From Zeebrugge: Ghent and Bruges Shore Excursion

Explore Belgium from Zeebrugge: Bruges and Ghent Shore Excursion for $158

This fully-guided tour offers the chance to explore Belgium’s most iconic cities, Bruges and Ghent, directly from your cruise ship in Zeebrugge. Priced at $158 per person, the tour lasts between 3 to 7.5 hours, making it flexible to fit different ship schedules. It includes transportation, a professional local guide, and pickup and drop-off at your cruise terminal—convenience that makes the experience easy and stress-free.

What makes this tour stand out is its comprehensive itinerary, covering key landmarks like Market Square in Bruges, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral. The routes include sightseeing, guided walks, and free time to enjoy local treats such as waffles and chocolates. The tour is best suited for those who want a structured yet relaxed way to see two Belgian cities in one day without worrying about transportation or logistics.

While the tour involves intense walking, it is carefully coordinated to match your ship’s schedule, with options for private or small group experiences. It is an excellent choice for travelers eager to experience Belgium’s cultural and architectural highlights comfortably and efficiently.

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Key Points

• Price: $158 per person for a full-day guided experience
• Duration: Flexible from 3 to 7.5 hours
• Includes: Transportation, a professional guide, and port pickup/drop-off
• Highlights: Market Square in Bruges, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Gravensteen Castle, Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral
• Activities: Sightseeing, guided walks, free time for shopping and tasting local foods
• Pacing: Involves intense walking; comfortable footwear recommended

Meeting and Departure from Zeebrugge

This tour departs from Zeebrugge cruise port, with your choice of two pickup locations: the Port of Zeebrugge or the Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge. The pickup is timed to your ship’s schedule, with the tour starting within 30 minutes after your ship docks if there is a delay. Both pickup and drop-off are included when opting for the transportation package, adding to the ease of planning your day.

Touring Bruges’ Market Square and Its Medieval Charm

The tour’s first major stop is the Market Square in Bruges, where the guide leads you through the lively heart of the city. Here, you’ll see the medieval architecture, bustling cafes, and historic buildings that define Bruges. The guide explains the significance of this central hub, making it a great spot for photos and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

Following this, the journey continues to the Basilica of the Holy Blood, where visitors observe the architecture and learn about its religious importance. This site is famous for its relic and the peaceful ambiance it offers amidst the busy city. The guided walk through Bruges’ charming streets allows ample opportunity to admire medieval facades and canals.

Viewing the Iconic Gravensteen Castle en Route to Ghent

On the way to Ghent, the tour passes by the Gravensteen Castle, a striking medieval fortress that dominates the landscape. While the tour includes a 15-minute guided visit of the castle, the exterior views alone showcase the power and history of this well-preserved structure.

The route into Ghent offers scenic canal views and the chance to see Gothic architecture. The tour then takes you to Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral, where the guide highlights the architecture and history of this imposing religious building.

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Discovering Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral and Historic Streets

In Ghent, the tour involves guided walks through the city’s streets, with stops at notable landmarks. Visitors get a close look at Gothic architectural styles and the chance to appreciate the vibrant city atmosphere. The guided tour emphasizes Ghent’s cultural heritage, making the visit both informative and visually engaging.

The itinerary includes sightseeing and walking, offering opportunities for photos and exploring local shops during free time. The Holy Blood Basilica remains a key highlight, known for its religious relic and historical significance.

Free Time for Local Treats and Shopping in Bruges

After the guided sightseeing, the tour provides free time in Bruges, allowing visitors to indulge in local specialties like waffles and chocolates. This is an excellent chance to sample authentic Belgian treats, purchase souvenirs, or relax at a café. The free time is flexible and designed to enhance the overall experience without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Group Sizes

This tour is available in private or small groups, enhancing personal comfort and interaction with the guide. It is guided in English, with live commentary that enhances the sightseeing experience. The tour is suitable for travelers comfortable with intense walking, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are advised.

Group sizes are kept small, optimizing the opportunity for personalized attention and questions. The cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility in uncertain travel conditions.

The Logistics of the Tour: Transport and Pacing

Transport is provided in air-conditioned buses, with pickup and drop-off arranged directly at the port, simplifying logistics for cruise passengers. The tour’s timing flexibility ensures that even those with delayed ships can participate without stress.

The overall pacing balances guided walks with free time and sightseeing, but travelers should expect a good amount of walking throughout both cities. The itinerary is designed to maximize exposure to core landmarks, making it ideal for those wanting a structured overview rather than a leisurely, unstructured exploration.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Experiences

This tour is part of a selection of private and small-group options available from Zeebrugge, with comparable offerings including canal cruises and full-day private tours. Its competitive price and comprehensive itinerary make it a popular choice for those seeking value and convenience.

While some similar experiences may include extra activities, such as canal cruises, this tour focuses on main landmarks and guided walks, providing a solid overview of both cities’ highlights.

Final Thoughts on the Zeebrugge: Ghent and Bruges Shore Excursion

This tour offers a practical and well-organized way to see Belgium’s two most famous cities in one day. The combination of guided sightseeing, free time for tasting and shopping, and seamless transportation makes it suitable for travelers wanting to maximize their time without the hassle of planning logistics themselves.

The inclusion of key landmarks like Market Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral ensures visitors experience the cultural richness and architectural beauty of Belgium. The small group size and professional guides add a personal touch, making the experience both informative and enjoyable.

However, those who prefer a more leisurely pace may find the intensity of walking challenging. This cost-effective and comprehensive tour is a strong choice for cruise passengers eager to see the highlights of Bruges and Ghent with minimal stress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration ranges from 3 to 7.5 hours, depending on the starting time and the pace of the day.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation in air-conditioned buses, a professional local guide, and port pickup and drop-off. Entry fees to attractions are not required during the tour.

Is there free time for shopping or tasting local foods?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time in Bruges, where visitors can enjoy local specialties like waffles and chocolates and shop for souvenirs.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Market Square in Bruges, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Gravensteen Castle en route to Ghent, Ghent’s Gothic Cathedral, and Holy Blood Basilica.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves intense walking, it is best suited for those comfortable with a significant amount of walking and standing.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are private or small-group options available?
Yes, the tour can be booked as private or small-group experiences, providing a more personalized journey.

What language is the tour guided in?
The tour is guided in English, with live commentary throughout the day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an umbrella are recommended due to the walking involved and possible weather changes.

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