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Tour
2 : The Province of
West-Flanders
is a treasure chest full of beautiful secrets and
there's no better way to spend a day than to leisurely
explore them with a proud Fleming as your friendly
laid-back host.
This daytrip offers a little of everything.
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.
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.
Grand Castles also line our route,
with a visit to the picturesque Loppem Chateau and
a stroll around the moated Castle of Tillegem included.
As we travel the twin canals locally
known as the "Stinker and the Blinker" you will see
where the Canadians on their liberating advance from
Normandy to Holland in WWII, were halted for 3 long
months.
Other surprises include the bridge
to nowhere, German bunkers from WW2 which were part
of the Atlantic Wall and the oldest gothic
building in Belgium dating back to the 13th century at the
dilapidated monastery Ter
Doest.
 And what of the Triple Treat ? Well
we sample a traditional Belgian WAFFLE after lunch
over-looking 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.
This trip is a must for those of
you who want to venture off the usual beaten tourist
trail of musea and churches and want to learn a little
bit about the people and rich culture of Flanders. A jam-packed
day out, guaranteed to be FUN and interesting too!
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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. 
