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Ascension Day in Bruges for the procession of the Holy Blood - For group leaders

Introduction

This tour offers the opportunity to visit and explore this beautiful medieval city. The richness of the architecture is a legacy of the wealth it derived from its trading which made it one of the most important cities in Europe. However, we come specifically to witness the moving Procession of the Holy Blood, which commemorates the return of the Count of Flanders from the Crusades with a relic from the Patriarch of Jerusalem, which was claimed to be the Precious Blood of Christ. The Procession takes the form of scenes from the New and Old Testaments, acted out by the people of the city (the preparations for which go on all year round), and is followed by clergy and bishops with the Relic. The tradition of this procession is hundreds of years old, and what we see today still conveys the solemnity and reverence of the Gospels that the Christian Church has always given to them. The Procession, though, important as it is, is firmly set into a day of religious devotion and celebration for the Feast of the Ascension and would not be complete without High Mass which begins this day, and the Benediction which ends it. A visit to this city would not be right if there was not time allowed to walk leisurely through the streets and see the sights such as the Markt, main square, the Beguinage, the Lake of Love and for art lovers the chance to see the works of great Flemish painters such as the Memlings in the museum. Therefore a guided tour is scheduled as well as time to enjoy this beautiful city in peace at your own pace.

Basic Itinerary

DAY ONE

London - Brussels - Bruges

Depart from London St Pancras by Eurostar train to Brussels and on to Bruges. Check into our Hotel in the city centre. Dinner will be in our hotel on each night of our stay.

DAY TWO

Bruges

After breakfast a local guide will lead a walking tour of the city centre visiting the major sites. The afternoon is at leisure allowing time to visit one of the art galleries or museums.

DAY THREE

Ascension Day in Bruges

Ascension Day. The relic of the Holy Blood will be displayed this morning in the Basilica before the Mass in the Cathedral of St Saviour. Early afternoon we take our reserved seats on the grandstand to watch the Procession of the Holy Blood. After the procession the day’s festivities finish with Benediction on the Burg.

DAY FOUR

Bruges - Brussels - London

After breakfast a boat ride along the canals is included. Afternoon departure by train to Brussels and on to London St Pancras.
Four Days

Terms of Payment:

 

THIS TRIP INCLUDES:

Return Eurostar travel: St Pancras – Bruges (via Brussels). 3-nights accommodation in shared twin-bedded rooms with private facilities at Ibis Brugge Central (or similar), Bruges. Meal plan: 3 continental breakfasts and 2 dinners. Transfers from Bruges train station to the Ibis Central Hotel and return. A half-day guided walking tour by fully licensed English-speaking guide. Ticket for the Ascension day procession. Boat ride in Bruges.

EXTRAS:

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS AND WORSHIP:

Ecumenical

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