Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

Ghent’s medieval charm comes alive on the 50-minute guided boat tour through the city’s picturesque canals. Departing from central locations, this immersive experience showcases the iconic landmarks that have shaped Ghent’s rich heritage, with knowledgeable guides providing engaging commentary in multiple languages. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a delightful way to explore the city, this affordable boat trip offers a unique perspective on Ghent’s medieval splendor. With convenient year-round scheduling, the tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to discover more about this captivating Belgian destination.

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

Key Points

• A 50-minute guided boat tour that provides an overview of Ghent’s medieval landmarks, including St Bavo’s Cathedral, Belfry, and St Nicholas’ Church.
• Tour offers live commentary in Dutch, English, and French, with translations available in multiple languages.
• Tours depart from De Bootjes Van Gent – Rederij Dewaele and Graslei, located in the historic city center.
• Prices start at $10.86 per person, with a pay-later option and free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour operates year-round, with daily departures from April to October and reduced off-season schedule from November to March.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Booking Information

This guided boat trip in Ghent’s medieval city center offers a 50-minute tour, with prices starting at $10.86 per person.

Customers can reserve their spot and pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. The tour duration ranges from 40 to 50 minutes, and live guides are available in Dutch, English, and French, with illustrated translations in several other languages provided on board.

The starting locations are De Bootjes Van Gent – Rederij Dewaele and Graslei, and the tour covers significant landmarks like St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas’ Church.

The schedule varies by season, with more frequent departures during the warmer months.

Itinerary and Main Sites

The boat trip’s itinerary covers some of Ghent’s most iconic medieval landmarks, including the Saint Nicholas Church, the Belfry of Ghent, and the Saint Bavo Cathedral.

Along the journey, passengers will also catch glimpses of the Old Fish Market, the Great Butcher’s Hall, and the impressive Gravensteen castle.

Plus, the tour provides scenic views of the ancient port and the historic guildhalls that line the picturesque canals.

While the exact itinerary is subject to change, the guided boat trip promises to offer a rundown of Ghent’s rich medieval heritage and captivating architectural wonders.

Passengers can expect to learn the stories behind these significant monuments from the knowledgeable live tour guides.

Tour Highlights

As passengers embark on the guided boat trip, they’ll have the chance to marvel at some of Ghent’s most iconic medieval landmarks, including the towering St Bavo’s Cathedral, the striking Belfry, and the ornate St Nicholas’ Church.

Along the scenic route, travelers will discover the history behind significant monuments and explore the old guildhalls, castles, and ancient port that give Ghent its distinctive medieval character.

The knowledgeable tour guides bring these historic sights to life with engaging stories and insights, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to soak in the timeless beauty of this Flemish city, the Ghent boat tour offers a delightful way to explore the heart of its medieval past.

Seasonal Information

Boat tours operate rain or shine throughout the year, with umbrellas available on board to keep passengers dry during inclement weather.

From April 1 to October 31, the tours run daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with departures every 20 minutes.

During the off-season, from November 1 to March 31, the schedule is slightly reduced, with tours running daily at 10:45 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:45 PM, and 3:45 PM.

This ensures visitors can enjoy the historic sights and scenic views of Ghent’s medieval center regardless of the weather conditions, making it a convenient and accessible activity throughout the year.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars for the guided boat tour in Ghent’s medieval city center, based on nearly 3,000 reviews.

The tour guides received a high rating of 4.5 out of 5, with passengers praising their knowledge and storytelling abilities.

The transportation and service also scored well, at 4.5 and 4.3 out of 5, respectively.

However, some passengers noted room for improvement in the organization, citing discrepancies in language services and recommendations for better passenger distribution on the boats.

Starting Locations and Departures

Departing from two convenient locations in Ghent’s historic city center, the guided boat tours offer passengers the opportunity to embark on a 40-50 minute journey through the city’s medieval waterways. Visitors can choose to board the boat at either De Bootjes Van Gent – Rederij Dewaele or the Graslei dock along the Leie River.

Starting Locations	Address
De Bootjes Van Gent – Rederij Dewaele	Schepenstraat 1, 9000 Gent
Graslei	Graslei, 9000 Gent

The tour itinerary includes passing by iconic landmarks such as the Saint Bavo Cathedral, Belfry of Ghent, and Saint Nicholas Church, providing passengers with stunning views and historical insights into medieval Ghent.

Tour Duration and Languages

The guided boat tours in Ghent’s historic city center last between 40 to 50 minutes, providing visitors ample time to marvel at the city’s iconic landmarks and hear stories from the live tour guides. These tours offer an immersive experience, with knowledgeable guides available in Dutch, English, and French to bring the history of Ghent to life.

Plus, the boats are equipped with illustrated translations in German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese, ensuring that all travelers can fully engage with the tour.

• Live guides narrate the tour in Dutch, English, and French.

• Illustrated translations available in German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese.

• Tours last between 40-50 minutes, allowing ample time to explore Ghent’s medieval wonders.

Pricing and Payment Options

The guided boat tours in Ghent’s historic city center start from $10.86 per person, offering visitors an affordable way to explore the city’s medieval landmarks.

Customers can reserve their spots now and pay later, with a free cancellation option available up to 24 hours in advance. This flexible booking process caters to travelers’ needs, allowing them to secure their tour without an upfront payment.

The 50-minute excursion provides excellent value, as passengers can marvel at St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and other significant monuments while learning about Ghent’s rich history from the live tour guide.

Whether you’re visiting Ghent for a day or staying longer, this boat tour is a must-do activity to fully experience the city’s medieval charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Boat Tour?

Yes, photography is allowed during the boat tour. The provided tour information does not indicate any restrictions on taking photos during the 50-minute guided boat trip in the medieval city center.

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

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 policies in place regarding outside items.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions or requirements for the tour. Children of all ages are welcome to join the guided boat trip. However, parents should ensure their children’s safety and supervision throughout the duration of the tour.

Does the Tour Provide Any Audio Commentary or Headsets?

The tour provides live tour guide commentary in multiple languages, including Dutch, English, and French. Illustrated translations in German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese are also available on board for passengers.

Can I Get a Private or Customized Boat Tour?

While the standard boat tour is a group experience, customers may be able to arrange a private or customized tour. This would allow for a more personalized experience, but would likely come at an additional cost.

Recap

The 50-minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip in Ghent provides a delightful way to explore the city’s rich history and iconic landmarks.

With commentary from knowledgeable guides, visitors can enjoy the charm of the picturesque canals and medieval architecture.

The affordable pricing, convenient scheduling, and multilingual options make this tour an accessible and enjoyable experience for travelers seeking to discover Ghent’s captivating medieval heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: