Church of Our Lady (Onze Lieve Vrouwekerk), Bruges

Advantages: Romantic, Clean, Welcoming
Disadvantages: Awkward Journey

...We had booked our three night break in Bruges through the Sunday Times Leisure Direction. On paper this appeared to be a four day break to be taken in the period between Christmas and New Year but we failed to take too much notice of the travelling time involved in getting from West Dorset to Bruges. Our best option would have been to fly from Bristol to Brussels but we had set our hearts on journeying by Eurostar from Waterloo International to Brussels as a first time experience that had to be done at least once in a lifetime. Yes, Eurostar must be heaven to those who live in London and the South East and within easy access to Waterloo or Ashford in Kent but to fellow West Country travellers-beware. We left home by car at 8.00 am to catch the 9.00 am South-West Train direct to Waterloo London due to arrive at 11.30 am. This left us... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: The perfect hotel made a perfect weekend....
Disadvantages: ...can't I live there?!

...In November 2005 my fiancé took me to Bruges for a romantic weekend. Little did i kniw this would turn out to be the happiest weekend of my life- as he proposed whilst we were there! On arriving at the hotel, my breath was taken away by the sheer beauty of the reception and staircase area. Beautiful chandeliers suspended fromt he cieling and tasteful antique look furniture all very stylishly coordinanted in shades of gold. The hotel staff were in the process of decorating the hotel for Christmas making it even more magical. The lady on reception could not have been more helpful, explaining about the room and also about the local area, giving us a map and telling us about the walking tours around Bruges organised by the hotel. When we opened the door to our room it actually brough tears to my eyes. The decor was just so opulent... Read review

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Advantages: It's close, it's charms are well known
Disadvantages: It's confusing

...polytriptych (nine panels) painted by Jan van Eyck. Said to be one of the earliest works painted in oils, it is titled the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” and is a representation of the Book of Revelation. Even after all these years the colours are vibrant, the artistry breath-taking and some aspects of design almost photographic. BRUGES Bruges is about 75 kilometres East of Brussels. We were dropped off at a car park and walked through some ornamental gardens to a small square where an optional lunch had been laid on. We were then directed to the Church of Our Lady which contains a statue by Michelangelo (Madonna and Child). From there we made our way to the Stadhuis (one of the oldest town halls in Belgium) and the market. The trip included (for a further small fee) a half hour boat trip along the River Dijver – which gives a close up view... Read review

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