Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip

Ghent, a captivating Flemish city, offers visitors a chance to enjoy its rich history and stunning architecture through a guided walking tour and canal boat trip. This 2.5-hour experience promises to showcase the city’s iconic landmarks, from the towering Belfry to the grand St. Bavo Cathedral. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, guests can expect an insightful and engaging journey, culminating in a picturesque canal cruise that provides a unique perspective on Ghent’s scenic waterways and medieval buildings. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to explore the charming streets of this Belgian gem, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• A 2.5-hour guided walking tour and canal boat trip in Ghent, Belgium, priced from €78.5 per person.
• Covers top landmarks like the Belfry, St. Bavo Cathedral, Ghent Town Hall, and Gravensteen Castle, with 15-minute guided explorations.
• Includes a 30-minute scenic canal boat cruise offering a unique perspective of the city’s medieval architecture and waterways.
• Guided by local experts providing insights into Ghent’s rich history and architecture, with recommendations for further exploration.
• Tour available in Spanish and English, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip offers a comprehensive 2.5-hour experience, priced from €78.5 per person.

The tour is available in Spanish and English, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a stress-free booking process.

The tour includes a guided exploration of Ghent’s top landmarks, such as the Belfry, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Gravensteen Castle, along with a 30-minute boat cruise on the city’s scenic canals.

Providing a well-rounded perspective of Ghent’s history and architecture, this tour is an excellent choice for visitors looking to make the most of their time in this captivating Belgian city.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting with a guided tour of the Belfry of Ghent, the Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip takes visitors on a 15-minute exploration of this iconic medieval bell tower, providing insights into its history and architecture.

The tour then moves to St. Bavo Cathedral, where guests spend another 15 minutes learning about the stunning cathedral and the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting.

Over the course of the 2.5-hour experience, the guide leads visitors to key sites like the Ghent Town Hall, St. Nicholas Church, Graslei, the Old Fish Market, Patershol, and Gravensteen Castle, offering 15-minute guided tours at each location.

The tour culminates with a 30-minute boat cruise along the picturesque canals of Ghent.

Experience and Guides

A local expert guide provides insights into the history and architecture of Ghent throughout the tour, highlighting key attractions like the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting at Saint Bavo Cathedral.

The guide’s expertise brings the city’s rich history to life, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the significant sites they explore.

Along the way, the guide offers recommendations for additional places of interest to visit independently, ensuring travelers make the most of their time in Ghent.

With the guide’s engaging commentary and the picturesque boat cruise, the tour provides a well-rounded experience that allows visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and charm of this historic Belgian city.

Includes and Exclusions

This tour includes a guided walking tour, a professional guide, and a canal boat trip, though it excludes food and drinks.

The guided walking tour provides an in-depth exploration of Ghent’s key historical sites, including the Belfry, Saint Bavo Cathedral, Ghent Town Hall, Saint Nicholas Church, Graslei, Old Fish Market, Patershol, and Gravensteen Castle.

The professional guide offers insights into the city’s rich history and architecture, as well as recommendations for additional places of interest to visit independently.

The canal boat trip provides a 30-minute scenic cruise, offering a unique perspective of Ghent’s picturesque waterways.

While meals and beverages aren’t included, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant culinary scene on their own.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have offered a mixed bag of feedback on the Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip, with the overall experience garnering a 4/5 rating based on 36 reviews.

The guided walking tour is universally praised, with reviewers highlighting the engaging nature of the local expert guide and the informative insights provided on the history and architecture of Ghent.

However, the canal boat tour is seen as an unnecessary addition by some, and there have been concerns about language accommodations on the boat.

Despite these minor issues, the majority of customers describe an enjoyable experience, praising the beautiful views and the overall value of the tour.

Starting Locations

The tour begins at either of two starting locations – Sint-Baafsplein 12 or Sint-Baafsplein 2 in the heart of Ghent’s historic center. Both are easily accessible and situated near the city’s iconic landmarks. Participants can choose the starting point that’s most convenient for them.

From these centralized locations, the guided walking tour will seamlessly commence, providing visitors with a comprehensive introduction to Ghent’s captivating history and architecture. The guide will lead the group through the winding streets, ensuring they don’t miss any of the key sites, including the Belfry, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Gravensteen Castle.

This flexible starting arrangement ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Key Sites

During the guided walking tour, the group explores several of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks. They’ll spend 15 minutes at each site, learning about the history and architecture from the local expert guide.

The tour includes the towering Belfry of Ghent, the stunning Saint Bavo Cathedral which houses the renowned Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting. Next, they’ll visit the ornate Ghent Town Hall and the charming Saint Nicholas Church.

The tour continues along the picturesque Graslei and Old Fish Market, providing glimpses into Ghent’s medieval past.

The final stop is the imposing Gravensteen Castle, a striking example of a medieval castle that dominates the city’s skyline.

Boat Cruise

After exploring Ghent’s historic landmarks on foot, the tour culminates in a 30-minute boat cruise along the city’s picturesque canals.

This serene journey offers a unique perspective on the medieval architecture and charming waterways that have long defined the character of this Flemish city. Passengers glide past centuries-old buildings, bridges, and quays, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautifully preserved urban landscape.

The boat tour provides a tranquil contrast to the more fast-paced walking portion, allowing visitors to sit back, relax, and soak in the timeless ambiance of Ghent from the water.

While not considered essential by all participants, the boat cruise is widely enjoyed as a scenic and leisurely finale to the comprehensive tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Take the Walking Tour Only?

Yes, there is typically an option to take just the walking tour without the canal boat ride. This allows visitors to focus solely on the guided walking experience and historical sites at a lower cost.

Can the Tour Be Customized for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can likely be customized for a private group. Private tours often allow groups to tailor the itinerary and duration to their specific interests and needs. Customers should inquire with the tour provider about options for a private group experience.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

Yes, many tour companies offer discounts for seniors and students. These discounts typically range from 10-20% off the regular tour price. Travelers should inquire about any available discounts when booking to take advantage of potential savings.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour’s accessibility for individuals with disabilities depends on the specific needs. Generally, walking tours can accommodate mobility aids, but the boat portion may present challenges. It’s best to inquire about accommodations when booking to ensure a comfortable experience.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance and receive a full refund. This allows you to easily reschedule if needed without financial penalty.

Recap

This guided walking tour and canal boat trip in Ghent offers a comprehensive way to experience the city’s historic charm.

Visitors will explore iconic landmarks, learn from local expert guides, and enjoy a scenic canal cruise, all within a convenient 2.5-hour package.

With prices starting from €78.5 per person, it’s an efficient and immersive way to discover the beauty of Ghent.

You can check if your dates are available here: