This half-day Bruges shore excursion is designed to help cruisers experience the highlights of Bruges in the most efficient way. It combines a guided walking tour, free time to explore on your own, and the option to include a canal cruise. It is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate.
After pickup at Zeebrugge cruise port, enjoy a comfortable 30-minute transfer to the medieval city of Bruges. Upon arrival, meet your professional English-speaking local guide and begin a walking tour through Bruges’s cobbled streets, canals, and historic landmarks, including Market Square, Burg Square, and the Belfry Tower.
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore Bruges independently. You may also choose to include an optional canal cruise through the city’s picturesque canals.
At the end of your time in Bruges, return comfortably to Zeebrugge port, well before your ship’s departure.
We meet all passengers outside of the Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge. Please look for our hosts holding a *VEXPERIO* sign.
You will be greeted directly at Zeebrugge cruise port shortly after your ship docks and shown to your private vehicle with a professional driver. From there, you will enjoy a comfortable drive to the medieval city of Bruges (approximately 30 minutes).
Upon arrival in Bruges, you will meet your professional English-speaking local guide near the historic city center to begin your walking tour. Starting at Bargeplein, the route takes you through the beautiful Minnewater Park, where you will pause at the famous “Lake of Love,” one of Bruges’s most romantic spots. Continue past the historic Begijnhof Bridge (Begijnhofbrug), leading into the UNESCO-listed Beguinage, where you can stroll through the peaceful courtyard, admire the traditional whitewashed houses, and take photos of this serene medieval setting once home to a community of religious women. The walking route is mostly flat but includes cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Please note that this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility challenges.
The Gruuthusemuseum is a beautiful landmark to pass by, with its elegant medieval architecture, charming windows, and peaceful setting along the canals. It was home to The Gruuthuse family, one of the most powerful and influential families in the city.
This is the view everyone comes to Bruges for: gothic facades, willows draping over canals, and the belfry reflected in still water. Pause for a photo or simply take in the beauty of the city’s most photographed location.
As you arrive at Bruges’s historic Market Square, you’ll find yourself surrounded by colorful guild houses, lively cafés, and the city’s impressive medieval atmosphere. Towering above the square stands the famous Belfry Tower, one of Bruges’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city’s former wealth and power. Nearby, you will also visit the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a beautiful historic church best known for housing a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ.
The walking tour concludes in the heart of Bruges at the historic Market Square, where you will have approximately 60-80 minutes of free time to enjoy the city at your own pace. Whether you choose to try famous Belgian fries, sip a local beer, browse the nearby chocolate shops, or simply relax and soak in the medieval atmosphere, Market Square is the perfect place to enjoy your free time. At this point, your guide will say goodbye and clearly explain where and when to meet your return transportation back to the ship. Alternatively, you may choose to replace part of your free time with a 30-minute canal cruise (plus ~15 minutes boarding time). Canal tickets can be selected during the booking process.
You may choose to include a 30-minute canal cruise and experience Bruges from a completely different perspective as you glide through the city’s picturesque canals, passing historic bridges, charming facades, and hidden corners only visible from the water. A canal ride is considered one of the classic Bruges experiences and a wonderful way to take in the city’s unique atmosphere. Please note that if you chose this option (can be selected during the booking process), canal tickets are pre-arranged for you. Boats are shared with the general public. Approximate waiting times of 15–20 minutes may occur depending on crowds.. Guests choosing the canal cruise will have reduced free time in the city. If you choose to purchase canal tickets directly on site, we recommend going to the ticket window at the beginning of your free time to increase your chances of securing a spot, as ticket availability on the day cannot be guaranteed.
At the end of your time in Bruges, return to your private vehicle for a comfortable transfer back to Zeebrugge cruise terminal with plenty of time before your ship’s departure. Before saying goodbye after the guided walk, your guide will clearly explain the exact meeting point and meeting time for your return transfer. The guide will not accompany you during the return drive back to the port.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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