Brussels: Tour Bruges & Ghent With Cruise + Chocolate Visit

Exploring the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent is a must-do for any visitor to Belgium. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, whisking travelers from Brussels to discover the charming medieval architecture, idyllic canals, and renowned chocolate scene. With guided walking tours, a relaxing boat cruise, and ample free time for independent exploration, the day promises to be both educational and enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Belgium enthusiast, this tour presents a captivating opportunity to delve deeper into the country’s rich cultural heritage. What secrets and surprises might these enchanting cities hold?

This experience made our list of the 9 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ghent.

Key Points

• A 10-hour guided tour from Brussels that visits the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent, including a canal cruise and chocolate tasting experience.
• The tour price is $99.54 per person and includes transportation, guided walking tours, chocolate tasting, and a canal cruise.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of Bruges, as well as the scenic waterways of Ghent.
• Participants will have the opportunity to visit a renowned chocolatier in Bruges for a demonstration and tasting of fine Belgian chocolate.
• The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the extended periods of walking.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent.

Priced at $99.54 per person, the 10-hour excursion includes a guided tour of Bruges, a visit to a renowned chocolatier, a canal cruise in Ghent, and free time for independent exploration.

Travelers can conveniently cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s no upfront payment required.

The tour departs from Boulevard de Berlaimont and includes comfortable transportation by luxury coach.

While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the experience promises an immersive look at the region’s medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour kicks off with a scenic 1.5-hour bus ride from the starting location at Boulevard de Berlaimont to the historic city of Bruges.

Upon arrival, guests embark on a guided walking tour, exploring the city’s cobblestone streets and medieval architecture for 45 minutes.

Afterwards, visitors enjoy 105 minutes of free time to further discover Bruges at their own pace.

The tour then moves on to a renowned local chocolatier, where guests gain insights into chocolate-making and indulge in tastings for an hour.

Next, the group travels to Ghent, where they take a 30-minute guided tour followed by a 1-hour scenic canal cruise.

The final 1.5 hours are reserved for independent exploration of Ghent.

Activities and Experiences

Guided walking tours of Bruges and Ghent provide in-depth explorations of the cities’ cobblestone streets, medieval architecture, and historic landmarks.

Travelers can opt to climb the iconic Belfry tower in Bruges for panoramic views over the city. In Bruges, visitors will learn about the art of chocolate-making from a renowned local chocolatier, with the opportunity to taste the delectable creations.

The scenic canal cruise in Ghent showcases the city’s picturesque waterways, towering cathedrals, and imposing Gravensteen Castle.

During the free time in both destinations, guests can freely explore museums, shops, and other attractions at their own pace.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges, along with comfortable transportation by luxury coach, live guidance by a knowledgeable guide, chocolate tasting, and the scenic canal cruise in Ghent.

However, gratuities are optional and not included. Guests will need to cover the cost of their own food and drinks during the tour.

It’s important to note that the tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, and infants must sit on their parents’ laps.

The tour may be operated in multiple languages, and the times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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Important Information

Before embarking on the tour, it’s important to note that it may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The tour requires a fair amount of walking, and the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent can be challenging to navigate for those with limited mobility. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves extended periods of exploring on foot.

Plus, infants must sit on their parents’ laps during the transportation and activities.

Lastly, while the tour is generally operated in multiple languages, the specific language(s) used on a given day may vary depending on the composition of the group.

Starting Location and Transportation

The tour starts at Boulevard de Berlaimont, a centrally located meeting point in Brussels.

From there, you’ll board a comfortable luxury coach for the journey. The drive to Bruges takes around 1.5 hours, followed by a 1-hour trip to Ghent.

On the return, the coach will bring you back to the starting point in Brussels after approximately 1 hour.

This convenient transportation allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenic countryside views as you travel between the historic cities.

With the luxury coach, you won’t have to worry about navigating or finding parking, making it a hassle-free experience.

Guided Tours and Sightseeing

Typically, the tour begins with a guided walking exploration of Bruges, the medieval gem of Flanders. For 45 minutes, visitors stroll through the city’s charming cobblestone streets, admiring its well-preserved Gothic architecture and learning about its rich history from an expert guide.

Next, guests enjoy 1.5 hours of free time to further enjoy Bruges’ quaint atmosphere, perhaps climbing the iconic Belfry tower for panoramic views.

In Ghent, the group embarks on a 30-minute guided tour, uncovering the city’s historic landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo Cathedral.

This is followed by a serene 1-hour canal cruise, providing a unique perspective of Ghent’s stunning waterfront scenery.

Chocolate Tasting and Canal Cruise

Visitors are treated to a special chocolate-making demonstration and tasting experience at a renowned chocolatier in Bruges. They’ll learn about the intricate process of crafting fine Belgian chocolate and gain insider knowledge from the experts. After the tasting, the tour continues with a scenic canal cruise through the historic city of Ghent. Passengers glide along the tranquil waterways, taking in sights like the imposing Gravensteen Castle and the impressive Saint Bavo Cathedral. This unique combination of chocolate indulgence and picturesque canal cruising offers travelers a well-rounded cultural experience.

Bruges Chocolatier Visit	Ghent Canal Cruise
Demonstration of chocolate-making process	Gliding along tranquil waterways
Expert guidance from chocolatiers	Panoramic views of historic landmarks
Opportunity to sample Belgian chocolates	Chance to admire architecture and scenery
Immersion in local confectionery culture	Relaxing journey through the city center

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour itinerary does not mention allowing guests to bring their own food and drinks. However, the tour includes a visit to a chocolatier, so guests can enjoy complimentary chocolate tastings during that portion of the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children, though infants must sit on their parents’ lap. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and there are no restrictions on bringing food or drinks. The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 15 to 40 participants. The exact number can vary depending on demand and availability, but the tour is designed to provide a personalized experience within a comfortable group size.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator doesn’t explicitly mention discounts for seniors or students, though some providers may offer reduced rates for these groups. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Add Additional Stops?

The tour operator does not currently offer options to customize the itinerary or add additional stops. However, customers can contact the operator to inquire about any potential customization or add-on services that may be available.

Recap

This comprehensive tour of Bruges and Ghent offers an immersive experience in Belgium’s rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the medieval architecture, indulge in Belgian chocolate, and enjoy a scenic canal cruise, all while being led by knowledgeable guides. With no upfront payment required, this excursion provides an unforgettable journey through two of Belgium’s iconic cities.

You can check if your dates are available here: