Ghent and Bruges Day Tour: Private Guide & Transport

Two medieval cities in one day, guided through their history

A full-day private tour from Brussels takes you to Ghent and Bruges, Belgium's two most historically significant cities, with a professional guide and dedicated transport. In Ghent, you visit the Castle of the Counts, the Graslei and Korenlei quaysides, and St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece. In Bruges, you explore the medieval streets, canals, and the Belfry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Ghent and Bruges from Brussels

• Depart from Brussels
• Visit Castle of the Counts in Ghent
• Explore Graslei and Korenlei quaysides
• See St. Bavo's Cathedral and Ghent Altarpiece
• Travel to Bruges
• Walk Bruges cobbled streets and historic buildings
• Visit Belfry of Bruges
• Take boat tour on Bruges canals
• Return to Brussels

The experience

The tour departs Brussels in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and runs seven to eight hours. Your guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French, you choose the language at booking, and travels with you throughout, explaining the architecture, art and history as you move between the two cities. Bottled water and onboard WiFi come with the booking, and the vehicle is wheelchair accessible.

Ghent's old market anchors the morning. You'll stand in front of the Castle of the Counts, a medieval fortress that dominates the city center, then walk the Graslei and Korenlei, the historic quaysides where merchant guilds once controlled the grain trade. St. Bavo's Cathedral holds the Ghent Altarpiece, a 15th-century painting by Jan van Eyck that draws art historians and travelers alike. Your guide will walk you through what makes it matter. The city's narrow streets and bridges connect these stops, and the guide shapes the pace.

Bruges comes next. The medieval layout is tighter here: cobbled streets, guild houses, and the Belfry tower rising above the market square. You can add a private boat tour on the canals if you want, though that's arranged separately. The guide points out the buildings and their stories, and you move through the city on foot. The return to Brussels happens in the same private vehicle, arriving in the evening.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for the full day.
• professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Italian or French.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• onboard WiFi.
• hotel or central pickup in Brussels.

Options for this experience

2 options

Full-day private tour from Brussels: Treasures of Flanders, Ghent and BrugesGuide in 4 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 10:30Pickup is included

OptionsGuide in 4 languages · 5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 10:308-hour city tour in a Mercedes V-Class, pickup included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 10:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TOWN TAXI

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want a guide who adapts the itinerary to your interests (focusing on art, architecture, or history), and controls the pace, rather than following a set schedule with fixed stops and group timing.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Ghent Altarpiece and why does it matter?

The Ghent Altarpiece is a 15th-century painting by Jan van Eyck housed in St. Bavo's Cathedral. It's one of the most important works of Early Flemish art and depicts religious scenes across multiple panels. Your guide explains its historical significance and artistic techniques during the tour.

Can I take a boat tour on the Bruges canals as part of this tour?

A private boat tour on the canals is available in Bruges, but it's arranged and paid separately from the main tour. Your guide can help you book it, and it fits within the day's schedule if you choose to add it.

How much time do I spend in each city?

The tour splits the day between Ghent and Bruges, though the exact time in each depends on your interests and pace. Your guide adjusts the stops and timing based on what you want to see and how long you want to linger at each site.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included, but your guide will recommend cafes and restaurants in both cities where you can eat. You choose where and when to stop, and the guide waits or joins you depending on your preference.