This is our house, across the old mote from the Spanish Castle from the 16th century.
Description
We're so delighted! It was really interesting, fascinating and attractive dive into the history and lifestyle of Gent. The guide is a real pro. It seems like they know the story behind each building in the city. The time has passed very quickly.
The walking tour of Gent with Jurgen was one of the highlights of our trip. Jurgen, being a professor of history is not only knowledgeable on the history of Gent but his passion for the subject is incredible. We learned a lot and saw many of the historical and key sites in the city. Highly Recommended Tour for those who are looking for a private walking tour of the city. 5 out of 5 stars.
This is a great experience! Jurgen is a knowledgeable and thoughtful guide. A perfect tour for first time visitors to Ghent.
Jorgen was such a pleasure to spend a morning with - we enjoyed our walk, and getting to chat with a local who really loves his town.
Tour Options
Historic Highlights, by a local guide
Itinerary
Admission not included5 min
This is the starting point of the tour.
Our house is located on the Napoleon De Pauw lock, where in the 16th century the mote around the Spanish Castle was.
10 min
After we passed by the old St Baafs abbey to the confluence of Leie and Schelde, where ghent originated, we follow our tour onto Bisdomkaai.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Admission not included10 min
The cathedral houses the Lam Gods by Van Eyck, where there is a new virtual tour about inside the cathedral, which is worth the visit.
Kouter
10 min
The Kouter and it's surroundings gives us an insight in the 18th and 19th century atmosphere in Ghent
Hotel d'Hane Steenhuyse
Admission not included10 min
Is an 18th century city palace with magnificent ceilings and ornaments. Beautiful garden also, is a hidden secret.
Gravensteen
Admission not included10 min
After a few unlisted 'attractions', we arrive at the Castle of the Flemish counts. Admission is not included.
Patershol
15 min
One of the oldest parts of ghent.
Pass by
This street has many little restaurants. If you go to Enzo, from pizzeria Neapolis, and you give him one of our business cards, you get 10 % of your food.
Vrijdagmarkt
15 min
End point of the tour, with explanation on the Socialist movement.
Also nice restaurants and bars here to have a drink afterwards.
What's included
Included
We'll be walking, and I`ll be talking…
Traveller Ratings
5.0
9 reviews
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Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Historic Highlights, by a local guide take?
Historic Highlights, by a local guide lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
How much does Historic Highlights, by a local guide cost?
Prices start at $41 per person for this Ghent experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Historic Highlights, by a local guide for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is This is our house, across the old mote from the Spanish Castle from the 16th century. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Historic Highlights, by a local guide offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Historic Highlights, by a local guide worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 9 verified reviews; it is run by Agelandkaai Tours.
Reviews(9)
R
Remi V
August 4, 2023
Entertaining, personal, knowledgeable
This tour was absolutely fantastic. You couldn’t imagine a better introduction to Gent. The tour-guide is a very kind and knowledgable history teacher who was born an raised here. His love for this town was tangible. Besides that he was really trying to adjust his narrative to my own interests (I was the only one taking the tour!). I found out about many interesting places, beautiful courtyards and little artsy things to see. I got a nice overview of historical facts about Ghent, from the stone-age, all the way to the present-day. He also gave me great advice about restaurants and bars to visit. I strongly recommend this tour!
N
NathLKP
April 12, 2023
Hungry for history!
A thorough two hour guided tour through the historic heart of Gent. From the Celtic origins of Ganda to the industrial revolution and up to date tips on where to go for good food and drinks. A must do experience if you have an interest in history.
A
annemarie414
November 16, 2022
Informative and cool!
Great guide! Being a passionate historian, he answers all your questions and also gives the stories behind the stories. Jurgen is sensitive to what the group needs. In an elegant and humorous way, he finds a way to meet the needs of the different group members. Informative and cool!
Operator response
Thank you! Was my pleasure.
1
144daphn_g
September 18, 2022
Ghent under a multiplicity of angles
Our little group took a 2-hour historical tour with Jürgen. Jürgen was punctual and friendly and the tour was full of interesting information about the city. Despite the pouring rain he kept our spirits high by giving us a glance into the infinite historical and cultural layers of this amazing city. Jürgen was able to adjust to the multiplicity of our interests while suggesting further sights that matched those interests. We warmly recommend him as a guide. Do not hesitate to tell him about your interests or ask him for suggestions as he can offer a wide range of great, original ideas to discover Gent under many different angles. Thanks again Jürgen, we definitively will call on you again (maybe for Socialist Gent tour, or Women in the Textile Industry tour!) next time we are in town!
Operator response
Gossip in Ghent is almost ready!
L
lizavetta
August 25, 2022
Unknown magical side of Ghent
If you want to know another magical, and not typical touristic side of Ghent, learn history of city and all of this with good company, then book the tour with Jurgen. You will fall in love with Ghent and get the pictures and sides of city that nobody knows :)
Operator response
Thank you very much!
T
TheDutchBrewer
August 17, 2022
Unique walk in Ghent
Jurgen is a great guide, and shared many interesting historical facts and local insights about Ghent! We had a great time!
Operator response
Thanks!
M
Meg B
August 16, 2022
Pleasant walk with a historian who loves his town!
Jorgen was such a pleasure to spend a morning with - we enjoyed our walk, and getting to chat with a local who really loves his town.
Operator response
Thank you, was my pleasure.
7
774csillag
August 12, 2022
Local experience for newcomers
We moved to Gent and wanted to know the city better. Our tour guide showed us hiden streets and not just the touristic places. Really had a good time and he answered all of our question and gave us suggestions for sunday markets and so on.
We could imagine to book an other tour anytime.
Operator response
Happy to have helped you getting around. If you have any more questions, you know how to contact me.
O
O499BGnathaliel
August 12, 2022
Excellent historic walk
Jurgen is very knowledgeable about the city of Gent and its history. The 2 hours flew by and we could easily spend more time with this guide. We also loved the fact that it was just us 3 on the tour.
Operator response
Thank you very much!
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