The bustling port of Zeebrugge provides the perfect starting point for an immersive exploration of the enchanting cities of Ghent and Bruges. This all-inclusive shore excursion offers visitors a chance to witness iconic landmarks, stroll through charming streets, and explore the rich cultural heritage of these stunning Belgian destinations. With hassle-free transportation, knowledgeable local guides, and ample free time, the tour ensures a well-rounded experience that caters to a variety of interests. Whether you’re captivated by Gothic architecture, fascinated by medieval history, or simply seeking to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this shore excursion promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This all-inclusive shore excursion from Zeebrugge visits the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges, showcasing their architectural and cultural highlights.
- Prices start at $155.80 per person, with up to 30% savings, and the tour duration ranges from 3 to 7.5 hours.
- Key sights include Saint Bavos Cathedral, Belfry of Ghent, Gravensteen Castle, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Grote Markt in Bruges.
- The tour is led by local experts, with transportation provided by air-conditioned buses, and offers flexibility for private and small group travelers.
- Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the intense walking involved, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or mobility scooters.
Tour Overview
This all-inclusive Ghent and Bruges shore excursion offers a comprehensive exploration of these two picturesque Belgian cities. Guests can save up to 30% with prices starting at $155.80 per person for a 3 to 7.5-hour tour.
The tour departs from various locations in Zeebrugge and covers key sights in both Ghent and Bruges, including the Saint Bavos Cathedral, Belfry of Ghent, Gravensteen Castle, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and the Grote Markt.
With private or small group options available, travelers can expect a fully guided experience by a local expert and transportation via air-conditioned bus.
However, the tour involves intense walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at one of three convenient starting points in the Port of Zeebrugge area: Zweedse Kaai, the Port of Zeebrugge, or the Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge.
In Ghent, guests will visit:
- Saint Bavos Cathedral, a stunning Gothic cathedral known for its impressive architecture.
- The Belfry of Ghent, a medieval bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
- Graslei and Korenlei, the picturesque quaysides along the Leie River, and the Gravensteen Castle, a well-preserved medieval castle.
In Bruges, the tour highlights include the Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Grote Markt (with 1 hour of free time for shopping and local specialties), and a photo stop at the Rosary Quay before returning to the port.
Starting Locations
The Ghent and Bruges Shore Excursion offers three convenient starting locations within the Port of Zeebrugge area: Zweedse Kaai, the Port of Zeebrugge, and the Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge.
Guests can choose the option that best suits their needs and location. Regardless of the starting point, the tour will provide transportation by air-conditioned bus to the historic cities of Ghent and Bruges.
This flexibility ensures that passengers can easily access the excursion, making the most of their time in port. Whether you’re docking at the main cruise terminal or a nearby dock, the shore excursion has you covered with its convenient and well-organized starting points.
Key Sites in Ghent
After being transported by air-conditioned bus from the starting locations, guests embark on a guided tour of the historic city of Ghent.
The tour highlights several key sites, including:
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Saint Bavos Cathedral, a magnificent 13th-century Gothic church that dominates the city’s skyline.
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The Belfry of Ghent, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, offering panoramic views from its 91-meter-tall tower.
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The Graslei and Korenlei, picturesque historic quays along the Leie River, where guests can admire the charming medieval architecture and bustling activity.
Guests also visit the imposing Gravensteen Castle, a well-preserved 10th-century medieval castle that serves as a testament to Ghent’s rich history.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyKey Sites in Bruges
From Ghent, the tour continues on to the picturesque city of Bruges, where guests explore several key sites. The first stop is the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a medieval church housing a revered relic. Next, they visit the lively Grote Markt, or Market Square, allowing an hour of free time to shop and sample local specialties. The tour then heads to the scenic Rosary Quay for a photo stop.
Site | Description | Duration |
---|---|---|
Basilica of the Holy Blood | Medieval church housing a revered relic | – |
Grote Markt | Lively market square with 1 hour of free time | 1 hour |
Rosary Quay | Scenic photo stop | – |
The tour then returns to the port with ample time to spare.
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Tour Experience
On the Ghent and Bruges Shore Excursion, travelers embark on a fully guided tour led by knowledgeable local guides.
The tour experience includes:
- Transport by air-conditioned bus to efficiently navigate between the two cities.
- A pace that allows ample time to explore the key sites, with no need to rush.
- Comfortable footwear recommended due to the intense walking involved in experiencing the historic city centers.
Throughout the journey, the guide provides valuable insights, ensuring participants make the most of their limited time ashore.
The tour’s flexibility accommodates the needs of both private and small group travelers, creating an enriching and memorable experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
What does the Ghent and Bruges Shore Excursion include and exclude?
The tour includes port pickup and drop-off, a professional local guide, and gratuities.
However, it excludes any food, drinks, or entry fees.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or mobility scooters due to the intense walking involved.
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, an umbrella, and sunscreen.
With a customer rating of 4.5/5 based on 8 reviews, the tour receives praise for its knowledgeable guides and flexibility in accommodating participants’ needs.
Important Information and Feedback
The meeting point for this tour varies depending on the option booked.
Guests should pack comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat or umbrella to fully enjoy the excursion.
With a customer rating of 4.5/5 based on 8 reviews, this tour has received positive feedback highlighting the knowledgeable guides and their flexibility in accommodating participants’ needs.
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or mobility scooters, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary doesn’t seem to be customizable based on the information provided. The tour appears to have a fixed itinerary that visits key sites in both Ghent and Bruges over a 3-7.5 hour duration.
Do the Tour Guides Speak Any Languages Other Than English?
The tour guides on this excursion speak multiple languages, including English. They’re knowledgeable and flexible, able to accommodate participants’ needs, as evidenced by the positive customer feedback.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. Travelers can choose private or small group options, allowing for flexibility in group size based on their preferences and needs.
Can the Tour Pickup Location Be Changed From the Listed Options?
The pickup locations can be changed, but this may incur an additional fee and require prior arrangement with the tour operator. Participants should contact the provider to discuss alternative pickup options before booking the tour.
What Happens if the Cruise Ship Is Delayed or Arrives Late?
If the cruise ship is delayed or arrives late, the tour provider will accommodate the delay. Participants will be rescheduled to the next available departure time or given a refund if the delay prevents joining the tour.
Recap
This all-inclusive shore excursion from Zeebrugge provides a comprehensive experience of Ghent and Bruges. Guests can explore iconic landmarks, enjoy the cities’ rich history and culture, and enjoy comfortable transportation with knowledgeable local guides. Whether you’re seeking a 3-hour or 7.5-hour tour, this excursion offers a seamless way to make the most of your time in these enchanting Belgian destinations.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Shore Excursions in Bruges
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