From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Trip with Guide

Discovering Ghent and Bruges in One Day

The From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Trip with Guide offers an engaging way to explore two of Belgium’s most captivating cities in a single day. Priced at $613 per person, this tour lasts around 8 hours, making it a manageable yet comprehensive experience for those with limited time. Departing from Brussels, the journey includes expert guidance, visits to iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and a scenic boat tour in Bruges.

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an immersive look at medieval architecture and picturesque canals, with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off and multilingual guides. While the tour price does not include meals or drinks, the itinerary offers plenty of opportunities for independent exploration. It suits visitors who appreciate rich history, charming streets, and a well-paced schedule.

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Key Points

• Price: $613 per person, for an 8-hour guided trip from Brussels
• Highlights include Ghent’s Castle of the Counts, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and a canal boat tour in Bruges
• Expert guides lead visits and ensure smooth transitions between locations
• Flexible pickup points are available to suit your schedule and location
• Free time in Bruges allows personal exploration and optional activities like the Belfry visit
• Not included: meals, drinks, and the optional boat tour in Bruges

Starting from Brussels with Convenient Pickup Options

This tour begins with hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels, giving you flexibility in choosing your preferred pickup point. The tour departs early, with starting times available based on current availability, and provides a stress-free transfer to the historic cities.

The transport is by van, and the entire journey to Ghent takes approximately 1 hour, giving you a comfortable ride accompanied by a guide who shares fascinating details about the region. This setup ensures a relaxed start and maximizes your sightseeing time upon arrival.

Exploring Ghent’s Iconic Castle and Cathedral

Once in Ghent, the guide leads a guided tour lasting about 3 hours, visiting the Castle of the Counts. This castle is a significant site that reveals insights into the history of medieval Belgium and the region’s ruling powers.

Next, you’ll visit St. Bavo’s Cathedral, renowned for housing the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck. This masterpiece attracts art lovers and history enthusiasts alike, offering a glimpse into the region’s artistic heritage. The guide provides context and details to enhance your understanding without rushing the experience.

Strolling Through Ghent’s Historic Streets

After exploring the main sites, there’s time to wander the cobbled streets and historic buildings of Ghent at your own pace. The area around the cathedral and castle features charming shops and cafes, perfect for a quick coffee break or souvenir shopping before heading to Bruges.

This segment allows visitors to absorb the city’s atmosphere, take photos, or visit additional sites if desired. The guide remains accessible for questions and recommendations during this free period.

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Discovering Bruges’ Medieval Charm and Canals

The journey continues with a guided 3-hour tour in Bruges, a city famed for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The guide shows you the charming cobbled streets, the majestic Belfry of Bruges, and the historic quaysides of Graslei and Korenlei. These picturesque areas are perfect for photography and soaking in the city’s timeless atmosphere.

The tour emphasizes the scenic canal network, and there is the option to enjoy a boat tour in Bruges (additional cost), providing a different perspective of the city’s historic buildings and bridges. The walking tour includes insights into Bruges’ history, trade, and architecture, making it an enriching visit.

Free Time and Optional Canal Boat Ride in Bruges

Following the guided exploration, you gain free time to customize your experience. You might choose to climb the Belfry for panoramic views or visit local cafes.

The boat tour is available as an optional activity, not included in the tour price, so it’s advisable to bring extra cash if you want to enjoy this scenic ride. It offers a peaceful way to see Bruges from the water, highlighting its waterways and historic facades.

Returning to Brussels with Comfort and Convenience

After your time in Bruges, the tour returns to Brussels by van, with an estimated 2-hour drive. The guide ensures you’re comfortably transported back, providing final insights and answering questions along the way.

The entire day wraps up with you being dropped at your chosen pickup point in Brussels, allowing for a relaxing end to your sightseeing. The tour emphasizes reliability, with full refund options if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This guided day trip appeals most to visitors eager to see two iconic Belgian cities without the hassle of independent travel. It’s perfect for those interested in medieval architecture, art, and picturesque canals, with the bonus of expert guides to deepen the experience.

While the $613 cost might seem high, it includes transport, guided tours, and key site visits, offering good value for a full day of sightseeing. However, it’s less suited for travelers looking for a flexible itinerary or those with mobility impairments due to the walking involved and not being wheelchair accessible.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip

Bring comfortable shoes suitable for walking over cobblestones, a camera for capturing the scenery, and weather-appropriate clothing. Since meals and drinks are not included, packing snacks or planning to buy food in Bruges or Ghent is recommended.

Remember that backpacks are not permitted, and keeping personal belongings close is wise, especially in crowded areas. If you plan to take the boat tour, prepare for additional expense and bring some cash.

Final Thoughts on the Ghent and Bruges Day Trip

This guided tour from Brussels offers a comprehensive and relaxed way to experience two historic Belgian cities in one day. The combination of guided visits, free time, and optional activities makes it adaptable to different interests and pacing.

The expert guides and well-organized itinerary ensure you see the highlights—Ghent’s castle and cathedral, and Bruges’ cobbled streets and waterways—while allowing personal exploration. The comfort of hotel pickup and return transport adds to its convenience, making it suitable for visitors who want a hassle-free experience.

This tour provides a balanced mix of guided sightseeing and independent discovery, making it a strong choice for those looking to enjoy Belgium’s medieval charm with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes expert guides, visits to Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, free time in Bruges, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Is the boat tour in Bruges included?
No, the boat tour is optional and not included in the $613 price. It requires additional payment.

How long is the drive from Brussels to Ghent?
The journey takes approximately 1 hour by van.

What are the main highlights in Ghent?
You visit the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Ghent Altarpiece.

How much time do we spend in each city?
The guided tour in Ghent lasts about 3 hours, and in Bruges, also approximately 3 hours.

Can I choose my pickup point?
Yes, the pickup location is flexible and can be selected when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not suitable for children under 5 years and not accessible for wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a camera, water, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are other languages available for guides?
Yes, guides speak English, French, Spanish, Dutch, German, Russian, Hebrew, and Italian.

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