Belgium Full-Day Excursion: Explore Bruges and Ghent from Brussels

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Discover the enchanting cities of Bruges and Ghent on a full-day excursion from Brussels. Enjoy hassle-free transfers and the expertise of a local guide, then explore these historic cities at your own pace.

Duration: 10 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Bargeplein (Katelijnparking) - Our bus will drop us off at Bargeplein. We will have 10 minutes here for a bathroom break. The guide will inform us when to return to the bus.
Minnewater - Our first stop is Minnewater, also known as the “Lake of Love.” With the picturesque lake as a backdrop, our guide will share the history of Bruges and a love story associated with the lake.
Begijnhof - Next, we visit the Begijnhof, founded in 1245, which preserves the history of an extraordinary group of women.
Chocolalino - At one of the few certified artisan chocolate shops, we will taste handmade chocolates. Our guide will also discuss the renowned Bruges chocolate and offer tips on distinguishing handmade chocolate from industrial varieties.
Walplein - In this charming square, our guide will recount the history of Bruges beer.
Stoofstraat - Here, our guide will show us how to identify original medieval houses.
Mariastraat 23 - You will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos from the small bridge.
Saint John’s Hospital - In front of Old St. John’s Hospital, our guide will explain the medieval health system of Bruges.
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk - Located near Old St. John’s Hospital, we will see the Church of Our Lady. From the outside, our guide will share interesting facts about Michelangelo’s white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child housed inside the church.
Gruuthusemuseum - In front of Gruuthuse, we will learn about the most famous and powerful family in Bruges during the 17th and 18th centuries.
St Bonifacius Bridge - At one of Bruges’ most enchanting spots, our guide will tell the intriguing legend of this bridge. You will also have time for photos.
Quai du Rosaire / Rozenhoedkaai - At Bruges’ most photographed location, our guide will share the history of the “Pier of the Roses.” You will also have the chance to take pictures.
Huidenvettersplein - Our next stop is Tanners Square, where we will learn about the tanners’ work in medieval Bruges.
Burg Square - This square features the Gothic Town Hall, the Old Court House, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.
The Markt - The final stop of our Bruges tour is The Market Square or Grote Markt. Here, our guide will describe the various buildings around the square and offer tips on where to eat and shop for traditional chocolate. The guide will also remind you when and where to meet for the bus to Ghent.
Bruges - Free time: You will have about 1.5 hours of free time, depending on traffic and the group’s pace.
Bargeplein (Katelijnparking) - Our guide and bus will be waiting here. Time to continue our journey to Ghent.
Ghent - We arrive in Ghent, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. We will walk to the center to begin our guided tour.
Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis) - Our tour starts in front of the Town Hall, where our guide will explain the building’s different architectural styles.
Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) - Our guide will discuss this iconic tower and the history of its dragon.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) - You will explore the exterior and interior of Ghent’s Cathedral, home to the most stolen painting in history, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers.
Saint Nicholas Church - Did you know that Belgian churches host concerts and other events?
Masons’ Guild Hall - In front of the original facade of the Masons’ Guild House, our guide will explain guild houses and the uniqueness of this one.
Korenmarkt - In front of Saint Nicholas Church, we find the Korenmarkt. Here, the history of the building that once housed the post office will be explained.
Saint Michael’s Bridge - From this bridge, you can take stunning photos. Our guide will also share the story of Saint Michael’s Church tower.
Graslei and Korenlei - We will follow the Lys riverbank, learning about the buildings along the river, such as the Masons’ Guild House and the current Marriott Hotel. You will also have the chance to take photos.
OOOST - The Great Butchers’ Hall, dating back to the 15th century, was originally a covered market.
Kleine Vismarkt - In front of the Great Butchers’ Hall, we will stop at a traditional market stall where the vendor will tell us about Ghent’s famous candy, the cuberdon.
St. Veerleplein - The final stop of our guided tour is Sint-Veerleplein Square. Here, our guide will explain the square’s history and the surrounding buildings. The guide will also offer tips on where to drink traditional beer and buy souvenirs, and remind you when and where to meet for the bus back to Brussels.
Ghent - Free time: You will have about 1 hour of free time, depending on traffic and the group’s pace.

What's Included

Professional English-speaking guide
City tips
Guided walking tour in Ghent
Guided walking tour in Bruges
Round-trip with A/C

What's Not Included

Food and drinks
Headphones
Bruges has a tourist regulation and sometimes the service is provided using radios with headphones.
Customers can use their headphones, if they don’t have them, we offer headphones for only €1

Additional Information

Maximize your visit to Belgium with this comprehensive day trip to Bruges and Ghent from Brussels. Forget the hassle of public transportation; instead, enjoy convenient round-trip shuttle service and gain a deeper understanding from a local guide who can provide beneficial information you wouldn’t uncover by yourself. Then, freely discover the cities on your own time.

You will receive the confirmation at time of booking
Our guides have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2.5 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group.
No meals are included but your guide will be happy to point you some great food spots :)
Groups over 24 pax must use headphones in Bruges, you can purchase them for 1€ a pair directly to our guides
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Location

Carrefour de l'Europe

In the Carrefour de l'Europe square under the columns of the main entrance of the train and metro station, in front of the Hilton Grand Place hotel. Our guides will be wearing ID of Buendia Tours.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.3

(563 Ratings)

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Lohith_r

Sep 19, 2024

Don't miss Brugges and Gent for anything in the world! - Very well organised tour. The driver Gary and the guide Hugo did a really really good.job explaining everything about the history of the place. Hugo also threw in a bunch of local recommendations in Brussels and Brugges that helped everyone.

Review provided by Viator

Jim_b

Sep 17, 2024

Great day trip - Loved both cities. Great time and great guide. Be prepared to do a lot of walking! As in over 6 miles!

Review provided by Viator

Joseph_d

Sep 17, 2024

Picturesque Old Towns - Wonderful tour. Bruges was lovely. Ghent had less to offer, but make sure to visit the excellent castle (its very well maintained).

Review provided by Viator

Robert_h

Sep 14, 2024

Bruge and Ghent - Our tour guide Diago was excellent. Great knowledge of the two cities. The bus trip went smoothly and the driver was excellent. It is a long day and make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes and make sure you have umbrellas with you. Great photo opportunities.

Review provided by Viator

Fahrulina_j

Sep 12, 2024

Good - Was a good trip!.learnt alot and Juliannwas a fantastic guide. Good bus.and explanation was clear. Punctuality was there and on time.

Review provided by Viator

Taylor_c

Sep 6, 2024

Lovely day trip! - Super fun trip! Bruges was incredible, like a real life fairy tale. Ghent was a bit busier and more crowded but still very cool.

Review provided by Viator

Fraser_m

Sep 2, 2024

Enjoyable City Tours - Historical information about the cities. Good travel in comfortable coach. Friendly and knowledgeable guide (Sergio).

Review provided by Viator

Nomad64215966448

Sep 10, 2024

Classic big bus tour - This is a classic big bus, large group, highlights tour. They get you to both cities, give you some information about the area, then give you some free time. We had just enough time for a delicious lunch in Bruges, then had to quickly get back to the bus. Then we went to Ghent and had just enough time to quickly see the castle before heading back to the bus. If you only have 1 day and want to see 2 cities, this tour will do that. The bus was clean and on time. The guides were friendly.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Thomas_s

Sep 17, 2024

Disappointing - We were looking forward to visit Bruge and Ghent. However, we were disappointed with the visit and the tour. May be partly our fault not checking on going on a weekend. It was extremely crowded. The other issue was the tour . Our guide was very personable. However, he led us through the narrow crowded streets without something like a pole so we could follow him. Other tour guides were doing so. I got swollen up in another tour group until I didn’t recognize anyone. Luckily seeing someone from our group in the distance. The other issue was the headsets. Extremely irritating with static noise. Especially when our guide went through alleyways or got a ways from us. Which was easy to do with the crowds and 50 plus in our group (single/double file). In addition, the guide had a hand held to speak into. Many times we could not hear his voice, drowned out by static, or he turned head away from Mic. His oration was close to useless. This is the first time my wife and I have not tipped a tour guide. The tour needs head set for guide, better communications ,smaller groups and guide holding pole for us to follow. Would also suggest researching best time to visit with smaller crowds.

Review provided by Viator

Richard_s