Brussels to Bruges & Ghent: Private day tour with guide

Summary

Walk medieval streets, glide on canals, and taste Flanders’ quiet magic

You’ll wander Bruges’ peaceful lanes and glide along its canals with a local guide sharing stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Taste Belgian classics at lunch, explore Ghent’s dramatic cathedral art, and end your day feeling like you’ve lived centuries in one trip — moments you’ll remember long after returning home.

What’s the experience like?

"You ever tried real Belgian fries?" our driver grinned as we pulled away from Brussels — I hadn’t, but that would come later. The drive out was quiet, just the hum of the van and a bit of drizzle on the window. Our guide, Sophie, pointed out how the fields blurred into old towns before you even realized you’d left the city. First stop: Bruges. The air smelled faintly sweet near Minnewater Lake (Sophie said it means ‘common water’, which somehow felt right). We wandered through cobbled lanes where the houses lean like they’re whispering secrets. At the Beguinage, everything went hushed — even the ducks seemed to tiptoe. I tried to take a photo on that little bridge but mostly just stood there watching the light shift over whitewashed walls.

Burg Square was busier, all layered architecture and people ducking in and out of cafes. Inside the Basilica of the Holy Blood, it was darker than I expected — cool stone under my hand and this odd mix of incense and candle wax in the air. Sophie explained how relics are still carried through town every May; she got a little animated describing it, hands moving fast. We had time for a quick boat ride on the canals (optional but honestly worth it), gliding past gothic facades while someone’s dog barked at us from a window above. Lunch was unhurried — moules-frites for me, though I probably should’ve gone lighter before more walking.

Ghent felt different — younger maybe? Or just less postcard-perfect. The cathedral loomed up suddenly; inside St. Bavo’s, I lost track of time staring at Van Eyck’s altarpiece (the Mystic Lamb is smaller than you’d think). Our guide knew all these odd details about guild houses along Graslei and Korenlei — apparently merchants used to signal deals with hand gestures from those windows. There was a moment outside Gravensteen Castle when it started raining again and everyone rushed under an awning except one old man who just stood there smiling at nothing in particular.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just walking around these places — like history isn’t something behind glass here but sort of seeps up through your shoes. By late afternoon we were back in Brussels, tired in that good way where your head’s full but your feet are sore. Still thinking about that view over Minnewater Lake when things went quiet for a second.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bruges Highlights

• Learn meaning of Minnewater lake
• Visit Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaarde
• Photo stop at small bridge
• Tour Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Explore Burg Square
• Boat ride on Bruges canals
• Discover old harbour at Graslei and Korenlei

Day 2 — Discover Ghent's Treasures

• Visit St. Bavo's Cathedral and see altarpiece
• Tour Gravensteen Castle

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent?

The private tour lasts a full day with morning pickup from Brussels and return in the evening after visiting both cities.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bruges & Ghent tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Brussels are included in your private tour.

Can I customize stops during this private day trip?

Yes, your local guide can adjust stops or timing based on your interests during the tour.

Are boat rides on Bruges or Ghent canals included?

The canal boat rides are optional; you can choose to add them during your visit if you wish.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No set lunch is included; you have free time to choose where you'd like to eat in either city.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and most areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

What main sights will we visit in Bruges?

You’ll see Minnewater Lake, Beguinage, Burg Square, Basilica of the Holy Blood, Belfry tower, Our Lady Church, Sint Janshospital or Groeninge museum.

What do we see in Ghent during this trip?

You’ll visit St. Bavo's Cathedral (with Van Eyck’s altarpiece), Graslei & Korenlei harbor area, Gravensteen Castle (Castle of Counts), plus canal views.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Brussels by air-conditioned minivan with WiFi onboard; bottled water; a private local guide throughout; flexible itinerary; optional canal boat rides; plus plenty of time for photos or lunch wherever catches your eye before heading back in the evening.