Walking Tour with Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Tasting

Exploring Bruges becomes even sweeter with the Walking Tour with Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Tasting offered by Latin Tours Brugge. Priced at $58.18 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour guides visitors through the city’s iconic streets and historic landmarks while indulging in delicious Belgian chocolates. The tour includes stops at three artisanal chocolate shops plus a visit to a waffle boutique offering waffle cookies topped with rich chocolate. With an emphasis on both history and confections, this experience is perfect for those wanting a taste of Bruges’ medieval charm alongside its renowned sweet treats.

While the tour offers a delightful mix of sightseeing and chocolate, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues with punctuality and organization. The guided storytelling, tasting stops, and the hot chocolate experience make this outing particularly appealing for chocolate lovers and history enthusiasts alike. It’s best suited for visitors who don’t mind a somewhat brisk pace and are eager to sample Bruges’ famed confections.

Key Points

• Price: $58.18 per person for a 2-hour experience
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours with stops at key landmarks and chocolate shops
• Highlights: Visits to Market Square, Burg Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk
• Chocolate Tastings: Stops at three artisanal chocolate shops plus a waffle boutique with Belgian chocolate waffle cookies
• Hot Chocolate: Included as part of the experience
• Group Size: Limited to 24 travelers for a personalized feel
• Meeting Point: FnacMarkt 18/19, Bruges, with the tour ending at the same location
• Note: Tickets for optional visits to the Belfry and Church of Our Lady are available separately

Starting at the Heart of Bruges: The Markt and Belfry

The tour begins in Bruges’ bustling Market Square, known locally as De Markt. Here, visitors see the Belfry, an iconic medieval tower with 366 steps leading up to panoramic city views, and the cluster of medieval guild houses that surround the square. The 15-minute stop allows ample time for photos and initial impressions of Bruges’ vibrant atmosphere, with the admission ticket to the Belfry available separately.

Next, the guide leads the group to Burg Square, a smaller but historically significant space where the Bruges City Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood reside. The 10-minute stop introduces visitors to the square’s medieval architecture and the basilica’s unique relic believed to contain the blood of Christ. Both sites offer a glimpse into Bruges’ religious and political history, although entry into the basilica is not included in the tour fee.

Visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood and Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk

The 15-minute visit to the Basilica offers an opportunity to observe the revered church’s stunning interior and view the relic. It’s a highlight for those interested in religious artifacts and medieval churches. Adjacent to this, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk features a prominent Gothic spire and houses Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child sculpture. While visiting this church is optional and incurs an additional fee of €7, the exterior and the nearby views are impressive enough for many visitors to appreciate without entering.

Indulging in Belgian Chocolate at Bruges’ Top Shops

A major focus of this tour is chocolate, with stops at Chocolate Bruges, The Chocolate Line Bruges, and Bruges’ renowned chocolate shops. Each stop lasts around 10 minutes and showcases a variety of Belgian chocolates, including pralines and other sweet confections. These shops highlight Bruges’ reputation as a chocolate capital, and sampling at each location is a highlight for those with a sweet tooth.

Beyond tasting chocolates, the tour includes a visit to a waffle boutique where visitors can enjoy waffle cookies topped with Belgian chocolate. This adds a dessert-focused element to the experience, making it ideal for guests who want to indulge in authentic Belgian confections.

The Art and Views of Groeningemuseum and Belfort

The Groeningemuseum offers a brief 5-minute look at Flemish and Belgian paintings from the 14th to 20th centuries. Since entry is not included, visitors can choose to explore further if interested. Nearby, the Belfort provides a 5-minute description; climbing the 366 steps yields magnificent views of Bruges. Entrance to the Belfry is an optional €16, allowing visitors to customize their experience.

Exploring Bruges’ Historic Breweries and Public Spaces

The tour also includes a 10-minute stop at De Halve Maan Brewery, a family-run brewery famous for its Brugse Zot beer. While no ticket is required, the brewery offers tours and tastings that visitors can opt for separately. The public spaces of Bruges, including the streets and squares, are lively and scenic, providing excellent opportunities for photos and casual exploration.

Practical Logistics and Tour Details

The tour departs from FnacMarkt 18/19 in Bruges, located conveniently near public transportation. The group is limited to 24 people, ensuring a manageable and intimate experience. The mobile ticket system provides flexibility, and the tour ends back at the starting point. Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, making it flexible for changing plans.

It’s worth noting that admission tickets to some sites, such as the Belfry and Church of Our Lady, are not included but available for purchase separately. The tour also features a hot chocolate experience, adding a warm, comforting element after the sightseeing and tasting.

Guide’s Storytelling Style and Tour Pacing

While specific guide names are not provided, reviews indicate that the tour guide has a talent for storytelling and keeps the group engaged and entertained. The pace is brisk, with many stops in quick succession, which keeps the experience lively but might be challenging for guests seeking a more relaxed visit. The chocolate tasting stops are close together, making the experience brisk, but ensuring that the focus remains on both history and indulgence.

Strengths and Limitations of the Tour

The main strengths of this tour are its expert guide, well-curated stops at key landmarks, and delicious chocolate tastings at renowned artisanal shops. The inclusion of a hot chocolate experience enhances the cozy, dessert-oriented aspect. Visitors who appreciate guided storytelling and culinary delights will find this tour fulfilling.

However, the negative feedback about punctuality and organization suggests that travelers should be prepared for a slightly rushed experience. The proximity of chocolate stops might also feel repetitive for some, especially since the stops are close together.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This walking tour appeals most to those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and chocolate tasting. It suits adults and older children who can walk comfortably and appreciate both history and sweets. Guests should be comfortable with a moderate walking pace and be prepared for optional site entries at their own cost.

The tour offers value for money if the focus is on chocolate sampling and engaging storytelling. For visitors seeking a more relaxed, in-depth tour of Bruges’ museums or churches, this experience may feel somewhat limited.

The Sum Up: Sweet and Storied Bruges Experience

This Bruges chocolate and historic landmarks tour provides a fun and tasty way to explore the city’s famous sites while indulging in Belgian chocolates. The expert guide’s storytelling and the hot chocolate add warmth to a brisk but enjoyable walk through Market Square, Burg Square, and beyond.

While some logistical hiccups and the proximity of tasting stops might detract slightly from the overall experience, the delicious chocolates and scenic spots make it a good choice for chocolate enthusiasts and those interested in local history. It’s especially ideal for groups wanting a guided, snack-filled walk that combines cultural highlights with sweet treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most ages, especially those who enjoy walking and tasting chocolates, though the pace may be brisk for very young children.

Can I visit the Church of Our Lady or climb the Belfry separately?
Yes, entrance tickets for the Church of Our Lady (€7) and Belfry (€16) are not included but can be purchased separately at the site.

Is the hot chocolate included in the tour?
Yes, the hot chocolate experience is part of the scheduled activities, providing warmth and comfort during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. The tour requires good weather or may be canceled with a full refund or alternative date offered.

Does the tour include transportation between sites?
No, this is a walking tour, and guests are expected to walk between the landmarks and shops listed in the itinerary.