Best Bruges Shore Excursion - Small Group + Optional Canal Cruise

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1

  Embark on a unique shore excursion designed specifically for cruise passengers docking in Zeebrugge. Start your day with a warm welcome from an English-speaking guide and board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a relaxing ride to Bruges. This tour makes it easy to explore the city’s charm without the stress of planning or navigating on your own.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 2

  Upon arrival in Bruges, your guide will lead you on a scenic 20-minute walk to the city center. The route starts at Bargeplein and takes you through Minnewater Park, where you'll pause at the famous "Lake of Love," a romantic spot known for its serene waters, graceful swans, and peaceful atmosphere. The route is flat, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Please note, this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 3
  The Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde

  As you walk, you'll pass through the serene grounds of the Princely Beguinage, a former religious community of women who lived and worked independently for centuries. Its quiet courtyards and whitewashed houses remain one of the most atmospheric corners of the city.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• De Halve Maan Brewery (Pass by)

  As the walk continues, you'll pass the city's only active brewery within the historic center. Known for its underground beer pipeline, this spot adds a quirky, modern twist to Bruges' medieval surroundings.

  Admission ticket free
• Apotheek Sint-Janshospitaal (Pharmacy Saint John’s Hospital) (Pass by)

  One of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in Europe, this striking complex served the sick for more than 800 years. Your guide will share insights into medieval medicine and the building’s ongoing legacy as a museum and art space.

  Admission ticket free
• 4

  Look up to admire the tallest brick tower in the city and hear the story behind one of Bruges’ most valuable treasures—Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child. While entrance isn’t included, your guide will explain the history and significance of this iconic landmark.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
• (Pass by)

  In a bustling trading hub like Bruges, opportunities abounded for individuals to forge their own fortunes and leave a lasting legacy. Prepare to be awestruck by the wealth and influence of one of the most affluent families, not only in Bruges but across all of Belgium. Soon, you'll uncover the secrets behind their vast riches and how they amassed the wealth required to construct this magnificent residence.

  Admission ticket free
• Quai du Rosaire / Rozenhoedkaai (Pass by)

  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.

  Admission ticket free
• 5
  Basilica of the Holy Blood

  Your next stop is one of Bruges’ oldest and most historically rich squares. The Basilica of the Holy Blood stands quietly in one corner, its layered Gothic and Romanesque architecture marking it as a place of religious significance. Guests may step inside during free time if they wish.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Market Square

  The walking tour concludes at the heart of Bruges, where you'll find colorful medieval guild houses, horse-drawn carriages, and the towering Belfry. Whether you're tasting Belgian fries, sipping a local beer, or simply relaxing on a bench, it’s a perfect place to spend your free time. All guests will have free time to enjoy the city at their own pace. Those who selected the cruise option will enjoy a 30-minute boat ride through the city’s scenic canals. Guests who opt out of the cruise will have extended time to relax, shop, or explore the sights more deeply on foot.

  1 hour • Admission ticket free
• 7

  At the end of the tour, the coach will take you back to the port, ensuring you board your ship on time and without stress. The tour is designed with your ship's timetable in mind, eliminating any concerns about late returns. Relax and enjoy this tour showcasing the best Belgium has to offer!

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This tour includes around 90 minutes of walking over cobblestone streets as the city center of Bruges is not accessible to buses
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• The pace is relaxed with regular stops, but this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility impairments or difficulty walking longer distances.

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