Private Tour Best Of Ghent and Bruges From Brussels for Big Group

Discover an Exclusive Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels

This private tour from Brussels offers a comprehensive exploration of two of Belgium’s most captivating cities—Bruges and Ghent—for big groups. Priced at $537.59 per person, the tour spans approximately 7 to 9 hours, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an in-depth visit with personalized attention. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and transport by air-conditioned mini coach, ensuring a comfortable journey. With group discounts and mobile tickets, this experience combines convenience with value, perfect for travelers eager to discover Belgium’s highlights in a single day.

The tour is lauded for its expert guides, who bring the cities’ stories to life, and for the stunning scenery along canals and historic streets. While the price may seem steep, the comprehensive itinerary, which covers major landmarks and offers optional boat trips, provides a rich and flexible experience. The tour is especially well-suited for those who appreciate guided storytelling, cultural sights, and scenic views. However, travelers should note that meals are not included, and some stops, like the boat trips, are optional. This private experience balances in-depth exploration with personalized service.

Key Points

• Private, personalized tour with a professional guide in a mini coach
• Visits to Bruges and Ghent with major landmarks and scenic stops
• Optional boat trips in both cities for scenic views of canals
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included for convenience
• Duration of around 7 to 9 hours, ideal for a full day trip
• Cost per person is $537.59, with group discounts available

From Brussels to the Charm of Bruges

The tour departs from Brussels, where travelers are met at their pickup address by a certified guide and a driver. The journey to Bruges takes about 2 hours, offering a comfortable start with air-conditioned transport and WiFi onboard. This setup allows travelers to relax or ask questions during transit. Once in Bruges, the guide leads you through the city’s most impressive sights, beginning with a photo stop at Mariastraat for picturesque views from a small bridge.

The Minnewater Lake, also called the “Lake of Love,” offers a peaceful spot for photos and a chance to appreciate Bruges’ poetic charm. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a key religious site in Burg Square, with a lower Romanesque chapel and an upper chapel housing a relic of Jesus’ blood. Each of these stops lasts around 30 minutes, giving ample time to admire these historic structures without feeling rushed.

Exploring the Princely Beguinage and Medieval Churches

Next, the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde offers a tranquil glimpse into medieval life with its quiet courtyards and quaint houses. This 40-minute stop highlights the peaceful ambiance that characterizes Bruges. The guide then takes visitors to St Michael’s Church, a medieval church with stunning architecture, which is a highlight of Bruges’ religious history.

For those interested in the city’s trading past, the Graslei and Korenlei area provides a scenic view of the old harbor. Here, travelers learn about Bruges’ merchant history and enjoy the lively atmosphere along the canals. The old harbor’s 30-minute stop is perfect for photos and soaking in the city’s vibrant maritime heritage.

Visiting the Famous Gravensteen Castle in Bruges

A major highlight in Bruges is the Gravensteen, a castle with a fascinating history. Visitors spend about 30 minutes exploring its towers and rooms, gaining insight into the medieval fortress that once protected the city. This landmark’s architecture and historical significance make it a must-see for first-time visitors.

Transition to Ghent and Its Architectural Marvels

After these Bruges highlights, the tour drives about 1 hour and 40 minutes back toward Ghent. The guide leads you to the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, where the Altarpiece by Van Eyck is housed—a masterpiece of Flemish art. The 30-minute visit allows ample time to admire this artwork and the cathedral’s Gothic architecture.

Next, the Castle of the Counts of Flanders offers a chance to learn how its construction influenced the surrounding area. Its 30-minute stop focuses on the castle’s role in the city’s history and architecture. The Burg Square, with its mix of architectural styles spanning over a thousand years, provides a perfect setting for understanding Ghent’s political and cultural evolution.

Exploring Ghent’s Religious and Artistic Treasures

The St Bavo’s Abbey, with its striking Romanesque, Baroque, and Gothic facades, houses important art collections, including works by Rubens and Laurent Delvaux. A 30-minute visit showcases these treasures and the abbey’s impressive architecture.

The tour also includes a scenic walk along Ghent’s canals and historic guild houses, giving insight into the city’s medieval trade and urban development. Optional boat trips can be arranged in both Bruges and Ghent, offering a different perspective of the cities’ waterways and adding to the scenic experience.

Practicalities and Additional Features

The private nature of this tour ensures that your group enjoys a flexible, tailored experience. The pickup and drop-off service simplifies logistics, and bottled water plus WiFi onboard keep travelers comfortable during the day. The duration, approximately 7 to 9 hours, allows for a relaxed pace with enough time at each stop to appreciate the sights fully.

While tips are not included, the tour’s comprehensive coverage and personalized guide make it a good value for those wanting to maximize their time in Belgium’s most picturesque cities. The tour is suitable for most travelers, though those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved at some stops.

Unique Aspects and Considerations

What sets this tour apart is the customizable experience thanks to its private format. The optional boat trips in Bruges and Ghent provide extra scenic views not always included in other tours. The knowledgeable guides are praised for their insightful commentary, adding depth to each stop.

However, travelers should note that meals are not included, and the total cost per person may seem high, especially for larger groups. The non-refundable policy means that cancellations or changes are discouraged, so planning ahead is advisable. This tour offers a well-rounded, immersive experience of Belgium’s twin cities with the convenience of door-to-door service.

A Perfect Choice for Culture Enthusiasts and History Buffs

This private tour from Brussels is ideal for travelers seeking an in-depth, personalized visit to Bruges and Ghent. The expert guides and carefully curated stops deliver a balance of history, architecture, and scenic views. While it demands a full day’s commitment, the experience provides valuable insights into Belgium’s medieval past and vibrant culture.

For those who enjoy guided storytelling, scenic waterways, and major landmarks, this tour offers a flexible yet comprehensive way to see two of Belgium’s most beloved cities in a single day. The combination of cultural sites, historic landmarks, and picturesque scenery makes it a memorable and worthwhile journey for curious explorers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics straightforward.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $537.59 per person, with options for group discounts.

How long does the tour last?
The duration is approximately 7 to 9 hours, covering both Bruges and Ghent comfortably.

Are boat trips included?
Boat trips are optional and available in both cities, providing scenic views of the canals.

What stops are included in Bruges?
Stops in Bruges include the Mariastraat, Minnewater Lake, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Princely Beguinage, St Michael’s Church, Graslei and Korenlei, Gravensteen Castle, St Bavo’s Abbey, and Burg Square.

What are the main highlights in Ghent?
Key sites in Ghent include the Cathedral of Saint Bavo, Castle of the Counts of Flanders, Burg Square, St Bavo’s Abbey, and walking along the canals and guild houses.

Can we customize the stops or itinerary?
As a private tour, it allows some flexibility, but specific customizations are not detailed in the provided information.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Consider the walking involved and the historical content for younger children.

What amenities are provided during the tour?
The tour includes bottled water and WiFi onboard the mini coach, ensuring comfort and connectivity.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked.

This private day trip from Brussels combines the best of Belgium’s architectural marvels, scenic waterways, and historic sites, all delivered with expert guidance. It’s an efficient and personalized way to experience the charm of Bruges and Ghent in a single memorable day.