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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Brussels, Ypres, and Lille

Independent 7-day rail trip through Brussels, Ypres's WWI battlefields and Lille

Illustration of Brussels, Ypres, and Lille

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation through Brussels, Ypres and Lille, running 7 days and 6 nights, built around First World War history. Travelers spend two nights in Brussels first, with time to admire works by Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel and Rubens. On day 3, the train carries travelers to Ypres, where the Cloth Hall houses the In Flanders Fields Museum. Day 4 is the trip's guided centerpiece: an included battlefield tour visiting Hill 60, the Bayernwald trench complex and Bedford House cemetery, ending at the Menin Gate for the nightly Last Post ceremony. On day 5, the train continues to Lille for two final nights, with a City Pass to explore the Palais de Beaux-Arts, the old town's cobbled streets and the Euralille Centre. Because only day 4 is guided, this suits travelers who want one structured history day within an otherwise independent city break.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package lists 13 hotel options across price tiers in Brussels, Ypres and Lille rather than one fixed hotel, so the actual hotel and comfort level depend on the tier chosen at booking.
  • Most days are self-guided city time; day 4's Flanders fields battlefield tour is the one included guided activity on the trip.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Brussels

    Your Journey Begins in Brussels

    Welcome to Brussels! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Relax in one of the cafes which line the city's avenues and squares or stroll around one of the many museums.

  2. Day 2overnight: Brussels

    Brussels

    After breakfast in the hotel this morning, set off to explore the city further. Admire the works of artists such as Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel and Rubens. Why not visit Autoworld and the Musee du Cinquantenaire.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Ypres

    Brussels to Ypres

    Travel by train from Brussels to Ypres and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. The imposing Cloth Hall is now home to the 'In Flanders Fields Museum' which offers a moving history of WW1.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Ypres

    Ypres

    After breakfast this morning at your hotel, continue to discover Ypres. Included in your journey is a guided visit to the Flanders fields, visiting sites including Hill 60, Bayernwald trench complex, Bedford House Commonwealth cemetery. End your day at the Menin Gate for the nightly 'Last Post' ceremony.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lille

    Ypres to Lille

    After breakfast this morning, take the train from Ypres to Lille and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Visit the Palais de Beaux-Arts, one of the largest art museums in France.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Lille

    Lille

    Continue to use your City Pass today and explore Lille's vibrant town center, old town with cobbled streets, and fantastic shopping ranging from boutiques to the Euralille Centre.

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Lille

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, one of our Rail Specialists will be happy to assist you.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Admire works by Magritte, Picasso, Bruegel and Rubens in Brussels.
  • Day 3Travel by train from Brussels to Ypres and visit the In Flanders Fields Museum inside the Cloth Hall.
  • Day 4Take a guided tour of the Flanders fields, visiting Hill 60, the Bayernwald trench complex and Bedford House cemetery, ending at the Menin Gate for the nightly Last Post ceremony.
  • Day 5Take the train from Ypres to Lille and visit the Palais de Beaux-Arts.
  • Day 6Use the City Pass to explore Lille's old town, cobbled streets and the Euralille Centre.

Included

  • Rail as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Brussels
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Ypres
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lille
  • Afternoon Battlefield tour

Questions travellers ask

Does this trip include train travel?
Yes. Rail is included as per the itinerary, with trains from Brussels to Ypres on day 3 and from Ypres to Lille on day 5.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Mostly independent, with one guided element: day 4 includes a guided battlefield tour of the Flanders fields, visiting Hill 60, the Bayernwald trench complex and Bedford House cemetery.
What does the trip include besides the hotels and rail travel?
An afternoon battlefield tour, and a City Pass used to explore Lille on day 6.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 13 hotel options across price tiers, including Hilton Brussels Grand Place and Warwick Brussels in Brussels, the Novotel Ieper Centrum Flanders Fields in Ypres, and L'Hermitage Gantois in Lille.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights each in Brussels, Ypres and Lille, for 7 days and 6 nights total.
What does it cost?
Prices start at $489 per person.

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