Private Bruges, Ghent Full-day trip by Mercedes from Paris

If you’re dreaming of exploring Belgium’s most picturesque cities without the hassle of planning every detail, this private Bruges and Ghent day trip from Paris might catch your eye. Offered by Clewel Travel, this tour promises a comfortable way to see two iconic towns in just one day, with all the logistics taken care of. While it’s priced around $664.50 per person, it’s designed for those who value convenience and a personalized experience.

We like that this trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it straightforward and stress-free, especially for travelers staying in Paris. The luxury Mercedes minivan ensures a smooth ride, and the small-group setup allows for a bit more intimacy and flexibility. Plus, the scenic river cruise in Ghent and the walking tour in Bruges highlight some of the cities’ most appealing sights.

However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The price point is relatively high, and some travelers might find better value in local tours or self-guided visits. Also, based on a recent review, some planned activities, like the river cruise, didn’t happen, and alternatives were offered instead, which could be disappointing if you specifically wanted those experiences. This tour is best suited for those who love a structured day with minimal planning and are happy to accept some variability in the schedule.

This trip works well for travelers who want to see both Ghent and Bruges in a single day without the stress of driving or navigating on their own. If you’re curious about Belgian culture, architecture, and history—plus enjoy a touch of leisure with a beer tasting—this might be a good fit.

Key Points

• Convenient all-in-one experience with hotel pickup and drop-off from Paris.
• Small-group or private options for a more tailored day.
• Includes scenic boat cruise and walking tour—though some activities may vary.
• Price reflects comfort and convenience, but may be high for some travelers.
• Tour schedule is tight, with about 14 hours covering quite a bit.
• Mixed reviews highlight that not all planned activities occur as expected, so flexibility is key.

An In-Depth Look at This Full-Day Tour

If you’re considering a single day to explore Belgian gems from Paris, this tour could be an efficient choice. It’s designed for those who want to maximize their sightseeing without the stress of transport logistics. Let’s break down what the experience entails, starting from the moment you leave Paris.

The Departure and Transportation

The day kicks off early at 7:30 am with a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minivan. You’ll be driven approximately 3.5 hours, covering around 290 km on the highway to Ghent. The ride itself is smooth, and the vehicle’s size allows for up to six people, making it more intimate than large buses but still spacious enough for a comfortable journey.

A short stop after about 1.5 hours on the road gives travelers a chance to stretch legs or grab a quick snack. This pause helps break up the long drive and makes the whole day less exhausting.

Ghent: A River Cruise and City Highlights

Arriving in Ghent around 11:00 am, the tour’s highlight is a 40-minute audio-guided river boat cruise. It’s a relaxing way to get an overview of the city, especially if you’re pressed for time or prefer a different perspective than walking. The narration offers insights into Ghent’s history and architecture, which is always a bonus.

However, according to one reviewer, the boat cruise didn’t happen — they were told why but didn’t get an explanation. Instead, they explored a castle (which was closed) and did a different history tour. This points to a potential inconsistency in what’s promised versus what’s delivered, so if this experience is crucial to you, it’s worth verifying beforehand.

The Drive to Bruges and Lunch

Post-Ghent, the journey continues to Bruges, arriving around 1:15 pm. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch in the city—though the tour doesn’t include meals, so bringing snacks or eating beforehand might be wise. Bruges is famous for its medieval architecture, canals, and history, which you’ll get to explore during a guided walking tour from 2:15 to 4:15 pm.

This tour covers the city center, offering insights into Bruges’ history, architecture, and notable sights. The tour is free of charge, but it’s a structured way to see the highlights without wandering aimlessly. Notably, there’s no inclusion of chocolate or beer tasting during this part, despite Bruges’ reputation for both, which some might find a bit disappointing.

Beer Tasting and Leisure Time

Back in Ghent or Bruges, some tours include a beer tasting in a local brewery, but it’s not explicitly listed in this itinerary. The description mentions beer tasting as part of the experience, but one review suggests that some of these plans may not always materialize. Keep in mind that activities like beer or chocolate tastings may be optional or subject to change, so don’t expect a full tasting experience every time.

Return to Paris

After a full day of sightseeing, the group departs Bruges around 9:30 pm for the return trip to Paris, arriving between 10 and 10:30 pm. It’s a long day, but given the sights covered, it’s quite efficient for seeing two Belgian cities in one go.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers your luxury Mercedes vehicle, the guided walking tour in Bruges, audio-guided river cruise in Ghent, all fees and taxes, and bottled water. However, meals, drinks, souvenirs, and gratuities are not included, which means you’ll want to budget extra if you plan to dine or shop.

The tour offers flexibility, but the absence of meal options might be inconvenient for some. Packing a snack or planning to eat before or after the tour could make your day more comfortable.

The Real-World Experience: Reviews and Insights

Reflecting on the one available review, a traveler shared that “Rusty the driver was very nice and spoke English well”, which highlights the importance of good communication and friendly service. On the flip side, the missing activities—like the boat cruise—are a reminder that tours can sometimes fall short of expectations. Still, that traveler noted it was “a nice day just the same,” which suggests flexibility and a positive attitude can help you enjoy the experience even if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see two beautiful cities without the stress of self-driving or navigating public transit. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy guided experiences, appreciate small groups or private settings, and are willing to accept some variability in activities.

If you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or even someone interested in Belgian beer, this tour offers a taste of it—all in one day. But if you’re after a more immersive or customizable experience, the fixed itinerary and possible activity changes might not be ideal.

The Sum Up

In the end, this private Bruges and Ghent day trip offers a comfortable and efficient way to tick off two Belgian destinations from your Paris itinerary. The hotel pickup, private vehicle, and guided elements make it appealing for those who prefer a hassle-free experience, especially if traveling with a small group.

That said, the price is on the higher side, and some activities might not always go as planned, as recent reviews suggest. If your main goal is to see the sights without too much planning or logistics, and you’re okay with some flexibility, this tour can be quite enjoyable. But if you’re after a deep dive into Belgian culture, food, or a guaranteed experience, consider other options or self-guided exploration.

Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience, especially those who want to maximize their sightseeing in a single day. Just keep your expectations flexible, and you’ll likely have a memorable trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Paris, making it easy to start and end your day comfortably.

How long is the drive from Paris to Ghent and Bruges?
The drive from Paris to Ghent takes around 3.5 hours, covering approximately 290 km on the highway.

Are activities like the boat cruise and beer tasting guaranteed?
Not necessarily. One review indicated the boat cruise didn’t happen, and activities such as beer tasting might be subject to change or availability.

What is included in the price?
Your fare covers a luxury Mercedes vehicle, guided walking tour in Bruges, audio-guided boat cruise in Ghent, all taxes and fees, and bottled water.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, the tour’s structure—long drive, walking, and sightseeing—may be more suitable for older children comfortable with a full day of activity.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, a camera, comfortable shoes, and perhaps a light jacket. Since meals are not included, plan to eat before or after the tour.

If you’re OK with some unpredictability and value comfort, this private day trip from Paris could be a memorable way to enjoy Belgium’s highlights without the fuss. Just stay flexible and open to the surprises that come with guided travel.