Bruges and Ghent Day Trip from Brussels
Description
Make the most of your time in Belgium during this full-day excursion to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels. Don’t worry about time-consuming public transit; instead, benefit from round-trip transfers, as well as the insight of a local guide who can share context you might not have discovered alone, before exploring independently at your own pace.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our bus will leave us in Bargeplein. Here we will have 10 minutes to go to the bathroom. The guide will explain at what time should we be back in the bus
Our first stop will be Minnewater, also known as the "Lake of love". With the beautiful lake on the background our guide will explain the history of Bruges as well as the love story occurred in this lake.
The next step of our tour will be the Begijnhof. Founded in 1245, this place saves the history of an incredible group of women.
In one of the few certified artisan chocolate shops, we will have the chance to taste artisan chocolates. Our guide will also tell us about the famous Bruges chocolate and will give you some tips to distinguish the handmade chocolate from the industrial one.
In this beautiful square, our guide will explain us the history of Bruges beer.
Here our guide will teach us how to identify the original medieval houses.
You will have the chance to take some beautiful photos from the little bridge.
In front of Old St. John’s Hospital our guide will explain how the health system in medieval Bruges worked.
In front of old St. John’s Hospital, we will find the Church of Our Lady. From the outside, our guide will explain us some curiosities of the white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child created by Michelangelo that is inside the church mentioned before.
In the front of Gruuthuse, we will get to know the most famous and powerful family of Bruges between the XVII and XVIII centuries.
In one of the most charming spots of Bruges, our guide will explain the interesting legend of this bridge. You will also have time to take photos.
In the most photographed place of Bruges, our guide will tell us about the history surrounding the "Pier of the roses". You will also have the chance to take some pictures.
Our next step is Tanners square, here we will learn about how tanners worked in the medieval Bruges.
In this square we find the Gothic Town Hall, the Old Court House and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
The last point of our guided tour in Bruges is The Market Square or Grote Markt. Here our guide will explain the different buildings around the square and will give some tips about where to eat or which are the best shops to buy the traditional chocolate. The guide will also remember you when and where you must be to take the bus to Ghent.
Free time, you will enjoy about 1,5 hours of free time (it depends on the traffic and the rhythm of the group).
Here waits our guide and the bus. Time to continue our trip to Ghent.
We arrive to Ghent, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. We walk to the centre, where the guided tour will begin.
We start our guided tour in front of the Town Hall. Here our guide will explain us the different architectural styles of the building.
Our guide will explain this emblematic tower and the history surrounding its dragon.
You will discover the outside and the inside of Ghent’s Cathedral, where the most stolen painting in history is kept, the famous painting of the Van Eyck brothers “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”.
Do you know that Belgian churches host concerts and other events?
In front of the original facade of the Masons guild house, our guide will explain what guild houses are and the peculiarity of this one.
In front Saint Nicholas Church, we found the Korenmarkt. In this spot will be explained the peculiar history of the building where the post office used to be.
Upon this bridge you will be able to take incredible photos. Here will also be explained the story of the tower of Saint Michael's Church.
We are going to follow the Lys riverbank. We will get to know the buildings surrounding Lys river such as the Masons’ Guild House or the current Marriot Hotel. You will also have the chance to take some photos.
The Great Butchers’, which dates back to the 15th century, was originally a covered market.
In front the Great Butcher's Hall, we will make a little stop in a traditional market stall where the seller will tell us about Ghent’s more famous candy, the cuberdon.
The last point of our guided tour is Sint-Veerleplein Square. Here our guide will explain the story of the square and the different buildings around it. Also, will give some tips about where can you drink the traditional beer or which are the best souvenir shops. The guide will also remember when and where you must be to take the bus back to Brussels.
Free time, you will enjoy about 1 hour of free time (it depends on the traffic and the rhythm of the group).
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- You will receive the confirmation at time of booking
- Our guides have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group.
- No meals are included but your guide will be happy to point you some great food spots :)
- Belgian regulations require the use of radio-guides on some occasions; you can use your own, 3.5 mm jack and not wireless, or buy disposable ones for 1€.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children under 2 years old must travel in a car seat on the bus. Please make sure to bring their appropriate seat
Reviews(854)
Guide where took us was talking fast and after 1 hr gave the address and asked us to put in google map and find our way out to the bus. This is not nice. what if a person doesn’t have wifi????? Guides are not with us, they disappear.
This full-day tour of two beautiful cities was a highlight of my trip! Be sure to wear comfortable sneakers and bring an umbrella, as there’s plenty of walking and the weather can change quickly. You’ll stroll through fascinating historical sites, hear captivating stories spanning centuries, and take in breathtaking views along the way. Everything is thoughtfully curated by experienced and knowledgeable guides. Our guide, Jaris, is a history professor, and his passion for history truly brought each destination to life. His expertise and engaging storytelling made the experience even more memorable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to combine history, culture, and beautiful scenery in one day.
Anotonio was the best guide ever! Little tidbits and knowledge that really made the experience worth it. The cities are so pretty and beautiful architecturally we wished we could’ve had more time!
Lovely day trip and the guide and driver were fantastic. Super helpful, courteous and conscientious - can’t recommend all of this enough! Beautiful destinations too - def worth a visit. I will look forward to going back
Great places to visit. Quaint houses and very pretty around the canals. Very and friendly informative guides.
Great day exploring Bruge and Ghent. Guides were both super knowledgeable. Blanca was awesome and has a real mastery of the history, easiness with her speech and is funny. Enjoyed learning the history from her.
Blanca did a great job giving us an amazing tour. Unfortunately weather was so hot after her tour walking around was miserable.
It’s a long day on a big bus with 55 guests so be ready for some pushing and shoving. Ear head phones needed to be purchased, along with water, which we thought was weird. Lots of places were sighted and were stunning. Tour guides were knowledgeable, however could have worn a uniform so they didn’t blend into the crowd.
Diego made the trip very interesting, he knowledge was excellent & Roberto made sure we got there safe & on time,
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that Diego made the trip so interesting with his excellent knowledge, and that Roberto ensured a safe and punctual journey. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on another great experience from Brussels soon!
It's worth to go with . It provides knowledge and fun both. Guides are friendly and fantastic. They explains each and every details during tour.
