Brussels:Day Tour for Ghent City Center, Gravensteen, Belfry

Exploring the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges from Brussels is a captivating day tour that immerses travelers in the rich cultural heritage of Belgium. Starting in Ghent, visitors can wander through the charming city center, marvel at the impressive Gravensteen castle, and admire the stunning Saint Bavo Cathedral. After experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Ghent, the tour continues to the picturesque Bruges, where the iconic Belfry offers breathtaking panoramic views. This comprehensive journey blends history, architecture, and scenic landscapes, making it an unforgettable adventure for those seeking to discover the beauty and charm of these enchanting Belgian destinations.

Key Points

• The tour offers a comprehensive 10-hour experience from Brussels to explore Ghent’s historic center, including the Gravensteen castle and Bruges’ iconic Belfry.
• The tour is priced at $833.40 for up to 4 participants, with private car transportation and customizable itinerary options.
• The Ghent itinerary features 40-minute visits to the Gravensteen, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Saint Nicholas Church, allowing in-depth exploration.
• The Bruges segment includes climbing the Belfry, visiting the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and strolling through Minnewater Park.
• The tour provides a flexible transportation option with a choice of 5-seater, 7-seater, or 10-seater vehicles, catering to different group sizes.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour offers a comprehensive day-long experience, taking visitors from Brussels to explore the historic city centers of Ghent and Bruges.

Priced at $833.40 per group of up to 4 participants, the 10-hour tour covers round-trip transportation in a private car, with a basic English-speaking driver.

The itinerary includes stops at Ghent’s Gravensteen, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Saint Nicholas Church, as well as Bruges’ Belfry, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and Minnewater Park.

While entry fees aren’t included, the tour provides flexibility to customize the itinerary with advance notice.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, making this an accessible and convenient way to discover the highlights of these Flemish cities.

Itinerary Highlights

This tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that allows visitors to explore the historic highlights of both Ghent and Bruges.

The day begins with pickup from Brussels and a visit to Ghent’s historic center, including the iconic Gravensteen castle, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Saint Nicholas Church. Guests will spend approximately 40 minutes at each Ghent site.

The tour then continues to Bruges, where participants can climb the famous Belfry, visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, and stroll through Minnewater Park, allotting 50 minutes for each Bruges attraction.

A brief one-hour lunch break at a local restaurant is also included in the schedule.

Transportation and Service Details

A private car with a basic English-speaking driver (not a guide) provides the transportation for this tour.

Pickup and drop-off are at your downtown hotel, offering convenience. The tour allows for some flexibility to customize the itinerary, though advance notice is required.

Be aware that overtime fees may apply, and additional child seat fees may be charged if needed.

Transportation options include a 5-seater car (up to 4 passengers and 2 suitcases), a 7-seater van (up to 6 passengers and 3 suitcases), or a 10-seater van (up to 9 passengers and 4 suitcases).

Guests over 75 must be accompanied by an adult, and baby/child seats occupy 1.5 seats.

Important Information

Regarding entry fees, they aren’t included in the tour price, so guests must confirm if any tickets need to be purchased in advance.

The driver may suggest itinerary changes, but they don’t provide guided tours.

The transportation options include a 5-seater car (up to 4 passengers and 2 suitcases), a 7-seater van (up to 6 passengers and 3 suitcases), or a 10-seater van (up to 9 passengers and 4 suitcases).

Plus, a baby or child seat occupies 1.5 seats, and guests over 75 must be accompanied by an adult.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Booking and Availability

Customers can reserve the day tour now and pay later. They can check availability for their desired dates and starting times directly on the tour’s website or by contacting the tour operator.

The tour is subject to availability, so it’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season. Guests can reach out to the tour provider if they’ve any questions about the pickup area in Brussels or other details.

The tour offers a flexible and customizable itinerary, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their preferences with advance notice.

Booking is straightforward, and the tour provider aims to ensure a seamless experience for all customers.

Ghent City Center and Gravensteen

The day tour starts with a pickup from Brussels, where visitors embark on the journey to discover the historic city center of Ghent.

The first stop is the Gravensteen, a medieval castle that dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can explore its imposing stone walls, towers, and courtyards, learning about the castle’s rich history.

Next, they’ll visit the Saint Bavo Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure that houses the famous Ghent Altarpiece.

Afterwards, they’ll explore the Saint Nicholas Church, known for its impressive Romanesque and Gothic architecture.

With 40 minutes allocated at each site, guests can enjoy Ghent’s captivating past before continuing on to the next destination, Bruges.

Saint Bavo Cathedral and Saint Nicholas Church

The Saint Bavo Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic structure, is the next stop on the day tour. This iconic landmark is renowned for its intricate architecture and impressive interior.

Visitors can admire the cathedral’s towering spires, ornate altars, and stunning stained glass windows.

After exploring the cathedral, the tour moves on to the nearby Saint Nicholas Church, another architectural gem. This Romanesque-style church features:

• Impressive Gothic façade
• Intricate stone carvings
• Ornate interior with stunning vaulted ceilings
• Iconic bell tower
• Tranquil ambiance ideal for contemplation

Together, these two historic churches provide a captivating glimpse into Ghent’s rich religious heritage and serve as highlights of the day tour.

Bruges Belfry and Basilica of the Holy Blood

After exploring the historic churches of Ghent, the day tour continues on to the picturesque city of Bruges.

The first stop is the iconic Belfry, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views over the city. Guests can climb the 366 steps to the top for an unforgettable experience.

Next, the group visits the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a 12th-century church that houses a relic said to be the blood of Jesus Christ.

The final stop in Bruges is the serene Minnewater Park, known as the "Lake of Love," providing a peaceful end to the day’s activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for a Specific Interest?

Yes, the tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. The itinerary allows for flexibility, and the driver is open to making changes with advance notice to cater to the group’s preferences.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a specific dress code, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for walking and visiting historic sites. Comfortable shoes, layers, and weather-appropriate attire are recommended to ensure a pleasant experience.

Does the Tour Include Any Food or Beverage Tastings?

The tour does not include any food or beverage tastings. It provides free time for lunch at a local restaurant, but visitors are responsible for their own meals and refreshments during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Extended for Additional Sights?

The tour can be extended to include additional sights, but this would incur overtime fees. Guests should provide advance notice to the tour operator to customize the itinerary beyond the standard highlights.

How Many Languages Does the Driver Speak?

The driver speaks basic English, but is not a certified tour guide. Additional languages are not specified, so guests should confirm the driver’s language abilities if needing translation services during the tour.

Recap

This day tour from Brussels to Ghent and Bruges offers an enriching experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the captivating history, architecture, and cultural heritage of these enchanting Flemish cities. From the impressive Gravensteen castle to the iconic Belfry, the tour provides a perfect blend of must-see attractions and picturesque landscapes, making it an unforgettable adventure for travelers seeking to explore the best of Belgium.

You can check if your dates are available here: