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Belgium Full-Day Excursion: Explore Bruges and Ghent from Brussels
4.3
826 Ratings
Bruxelles
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.
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:
24 hours
Highlights
- Bargeplein (Katelijnparking) - The bus will drop off at Bargeplein, where there will be a 10-minute break for restroom use. The guide will inform everyone of the time to return to the bus.
- Minnewater - The first stop is Minnewater, also known as the “Lake of Love.” With the picturesque lake as a backdrop, the guide will share the history of…
- Bargeplein (Katelijnparking) - The bus will drop off at Bargeplein, where there will be a 10-minute break for restroom use. The guide will inform everyone of the time to return to the bus.
- Minnewater - The first stop is Minnewater, also known as the “Lake of Love.” With the picturesque lake as a backdrop, the guide will share the history of Bruges and the love story associated with this lake.
- Begijnhof - The tour will then proceed to the Begijnhof, established in 1245, preserving the history of an extraordinary group of women.
- Chocolalino - At one of the few certified artisan chocolate shops, there will be an opportunity to taste handmade chocolates. The guide will discuss the renowned Bruges chocolate and offer tips on distinguishing handmade from industrial chocolate.
- Walplein - In this charming square, the guide will delve into the history of Bruges beer.
- Stoofstraat - Here, the guide will teach how to identify original medieval houses.
- Mariastraat 23 - There will be a chance to capture beautiful photos from the quaint bridge.
- Saint John’s Hospital - In front of Old St. John’s Hospital, the guide will explain the workings of the medieval Bruges health system.
- Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk - Located near Old St. John’s Hospital, the Church of Our Lady will be discussed. The guide will share interesting facts about Michelangelo’s white marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child housed inside.
- Gruuthusemuseum - In front of Gruuthuse, the guide will introduce the most famous and influential family of Bruges from the 17th to 18th centuries.
- St Bonifacius Bridge - At one of Bruges’ most enchanting spots, the guide will narrate the intriguing legend of this bridge, with time for photos.
- Quai du Rosaire / Rozenhoedkaai - At Bruges’ most photographed location, the guide will recount the history of the “Pier of the Roses,” with opportunities for photography.
- Huidenvettersplein - The next stop is Tanners Square, where the guide will explain the medieval tanning process in 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 the Bruges tour is The Market Square or Grote Markt. The guide will describe the various buildings around the square and offer dining and shopping tips for traditional chocolate. The guide will also remind everyone of the time and place to board the bus to Ghent.
- Bruges - Enjoy approximately 1.5 hours of free time, depending on traffic and group pace.
- Bargeplein (Katelijnparking) - The guide and bus will be waiting here to continue the journey to Ghent.
- Ghent - Arrival in Ghent, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. The group will walk to the center to begin the guided tour.
- Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis) - The tour begins in front of the Town Hall, where the guide will explain the building’s various architectural styles.
- Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) - The guide will discuss this iconic tower and the history of its dragon.
- St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) - Explore both 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 Belgian churches host concerts and other events?
- Masons’ Guild Hall - In front of the Masons’ Guild House’s original facade, the guide will explain guild houses and the uniqueness of this one.
- Korenmarkt - Located near Saint Nicholas Church, the Korenmarkt will be discussed, including the history of the former post office building.
- Saint Michael’s Bridge - This bridge offers stunning photo opportunities, and the guide will share the story of Saint Michael’s Church tower.
- Graslei and Korenlei - Following the Lys riverbank, the tour will explore buildings like the Masons’ Guild House and the current Marriott Hotel, with photo opportunities.
- OOOST - The Great Butchers’ Hall, dating back to the 15th century, was originally a covered market.
- Kleine Vismarkt - In front of the Great Butcher’s Hall, there will be a brief stop at a traditional market stall where the vendor will discuss Ghent’s famous candy, the cuberdon.
- St. Veerleplein - The final stop of the guided tour is Sint-Veerleplein Square. The guide will explain the square’s history and surrounding buildings, offering tips on where to enjoy traditional beer or find the best souvenir shops. The guide will also remind everyone of the time and place to board the bus back to Brussels.
- Ghent - Enjoy approximately 1 hour of free time, depending on traffic and group 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
- 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
- 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…
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 :)
- Belgian regulations require the use of radio-guides on some occasions; you can use your own, 3.5 mm jack and not wireless, or buy disposable ones for 1€.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Children under 2 years old must travel in a car seat on the bus. Please make sure to bring their appropriate seat
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(826 Ratings)
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Travel-brilliant
May 5, 2026
Good time. - This was a great way to see both cities. You do a lot of walking, fortunately, we had three opportunities in the bus to sit down or take a nap. The tour left the train station around 8:30 in the morning and we got back around 7 in the evening.
there was plenty of free time in Bruges to grab lunch.
People who tried to take a river cruise in Ghent were pressed for time and we had to wait for them.
If you want to see the Altarpiece of Ghent, you have to go pay your own way after the tour, They give you your own free time for that. The meeting point to walk back to the bus is right outside of the cathedral.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kurt_k
May 4, 2026
Sabrina was an excellent... - Sabrina was an excellent guide! Very knowledgeable and pleasant. Hope you get her if you take this tour
Review provided by Viator
K6271nelis
May 3, 2026
every minute - amazing place I really enjoy every minute here
Review provided by Tripadvisor
223farrukhn
Apr 28, 2026
City tours of Bruge and Gent - Our travel guide was ANTONIO. Was really nice and chill guy to guide through the city walk and let you explore main city points. Rest of his team members were also professional and well prepared. I would definitely recommend to that person who is travelling alone to Brussels and want to explore the cities. They would definitely help you to not get bored being alone.
5 stars ✨
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanaal2049jh
Apr 25, 2026
Bruges is beautiful - Bruges is beautiful, wonderful! Lovely landscapes and everything very beautiful. Our guides Guiomar and Patricia were able to tell us the local stories very well. I definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chris_c
Apr 19, 2026
Beautiful Bruges! - We loved Bruges and could have spent more time there. Virginia the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the area and open to questions. Ghent was nice but we preferred Bruges. Thanks!
Review provided by Viator
Amy_r
May 5, 2026
Good tour that was hard to find the start of - Overall this was a very well organised and informative tour with guides Antonio, Diageo and Oscar, and driver Sebastian.
The main difficulty I had with this day trip was the starting point - people were told to meet outside the Central Station in Brussels - although I did happen to spot the group of fellow tour passengers amongst the hundreds of people around the station, unlike other guided tours I’ve been on, the guide had no distinctive hat / coat / flag etc so did not know that was the group. I wasted a good few minutes looking around to try and find a more obvious indication, but process of elimination made me realise that it had to be them. At this stage the group had started walking away from the station, as the tour bus was actually about a five minute walk away from the meeting point.
Also, just a heads up - if you don’t bring your own wired headphones, they will ask you to pay €1 (cash only) per pair on the bus.
Review provided by Viator
Lynn_m
Apr 18, 2026
Be wary of the guide and the company. - The guide was so hard to understand. She was nice but her accent was so thick she was hard to understand, and she appeared that she was reading from a script. Very monotone. I would just take my earpiece out from time to time because it was so irritating.
Also, just charge an additional euro for the earpiece in the price of the tour. That seemed so cheap to collect the euro. My wife was given a Vox without the battery closure, so the battery kept falling out.
Review provided by Viator
Arman_t
Apr 29, 2026
What a disaster trip. - The tour company is very disorganized. We left late. Attitude of the tour guides was very bad. As if they were doing us a favor. They even charged us 1 euro for the ear buds!!!!!!!! Preposterous. Never again. Go on your own .....not hard to do.
Review provided by Viator
Phil_c
Apr 22, 2026
Give this a miss! You may not get what you paid for! - Pretty amateur setup. I didn’t end up finding the bus and missed the tour by minutes. I offered to get myself on the train to pick up with the tour group in Gent or Brugges. The operator did not permit this and I did not get a refund! I would give this tour a miss!
Review provided by Viator
