Private Bruges, Ghent Full-day trip by Mercedes from Paris

Explore Two Belgian Cities in One Day with a Private Mercedes Tour from Paris

This private full-day trip from Paris offers an efficient way to experience Belgium’s iconic cities of Ghent and Bruges in a single day. Priced at $664.50 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a luxury Mercedes minivan, and various guided activities designed to maximize your sightseeing time. The journey covers approximately 14 hours, making it perfect for travelers eager to explore without spending multiple days abroad.

While the itinerary features a scenic river cruise in Ghent and a walking tour of Bruges, it’s worth noting that some activities, such as the boat tour, may not always run as scheduled, and certain attractions like a castle may be closed. This tour is ideal for those who appreciate comfortable transportation, are comfortable with moderate walking, and want a structured yet flexible day exploring Belgium’s most renowned sights.

Key Points

• Private full-day trip from Paris to Ghent and Bruges for $664.50 per person
• Travel in a luxury Mercedes minivan that accommodates up to 6 people
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris for added convenience
• Experience a scenic river cruise in Ghent with audio narration
• Enjoy a guided walking tour of Bruges and beer tasting at a local brewery
• Tour duration around 14 hours, starting at 7:30 am and returning by 10 pm

Departure and Transportation in Style

The journey begins early at 7:30 am with pickup at your hotel in Paris. The group travels in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes E220 or similar minivan, ensuring a smooth ride on the roughly 3.5-hour drive to Ghent. The small-group nature of the tour, with a maximum of 6 guests, helps maintain an intimate atmosphere and personalized service.

During the drive, there’s a short stop after about an hour and a half, giving everyone a chance to stretch or grab a quick refreshment before arriving in Ghent. This setup promises a relaxed start to your day, avoiding the crowds and chaos often associated with larger tours.

Discover Ghent’s Canals and Historic Charm

Arriving in Ghent around 11:00 am, the highlight here is the audio-guided river boat cruise that lasts about 40 minutes. This cruise offers a wealth of information, giving a rundown of the city’s waterways and architecture. You’ll see the medieval buildings and vibrant canals that define Ghent’s landscape.

The boat cruise is a key feature of this tour, providing a scenic and informative experience. However, it’s important to note that in some cases, the boat tour may not happen, as happened in one review, which might be due to weather or operational issues. Despite this, there are alternative options, such as visiting a castle if the cruise is unavailable.

Exploring Ghent’s Architectural and Cultural Heritage

After the boat cruise, there’s a 1.5-hour window to explore Ghent on your own. You might choose to walk through the historic streets, admire the medieval architecture, or visit local shops. The tour emphasizes providing a well-rounded view of Ghent’s charm, even if some planned activities are canceled.

This segment allows for personal discovery, and the guide can suggest noteworthy sights or cafes to enhance your visit. The overall experience underscores Ghent’s vibrant history and canal-side beauty.

Arriving in Bruges for a Walk Through the Middle Ages

At 1:15 pm, the group departs for Bruges, arriving approximately 2 hours later. Bruges is noted as the most visited Belgian city, with medieval buildings and picturesque canals. The tour includes a guided walking tour of the city center from 2:15 pm to 4:15 pm.

The walking tour covers key sights, allowing visitors to appreciate historical landmarks and charming streets. Bruges’ architecture and atmosphere create a scene straight out of a fairy tale, with cobblestone streets and medieval structures dominating the landscape.

Beer Tasting and Local Flavors in Bruges

Following the walking tour, there’s an opportunity to enjoy beer tasting at a local brewery. This adds a flavorful dimension to the visit, giving a taste of Belgium’s renowned brewing culture. The 5-hour stay in Bruges allows enough time to explore further or relax at local cafes.

The tour’s inclusion of beer tasting offers an authentic experience, although it’s not specified whether this is part of the guided activities or optional. Still, it adds an engaging local flavor to the overall trip.

Return Journey and Hotel Drop-off in Paris

The group departs Bruges around 9:30 pm, arriving back in Paris between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm. The return journey wraps up with hotel drop-off, completing a full day of sightseeing, travel, and culture. The long travel hours emphasize the importance of comfortable transportation and readiness for a busy day.

Practical Inclusions and Limitations

The tour package covers all fees and taxes, includes bottled water, and makes use of a luxury Mercedes vehicle. The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, which helps tailor the experience.

However, meals and drinks are not included, and gratuities and souvenirs are extra. The boat cruise in Ghent, a key attraction, may not always run, and some attractions like castles may be closed, so flexibility is advisable.

Suitability and Considerations

This tour suits those who appreciate comfortable transport, are eager to explore two cities in one day, and enjoy a mix of guided and free time. Given the 14-hour duration, travelers should be prepared for a long but rewarding day. The tour’s small-group format offers a more personalized experience, ideal for travelers who prefer an intimate setting.

Final Thoughts on the Private Bruges and Ghent Day Trip

The private Mercedes tour from Paris provides a streamlined way to see Belgium’s highlights in a single day. The scenic river cruise and walks through historic centers showcase the cities’ unique charm, while the hotel pickup and drop-off add convenience.

While some activities, like the boat tour, may not always go as planned, the overall experience remains positive, especially for those interested in cultural exploration and local flavors through beer tasting. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, small groups, and visitors seeking a luxurious, efficient day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers transportation in a luxury Mercedes minivan, guided walking tour in Bruges, audio-guided river cruise in Ghent, all fees and taxes, and bottled water.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Paris at 7:30 am and concludes with drop-off at your hotel in Paris between 10:00 pm and 10:30 pm.

How many people can fit in the vehicle?
The Mercedes minivan accommodates groups of up to 6 guests, ensuring a small and personalized experience.

Is the boat cruise in Ghent guaranteed?
Not necessarily. The audio-guided boat cruise may be canceled, as noted in a review, so alternative activities like visiting a castle might be offered instead.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the tour cost, but bottled water is provided.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Refunds are processed accordingly.

What should I prepare for the day?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a sense of flexibility for possible itinerary changes or weather conditions.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but the day involves long hours and moderate walking, so it’s best suited for those in good health and comfortable with a full schedule.

What distinguishes this tour from others?
The private and small-group format, luxury transportation, and inclusion of cultural activities like beer tasting make this trip stand out for travelers seeking an upscale day trip from Paris.