1. Welcome to Oostende: your next destination. The city of Oostende is a port town and a holiday resort with nine kilometres beaches. Oostende obtained its status as city in 1265 and its strategic position at the North Sea coast has shown major economic advantages and also the cause of trouble. The siege of Oostende by the Spanish army between 1601 and 1604, and the creation of the Ostend Trade company to the Far-East in 1722 are superb examples. Oostende has a rich cultural heritage. Very important for the image of the city was the attention of both Belgian Kings Leopold I and Leopold II during the 19 th century, who liked to spend their holidays in Oostende. Important monuments and villas were built to please the royal family. In the city of Oostende, many monuments can be visited other interesting locations within walking distance of the port are the cathedral, Fort Napoleon, the spa and the pier promenade. The city marina, houses the gracious Mercator, a three-masted barquentine, this provides a fascinating insight into our maritime history. Other possible attractions are the Casino and the Wellington Hippodrome. Oostende has always been a source of inspiration for artists, being the the hometown of James Ensor, also painters like Spilliaert, Raveel, Delvaux and Permeke have appreciated the climate and light of this beautiful City. A visit to the PMMK, the museum for modern art can also be arranged, Oostende has been appreciated as a free haven by scientists and artists, like Albert Einstein and Marvin Gaye. If gastronomic delights are an attraction, there are plenty of high-quality restaurants in the town, serving both local seafood as surprising dishes. Oostende is easy accessible by rail, road, sea and by air. Welcome to Oostende: your next destination. The city of Oostende is a port town and a holiday resort with nine kilometres beaches. Oostende obtained its status as city in 1265 and its strategic position at the North Sea coast has shown major economic advantages and also the cause of trouble. The siege of Oostende by the Spanish army between 1601 and 1604, and the creation of the Ostend Trade company to the Far-East in 1722 are superb examples. Oostende has a rich cultural heritage. Very important for the image of the city was the attention of both Belgian Kings Leopold I and Leopold II during the 19 th century, who liked to spend their holidays in Oostende. Important monuments and villas were built to please the royal family. In the city of Oostende, many monuments can be visited other interesting locations within walking distance of the port are the cathedral, Fort Napoleon, the spa and the pier promenade. The city marina, houses the gracious Mercator, a three-masted barquentine, this provides a fascinating insight into our maritime history. Other possible attractions are the Casino and the Wellington Hippodrome. Oostende has always been a source of inspiration for artists, being the the hometown of James Ensor, also painters like Spilliaert, Raveel, Delvaux and Permeke have appreciated the climate and light of this beautiful City. A visit to the PMMK, the museum for modern art can also be arranged, Oostende has been appreciated as a free haven by scientists and artists, like Albert Einstein and Marvin Gaye. If gastronomic delights are an attraction, there are plenty of high-quality restaurants in the town, serving both local seafood as surprising dishes. Oostende is easy accessible by rail, road, sea and by air.

2. The city of Oostende is easily accessible and internationally well-connected. * By road: international motorway A10-E40. The international motorway A10-E40 is 500 metres from the cruise-port. This motorway is connected to the European motorway network, linking Oostende to Brussels, Paris, Köln, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. The motorway enhances the organisation of excursions for visiting cruise passengers. * By rail: international railway station. The international railway station of Oostende lies next to the cruise-terminal. Every half an hour, a trains leaves from Oostende to Brussels, and international destinations beyond. The high-speed train Thalys connects Oostende directly to Paris in 165 minutes, ideal for organising a shore excursion to the City of Lights. The railway station of Oostende is an important passenger hub: more than 1, 8 million passengers use this station every year. The central location of the cruise port, the train station and the town centre gives arriving and departing cruise passengers ease of access to many shore excursion possibilities as well as guests not taking an organised excursion. The rail company and the port have agreed to construct a new multi-functional cruise-terminal. * By air: Ostend-Bruges International Airport. The international airport of Oostende is located at 6 kilometres from the cruise port of Oostende. The airport handles both cargo and passengers and has all facilities to organise the requested services, respecting the international codes of safety and security. The airport of Oostende is a preferred hub for charters to holiday destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean area. * By sea: Oostende – Ramsgate – Canterbury - London Conventional ferries make 9 times per day crossings from Oostende to Ramsgate, carrying both passengers and cars. The crossing takes about 4 hours. The ferries have excellent catering facilities, with an Adriatic flavour and high-standard service. Once landed in Ramsgate, good road and rail connections bring the passengers from and to the world-famous city of Canterbury and the capital city London. The city of Oostende is easily accessible and internationally well-connected. * By road: international motorway A10-E40. The international motorway A10-E40 is 500 metres from the cruise-port. This motorway is connected to the European motorway network, linking Oostende to Brussels, Paris, Köln, Frankfurt and Amsterdam. The motorway enhances the organisation of excursions for visiting cruise passengers. * By rail: international railway station. The international railway station of Oostende lies next to the cruise-terminal. Every half an hour, a trains leaves from Oostende to Brussels, and international destinations beyond. The high-speed train Thalys connects Oostende directly to Paris in 165 minutes, ideal for organising a shore excursion to the City of Lights. The railway station of Oostende is an important passenger hub: more than 1, 8 million passengers use this station every year. The central location of the cruise port, the train station and the town centre gives arriving and departing cruise passengers ease of access to many shore excursion possibilities as well as guests not taking an organised excursion. The rail company and the port have agreed to construct a new multi-functional cruise-terminal. * By air: Ostend-Bruges International Airport. The international airport of Oostende is located at 6 kilometres from the cruise port of Oostende. The airport handles both cargo and passengers and has all facilities to organise the requested services, respecting the international codes of safety and security. The airport of Oostende is a preferred hub for charters to holiday destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean area. * By sea: Oostende – Ramsgate – Canterbury - London Conventional ferries make 9 times per day crossings from Oostende to Ramsgate, carrying both passengers and cars. The crossing takes about 4 hours. The ferries have excellent catering facilities, with an Adriatic flavour and high-standard service. Once landed in Ramsgate, good road and rail connections bring the passengers from and to the world-famous city of Canterbury and the capital city London.

4. Port cityNautical distance (nautical miles) London119 miles Amsterdam120 miles Bremerhaven287 miles Hamburg342 miles Esbjerg330 miles Rosyth/Edinburgh400 miles Göteborg539 miles Oslo598 miles Köbhavn646 miles Klaipeda897 miles Sint-Petersburg1259 miles Portland219 miles Dartmouth259 miles Fowey302 miles Falmouth319 miles Isles of Scilly436 miles Cork482 miles Dieppe120 miles Le Havre165 miles Cherbourg201 miles Rouen235 miles Saint-Malo290 miles Guernsey (St Peter Port) 290 miles Nantes562 miles Bilbao659 miles La Corunna682 miles

6. BruggeIeperKortrijkGent www.brugge.be/toerisme Known as the Venice of the North, Brugge is one of the most beautiful cities at the North sea. The entire historical city centre has been included on the World Heritage list. Walking along the cobbled alleys and the canals, you can imagine yourself in the medieval times. The large collections in the museums reflect the rich history of the city (www.museabrugge.be), organising every year exclusive exhibitions related to the art of the middle ages and the renaissance.www.museabrugge.be Brugge is also a centre for contemporary art and culture. The new concert hall is a nice example of this ambition. The restaurants in Brugge offer a gastronomic cuisine and are laboratories for creative cooking: the use of chocolate and beer in the menu is a challenge for every gourmand. High-quality hotels give the guests a warm and comfortable outlook on the life in this city. A visit to the city of Brugge is a must. Tours can easily be organised from Oostende for half a day or for a full day. www.brugge.be/toerisme Known as the Venice of the North, Brugge is one of the most beautiful cities at the North sea. The entire historical city centre has been included on the World Heritage list. Walking along the cobbled alleys and the canals, you can imagine yourself in the medieval times. The large collections in the museums reflect the rich history of the city (www.museabrugge.be), organising every year exclusive exhibitions related to the art of the middle ages and the renaissance.www.museabrugge.be Brugge is also a centre for contemporary art and culture. The new concert hall is a nice example of this ambition. The restaurants in Brugge offer a gastronomic cuisine and are laboratories for creative cooking: the use of chocolate and beer in the menu is a challenge for every gourmand. High-quality hotels give the guests a warm and comfortable outlook on the life in this city. A visit to the city of Brugge is a must. Tours can easily be organised from Oostende for half a day or for a full day.

7. cityDistance (kilometers) Transfer time Brugge30 km25 min Roeselare60 km40 min Ieper/Ypres65 km45 min Kortrijk70 km45 min Gent75 km50 min Brussels115 km1h 10 min Brussels- Airport 130 km1h 20 min Antwerp135 km1h 25 min Lille/ Rijsel95 km1h London (via Lille and Eurostar) 3h 15min London (via Ramsgate and ferry Ferry + 125 km 5 h 30min Aachen260 km2 h 30min Amsterdam285 km2 h 45 min Airport Charles de Gaulle 285 km2 h 45 min Reims ()285 km2 h 45min Paris310 km3 h Köln335 km3 h 15 min

9. Brugge GroeningemuseumOostende – Kunstmuseum aan zeeGent - Smak Brugge : Groeningemuseum One of the top museums in Brugge is the Groeninge-museum. Hidden alongside the canals, this museum offers a fascinating overview of the Belgian artworks during the last 7 centuries. The collection includes paintings made by the Flemish Gothic painters (Flemish primitives), Renaissance and Baroque masters, and includes milestones from the Symbolist and Modernist movement, and masterpieces of the Flemish Expressionists and COBRA. Hieronymus Bosch, Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, Hans Memling are hanging next to paintings of René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, Fernand Khnopff and James Ensor. The museum organises special nocturnes for motivated art-lovers, where art experts can introduce you in the history of European art, combined with the quality of the local gastronomy. Brugge : Groeningemuseum One of the top museums in Brugge is the Groeninge-museum. Hidden alongside the canals, this museum offers a fascinating overview of the Belgian artworks during the last 7 centuries. The collection includes paintings made by the Flemish Gothic painters (Flemish primitives), Renaissance and Baroque masters, and includes milestones from the Symbolist and Modernist movement, and masterpieces of the Flemish Expressionists and COBRA. Hieronymus Bosch, Jan and Hubert Van Eyck, Hans Memling are hanging next to paintings of René Magritte, Paul Delvaux, Fernand Khnopff and James Ensor. The museum organises special nocturnes for motivated art-lovers, where art experts can introduce you in the history of European art, combined with the quality of the local gastronomy.

10. Ieper: In Flanders Fields – World War 1Oostende: Open-air museum Atlantic Wall (World War 1 and 2) Ieper: In Flanders Fields (World War I) The ‘In Flanders’ Fields museum’ is devoted to the impact of the World War I on the lives of so many young soldiers, fighting in the fields around the city of Ypres. The museum is situated at the second floor of the medieval Cloth Hall. In the museum, the modern visitor encounters people from the War period. At the entrance of the museum, every visitor is given a card with a unique barcode. This barcode unlocks on of the hundreds of personal stories of men, women, or children who have experienced the War first-hand. These stories help to realise that a war is about people and not about arrows on a military map. In addition to the chronological evolution, the museum organises themed corners: the industrialised war, the medical progress, the fate of refugees and prisoners of war, emergency housing, the life behind the front…. The visitors benefit from a largely multi- medial and interactive environment, including sound effects and audiovisual evocations. Moreover, the sound of art rings over the museum: paintings, poems and prose are the eloquent witnesses of war experiences and the conscience of society. The museum inside is very much linked with the museum outside. The battlefields and 75 Commonwealth war cemeteries are taken care of every day. And there is a close cooperation with Talbot house, an ‘Every Man’s club’ for the soldiers of the British army. And the day in Ypres can be concluded by listening to the “Last Post” under the arches of the Menin Gate: every day at 8 pm, the trumpets sound at the memorial of the soldiers of the British empire, who went missing in action. The city of Ypres can be very easily reached from the port of Oostende. Excursions can be organised by the Museum, taking the guests alongside the most poignant sites and monuments of the First World War. A possible scenario can be: morning: visit to the ‘In Flanders Field Museum noon: lunch and shopping in Ypres afternoon: site John McCrae (Essex Farm Cemetery) Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Langemark Tyne Cot Cemetery Passendale evening: last post at Menin Gate Ieper: In Flanders Fields (World War I) The ‘In Flanders’ Fields museum’ is devoted to the impact of the World War I on the lives of so many young soldiers, fighting in the fields around the city of Ypres. The museum is situated at the second floor of the medieval Cloth Hall. In the museum, the modern visitor encounters people from the War period. At the entrance of the museum, every visitor is given a card with a unique barcode. This barcode unlocks on of the hundreds of personal stories of men, women, or children who have experienced the War first-hand. These stories help to realise that a war is about people and not about arrows on a military map. In addition to the chronological evolution, the museum organises themed corners: the industrialised war, the medical progress, the fate of refugees and prisoners of war, emergency housing, the life behind the front…. The visitors benefit from a largely multi- medial and interactive environment, including sound effects and audiovisual evocations. Moreover, the sound of art rings over the museum: paintings, poems and prose are the eloquent witnesses of war experiences and the conscience of society. The museum inside is very much linked with the museum outside. The battlefields and 75 Commonwealth war cemeteries are taken care of every day. And there is a close cooperation with Talbot house, an ‘Every Man’s club’ for the soldiers of the British army. And the day in Ypres can be concluded by listening to the “Last Post” under the arches of the Menin Gate: every day at 8 pm, the trumpets sound at the memorial of the soldiers of the British empire, who went missing in action. The city of Ypres can be very easily reached from the port of Oostende. Excursions can be organised by the Museum, taking the guests alongside the most poignant sites and monuments of the First World War. A possible scenario can be: morning: visit to the ‘In Flanders Field Museum noon: lunch and shopping in Ypres afternoon: site John McCrae (Essex Farm Cemetery) Deutscher Soldatenfriedhof Langemark Tyne Cot Cemetery Passendale evening: last post at Menin Gate

11. Roeselare : Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be)Brugge: the Chocolate museum Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be)Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city Roeselare: Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be) The city of Roeselare is very well known for its brewery Rodenbach. Rodenbach is also the name of the brewery family, who opened the brewery in 1821. Today, the brewery is still active under the control of Palm Breweries and it produces three very typical beers: the Rodenbach original: a young red ale beer the Rodenbach Grand cru: a rich winey red beer Redbach: a bled of Rodenbach original and cherry juice. In the renovated visitor’s centre of the brewery, the visitors find a nice combination where industrial archaeology is married with contemporary design. During the guided visit, the guests do not only get an introduction in the very particular production processes of the Rodenbach beer, but they also have to chance to the set of historical industrial buildings that have been renovated. After the guided tour, groups - up till 200 persons - can enjoy an excellent meal in the unique atmosphere of this brewery. Roeselare: Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be) The city of Roeselare is very well known for its brewery Rodenbach. Rodenbach is also the name of the brewery family, who opened the brewery in 1821. Today, the brewery is still active under the control of Palm Breweries and it produces three very typical beers: the Rodenbach original: a young red ale beer the Rodenbach Grand cru: a rich winey red beer Redbach: a bled of Rodenbach original and cherry juice. In the renovated visitor’s centre of the brewery, the visitors find a nice combination where industrial archaeology is married with contemporary design. During the guided visit, the guests do not only get an introduction in the very particular production processes of the Rodenbach beer, but they also have to chance to the set of historical industrial buildings that have been renovated. After the guided tour, groups - up till 200 persons - can enjoy an excellent meal in the unique atmosphere of this brewery. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek

12. The port of Oostende welcomes cruise ship visits and has the infrastructure to support day calls and turnaround business. Marine information. The cruise-ships berths / quays are adjacent to the railway station: berth no 103, 104 and 105 are especially used to accommodate cruise-ships. A swing-circle of 300 meter is present in front of the quay. The quay was strengthened and improved in 2000. The quay has a length of 250 meter and a water-depth of 8.5m. at all states of the tide. The quay is situated in the outer-port, 500 meters from the open sea and the relevant shipping-lanes. The quay is located next to city centre of Oostende, so that cruise-ships berth in the middle of the City. The quays, offer space, next to the berths, in order to facilitate embarking and disembarking of ships, as well coach parking for excursions. The port has built a special elevator in order to facilitate all passengers to come on land. Space for the loading of stores is also located on the quay/s The multi-functional passenger-terminal is integrated in the railway-station and offers all facilities for the handling of luggage and the check-in of passengers in an efficient and safe way. Special events and attractions can be organised in the passengers-terminal on your request: music bands, chocolate and beer-tasting are very well appreciated by the guests of the port of Oostende. The port of Oostende welcomes cruise ship visits and has the infrastructure to support day calls and turnaround business. Marine information. The cruise-ships berths / quays are adjacent to the railway station: berth no 103, 104 and 105 are especially used to accommodate cruise-ships. A swing-circle of 300 meter is present in front of the quay. The quay was strengthened and improved in 2000. The quay has a length of 250 meter and a water-depth of 8.5m. at all states of the tide. The quay is situated in the outer-port, 500 meters from the open sea and the relevant shipping-lanes. The quay is located next to city centre of Oostende, so that cruise-ships berth in the middle of the City. The quays, offer space, next to the berths, in order to facilitate embarking and disembarking of ships, as well coach parking for excursions. The port has built a special elevator in order to facilitate all passengers to come on land. Space for the loading of stores is also located on the quay/s The multi-functional passenger-terminal is integrated in the railway-station and offers all facilities for the handling of luggage and the check-in of passengers in an efficient and safe way. Special events and attractions can be organised in the passengers-terminal on your request: music bands, chocolate and beer-tasting are very well appreciated by the guests of the port of Oostende.

13. The port and the city of Oostende offer all the right ingredients to offer and organise a successful cost effective turnaround call for visiting cruise ships: Easy access to the berths at all states of the tide, no locks, no sailing on narrow inland canals. The cruise port is located at 500 metres from the open sea, linked to the shipping lanes of the English Channel and the Southern North Sea. Oostende is easily accessible: offering fast connections by road, rail, and air and by sea demonstrating the city and port are working are together to make this an attractive place to organise a turnaround. Oostende is a holiday resort that has many high-quality hotels, with many located in the city centre. During the summer holidays and during the weekends, activities are organised in the city to entertain the visiting guests. Oostende is the largest commercial centre on the Belgian coast, offering a wide range of high-quality services and products. The port and the city of Oostende offer all the right ingredients to offer and organise a successful cost effective turnaround call for visiting cruise ships: Easy access to the berths at all states of the tide, no locks, no sailing on narrow inland canals. The cruise port is located at 500 metres from the open sea, linked to the shipping lanes of the English Channel and the Southern North Sea. Oostende is easily accessible: offering fast connections by road, rail, and air and by sea demonstrating the city and port are working are together to make this an attractive place to organise a turnaround. Oostende is a holiday resort that has many high-quality hotels, with many located in the city centre. During the summer holidays and during the weekends, activities are organised in the city to entertain the visiting guests. Oostende is the largest commercial centre on the Belgian coast, offering a wide range of high-quality services and products.

14. Oostende. * AG Port of Oostende Slijkensesteenweg 2 8400 Oostende Belgium Telephone: + 32 59 340 711 Telefax: + 32 56 340 710 e-mail: info@portofoostende.beinfo@portofoostende.be website: www.portofoostende.bewww.portofoostende.be * Tourism Oostende vzw Monacoplein 2 8400 Oostende Telephone : + 32 59 701 199 Telefax : + 32 59 703 477 e-mail :info@toerisme-oostende.beinfo@toerisme-oostende.be website : www.toerisme-oostende.bewww.toerisme-oostende.be Oostende. * AG Port of Oostende Slijkensesteenweg 2 8400 Oostende Belgium Telephone: + 32 59 340 711 Telefax: + 32 56 340 710 e-mail: info@portofoostende.beinfo@portofoostende.be website: www.portofoostende.bewww.portofoostende.be * Tourism Oostende vzw Monacoplein 2 8400 Oostende Telephone : + 32 59 701 199 Telefax : + 32 59 703 477 e-mail :info@toerisme-oostende.beinfo@toerisme-oostende.be website : www.toerisme-oostende.bewww.toerisme-oostende.be

15. BruggeIeperKortrijkGent www.ieper.be Ypres is a city with a rich and varied past. During the Middle Ages, Ypres was a flourishing trading centre for textile and cloth. Several monuments reflect this golden age of the city. During the first world war, the whole city was destroyed by four years of violence. The Menin gate is a reminder of this tragedy: every evening at 8 pm, the Last Post is sounded to keep the memory of the many victims alive. The ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ tells the story of WW I by personal testimonials of the soldiers, fighting on the fields around Ypres. Today, the city has been rebuilt with respect for the past. www.ieper.be Ypres is a city with a rich and varied past. During the Middle Ages, Ypres was a flourishing trading centre for textile and cloth. Several monuments reflect this golden age of the city. During the first world war, the whole city was destroyed by four years of violence. The Menin gate is a reminder of this tragedy: every evening at 8 pm, the Last Post is sounded to keep the memory of the many victims alive. The ‘In Flanders Fields Museum’ tells the story of WW I by personal testimonials of the soldiers, fighting on the fields around Ypres. Today, the city has been rebuilt with respect for the past.

16. BruggeIeperKortrijkGent www.kortrijk.be The city of Kortrijk was founded by the Romans next to the river Leie. In the 9 th century, the first fortifications against the Vikings were established and Kortrijk became a city in 1190. From the 13 th century on, the city of Kortrijk gained importance as a centre of linen production. Most of the 14 th and 15 th century, the city was prosperous under the Dukes of Burgundy. The 16 th century was marked by the uprising of the Netherlands. After the French revolution, the textile industry, based upon flax, and the general economy of the city could finally prosper again. Most of the medieval architecture is intact and is well preserved. The most important monuments are: the city hall: late gothic-renaissance the Belfry : Unesco world-heritage the Broel-towers: medieval towers of the fortress of the city the beguinage : Unesco world-heritage the cathedral of Our Lady : gothic church with a baroque interior the Saint-Martin’s church : gothic church, with paintings from the school of Rubens The museum Kortrijk 1302 tells a multimedia story about the battle of the Gulden spurs, where the Flemish citizens defeated the army of the French king and his knights. Today the city of Kortrijk spends a lot of attention to the introductrion of modern architecture and design in the city: the construction of the new hospital alongside the river Leie and the new bridges over the river are excellent examples. www.kortrijk.be The city of Kortrijk was founded by the Romans next to the river Leie. In the 9 th century, the first fortifications against the Vikings were established and Kortrijk became a city in 1190. From the 13 th century on, the city of Kortrijk gained importance as a centre of linen production. Most of the 14 th and 15 th century, the city was prosperous under the Dukes of Burgundy. The 16 th century was marked by the uprising of the Netherlands. After the French revolution, the textile industry, based upon flax, and the general economy of the city could finally prosper again. Most of the medieval architecture is intact and is well preserved. The most important monuments are: the city hall: late gothic-renaissance the Belfry : Unesco world-heritage the Broel-towers: medieval towers of the fortress of the city the beguinage : Unesco world-heritage the cathedral of Our Lady : gothic church with a baroque interior the Saint-Martin’s church : gothic church, with paintings from the school of Rubens The museum Kortrijk 1302 tells a multimedia story about the battle of the Gulden spurs, where the Flemish citizens defeated the army of the French king and his knights. Today the city of Kortrijk spends a lot of attention to the introductrion of modern architecture and design in the city: the construction of the new hospital alongside the river Leie and the new bridges over the river are excellent examples.

17. BruggeIeperKortrijkGent www.visitgent.be The city of Gent started as a settlement at the confluence of the rivers Schelde and Leie. Human presence goes back to the Stone Age and the Iron Age. Around 650, Saint Amand founded two abbeys in Gent: the Saint Peter abbey and the Saint Bavo abbey. The city developped around these abbeys. From the 11 th century, the city of Gent flourished and it became the second biggest city in Europe after Paris: 65 000 people lived within the city walls. During the Middle Ages, the wool-industry created the first European industrialised zone. A lot of trading was set up England and was booming. During the 16 th and 17 th century, the city was destroyed because of the religious wars. During the 18 th and 19 th century, the textile industry flourished again in Gent. Lieven Bauwens introduced the first mechanical weaving machine on the continent. A lot of the medieval architecture remains intact. An important monument is the Gravensteen, a medieval water-castle, lying in the middle of the city centre. The city counts also a lot of important musea: the museum of fine arts, including paintings of Bosch the city Museum for contemporary art the Design-museum the House of Alijn, museum for folk art and puppet theatre. www.visitgent.be The city of Gent started as a settlement at the confluence of the rivers Schelde and Leie. Human presence goes back to the Stone Age and the Iron Age. Around 650, Saint Amand founded two abbeys in Gent: the Saint Peter abbey and the Saint Bavo abbey. The city developped around these abbeys. From the 11 th century, the city of Gent flourished and it became the second biggest city in Europe after Paris: 65 000 people lived within the city walls. During the Middle Ages, the wool-industry created the first European industrialised zone. A lot of trading was set up England and was booming. During the 16 th and 17 th century, the city was destroyed because of the religious wars. During the 18 th and 19 th century, the textile industry flourished again in Gent. Lieven Bauwens introduced the first mechanical weaving machine on the continent. A lot of the medieval architecture remains intact. An important monument is the Gravensteen, a medieval water-castle, lying in the middle of the city centre. The city counts also a lot of important musea: the museum of fine arts, including paintings of Bosch the city Museum for contemporary art the Design-museum the House of Alijn, museum for folk art and puppet theatre.

18. Brugge GroeningemuseumOostende – Kunstmuseum aan zeeGent - Smak Oostende : Kunstmuseum aan Zee The Kunstmuseum aan Zee gives visitors an overview of art in Belgium from the early twentieth century up till now. The collections includes examples of Flemish expressionists, Belgian abstracts, Surrealism, COBRA, Conceptual art and the New Wild Painters. The conservator is very experienced and links the Belgian art to the international European and mondial tendencies. Special workshops and conferences can be organised, concerning the different schools of painters in Europe in the twentieth century. Oostende : Kunstmuseum aan Zee The Kunstmuseum aan Zee gives visitors an overview of art in Belgium from the early twentieth century up till now. The collections includes examples of Flemish expressionists, Belgian abstracts, Surrealism, COBRA, Conceptual art and the New Wild Painters. The conservator is very experienced and links the Belgian art to the international European and mondial tendencies. Special workshops and conferences can be organised, concerning the different schools of painters in Europe in the twentieth century.

19. Brugge GroeningemuseumOostende – Kunstmuseum aan zeeGent - Smak Gent: S.M.A.K. The Stedelijke Museum voor Actuele Kunst owns one of the most important collections of contemporary art in Western Europe. The collection concentrates on international developments in art after the second World War. COBRA, Pop Art, Minimal Art, Conceptual art and Arte Povera are well represented. Joseph Beuys, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucio Fontana find their place next to Belgian artists from the same period. Carl Andre, Gilbert and George, Joseph Kossuth, Luciano Fabro en Yannis Kounellis are in permanent dialogue and confrontation with the actual artists, who find their way to the S.M.A.K. by temporary exhibitions. Visits can easily be organised from the port of Oostende. Gent: S.M.A.K. The Stedelijke Museum voor Actuele Kunst owns one of the most important collections of contemporary art in Western Europe. The collection concentrates on international developments in art after the second World War. COBRA, Pop Art, Minimal Art, Conceptual art and Arte Povera are well represented. Joseph Beuys, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, Andy Warhol and Lucio Fontana find their place next to Belgian artists from the same period. Carl Andre, Gilbert and George, Joseph Kossuth, Luciano Fabro en Yannis Kounellis are in permanent dialogue and confrontation with the actual artists, who find their way to the S.M.A.K. by temporary exhibitions. Visits can easily be organised from the port of Oostende.

20. Ieper: In Flanders Fields – World War 1Oostende: Open-air museum Atlantic Wall (World War 1 and 2) Oostende: open-air museum Atlantic Wall (World War I and II) Within the dunes of Oostende, a unique historical site of modern war fortifications has been preserved: sixty constructions, dating from both World Wars are interconnected by two kilometres of trenches and galleries. Two different tours are possible in this open-air museum. The first tour is focusing on World War I and shows the Aachen battery, built in 1915 and used by the soldiers of the German naval corps. Also the bombproof shelter, built in 1916 is well preserved. The second tour brings the visitors to the emplacement of the Saltzwedel neu battery, built by the German Kriegsmarine in 1941. The task of this battery was to protect and to defend the port of Oostende. At the end of 1942, the battery was incorporated in the Atlantic Wall, a coastal defence line of nearly 5300 km, developed by the German army. The centre of the battery is the observation and command post, including an Enigma cipher machine, operated by the administration officers to break the code of the messages. On the same site, archaeologists had found a medieval fishing village Walraversijde. Today, four medieval fisherman’s houses have been reconstructed and these houses give a detailed image of the daily life of the fishermen in the Middle Ages. The open-air museum is situated next to the centre of the city of Oostende and close to the airport of Oostende.. Oostende: open-air museum Atlantic Wall (World War I and II) Within the dunes of Oostende, a unique historical site of modern war fortifications has been preserved: sixty constructions, dating from both World Wars are interconnected by two kilometres of trenches and galleries. Two different tours are possible in this open-air museum. The first tour is focusing on World War I and shows the Aachen battery, built in 1915 and used by the soldiers of the German naval corps. Also the bombproof shelter, built in 1916 is well preserved. The second tour brings the visitors to the emplacement of the Saltzwedel neu battery, built by the German Kriegsmarine in 1941. The task of this battery was to protect and to defend the port of Oostende. At the end of 1942, the battery was incorporated in the Atlantic Wall, a coastal defence line of nearly 5300 km, developed by the German army. The centre of the battery is the observation and command post, including an Enigma cipher machine, operated by the administration officers to break the code of the messages. On the same site, archaeologists had found a medieval fishing village Walraversijde. Today, four medieval fisherman’s houses have been reconstructed and these houses give a detailed image of the daily life of the fishermen in the Middle Ages. The open-air museum is situated next to the centre of the city of Oostende and close to the airport of Oostende..

21. Roeselare : Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be)Brugge: the Chocolate museum Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be)Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city Brugge: the Chocolate Museum Close to Market square in Brugge, the visitors of Brugge can find the Chhocolate museum. In a 15 th century building, a medieval hotel and bar, the guests can find a lot of information about the production, the history of the chocolate and about the industrialisation of the chocolate industry. At the end of the tour, the guests arrive in the workplace of the chocolatier, who explains the whole process of making pralines. It is also possible to join one or more work-shops on how to make pralines. These work-shops are organised during the evening after the closing-hours of the museum. During these sessions, the participants learn about the different kinds of chocolate, how to produce a praline, how to prepare chocolade-mousse or sauce for Dame Blanche. It is also possible to organise team-building sessions in the museum. A more than tasty experience. Brugge: the Chocolate Museum Close to Market square in Brugge, the visitors of Brugge can find the Chhocolate museum. In a 15 th century building, a medieval hotel and bar, the guests can find a lot of information about the production, the history of the chocolate and about the industrialisation of the chocolate industry. At the end of the tour, the guests arrive in the workplace of the chocolatier, who explains the whole process of making pralines. It is also possible to join one or more work-shops on how to make pralines. These work-shops are organised during the evening after the closing-hours of the museum. During these sessions, the participants learn about the different kinds of chocolate, how to produce a praline, how to prepare chocolade-mousse or sauce for Dame Blanche. It is also possible to organise team-building sessions in the museum. A more than tasty experience. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek

22. Roeselare : Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be)Brugge: the Chocolate museum Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be)Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be) Brewery ‘De Halve Maan’ is a Belgian family brewery, that has been established in the old city centre of Brugge in the 19th century. Today the brewery is very active, bringing its own special beers on the market, like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. Next to brewery activities, it is possible to visit the beer-museum and a lot of events are organised in the brewery. The historic brewery is a nice place for receptions, meetings, cocktail dinners and nocturnes. They have five full rooms with a capacity of 400 people. One other event that can be worked out for the cruise guests, is the organisation of a beer-seminar. An experienced guide will lead the guests through the world of hops and malted barley. After this introduction, the guests are invited to a culinary feast with various Belgian beers to sample. Some of the beers are used to prepare seasonal food specialities. And after the dinner, the guests are ask to pull their own beers, and the most skilled guest will receive a special attention from the brewery. Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be) Brewery ‘De Halve Maan’ is a Belgian family brewery, that has been established in the old city centre of Brugge in the 19th century. Today the brewery is very active, bringing its own special beers on the market, like Brugse Zot and Straffe Hendrik. Next to brewery activities, it is possible to visit the beer-museum and a lot of events are organised in the brewery. The historic brewery is a nice place for receptions, meetings, cocktail dinners and nocturnes. They have five full rooms with a capacity of 400 people. One other event that can be worked out for the cruise guests, is the organisation of a beer-seminar. An experienced guide will lead the guests through the world of hops and malted barley. After this introduction, the guests are invited to a culinary feast with various Belgian beers to sample. Some of the beers are used to prepare seasonal food specialities. And after the dinner, the guests are ask to pull their own beers, and the most skilled guest will receive a special attention from the brewery. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek

23. Roeselare : Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be)Brugge: the Chocolate museum Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be)Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city The city of Kortrijk counts more than 200 protected monuments. A large series of statues, monuments, mills and landscapes make up this legacy as well. You can get to know and to appreciate Kortrijk better if you take a tour with one of the guides of the city. And you can combine this with an introduction to the local gastronomy. There are two formula’s: a yummy walk with local specialities : the guides take the guests from shop to shop to taste the finest delicacies of Kortrijk: chocolates, special pastry, local cheese and drinks. While walking from shop to shop, the guide will tell you the most amusing stories and historical anecdotes. You can choose to finish this tour with either a glass of gin or a very special coffee. The complete nibble-tour takes about 2 hours and starts at the Tourist office. Amuse-gueule, walking-dinner: the guide takes the guests to 4 different restaurants, meanwhile enjoying an aperitif, a starter, a main course and a dessert. This walk can be made during the day, as well as during the evening, and takes 4 hours. Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city The city of Kortrijk counts more than 200 protected monuments. A large series of statues, monuments, mills and landscapes make up this legacy as well. You can get to know and to appreciate Kortrijk better if you take a tour with one of the guides of the city. And you can combine this with an introduction to the local gastronomy. There are two formula’s: a yummy walk with local specialities : the guides take the guests from shop to shop to taste the finest delicacies of Kortrijk: chocolates, special pastry, local cheese and drinks. While walking from shop to shop, the guide will tell you the most amusing stories and historical anecdotes. You can choose to finish this tour with either a glass of gin or a very special coffee. The complete nibble-tour takes about 2 hours and starts at the Tourist office. Amuse-gueule, walking-dinner: the guide takes the guests to 4 different restaurants, meanwhile enjoying an aperitif, a starter, a main course and a dessert. This walk can be made during the day, as well as during the evening, and takes 4 hours. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek

24. Roeselare : Brewery Rodenbach (www.rodenbach.be)Brugge: the Chocolate museum Brugge: Brewery De Halve Maan (www.halvemaan.be)Kortrijk: Knibbling through the city Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek In order to discover the culinary delights of the Westhoek, the following scenario can be developed: Start of the tour: the guests will be picked by a guide in Oostende morning: visit to Claustrum West-Vleteren. The abbey of West- Vleteren is very famous for its Trappist beer. The name ‘Trappist beer’ is protected by law and can only be applied to beer, brewed by monks in their monastery. In the Claustrum, the guests can learn about the life in the abbey of Sint Sixtus. After this visit, the guests can taste the Trappist beer in the best conditions. Noon: lunch and shopping in Ypres Afternoon: the guests will be invited to a delicacy tour, including a visit to a chocolate factory, the Old Cheese-factory in Passendale and the wine-yards on the Monteberg. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek In order to discover the culinary delights of the Westhoek, the following scenario can be developed: Start of the tour: the guests will be picked by a guide in Oostende morning: visit to Claustrum West-Vleteren. The abbey of West- Vleteren is very famous for its Trappist beer. The name ‘Trappist beer’ is protected by law and can only be applied to beer, brewed by monks in their monastery. In the Claustrum, the guests can learn about the life in the abbey of Sint Sixtus. After this visit, the guests can taste the Trappist beer in the best conditions. Noon: lunch and shopping in Ypres Afternoon: the guests will be invited to a delicacy tour, including a visit to a chocolate factory, the Old Cheese-factory in Passendale and the wine-yards on the Monteberg. Ypres and the culinary delights of the Westhoek

25. Departure London St Pancras (GMT) Arrival at Brussels Midi Bruxelles Midi Brussel Zuid (GMT +1) durationArrival at Lille Europe (GMT+1) duration 5h5308h592h06min 7h1010h312h219h521h42 8h2511h502h25 8h3514h124h3711h271h52 9h5713h252h2812h471h50 13h2016h402h2016h021h42 14h3417h502h16 16h3019h442h1419h071h37 17h4521h102h25 19h3022h502h2022h071h37