post: Lille & Bruges From $1,799 | 4 nights
Remember those who fought on the battlefields of France and Belgium during stays in Lille and Bruges. See memorials to the fallen in the Somme, walk through Flanders Fields and Dunkirk, the site of the heroic evacuation of Allied forces during the early days of World War II.
Today, disembark your ship and head toward the Somme. This World War I battle site was one of the bloodiest in history. Visit nearby memorials and the Museum of the Great War, where you can pay homage to the soldiers and brave Somme civilians who supported the war effort. Later, continue toward the Belgian border to Lille. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner at your leisure. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Lille so you can make the most of your visit.
This morning, enjoy a walking tour of Lille’s Old Town and learn about the childhood of General Charles de Gaulle, who was born in Lille in 1890. After lunch on your own in Ypres, travel to Flanders Fields. This World War I battlefield that inspired John McCrae’s famous poem is home to the Tyne Cot Cemetery. Pay your respects to those who gave their lives before returning to Ypres for dinner. Afterward, stop to view the Menin Gate and watch the Last Post Ceremony. (B, D)
After breakfast, head toward Dunkirk to gain insight into one of the most inspirational World War II events: Operation Dynamo. From the northern shores of France, more than 300,000 Allied troops were evacuated by naval vessels and civilian boats in the summer of 1940. This afternoon, arrive in Bruges and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. (B)
Take a stroll through Bruges’s historic city center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pass the homes of prominent former residents and visit the Béguinage and its gardens. See the Church of Our Lady and view the Gruuthuse palace and gardens, once the medieval home of one of Bruges’s wealthiest families. Then, cruise along the picturesque canals, lined with gabled houses and floral-decorated bridges. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional chocolate workshop or explore on your own. (B)
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
NOTE:
Optional Shore Excursions: a selection of additional excursions may be available to enhance your extension experience. Optional excursions will be bookable in MyVikingJourney.com when your cruise shore excursions open for sale.
Extension is not available on all departure dates; confirm availability & seasonal pricing when booking. Pricing may vary by departure or activity date. Activity order may vary. Accommodations are subject to change depending on availability; if advertised hotel is not available, a similar hotel will be confirmed. Any included flights are economy class. Luggage restrictions may apply on intra-country flights. Specific details will be provided once program is confirmed. Shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.
The following meals are included for all days as listed: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
