Best Of Bruges and Ghent Private Tour from Brussels

Explore the Best of Bruges and Ghent in a Single Day

This private tour from Brussels offers a full-day experience exploring both Bruges and Ghent for $802.47 per person. Departing at 9:00 am, the tour lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it ideal for travelers with limited time who want an in-depth look at these historic Belgian cities. Led by an experienced guide and professional driver, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring convenience and a personalized experience.

One of the key advantages of this tour is its customizable nature—it can be tailored to include specific stops or interests. The tour features entry to notable sites like St Michael’s Church and St Bavo’s Cathedral, while allowing plenty of free time to explore Bruges and Ghent on your own. Though the price may seem high, reviews highlight excellent guides and well-organized logistics as major benefits. This tour suits those who appreciate comfort, flexibility, and thorough sightseeing in a single day.

Key Points

• Private, customizable tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels
• Duration of 8 hours 30 minutes, covering two cities in one day
• Includes entry to St Michael’s Church and transportation by air-conditioned minivan
• Stops at medieval sites like the Basilica of Holy Blood and a 13th-century belfry
• Ample time in Bruges (3 hours) and Ghent (1 hour) for independent exploration
• Most reviews praise knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics

Convenient Pickup and Private Transportation

This tour departs directly from Brussels at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off offered, making it highly convenient for visitors staying in the city. The transportation uses an air-conditioned private minivan, ensuring comfort across the roughly 1-hour drive between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent. This setup allows the group to relax, enjoy the scenery, and avoid the hassle of public transport or multiple tickets.

Having private transport also means the itinerary can be easily adapted if you wish to add or skip certain stops, giving you control over your day. This level of flexibility is a strong selling point for travelers who prefer a personalized experience over a large group tour.

Customizable Itinerary with Iconic Stops

The tour includes visits to St Michael’s Church in Bruges, where the admission ticket is included, allowing a 30-minute exploration of this historic site. You also visit the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde with free admission, appreciating its peaceful courtyard atmosphere.

In Ghent, the stops at St Bavo’s Cathedral and the Basilica of the Holy Blood highlight the cities’ medieval architecture and religious significance, each with 30-minute visits. Although tickets for these sites are not included, their exteriors alone offer impressive sights.

The 3-hour stay in Bruges provides enough time to stroll through its narrow medieval streets, shop in traditional boutiques, or enjoy a coffee break. Meanwhile, the 1-hour visit in Ghent offers a quick but enriching glimpse of this lively university town. The balance between guided visits and free time helps travelers soak in the ambiance without feeling rushed.

Highlights of Bruges: Medieval Charm and Architectural Gems

Bruges features prominently in this tour, covering its canal-lined streets and ornate architecture. The city’s medieval sites, including the Belfry and historic squares, provide picture-perfect moments. The 30-minute stop at Minnewater Lake offers a chance to admire the tranquil waters and lush scenery, ideal for photos, although admission is not included.

During the free time, visitors often enjoy the local shops, chocolate boutiques, or a quick boat ride through Bruges’ canals, which was praised by some for its charm. The tour emphasizes photo opportunities and sightseeing, making Bruges a highlight of the day.

Discover Ghent’s Vibrant Atmosphere and Architectural Wonders

In Ghent, the focus is on St Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a medieval pilgrimage site. The city’s historic town center offers a lively atmosphere with cafés and shops, even with only an hour of free time.

The tour’s guide provides contextual stories about Ghent’s past as a trading hub, enriching the experience. The short visit allows a quick taste of its medieval streets and impressive structures, perfect for travelers with limited time but eager to see essential sights.

The Experience of a Knowledgeable Guide and Smooth Logistics

Many reviews highlight that Henry and Ringo are particularly knowledgeable guides who deliver engaging commentary throughout the day. The driver’s professionalism adds to the overall smoothness of the experience, ensuring timely transitions between stops.

The private nature of the tour means it remains intimate and flexible, with guides often accommodating specific requests or interests. The well-organized schedule, combined with bottled water and all fees included, makes for a hassle-free day of sightseeing.

Pacing and Flexibility for a Varied Day

The quick pace of the tour is appreciated for its efficiency, covering major attractions without feeling overly rushed. The 3-hour in Bruges and 1-hour in Ghent provide a good balance between guided visits and leisure time, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

Reviewers note that the itinerary can be customized, making it suitable for those who want a more relaxed experience or wish to include specific sites. The most common complaint relates to weather—cold or wet conditions can slightly diminish the experience but are outside the tour provider’s control.

Practical Details and Booking Considerations

This tour costs $802.47 per person and is typically booked about 60 days in advance. It is a full-day experience, starting at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for added convenience.

Included in the price are bottled water, all taxes, private transportation, and entrance to St Michael’s Church. However, lunch and tips are not included, giving travelers flexibility to choose their own dining options during the free time.

The tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for planning. Most travelers find the value justified by the personalized service, expert guides, and comfort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private, customizable tour is ideal for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and a personalized experience of Bruges and Ghent in a single day. It suits those who want to avoid the crowds and enjoy expert commentary on site.

It is especially recommended for visitors staying in Brussels who prefer a stress-free day trip with transportation, entry fees, and guide services included. However, those with weather concerns should be prepared for possible rain or cold, as noted in some reviews.

Bruges and Ghent in One Day: A Practical Choice

This private tour from Brussels offers an efficient way to see two iconic Belgian cities in just one day. The combination of guided visits, free time, and personalized stops makes it a flexible and convenient option.

While the price might seem high for some**, the inclusion of private transport, expert guides, and key site entries creates a well-rounded experience for history and architecture buffs.

Final Thoughts on the Best Of Bruges and Ghent Private Tour

This tour delivers a rundown of Bruges and Ghent with a personalized touch. The knowledgeable guides and smooth logistics earn high praise, making it suitable for travelers who want an organized, relaxing day with flexible options.

The main limitations involve weather and the short time in each city, but these are typical for day trips. Those seeking a deeper exploration might prefer to spend more time in each city independently, but for a well-curated overview, this private tour remains a highly reliable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, admissions to St Michael’s Church, and bottled water.

Are all sites accessible with this tour?
Admission to St Michael’s Church is included. Other sites like St Bavo’s Cathedral and Basilica of Holy Blood are viewed from outside or from the interior without included tickets.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, the tour is private and customizable, allowing you to include specific sites or interests based on your preferences.

How long is the free time in each city?
You get about 3 hours in Bruges and 1 hour in Ghent for exploring independently or taking photos.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to proceed as planned. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, giving you the chance to choose where to eat during your free time.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 60 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour starts for a full refund.