Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

Ghent’s historic city center is a captivating tapestry of medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. For visitors seeking an immersive experience, the 40-minute historical boat tour provides a unique vantage point to witness this remarkable legacy. As you glide along the city’s picturesque waterways, knowledgeable guides share insights into the iconic landmarks that line the banks, from the imposing Castle of the Counts to the grand Great Butcher’s Hall. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this tour promises to offer a fresh perspective on Ghent’s vibrant history and charm. But the true discovery lies in what lies ahead as you embark on this enchanting journey.

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

Key Points

• Provides a 40-minute guided boat tour of Ghent’s historic city center, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Counts and Great Butcher’s Hall.
• Offers commentary in Dutch, English, and French by knowledgeable local guides, providing insights into the city’s rich medieval history.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and tour validity for 2 days.
• Boat configuration varies between open-air and covered vessels, catering to different weather conditions.
• Tour priced at €25.30 per person, offering good value for a comprehensive introduction to Ghent’s heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Ghent Historical Boat Tour offers a 40-minute journey through the city’s center, providing visitors an opportunity to explore Ghent’s rich history and architecture from the unique perspective of the waterways.

Priced from €25.3 per person, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot with no upfront payment, making it a convenient option.

The tour is valid for 2 days, giving participants flexibility in their sightseeing plans. With a knowledgeable local guide providing commentary in Dutch, English, and French, the boat tour promises an immersive and informative experience for all.

Experience and Itinerary

Departing from Graslei 4, the boat tour takes guests on a journey through Ghent’s historic city center, showcasing the Castle of the Counts, Great Butcher’s Hall, Dulle Griet, Old Fish Market, and Rabot.

Along the way, travelers enjoy a unique perspective of the city’s striking medieval architecture and rich history. The guided tour, conducted in Dutch, English, and French by knowledgeable locals, provides fascinating insights into the significant landmarks.

Whether the boat is open or covered depends on the weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable experience. The tour’s 40-minute duration allows visitors to fully enjoy Ghent’s captivating heritage from the comfort of the water.

Tour Features

This 40-minute guided boat tour offers visitors a unique perspective of Ghent’s medieval architecture and significant historical buildings. Travelers can expect to see the iconic Castle of the Counts, the impressive Great Butcher’s Hall, the renowned Dulle Griet, the picturesque Old Fish Market, and the historic Rabot district from the comfort of the water. The boat’s configuration, whether open or covered, may vary based on weather conditions to ensure a comfortable experience.

Tour Features
Duration	40 minutes
Guided Tour	Yes
Boat Options	Open or Covered
Languages	Dutch, English, French

The tour is guided by knowledgeable local experts, with written materials available in Spanish, Italian, and German for a more comprehensive understanding of Ghent’s rich history.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Travelers embark on the Ghent Historical Boat Tour from the Graslei Jetty, near number 7, the white/green boat house. Visitors should check with the cashier for the next available boat departure, as the tour runs on a flexible schedule without a fixed timetable.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. The boat options may vary based on weather conditions, with both open and covered boats available.

While the tour is guided in Dutch, English, and French, written tour texts are also provided in Spanish, Italian, and German for those who need language support.

The tour’s flexibility and multilingual resources ensure an accessible and engaging experience for a wide range of visitors to Ghent.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

According to the reviews, customers have generally expressed positive feedback about the Ghent Historical Boat Tour, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 332 reviews. The tour guide’s interaction was particularly well-received, earning a 4.4/5 rating. While the transportation and service also received positive scores of 4.3/5, some customers noted language translation issues, suggesting that separating groups by language could improve clarity. The overall organization of the tour was rated 4.3/5. To better illustrate the customer sentiment, here’s a breakdown of the key metrics:

Metric	Rating
Overall	4.2/5
Guide	4.4/5
Transportation	4.3/5
Service	4.3/5
Organization	4.3/5

Boat Tour Highlights

Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

The Ghent Historical Boat Tour offers passengers a unique perspective of the city’s medieval architecture and rich history. Departing from Graslei 4, the 40-minute guided journey takes visitors past iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Counts, the Great Butcher’s Hall, and the Dulle Griet. Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide provides commentary in Dutch, English, and French, bringing the city’s past to life.

The tour features:

• Views of the Old Fish Market and Rabot

• Covered or open-air boat options depending on weather

• Written tour text available in Spanish, Italian, and German

• A chance to explore Ghent’s waterways and architecture from a new angle

• An affordable price point starting at €25.30 per person

Exploring Ghent’s History

Beyond the picturesque boat tour, the historical sites along the route offer a captivating glimpse into Ghent’s storied past.

The Castle of the Counts, a towering medieval fortress, stands as a testament to the city’s strategic importance, while the Great Butcher’s Hall reflects the thriving mercantile culture that once flourished here.

The tour also showcases the Dulle Griet, a legendary cannon with a colorful history, and the Old Fish Market, where merchants once plied their trade.

These landmarks provide a window into Ghent’s rich heritage, allowing visitors to enjoy the city’s vibrant past as they float along the serene waterways.

Tour Booking and Cancellation

Conveniently, visitors can easily book the Ghent Historical Boat Tour online and secure their spot with no upfront payment, enjoying the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour is valid for 2 days, allowing guests to explore the city at their own pace.

Key features of the booking process include:

• Reserve now and pay later to guarantee your tour without an immediate payment.

• Cancellation policy offers a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance.

• Valid for 2 days, providing scheduling flexibility.

• Tour priced at €25.3 per person, offering great value.

• No need to worry about mobility restrictions as the tour isn’t suitable for those with impairments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols for the Tour?

The tour operator follows COVID-19 safety protocols, which may include reduced capacity, mandatory face coverings, and enhanced cleaning procedures. Specific details should be confirmed with the operator before booking to ensure the safety precautions align with individual comfort levels.

Are Pets Allowed on the Boat Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on the boat tour. The tour operator notes the tour is not suitable for people with mobility issues, suggesting pets would also not be permitted for safety and comfort reasons. Guests should check with the operator before bringing any animals.

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

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat tour. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand, as some may have restrictions or preferences regarding outside items on the vessel.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounted rates for students and seniors. Customers can inquire about the specific discounts when booking the tour. This can provide a more affordable option for those eligible.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can typically be customized for private groups. Organizers may contact the provider to inquire about options such as adjusting the itinerary, group size, or tour language. Additional fees may apply for private group bookings.

Recap

This captivating 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent’s city center offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich medieval architecture and vibrant history.

Departing from Graslei, the tour glides past iconic landmarks like the Castle of the Counts and the Great Butcher’s Hall, with knowledgeable guides providing insights in Dutch, English, and French.

At €25.30 per person, the tour allows for flexible sightseeing over two days, making it an excellent way to experience the charm of Ghent.

You can check if your dates are available here: