sights without the crowds, all the fun without the queues; the southernmost region of Belgium is an untapped gem perfect for a stress-free family holiday. Wallonia’s symbol is a red rooster – you’ll see it adorning buildings and flags across the region – and you’ll feel naturally compelled to …
Discover Wallonia
Tradition lies at the heart of Wallonia, from its Renaissance-style architecture right down to its rich local produce. The French-speaking region of Belgium may not be a well-known holiday destination, but with a range of activities on offer, it’s a true hidden gem that oozes old world charm. With multiple museums, historic sites and more than 1,500 castles to explore, …
Blistering barnacles! Exploring art in Brussels
Whether the unique city views have you reaching for your own paintbrush, or you simply appreciate the vibrant strokes of a masterful oil painting, Brussels is the perfect getaway for any art lover. Art is a key part of the Brussels aesthetic, from the many murals covering the walls of quaint houses to the avant garde sculptures constantly popping up …
Travel treats for Mother’s Day
For many of us, the next week will see us looking to find the perfect gift to show mum our appreciation. There are no hard and fast rules about what to buy your mum for Mother’s Day, but we bet all she really wants is to spend some quality time with you. So we’ve put a unique travel twist on …
Rediscover Travel: Alternative European cities to visit
You may think of Bruges as your second home, walk like a local down Amsterdam’s winding back streets and have a cafe in Paris where the baristas know you by name. But have you ever felt your travels were starting to lack a little… je ne sais quoi? If you’re starting to find your favourite destination a little too familiar, …
Where to Catch the Cobbled Classics
While the Tour de France may be the household name, many of cycling’s true greats are made on the stony streets of northern Europe. Belgium and France’s cobbled classics are some of the oldest events in professional road cycling, and among the most revered races of the season. The arduous routes see the world’s finest athletes on two wheels straining …
Top Dog Friendly Holidays in Europe
If your dog grows concerned when the word “holiday” gets thrown around, get ready for some good news. Whether you’re looking for an active trip or a city break, there are loads of fantastic dog friendly holidays in Europe. From strolling the streets of Belgium to running wild on the beaches of France, here are some of our favourite spots …
Rediscover Travel
Whether your heart’s set on learning the local cuisine in the French countryside, or discovering hidden gems down the narrow winding streets of Dublin, travelling by ferry gives you the freedom to explore countries beyond their biggest cities, and all at your own pace too. The only tricky bit is knowing where to start when you decide to rediscover travel …
The Best Places to go for New Year’s Eve in Europe
Why wait for a new year to kick off your resolutions? Cross another city off your travel bucket list with an adventure to one of the most exciting New Year’s Eve parties in Europe. Whether you like sharing traditional treats with the locals, cruising past the Eiffel Tower with a glass of champagne in hand or letting your hair down …
Novel Holiday Destinations for Book Lovers
There’s no better way to rediscover your favourite destination, or to try somewhere completely new, than with a good book as your tour guide. In fact, some of the greatest locations are hidden within the very pages of a well-thumbed story. Stroll the streets of these novel holiday destinations for book lovers and you’ll soon see why they inspired some …
Bruges: The Perfect Place For A Post-Christmas Getaway
Often, the best thing about Christmas is the dramatic build up to the big day. Throughout November and December, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the little things that make the festive season extra special, from sipping cinnamon-spiked lattes to adorning snow-flocked trees with kaleidoscopic baubles. Before you know it, it’s December 25th and the holidays have whizzed …
World War I Battlefield Tours: The Best Routes
Reminders of the Great War are present all along the Western Front. Trench lines can be seen for miles across the fields, while once beautifully thick woodlands remain flattened since the fighting and ponds have appeared in the craters left by shells. A visit to the First World War battlefields makes for a stark reminder of those lost in battle …
A Guide to Remembrance Day Travel in Flanders
It was during a moment of contemplation in war-ravaged Ypres in 1915 that Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae noticed how quickly poppies grew from the graves of the recently buried. He reportedly penned the famous ‘In Flanders Fields’ the very next day, while sitting in the back of an ambulance: “In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row …