Paris: Bruges and Ghent Christmas Markets 2 Days Tour

The Paris: Bruges and Ghent Christmas Markets 2 Days Tour offers a festive escape into the holiday spirit, combining the beauty of Flanders’ most captivating cities with the charm of their Christmas markets. Priced at $626 per person, this tour provides a well-organized journey from Paris to Bruges and Ghent, with round-trip luxury minivan transport included. Over the course of 2 days, travelers get to explore beautifully decorated markets, enjoy regional food tastings, and stroll past historic attractions.

This experience is ideal for those who want a comprehensive festive immersion without the hassle of planning, thanks to guided tours and organized visits. Keep in mind, the tour requires comfortable walking shoes and an appreciation for crowded markets during peak holiday times. Overall, it’s a solid option for anyone seeking a short, festive getaway in Belgium, with the convenience of a small group setting.

Key Points

• Two-day guided tour from Paris to Bruges and Ghent
• Includes luxury minivan transport and guided walks of Christmas markets
• Over 150 wooden huts at Ghent’s Christmas Market and decorated stalls in Bruges
• Enjoy regional food tasting, wine, champagne, and crafts
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Limited to 14 participants for a more personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

From Paris to Flanders: Luxury Transport and Pickup Details

The tour departs from Rue de la Chapelle in Paris, close to the Porte de la Chapelle Metro Station. The transportation is in a luxury minivan, equipped with Wi-Fi and magazines for the journey. This setup helps make the roughly 4-hour drive comfortable, with pickup and drop-off options available for an additional charge, including hotels or apartments in Paris or locations such as Versailles or Disneyland Paris.

Travelers should arrive at the meeting point prepared with comfortable shoes, passport or ID, cash or cards, and personal medications. The tour ends back at the original meeting point in Paris, making it a convenient day trip for those based in or near the city.

Exploring Bruges’ Festive Charm and Main Attractions

Once in Bruges, the guided tour takes visitors through the city’s main attractions and the Christmas market. The market takes place at the Markt (Market Square), where you’ll find traditional stalls decorated in Winter Glow style. The market features a variety of knick-knacks, regional foods, and festive lights, creating a cozy winter atmosphere.

The guided walk of Bruges lasts about one hour, highlighting the city’s iconic architecture and historic sites. Afterward, visitors have free time to explore, shop, and taste local snacks or cheese, with options to enjoy champagne and regional foods at the market. The cheese tasting and food market visit add flavor to the experience, making Bruges a perfect spot for holiday shopping and strolling through picturesque streets.

Discovering Ghent’s Over 150 Wooden Huts and Festive Decorations

The Ghent Christmas Market features more than 150 wooden huts spread across the neighborhoods of Sint-Baafsplein, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Korenmarkt. The market exudes a lively, festive atmosphere, with Christmas decorations enhancing the city’s compact charm.

Wander among stalls selling snacks, drinks, crafts, and trinkets, all infused with the scent of pine resin and mulled wine. The entire neighborhood gets into the holiday spirit, with firs and pines decorating streets and squares. The guided tour of Ghent lasts about one hour, after which there is free time to shop, taste regional cheese, champagne, or local snacks. The walking distance between attractions means you can easily explore both the Historical Centre and Arts Quarter, with access to cafes and restaurants along the way.

The Route: Key Stops and Their Highlights

The tour features a thoughtfully planned itinerary with visits to key locations in both cities. After departing Paris, the group spends about 4 hours traveling and settling in Bruges. Here, the focus is on guided and free exploration of the market square and main sights. The one-hour guided walk highlights Bruges’ medieval architecture and historic charm.

Following a one-hour transfer, the group heads to Ghent, where the focus is on experiencing the 150+ huts and festive decorations. The guided ghent tour introduces the city’s highlights, while the free time allows for shopping, snacks, and cultural exploration. The entire day in Ghent ends with a 4-hour return trip to Paris, wrapping up the holiday adventure.

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Food, Drink, and Craft Opportunities at the Markets

Both markets offer a variety of regional foods and craft products. In Bruges, visitors can enjoy cheese tasting and local snacks, while in Ghent, there’s a chance to sample wine, champagne, and regional specialties. The markets are lively with wooden stalls selling handmade crafts, perfect for holiday shopping.

The scent of mulled wine and pine creates a warm, festive ambiance during visits. The opportunity to purchase souvenirs and short chain products adds to the market experience, making it more than just sightseeing — it’s a chance to taste and take home some of the holiday cheer.

Booking Details and Flexibility

Reservations can be made with the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility in planning. The tour is suitable for small groups limited to 14 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. It is not recommended for children under 3, people with mobility issues, or those with large or non-folding wheelchairs.

Cancellation is free if made up to 24 hours before the activity, providing peace of mind. The organizer, BackTrip, supplies the guides in multiple languages, including French, English, Italian, Romanian, and Moldavian.

Final Thoughts on the Paris to Bruges and Ghent Christmas Markets Tour

This 2-day tour offers a well-balanced mix of guided exploration and free time in two of Belgium’s most picturesque cities. The decorated markets, regional food tastings, and historic sights make for a delightful holiday experience. The luxury transportation and small group size add convenience and intimacy, especially during the busy festive season.

While the itinerary is packed, the focus on walking tours, market visits, and shopping suits those who enjoy active sightseeing and Christmas cheer. The price of $626 reflects the quality of transport, guided walks, and exclusive access to the markets’ best features. This tour is best suited for adults or older teens with a love for festive markets and historic cityscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the start and end points of this tour?
It begins at Rue de la Chapelle in Paris and ends back at the same spot after the 4-hour return trip.

Can I book pick-up and drop-off at my hotel?
Yes, for an extra charge of 10 euro per person, with arrangements available for hotels or apartments in Paris.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided walking tours, luxury minivan transport, visits to over 150 wooden huts, Ghent’s Christmas decorations, and opportunities to purchase snacks, drinks, and crafts.

Are there any food tastings included?
Yes, cheese tasting, regional foods, champagne, wine, and snacks are part of the experience, especially during market visits.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It is not suitable for children under 3, people with mobility impairments, or non-folding wheelchairs and strollers.

What are the best times to visit the markets?
The Ghent Christmas market is open from December 5 to 31, while the Bruges market runs from November 22 to January 5.

How many participants are in each group?
The tour is limited to 14 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring passport or ID, comfortable shoes, cash or cards, personal medication, and perhaps a power bank for devices.

Is there an option to cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are full-refundable if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Are guide languages flexible?
Guides speak French, English, Italian, Romanian, and Moldavian.

Can I customize my pickup location?
Yes, pickup and drop-off from Versailles, Disneyland Paris, CDG/Orly Airport, or hotels in Paris are available for an extra charge.

This 2-day tour from Paris to Bruges and Ghent offers an engaging holiday experience, combining festive markets, historic sights, and regional delicacies in a convenient, small-group setting. It’s perfect for those seeking a comprehensive Belgian Christmas adventure with ease and comfort.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby