Bruges is a hugely desirable destination for tourists, the perfect city break.

It's history, it's cobbled streets, it's beauty on every corner, every turn. Add in Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and an iconic film and you have the makings of a memorable place and, quite likely, a memorable time.

Over the last few days, it has filled with Heart of Midlothian fans. It started with a trickle but since Wednesday it turned into a deluge. A maroon and white winter wonderland if you will.

You have to wonder what all the unsuspecting tourists who have decided to come out to the Christmas markets make of it all. Especially the walking tours that are constantly winding around the streets, morning, afternoon, and night.

Today is set to be a very special day for Hearts. It's the first big away European trip since Florence. That away day was special. It was Hearts back in Europe against a very recognisable side. An iconic name. A Serie A stadium.

But this is a different kind of special. 

Hearts are on the cusp of achieving something the club hasn't done in 35 years. European football after Christmas. Back then it was Bayern Munich in the UEFA Cup. This time around, it could be Chelsea or Real Betis down the line.

Heading into the week, Hearts were given a 93 per cent chance of progressing. But let's face it. Now there is the opportunity to really make a statement and breeze into the last-16, whisky on the rocks, cigar in mouth, feet up waiting, as a seed, for the dregs of the tournament.

Three points in Bruges would put Hearts in a fantastic position to finish in the top eight spots of the Conference League. Predictions suggest that 12 points are required to be one of those eight. Three points in Bruges would take Hearts onto nine with two games to play, one of which is against the Moldovan side Petrocub. A team Hearts should be beating at Tynecastle Park.

The finances that come with that will have the club's board rubbing their hands. You can start adding another seven figures onto what the team are already projected to make. But football is far more than just making some money.

As Monchi, the former Sevilla sporting director once said, no one takes a 'what a great economic results' banner to the stadium. It is feeling. It is excitement. It is memories. 

Neil Critchley, once more, was accurate in what he said.

“Life's for living and having different experiences and this gives all of us here, everyone, a great opportunity for us to progress further if we can and have more days and nights like this in the future," he said.

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As one Hearts flag states, 'Wherever you go, we follow'. Supporting a football team can be a chore at times. But not this week. 

More than 3,000 fans have made their way to Bruges from all directions. Some have arrived directly from Edinburgh via Brussels (or Charleroi which isn't Brussels). Some have gone via Dublin, others France. Some have arrived from Amsterdam, whether it is by car, train, or plane. Then there are those who have driven.

Every single one who has made their way wants to be part of it. Hearts in Europe on a Thursday night. It's special. It's different. But there is potential for so much more. Beyond Bruges. Beyond Copenhagen. All it takes is a win. And a win is realistic.

Yes, Hearts are toiling in the league. But the fans have seen plenty of encouragement, especially in the performances against Omonia and Heidenheim. Cercle don't pose too much fear. They are missing their best player, their top scorer. Hearts, meanwhile, are waiting for their own top scorer to come alive.

The away support will almost match the home crowd. And imagine what that away end will be like celebrating a win. Imagine what Bruges will be like dealing with more than 3,000 jubilant Hearts fans. Pray for those with early Friday flights.

Every single fan should savour these next hours. It is a time that makes following the team all the more worthwhile. Taking over a city, seeing faces old and new, seeing Hearts in Europe. 

But then what if Hearts win? Bruges will join Basel and Bordeaux. It might not be the shock of those two results but it is about the reward it could bring. European football after Christmas. The potential for the last-16.

In Bruges, Hearts might just come alive.