For our optional excursion we make our way to Ostend, Belgium’s premier coastal resort, which dates back to the 9th century when it was a small fishing village. Now known as ‘the City by the Sea’, Ostend is a cosmopolitan gem that boasts miles of sandy beaches, a beachfront promenade, a yachting marina plus a whole host of shops, bars and restaurants. The city is also home to several museums, such as the Mu.ZEE, which showcases Belgian art, and the Atlantic Wall Museum, offering insights into the region's World War II history.