5. From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Combination Small Group Tour
The tour begins with pickup from the meeting point in Brussels and heads out of the city towards Bruges where a day of adventure awaits. During the drive to Bruges, learn about the rise and fall of the city from your guide, and how it came to be a UNESCO World Heritage Listed location. Upon arrival, stop by Europe’s oldest Saint John’s Hospital then enjoy a guided visit of the Church of our Lady which feature the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as the Madonna painting by Michelangelo.
Next, walk to the Belfry Tower in the Market Square, then continue onto the Town Hall and the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Once you’ve worked up a bit of an appetite, enjoy a short beer tasting session followed by an optional lunch at a local restaurant with views of the Belfry. After lunch, enjoy a boat tour along the canals of Bruges and see the sights from a new perspective. Depart Bruges and listen to your guide bring the history of Ghent to life as you travel to the city.
Stretch your legs with a guided tour of the Ghent’s highlights including the churches of Saint Jacob, Saint Michael, and Saint Nicholas, as well as the Town Hall, the Cloth Hall, and the Old Harbor. Later, visit the impressive Cathedral as well as the Castle of the Count of Flanders, built in the late 12th century. Your time in Ghent also includes a trip to the medieval Great Butcher’s Hall where you can taste local Ganda Ham that has been cured amongst the great wooden rafters. After another idyllic boat tour, which cruises along the rivers of Ghent, sit back and relax on the return journey to Brussels.