Discover the charming cities of Bruges and Ghent on a guided day tour from Brussels. This comprehensive excursion offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic landmarks of both destinations. Travelers will embark on walking tours, admiring architectural gems like St. Bavo Cathedral and the Belfry of Bruges, while also enjoying free time to wander at their own pace. With options for English and Spanish speakers, as well as eco-friendly transportation, this tour provides a seamless and unforgettable way to experience the rich history and culture of these Belgian gems. What else can this tour offer that may surprise you?
Key Points
- This guided day trip from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent lasts 10-10.5 hours, with transportation, guided tours, and free time in both cities.
- The tour includes a 2-hour guided walking tour in Bruges, focusing on landmarks like St. Bavo Cathedral and the Belfry, and a 1-hour guided tour in Ghent.
- Participants can explore the cities during free time, with the option to purchase their own lunch during the tour.
- The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a pay-later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour is rated highly by previous participants, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and overall organization.
Tour Overview and Details
This guided day trip from Brussels takes visitors on an exploration of the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent, offering a rundown of the region’s cultural and architectural highlights.
Priced from $51.02 per person, the tour lasts 10-10.5 hours and is available in English and Spanish. Travelers can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later option, and benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes guided tours of both cities, as well as free time for personal discovery.
Transportation is provided by comfortable, eco-friendly buses, and the tour includes earphones for groups over 24 people.
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Itinerary Highlights
Starting at the Carrefour de l’Europe in Brussels, the tour begins with a 2-hour bus journey to the enchanting city of Bruges, where a guided walking tour showcases the city’s captivating medieval architecture and landmarks, including the renowned St. Bavo Cathedral, the serene Lake of Love, and the iconic Belfry of Bruges. After the Bruges tour, the group then travels by bus for an hour to the historic city of Ghent, where they’ll enjoy a 1-hour guided tour of key sites such as the Church of Saint Nicholas and the city’s medieval monuments. The day concludes with a 1.5-hour bus ride back to the starting point at Carrefour de l’Europe.
Destination | Duration | Key Attractions |
---|---|---|
Bruges | 2-hour guided tour | St. Bavo Cathedral, Lake of Love, Belfry of Bruges |
Ghent | 1-hour guided tour | Church of Saint Nicholas, medieval monuments |
Transportation and Amenities
Comfortable, eco-friendly buses transport participants to all destinations during the guided tour. The tour includes transportation to Bruges and Ghent, as well as a return trip to the starting point at Carrefour de l’Europe in Brussels.
Participants are provided with earphones for groups over 24 people to ensure clear communication with the guide. Headphones are required, but can be purchased for €1 if participants don’t bring their own.
Lunch isn’t included, allowing for personal exploration and meals during the free time allotted in both cities.
Smoking and food consumption aren’t permitted inside the vehicles to maintain a pleasant environment for all.
Important Information
The meeting point for the tour is Carrefour de l’Europe, under the columns of the main entrance of Brussels Central Station, in front of the Hilton Grand Place Hotel. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes for the walking portions of the tour. Smoking and food consumption aren’t permitted inside the tour vehicles.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s important to note a few key details:
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Visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones, as per local regulations.
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The tour includes transportation to all destinations, a knowledgeable guide, walking tours in both cities, and earphones for groups over 24 people.
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Lunch isn’t included, providing ample free time for participants to explore the cities and find their own dining options.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
According to the information provided, the guided tour of Bruges and Ghent has garnered an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 3,817 reviews.
Customers have particularly praised the engaging nature of the tour guides, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating for the guides themselves.
Similarly, the transportation services and overall tour organization have also been highly rated, scoring 4.7 and 4.6 out of 5 respectively.
While the majority of reviews highlight the opportunity to explore both historic cities, some noted that the limited free time left little room for personal activities.
Duration and Inclusions
The guided tour’s duration spans 10 to 10.5 hours, starting from the Carrefour de l’Europe meeting point in Brussels.
It includes transportation by comfortable, eco-friendly buses to the historic cities of Bruges and Ghent, with guided walking tours and free time for personal exploration in each destination.
The tour package covers several key highlights:
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A 2-hour guided tour of the picturesque canals and medieval architecture of Bruges.
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1 hour of guided exploration in the historic city of Ghent, home to the renowned St. Bavo Cathedral.
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Ample free time in both cities to wander, dine, and soak up the local atmosphere at your leisure.
Meeting Point and Recommendations
The meeting point for the guided tour is the Carrefour de l’Europe, located under the columns of the main entrance of Brussels Central Station, in front of the Hilton Grand Place Hotel.
Participants are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the tours involve extensive walking through the historic city centers.
Plus, smoking and consuming food aren’t permitted inside the tour vehicles.
Due to local regulations, visitors are encouraged to bring their own headphones, as they’re required during the walking tours.
Following these recommendations will help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the day-long excursion to the picturesque cities of Bruges and Ghent.
Pricing and Booking Options
The tour is priced from $51.02 per person, with a likely-to-sell-out warning indicating the importance of reserving in advance. Travelers can take advantage of a pay-later option, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.
The booking process offers several convenient features:
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Option to reserve now and pay later, ensuring your spot without an immediate financial commitment.
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Free cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund if your plans change up to 24 hours before the tour.
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Availability in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?
No, passengers are not allowed to bring food or drinks on the bus. The tour guidelines specifically state that smoking and food are prohibited in the vehicle to maintain cleanliness and comfort for all passengers.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children and Families?
The tour is generally suitable for children and families. The itinerary includes guided tours and free time, allowing flexibility for families. However, the long duration and transportation may not be ideal for young children. Parents should consider their children’s stamina and interests.
How Accessible Are the Walking Tours for People With Mobility Issues?
The walking tours are generally accessible for those with mobility issues, as the tour guide provides accommodations like slower pacing, rest breaks, and assistance as needed. However, some cobblestone streets and uneven terrain may be challenging for some participants.
Can I Extend My Time in Bruges or Ghent After the Guided Tours?
Yes, the tour provides free time in both Bruges and Ghent after the guided tours, allowing participants to extend their exploration of these cities independently. The duration of the free time is 1.5 hours in each city.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for This Tour?
While no official discounts are mentioned, the tour does offer a "pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. There may also be package deals available when booked as part of a larger Brussels itinerary.
Recap
This guided tour offers a well-organized way to discover the historical gems of Bruges and Ghent in a single day.
With seamless transportation, informative walking tours, and ample free time, it’s an efficient and eco-friendly option for experiencing the charm of Belgium’s iconic cities from Brussels.
Whether you’re an English or Spanish speaker, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to learn about the rich cultural heritage of these two remarkable destinations.
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