Trip Information
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UK coach transfers to Hull return + Dutch coach continues tour
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Hull - Rotterdam
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Optional at extra cost on-board ship
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Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse Dinant
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Breakfast and evening meal
Known as the Pearl of the Ardennes, Dinant is famous for its rich history, stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities
Itinerary
- Depart from your allocated local pick-up point by UK transfer coach.
- Travel to Hull Ferry Port for your overnight sailing with P&O Ferries.
- On arrival at the port, all baggage must be removed from the coach, as you will change onto a Dutch transfer coach the following day.
- Board the P&O Ferry Hull – Rotterdam.
- Sailing Time: Approximately 20:30 (8:30 pm).
- Duration: Around 11 hours overnight.
- Enjoy the ship’s excellent facilities, restaurants, lounges, and shops during the crossing. Overnight on board.
- Early morning arrival into Rotterdam Ferry Port at approximately 08:00.
- After disembarkation, collect your baggage from the ship and board your Dutch transfer coach with your luggage.
- Begin your continental journey towards Dinant in the Belgian Ardennes.
- Approximate travel time: 5 hours, with planned comfort and refreshment stops en route.
- Arrive at Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse, your base for the holiday.
- After check-in, enjoy your first excursion with a visit to the Dinant Christmas Market, nestled beside the River Meuse.
- Evening meal and overnight stay at your hotel.
After breakfast, depart by coach for a full-day excursion.
Visit Durbuy, often described as “the smallest city in the world,” with its cobbled streets, festive market stalls, and charming old town atmosphere.
Continue to La Roche-en-Ardenne, a picturesque riverside town with a medieval castle and delightful Christmas market.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Evening meal and overnight stay.
- After breakfast, board your coach for another day of festive exploring.
- First, visit Bastogne, a town steeped in history from the Battle of the Bulge, now filled with Christmas lights, wooden chalets, and local crafts.
- Continue to Marche-en-Famenne, home to one of the region’s most atmospheric Christmas markets.
- Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and rejoin your Dutch transfer coach for the return journey to Rotterdam Ferry Port.
- Approximate travel time: 5 hours, with comfort and refreshment stops en route.
On arrival at Rotterdam, remove your baggage from the coach and check in with P&O Ferries.
Board the P&O Ferry Rotterdam – Hull.
- Sailing Time: Approximately 21:00 (9:00 pm).
- Duration: Around 11 hours overnight.
Overnight sailing to Hull.
- Arrive at Hull Ferry Port early morning (around 08:00).
- After disembarkation, collect your baggage and board your UK transfer coach.
- Continue your journey back to your original pick-up point.
Includes/ Excludes
Cost Includes
- UK transfer coach with allocated seating from pick-up point and return
- Dutch coach transfers with allocated seating to Dinant and continuation of tour
- Dover Calais short ferry crossing
- Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse Dinant 4 nights + continental breakfast and 3-course evening meals
- Excursion to Dinant & Namur Christmas Markets
- Excursions to Durbuy & La Roche-en-Ardenne
- Excursion to Bastogne & Marche-en-Famenne Christmas Markets
Cost Excludes
- Holiday Insurance
- Single supplement
- Admission fees to attractions
- Meals/Drinks on-board ship
- Extra meals / drinks
Dates
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Available PackagesMondayDecember 8, 2025SaturdayDecember 13, 2025£499.00
Holiday Highlights
- Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse – A charming former château set in the Belgian Ardennes, surrounded by woodland, offering cosy accommodation, modern comforts, hearty breakfasts, and delicious evening meals.
- Dinant Christmas Market – Set beside the River Meuse with stalls offering festive treats, crafts, mulled wine, and twinkling lights against the dramatic cliff and Citadel backdrop.
- Durbuy – Known as “the smallest city in the world,” with its half-timbered houses, medieval streets, and enchanting Christmas decorations.
- La Roche-en-Ardenne – A riverside gem crowned by its medieval castle, with festive chalets selling artisanal produce and Christmas delights.
- Bastogne – Famous for its WWII history, offering not only historical interest but also a lively Christmas market filled with Belgian food, gifts, and seasonal cheer.
- Marche-en-Famenne Christmas Market – A vibrant market with festive stalls, local delicacies, and charming Belgian traditions.
- Scenic Ardennes Landscape – Rolling hills, pine forests, and pretty valleys create a magical winter wonderland setting.
- Seamless Travel Experience – UK transfer coach to Hull, overnight ferry sailings, and onward travel with a Dutch coach make for a smooth and relaxing holiday experience.
Dinant, Belgium: The Pearl of the Ardennes
Dinant – Gateway to the Ardennes
Dinant, dramatically set along the River Meuse, is overlooked by steep cliffs and its imposing Citadel. Known for its saxophone heritage and as a gateway to the Ardennes, the town is beautifully lit during Christmas, with its market offering Belgian chocolates, Glühwein, and handmade crafts.
Durbuy
A medieval gem often called the smallest city in the world. Durbuy transforms into a winter fairy tale at Christmas, with festive chalets, ice skating, and cobbled streets glowing with lanterns.
La Roche-en-Ardenne
Nestled in the Ourthe Valley, La Roche is a picturesque town overlooked by the ruins of a medieval castle. During Christmas, it hosts one of the Ardennes’ most atmospheric markets, with stalls selling local delicacies such as Ardennes ham, waffles, and artisan cheeses.
Bastogne
A town of both history and festivity. Known for the Battle of the Bulge, Bastogne offers moving museums and memorials alongside a Christmas market filled with Belgian crafts, regional foods, and lively music.
Marche-en-Famenne
This small Ardennes town bursts into life at Christmas, hosting a vibrant market that combines modern Belgian traditions with old-world charm. The warm glow of festive lights and seasonal stalls make it a must-visit stop.
The Ardennes Region
The Belgian Ardennes is a region of rolling hills, dense forests, and quaint villages. In winter, its frosty landscapes and fairy-tale towns make it one of the most atmospheric destinations in Europe for a Christmas holiday.
Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse
Nestled in the heart of the Ardennes, just a short distance from Dinant in Belgium’s Namur province, Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse offers a harmonious blend of historical charm and modern comfort. This former château, dating back to 1810, is set amidst 25 hectares of lush greenery, providing an idyllic retreat for guests seeking relaxation and a connection with nature.
Accommodation
The hotel boasts 91 comfortable rooms, each offering serene views of the expansive parkland. Designed to ensure a restful stay, all rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, satellite TV, a safe, a refrigerator, and a private bathroom. For families, larger rooms are available, and there are also accommodations specifically designed for guests with disabilities.
Dining
At the on-site restaurant, L’Orangerie, guests can indulge in refined, gourmet dishes crafted daily by the chef, who emphasizes the use of fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.
Facilities and Services
Hotel Castel de Pont-à-Lesse is well-equipped to cater leisure travellers. Key features include:
- Indoor Heated Swimming Pool: A tranquil space open daily from 7 am to 10:30 pm, perfect for relaxation.
- Jacuzzi and Infrared Cabin: Additional wellness facilities to enhance your stay.
- Free Wi-Fi and Parking: Stay connected with complimentary internet access.
Dover to Calais P&O Ferries Crossing for Coach Passengers
The Dover to Calais ferry is one of the most popular ways for coach passengers to travel between the UK and France. This scenic and convenient route across the English Channel offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of what coach passengers can expect from the journey.
Arriving at the Port of Dover
Check-In Procedure:
- Coaches typically arrive at the Dover Ferry Terminal around 60–90 minutes before the scheduled departure.
- The driver will check in the entire group at the ferry operator’s ticket booth and receive boarding instructions.
- Passengers remain on the coach while it proceeds through UK Border Control for passport checks.
- UK and French Border Control
- Before boarding, coach passengers must go through two border checkpoints:
- UK Border Control: Passports and travel documents are checked before leaving the UK.
- French Border Control: Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, passengers undergo additional passport checks by French authorities at Dover before boarding the ferry.
- Tip: Ensure all passengers have valid passports and any necessary visas before travel to avoid delays.
Boarding the Ferry
- Once the coach has passed both border controls, it will queue in the designated coach lane for boarding.
- Passengers usually remain on the coach as it is driven onto the ferry and parked in the lower vehicle deck.
- Once parked, passengers must exit the coach and move to the passenger decks for the crossing (staying in vehicles is not permitted for safety reasons).
4. Onboard Experience
The journey from Dover to Calais takes approximately 90 minutes, and during this time, passengers can enjoy a range of onboard facilities.
Facilities Available on Board
✅ Seating Areas – Spacious lounges with comfortable seating, ideal for relaxing.
✅ Restaurants & Cafés – Options vary by ferry operator but typically include self-service restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.
✅ Duty-Free Shopping – Passengers can browse and purchase tax-free items, including perfumes, alcohol, chocolates, and souvenirs.
✅ Outdoor Decks – Enjoy panoramic views of the English Channel and the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
✅ Wi-Fi & Charging Points – Some ferries provide Wi-Fi access and charging ports for electronic devices.
✅ Children’s Play Areas – Some ferries offer small play zones to keep young passengers entertained.
Tip: It’s recommended to keep personal belongings with you, as access to the coach is restricted during the crossing.
Disembarkation in Calais
- About 15 minutes before arrival, an announcement will inform passengers to return to their coach on the vehicle deck.
- The coach will drive off the ferry once it is safely docked at Calais Port Terminal.
- Passengers remain seated as the coach proceeds through French customs if required.
Important Travel Tips
🔹 Travel Documents – Ensure all passengers have their passports and visas ready for border checks.
🔹 Currency – Onboard purchases can be made in GBP (£) or Euros (€), and card payments are widely accepted.
🔹 Luggage – Keep essentials with you, as access to the coach is restricted during the journey.
🔹 Seasickness – If prone to motion sickness, consider bringing medication or sitting in a stable area of the ferry.
