Updates Bruges & Ghent 2025

UPDATE #5

September 4, 2025

We are getting super excited as we prepare for our upcoming event! Below is some information you may find helpful. Email me if you have any questions :)

Optional Warm Up Sketch

For anyone who is available, we will be meeting in the lobby of the Duke’s Arches Hotel on Tuesday September 9 at 2:00 for a warm up sketch. Please note new time). Hazel will not be teaching. This is your opportunity to dust off your painting kit with a little warm up sketch. Please RSVP.

Welcome Reception

We will be hosting a wine/beer and hors-d'œuvre Welcome Reception on Tuesday September 9 at 4:00 at Duvelorium, 1 Markt Square. Please note new time).  We will meet in the hotel lobby at 3:45 and walk over together. It’s a 5 minute walk. All event ticket holders are invited. Please RSVP.

Workshop Supply List

Please note that the list of recommended workshop materials can be found on the webpage HERE. 

Pack for the Weather

The forecast for next week (which could change) are highs of 70° F (21° C) getting cooler at night down to 53°F (12°C) with some scattered showers. Bring appropriate clothing and an umbrella just in case.

Packing Tips

While no one will be checking up on you, I suggest you consider hand luggage only to avoid any possibility of you becoming separated from your luggage. Click HERE to see a short little video about that.

Electrical Adapters

In Bruges, you will find Type C and Type E electrical outlets, which are compatible with each other. Type C outlets have two round pins while Type E is the same with an added grounding pin. You will need a power plug adapter to fit your North American Type A or B plugs into these European outlets. 

 

 

 

A couple of articles that you might find helpful

•  Ten Tips to Get the Most out of your Vacation Workshop
•  Tips for Solo Female Travelers

We are looking forward to painting with you in Bruges. 

Cheers,

Brenda

UPDATE #4

Trip Preparation

Optional Warm Up Sketch

Welcome Reception

Workshop Supply List

Packing Tips

Airport Transportation

The ETIAS and VISA Requirements

UPDATE #3

May 13, 2025

This is your reminder that the remaining balance on your ticket is due today. Please click HERE to pay the remaining balance. The $100 VIP discount code was sent in a private email to eligible VIPs.

UPDATE #2

UPDATE #1

Welcome

Thank you for your deposit in our Bruges & Ghent Vacation Workshop featuring plein air watercolour classes with Hazel Soan. Below is some important information for you.

Remaining Balance & VIP Discount Code

The remaining balance was due May 13, 2025.   Click HERE to pay the remaining balance by credit card or Paypal.

Note to VIP Participants: the $100 VIP discount code you will use at checkout was sent to you in a private email.

Accommodations

Hotel accommodation is not included in this package but a group rate has been arranged at the 4-star Dukes' Arches Hotel, Hoogstraat 20 8000 Bruges, tel. +32 50 33 78 89.  Rooms rates depend on the type of room selected starting at 185€/night including buffet breakfast for double bed room for single use. The city tax of 4€ per person per night is not included in the room rate. This group room rate will expire on April 7.

Hotel Cancellation Policy

• They are offering free cancellation up to 8 weeks before arrival. 

• 25% cancellation fee between 8 and 4 weeks before arrival

• 75% cancellation fee between 4 and 2 weeks before arrival 

• 100% cancellation fee from 2 weeks before arrival

How to Make a Reservation at the Dukes Arches Hotel

Please email Katrien at sales@dukesarches.com and tell her you've joined the Studio 56 group and ask if she can give you the group rates. She will follow up with a link where you can pay the deposit with your credit card. Their payment schedule:

• 25% deposit to be paid 8 weeks prior to arrival

• 50% deposit to be paid 4 weeks prior to arrival

• Balance of payment (25%) to be paid at least 2 weeks prior to arrival

• The booking is only final after receipt of the deposit

Please note that you can stay in another nearby hotel or Airbnb if you prefer.

Buddy Discount

If you invite a friend and we sell out with 15 participants you and your friend will get a $50 discount in the form of a rebate after the start of the workshop. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount and it can only be applied to a Workshop participant ticket. More info HERE.

Workshop Registration Form

Please click  HERE to fill in this registration form so that we can complete your registration in the workshop. It will ask you about emergency contact info and important things like that.

Passport Expiry

Please note that your passport must be valid for more than 6 months after the return date of your trip. Please take a moment now to check that your passport is up to date.

Trip Cancellation + Medical Insurance

Last minute cancellations for any reason are nonrefundable therefore we advise you to protect your investment in this vacation by purchasing trip cancellation insurance. Some credit card companies may also offer travel insurance if you paid for your trip using that credit card. We also advise travel medical insurance in case you need medical attention.

When to Arrive

We will be hosting an optional warm up sketch at 3:00 on Tues Sept 9 and a Welcome Reception at 6:00pm that night (more info to follow). If there is a huge time difference between your home and Bruges, we suggest you arrive on Monday Sept 8 so that you have time to get over jet lag. If you're in the same time zone you may wish to arrive in time to participate in the optional warm up sketch.

What to Expect prior to the Start of Your Vacation Workshop

A Final Payment reminder due on May 13, 2025
A Trip Preparation email on July 12, 2025
A Last Minute Detail email on September 3, 2025

Will be in touch. Looking forward to seeing you in Bruges :)

Cheers,
Brenda