Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

For those seeking a unique perspective on the historic city of Ghent, a guided boat tour along the picturesque River Leie offers a delightful opportunity. This 40-minute cruise showcases the city’s architectural gems, from the iconic Graslei to the formidable Castle of Counts, all while a knowledgeable guide provides captivating insights into Ghent’s rich heritage. With multiple departure times available year-round and the option to enjoy a refreshing beverage on board, this excursion promises a truly immersive experience. However, the true highlight may just be the chance to discover the city’s well-preserved cultural legacy from a truly unique vantage point.

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

Key Points

• The 40-minute boat cruise along the River Leie showcases Ghent’s historic landmarks like the Graslei, Castle of Counts, and Groot Vleeshuis.
• Live on-board commentary provides deeper insights into Ghent’s rich history and architecture.
• The boat tour operates year-round with multiple daily departures to accommodate visitors’ schedules.
• Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, allowing for a relaxing experience.
• The boat tour is not fully wheelchair accessible, but can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels.

Overview of the Boat Tour

The guided boat tour offers a 40-minute cruise along the picturesque River Leie in Ghent, showcasing the city’s historic landmarks like the Graslei, Castle of Counts, and Groot Vleeshuis.

Live on-board commentary brings these sights to life, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Ghent’s rich history and architecture.

The tour departs multiple times throughout the day, allowing travelers to choose a convenient time slot.

With alcoholic beverages available for purchase, the cruise promises a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, this boat tour is an excellent way to explore Ghent’s charming waterways and gain a new perspective on the city.

Highlights Along the River Leie

As the boat glides down the River Leie, passengers can admire the captivating sights that line the scenic waterway. Prominent landmarks like the Graslei, a row of picturesque medieval buildings, and the Castle of Counts, an imposing 12th-century fortress, come into view. The Groot Vleeshuis, a former meat market now housing specialty shops, adds to the charming historical ambiance.

Sights Along the River Leie	Description
Graslei	Row of medieval buildings
Castle of Counts	12th-century fortress
Groot Vleeshuis	Former meat market

The live commentary provides context and insights, enriching the experience as passengers enjoy Ghent’s well-preserved architectural and cultural heritage.

Departure Times and Schedule

The boat cruises depart throughout the day, with schedules varying by season.

From April 1st to October 14th, cruises run from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while the winter schedule from October 15th to December 30th is 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

With multiple departure times available, visitors can choose a time that fits their schedule. The cruise lasts around 40 minutes, providing ample opportunity to take in the sights along the River Leie.

Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or winter, you’ll be able to enjoy this scenic boat tour at a convenient time.

Ticket and Meeting Information

Visitors can purchase tickets for the guided boat trip at the ticket house with green and white stripes located on Graslei 2a in Ghent, Belgium. The meeting point is also at this location, where the boat tours depart and return.

No time slot is needed to board the boat.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated.

Service animals are allowed on the boat.

The boat is located near public transportation, making it easy to reach the departure point.

On-Board Amenities and Accessibility

Aboard the guided boat trip, passengers can enjoy live commentary from the knowledgeable crew, providing insights into the city’s landmarks and history.

Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase, allowing visitors to savor the experience further.

While the boat itself isn’t wheelchair accessible, the crew can accommodate collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels. Service animals are also permitted on the cruise.

Though infants must sit on laps, the boat can accommodate up to 99 travelers, making it suitable for individuals and small groups alike.

With its convenient location near public transportation, the Ghent boat tour offers an immersive and accessible way to explore the city’s waterways and historic sights.

Transportation and Nearby Attractions

Getting to the boat tour is convenient, as the meeting point at Graslei 2a is located near public transportation. Travelers can easily access the departure point by bus, tram, or on foot, making the guided boat trip an accessible option for exploring Ghent’s waterways.

Nearby attractions include the historic Graslei, Castle of Counts, and Groot Vleeshuis, which passengers can admire from the comfort of the boat.

The tour offers flexibility, with several departures scheduled throughout the day, allowing visitors to choose a time that best fits their schedule.

Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, relaxation, or a unique perspective of Ghent’s landmarks, this guided boat trip provides an engaging and convenient way to discover the city’s historic charm.

• Easy access via public transportation
• Scenic views of Graslei, Castle of Counts, and Groot Vleeshuis
• Flexible scheduling with multiple departure times
• Opportunity to explore Ghent’s waterways from a unique vantage point

Booking Confirmation and Policies

Upon booking, travelers receive confirmation detailing the tour’s inclusions and policies. The confirmation outlines the meeting point at Graslei 2a, the ticket house with green and white stripes, and the end point, which is the same as the departure location. While the boat trip generally accommodates collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels, it is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are permitted, but infants must sit on laps, with a maximum capacity of 99 travelers.

Schedule	Availability
4/1/2024 – 10/14/2024	11:00 AM – 06:00 PM
10/15/2024 – 12/30/2024	11:00 AM – 04:00 PM

The tour includes live on-board commentary and the option to purchase alcoholic drinks. Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, and no time slot is required.

Additional Important Details

The boat tour offers live commentary throughout the journey, providing travelers with insights into the city’s rich history and landmarks along the River Leie.

Several additional details are worth noting:

• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated.
• No time slot is needed, as the boat runs at various times throughout the day.
• Service animals are allowed on board.

The tour departs and returns to the same location, the Graslei 2a ticket house with green and white stripes.

While the tour may not be suitable for all visitors, it offers a unique and informative way to experience the beauty and history of Ghent from the waterways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Passengers are generally permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board. However, alcoholic beverages may only be purchased from the boat’s on-board bar. Checking with the operator beforehand is recommended to confirm any specific policies.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance?

It’s generally recommended to purchase tickets in advance, as availability may be limited. This ensures you secure your spot on the boat tour and can avoid potential sellouts, especially during peak visiting times.

Is There a Dress Code for the Boat Tour?

There is no specific dress code for the boat tour. Guests can wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for the weather conditions. The tour operates year-round, so dressing in layers is recommended to ensure a pleasant experience.

Can I Disembark at Any Point Along the Route?

No, passengers cannot disembark at any point along the route. The boat tour operates on a fixed route, and passengers must remain on board throughout the 40-minute cruise. Disembarking at any other location is not permitted.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed on the Boat?

Photography and video recording are allowed on the boat. Passengers are welcome to capture the sights and scenery during the cruise, as long as they don’t interfere with the enjoyment of other guests or the crew.

Recap

The guided boat tour along the picturesque River Leie in Ghent offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.

With live commentary, on-board amenities, and year-round availability, the tour provides a relaxing and informative experience showcasing Ghent’s historic landmarks.

Though not fully wheelchair accessible, the tour can accommodate some mobility needs, making it a suitable option for a wide range of visitors.