Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour with Cruise & Chocolate Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, this Brussels to Bruges and Ghent day trip offers a fantastic way to see some of the most iconic cities in the region without the hassle of organizing multiple transfers or tours yourself. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, I’ve gone through the details and reviews to give you an honest, thorough picture of what you can expect.

What I love about this experience is how it combines cultural exploration with some sweet indulgence and scenic views. The walking tours through Bruges’s medieval streets are charming, and the canal cruise in Ghent promises a unique perspective of the city. Plus, the visit to a renowned chocolatier will satisfy your sweet tooth and give you a taste of Belgium’s famous chocolate craftsmanship.

On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this is a long day—about 10 hours, so it requires decent energy and walking. If you’re not a fan of early mornings or busy schedules, this might feel a bit rushed. But overall, it’s well-suited for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Flemish culture in a single day.

This tour works best if you’re keen on experiencing two beautiful cities with a relaxed pace, enjoying walks, scenic boat rides, and local treats. It’s especially good for those who appreciate guided insights but also want some free time to explore on their own.

This experience made our article of 9 Top Boat Tours & Cruises In Ghent (With Reviews & Prices).

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation ensures a smooth trip between cities.
• A guided walking tour in Bruges provides insight into its medieval charm.
• The canal cruise in Ghent offers a different view of the city’s architecture.
• Chocolate tasting at a renowned chocolatier is a highlight for sweet lovers.
• Free time in both cities allows personalized exploration.
• Optional add-on tickets for Belgium Beer World enrich the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Day in Brussels

The journey kicks off at a meeting point just a short walk from Brussels Central Station, making it easy to access whether you’re coming from the city center or a nearby hotel. The guide, easily recognizable with the Tourcompany logo, sets the tone for a relaxed yet organized day. You’ll hop onto a luxury coach, which promises a comfortable ride for the approximately 1.5-hour drive to Bruges.

First Stop: The Charm of Bruges

Once in Bruges, a guided tour takes you through the cobblestone streets, highlighting the city’s medieval architecture and vibrant history. The guide’s insights make a big difference; as one reviewer mentioned, guides like Matteo and David are both enthusiastic and well-informed, making the experience engaging and educational.

The Markt square is a perfect spot to soak up the lively atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful guild houses and historic buildings. For those who enjoy panoramic views, climbing the Belfry tower is optional but highly recommended if you’re after spectacular vistas of the city. With around 45 minutes of guided tour and over an hour of free exploration, you have ample time to enjoy the ambiance, snap photos, or browse the local shops.

Indulging in Belgian Chocolate

A highlight for many is the visit to a renowned chocolatier in Bruges. Watching chocolate being made, learning about Belgium’s millennia-old tradition, and tasting a variety of chocolates make this stop stand out. It’s a perfect break for sweet lovers, and the 1-hour visit is well-paced—enough to enjoy without feeling rushed.

The Scenic Drive to Ghent

After the chocolate stop, the coach takes you to Ghent, about an hour away. The ride allows you to relax and get ready for the next part of the day. Many reviews highlight the value of having a knowledgeable guide to explain the sights along the journey, adding context to what you’ll see during the tour.

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Exploring Ghent: From Land to Water

Once in Ghent, the 30-minute guided walking tour introduces you to its impressive landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and Saint Bavo Cathedral. The real star here is the canal cruise, which lasts about an hour. Gliding through Ghent’s waterways, you’ll get a different perspective of the city’s architecture and hidden corners. Reviewers have appreciated this part, with one noting that the boat ride provided a unique view of the historic buildings.

Post-cruise, you’re given free time to wander along the Graslei and Korenlei quays, explore shops, or visit a museum. Having about 1.5 hours to explore on your own means you can tailor your experience—whether that’s simply sitting at a café or diving into a local art exhibit.

Returning to Brussels

After a full day of sightseeing, the coach takes you back to Brussels, arriving around 8 or 9 pm depending on traffic. The comfort of the coach and organized schedule make the long day manageable and enjoyable.

Additional Options & Extras

You can opt to add a ticket for Belgium Beer World, which many find worthwhile if they want to deepen their cultural experience. This attraction offers interactive exhibits, beer tastings, and stunning architecture, providing a gastronomic contrast to the sweet chocolate and scenic views.

Considering the price point—which isn’t specified here but should be weighed against what’s included—this tour offers a lot for those interested in cultural sights, scenic cruising, and local treats. The guided elements, combined with free time, give a good balance of structure and flexibility. Reviews praising the guides as knowledgeable and enthusiastic further justify the value, as a good guide can transform a sightseeing day into a memorable experience.

What the Reviews Highlight

Many travelers rave about the enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, like Mateo, David, and Luis, making the day both informative and fun. The scenic views from the canal cruise and the delicious chocolate tasting are often singled out as highlights. One reviewer called their experience “phenomenal,” emphasizing how much they learned thanks to the guide’s detailed explanations.

However, some mention the long hours—it’s a packed 10-hour itinerary, so if you prefer a more relaxed pace, this might feel a little rushed. Also, those with mobility issues should note that the tour involves some walking and stair climbing, especially if you choose to go up the Belfry.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Flanders’ highlights without the stress of planning. It’s perfect for culture enthusiasts, chocolate lovers, and scenic view seekers. If you enjoy guided tours with a bit of free time and don’t mind a full day on the road, you’ll find this trip rewarding.

It’s less suited for travelers who prefer a slow pace or need special accommodations for mobility issues, as the tour involves some walking and uneven surfaces.

The Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour with Cruise & Chocolate Visit offers a well-rounded taste of Belgium’s historic cities, scenic waterways, and sweet delights. It balances guided insights with free exploration, making it a flexible choice for many travelers. The itinerary’s highlights—beautiful architecture, a scenic canal cruise, and Belgian chocolates—are genuine crowd-pleasers.

The tour’s success hinges on the quality of guides and the overall organization, both of which seem to receive high marks from past travelers. While the day is long, most find it worthwhile, especially if they want a snapshot of Flemish culture and scenery in one go.

If you’re someone who loves storytelling, picturesque views, and local treats, this trip will likely meet your expectations. Just be prepared for a full day, and pack comfortable shoes!

FAQs

Is transportation provided for the entire tour?
Yes, a comfortable, luxury coach takes you from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent, and back again.

How long is the guided tour in Bruges?
The guided walking tour in Bruges lasts about 45 minutes, giving you a concise overview of the city’s highlights.

Can I climb the Belfry tower in Bruges?
Yes, climbing the Belfry is an optional activity during your free time, and it offers great views of the city.

What can I expect during the canal cruise in Ghent?
The cruise lasts about an hour, offering scenic views of Ghent’s historic buildings from the water, accompanied by commentary from your guide.

Is there enough free time to explore both cities at my own pace?
Certainly. You’ll have around 105 minutes in Bruges and 1.5 hours in Ghent to wander, shop, or relax.

Is the tour suitable for families or travelers with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for those with mobility problems or wheelchair users, as some walking and stairs are involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes are essential. Bring a camera, some snacks if you’re hungry, and perhaps a light jacket depending on the weather.

Can I add the Belgium Beer World to my experience?
Yes, there’s an option to include a ticket for Belgium Beer World, which adds to the culture with tastings and exhibits.

You can check availability for your dates here: