Day trips and coach tours to Belgium
Language: The official languages in Belgium are French, German and Dutch.
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time = GMT+1, Central European Summer Time = GMT+2
Tipping: Service charges are generally included in restaurant and taxi bills. Apart from this tipping is uncommon, but if you wish to leave a tip, 10% would be an appropriate maximum.
Belgium - an Introduction
There are a few people out there who avoid holidaying in Belgium because they consider the country to be boring with very little to do. However, aside from the beer, mussels and chocolate, you will find a country that captivates even the negative-thinking traveller into joining a coach trip to Belgium. It'll take just one coach holiday or day trip before you realise what you've been missing out and end up planning future breaks here.
For those who do not already know, Belgium is a country of two halves. You will find Flanders to the north of Belgium where everyone speaks Dutch but to the south, you will find Wallonia where French is the language of choice. Flanders and Wallonia lie alongside each other, interspersed with fabulous historic cities where travelling between the two is easy.
Belgium is constantly reinventing itself and this is represented through the recent state of the art galleries in Mons and Leuven. Travel to Liége where you can marvel at the Grand Curtius and the architectural masterpiece that is the Liége-Guillemins Station which opened in 2009.
Bruges is one of Europe's most visited medieval cities filled with picturesque Squares to explore and tranquil canals to cruise along. Chocoholics will love the chocolate shops where everything is handmade. Do visit the local Breweries too if you happen to enjoy an ice cool Belgian beer. Combine the old with the new on a day trip to Antwerp, the home of a girl's best friend – diamonds! Pay homage to the fallen on a World War One battlefield tour to Ypres where you can experience The Last Post. See the ruined Cistercian Abbey in Villers-la-Ville.
Belgium tours typically include; return coach travel, return ferry or channel tunnel crossings, accommodation, meals and a variety of included or optional excursions so you can really see the best of the resort you're visiting. You will be able to sample Belgium food during your break as the majority of tours tend to be Bed and Breakfast or Half Board.
Find out more
Weather
Thinking of travelling to Belgium? Check out the average temperatures for when you plan to visit courtesy of BBC Weather
| |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Brussels |
2.5°C |
3.5°C |
6°C |
13.5°C |
9.5°C |
16.5°C |
17.5°C |
17°C |
16°C |
11°C |
6°C |
3°C |
| Ostend |
3°C |
4°C |
6°C |
8.5°C |
12.5°C |
15°C |
16.5°C |
16.5°C |
15.5°C |
12°C |
7.5°C |
4°C |
Tourist office
For more information about Belgium you can visit the official tourist board website at visitbelgium.com
Tips & Advice
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Belgium, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
You should apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) before leaving the UK when you are visiting Belgium. Please note this card is not a substitute for travel insurance or medical cover, however, you will be entitled to state provided medical treatment at a reduced cost or sometimes for free if this is required during your stay in Austria.
Local Laws and Customs
You are required to carry a form of identification with you at all times.
Entry Requirements
Passport validity
If you are planning to visit Belgium, you must meet the following passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
- Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
- Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Please note: If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. These extra months do not count towards your passport validity.
Visas
You can travel to Belgium for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Please note that any previous visits you have made to the Schengen countries within the last 180 days will count towards your 90-day limit.
Passport stamping
Your passport will be stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Belgium as a visitor. These passport stamps are used to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area.
Any other nationality looking to holiday in Belgium must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Any other nationality looking to visit Belgium must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Things to do
Whether you're going for the chocolate or culture, Belgium has something to offer everyone.
Bruges
Wander down this medieval city's delightful cobbled streets to its bustling Market Square. Here you will find traditional lace shops and vast arrays of market stalls. If you have a sweet tooth then a visit to the Chocolate Museum is a must. Plus the wonders of the Christmas Market make for a fantastic seasonal trip!
Ypres
Ypres is riddled with history and charm, and is ideal for those who want to learn a little bit more about Belgium's war-related past. Be sure not to miss the Menin Gate and the battlefields of the 'Ypres Salient', home to many battles during the Great War. The Hills of Flanders are fascinating, and Messines and Broodseinde Ridge are a must if you'd like to walk in the steps of war heroes.
Ostend
This traditional seaside resort is a popular destination for anyone looking for a bit for sun, sea and sand. You can either relax on the beach or take a stroll to the beautiful promenades and charming shops. Either way, this quaint fishing port will have a spot of something for everyone.
Brussels
Brussels is the stunning capital of Belgium. The Grand Place is a fascinating location to sit and take in the atmosphere, or you can wander around the maze of streets to find the little Mannekin Pis. With bundles of restaurants and shops, you'll be sure to be kept entertained.