Medieval Ghent
Soak up the atmosphere of the charming city of Ghent, with its gabled houses and narrow cobbled lanes, bustling with activity.
Soak up the atmosphere of the charming city of Ghent, with its gabled houses and narrow cobbled lanes, bustling with activity.
Travel along the motorway with scenes of the Flemish countryside as your companion. On arrival in Ghent, you’ll take a walking tour through the old city passing by the interesting guild houses with their steep, gabled fronts.
The Flemish city of Ghent was considered the most powerful next to Paris in the 16th century and was an important medieval and Renaissance art centre. The past seems to still be alive and you can feast your eyes during a walk in the heart of the city. Take a stroll over St. Michael’s Bridge, which overlooks the old river port and enjoy a view of the well-known ‘Row of 3 Towers’, consisting of St. Nicholas Church Tower, the Belfry Tower and St. Bavo’s Cathedral Tower.
During your visit inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral, you’ll be able to admire the church’s highlight – the famous painting of ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, by the brothers Van Eyck. Also of particular note is the ornately carved wooden pulpit.
You’ll have time to browse independently through Ghent. Find the perfect memento of your visit in the shops, which are brimming with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace.
Bruges At Your Own Pace
This half day tour is ideal for those who prefer to explore this beautiful historic city independently.
This half day tour is ideal for those who prefer to explore this beautiful historic city independently.
You will be transferred to Bruges, where you will disembark your coach at a designated drop-off point in the city, close to the major attractions. You’ll be able to enjoy Bruges as you please for half a day. Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-guided and exclusive of refreshments and entrance fees. City maps will be provided on the coach.
At the time specified by your escort, your coach will depart from the designated pick-up point for the return drive to Zeebrugge.
A Taste of Bruges - BEST SELLER
Discover Bruges with its canals, beautiful medieval buildings, chocolates and lace.
Discover Bruges with its canals, beautiful medieval buildings, chocolates and lace.
Start with a narrated panoramic drive with scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour and canal ride, followed by free time for shopping.
As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn, and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. You’ll take a guided walk through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).
A true highlight of your tour of Bruges will be a short canal boat ride along the serene waterways of this romantic, historical city.
You’ll have time to browse independently around Bruges. The shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.
Ypres - In Flanders Fields - SOMETHING DIFFERENT
This tour takes in the dramatic history of war and the battles fought in and around Ypres.
This tour takes in the dramatic history of war and the battles fought in and around Ypres.
Ypres was reduced to rubble by constant bombardments. Now restored to its former grandeur, Ypres contains numerous poignant sites and monuments linked to the war.
There are many battlefields around Ypres, where German and allied armies fought without decisive victories. Take time to remember those who lost their lives at Tyne Cott Cemetery.
Menin Gate is a famous British War memorial of the First World War and is by far the most important evidence in Ypres of the British presence. The names of 54,896 missing soldiers are engraved on its walls.
‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum is not a traditional war museum. It is not about commanders and strategists, but about ordinary people who endured the war, the soldiers, nurses, fugitives and children. ‘In Flanders Fields’ Museum is active in keeping the veteran’s stories alive for future generations. The innovative hi-tech methods used within the Museum earned ‘In Flanders Fields’ the title of ‘Best European Museum’.
A short visit will be made to St. George’s Memorial Church, Ypres, which stands as a memorial to the thousands who died in the three battles of the Ypres Salient.
Enjoy free time in Ypres to explore this pretty town, shop and grab a bite to eat.
Bruges in a Day
Enjoy a morning guided walk and canal tour, then the afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s treasures as you please.
Enjoy a morning guided walk and canal tour, then the afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s treasures as you please.
Discover the medieval old town of Bruges, with its cobble-stoned streets and centuries-old buildings next to picturesque canals. A guided walk takes you through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall, Our Lady’s Church, and Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood.
Take home memories of a delightful short boat ride along the canals of this romantic, historical city.
Souvenir shops are in abundance, with delicious Belgian chocolates, finely-made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.
For the remainder of the afternoon you will have free time to browse independently through Bruges, exploring the charms of this delightful town at your leisure.
Scenic Villages and Chocolates
Visit quaint Flemish villages on this scenic tour, before heading to one of the largest chocolate shops in Bruges.
Visit quaint Flemish villages on this scenic tour, before heading to one of the largest chocolate shops in Bruges.
Your scenic drive through the Flemish countryside will take you to the peaceful village of Male: one of the main attractions of this village is undoubtedly the stunning castle. The castle originated in the 9th century as a defence tower against the Vikings. The wooden structure was replaced with stone and Male became the residence to the Count of Flanders. Throughout history, the castle remained a stronghold of great strategic importance in a much-disputed region; the castle was restored and since 1954 has been a convent.
Not far from Male, lies the picturesque little village of Damme, typically Flemish and steeped in historic character. Enjoy free time to stroll round the picturesque streets or relax at a café and enjoy one of the many kinds of beers that Belgium is famed for. Damme is also known as a book town, with numerous bookshops and regular book fairs.
Drive through the outskirts of the historical city of Bruges catching sight of the windmills and the impressive medieval walls surrounding the city. A highlight for many will be a visit to Roose’s Chocolate World, one of the largest chocolate shops in Bruges.
Ghent and Belgian Chocolates
The beautiful and historic city of Ghent will fascinate you and the chocolate factory will delight your senses.
The beautiful and historic city of Ghent will fascinate you and the chocolate factory will delight your senses.
Ghent’s city centre is straight out of the Middle Ages. It was weavers from Ghent, joined by others from Bruges, who took up arms to defeat the French in 1302.
After an hour-long drive on the highway passing the typical Flemish countryside, you’ll arrive at the medieval city of Ghent. Your guided walking tour starts at St Michael’s Bridge. From St Michael’s Bridge you will have the most impressive view of the historical city centre. From that point, you can see the Old Port with gabled guild houses, the age-old Castle of the Counts and the famous ‘row of 3 towers’ - St Nicolas Church, Belfry Tower and St Bavo's Cathedral.
The highlight of this excursion will be a visit to the chocolate factory. A Belgian chocolatier will show you how chocolate bars are made, using only the finest, freshest and carefully selected ingredients. At the end, there is some time to purchase some Belgian chocolates or enjoy some free time for shopping to find the perfect souvenir.
Bruges and Ghent - NEW
The perfect introduction to Flanders best preserved medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges, including a canal boat ride.
The perfect introduction to Flanders best preserved medieval cities, Ghent and Bruges, including a canal boat ride.
Upon arrival in Ghent, your guided walking tour begins at St Michael's Bridge where you will enjoy impressive views of the historical city centre. This vantage point boasts views of the old port with gabled houses, the Castle of the Counts and the famous Row of Three Towers.
Pass the old port, meat house and the City Hall to reach St Bavo's Cathedral. Inside, see the ornate wooden pulpit and the world famous oil painting of The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.
Your next stop is the charming city of Bruges; cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals make this medieval city a delight to visit. You’ll have no problem finding a lovely location to have lunch during your free time. Shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are plentiful. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, Town Hall, Our Lady’s Church and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
A highlight of your visit to Bruges will be a canal boat ride along the romantic waterways. Soak up the atmosphere and architecture of this amazing city gliding along the scenic canals.
Bruges, on Your Own
Spend the whole day in Bruges - doing your own thing.
Spend the whole day in Bruges - doing your own thing.
You will be transferred to Bruges, where you will disembark your coach at a designated drop-off point in the city, close to the major attractions. You’ll be able to enjoy Bruges as you please for the day. Please bear in mind that this excursion is non-guided and exclusive of refreshments and entrance fees. City maps will be provided on the coach.
The historic city centre of Bruges was added to the Unesco’s World Heritage List. The current city boundaries still coincide exactly with those of the medieval city centre, and the spaces and structures that were so typical of Bruges in the past have been preserved.
Take your time to walk through busy squares, refreshing parks and quiet, intimate cobbled streets, and don’t forget to visit the modest almshouses as well as the imposing patricians’ homes!
Bruges is famous for its 13th century Belfort, housing a municipal Carillion comprising 47 bells. The city still employs a full-time bell ringer, who puts on regular concerts.
The opportunities for sightseeing are simply endless….
Bruges Highlights
Discover Bruges with its canals, beautiful medieval buildings, chocolates and lace.
Discover Bruges with its canals, beautiful medieval buildings, chocolates and lace.
Start with a narrated panoramic drive with scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour, followed by free time for shopping.
As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. You’ll take a guided walk through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).
The opportunity will be given to visit inside the 13th century Our Lady’s Church, home to an array of art treasures including Michelangelo’s white marble Madonna and child.
You’ll have time to browse independently around Bruges. The shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs, delicious Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, the world-famous lace - so the opportunities are hard to resist.
Christmas Spirit in Brussels - BEST SELLER (Arcadia only)
A full day in Brussels to capture the festive spirit of the famous Christmas Market, with its array of gifts and delicacies.
A full day in Brussels to capture the festive spirit of the famous Christmas Market, with its array of gifts and delicacies.
On arrival in Brussels you’ll drive past the King Boudewijn Stadium and make a photo stop at the Atomium. This was built for the World Fair in Brussels in 1958 and represents the atoms of an iron molecule.
Near the Central Station you’ll walk through the Old Town area to admire the St Hubert Arcades and Butchers' Street with its plethora of restau¬rants and cafés. You’ll be astonished by the beauty of the Grand Place, adorned in its Christmas finery. A few blocks further, you‘ll meet ‘Manneken Pis’, Brussels’ best known little boy.
During your free time, visit the annual Christmas Market. No fewer than 220 wooden chalets will be present for the Christmas market. A huge array of Christmas goods, craft products and delicacies will be on sale in the beautifully illuminated shopping area. A 160 feet high giant wheel gives fantastic views of the city and the traditional Christmas tree and decorations.
As the year-end draws near, the Christmas markets blossom in many cities and towns in Belgium. This market with its cheerful lights, delicious aromas and vast number of stalls promises a truly festive atmosphere.
After a short walk back to the coach, you’ll pass by the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, the Cinquantenaire Arcade and the Koekelberg Basilica before heading back to Zeebrugge.
Christmas Spirit in Bruges (Arcadia only)
Combine the Christmas markets of Bruges with a guided walking tour through the city and its highlights.
Combine the Christmas markets of Bruges with a guided walking tour through the city and its highlights.
Enjoy a narrated panoramic drive with scenes of the Flemish countryside, before arriving in Bruges for a walking tour followed with free time for shopping.
As you enter this historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobble-stoned streets twist and turn and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. A guided walk will take you through the picturesque city passing the Market Place with its merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood (exterior views only).
Make a short inside visit to the 13th century Our Lady’s Church, home to an array of art treasures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.
There will be enough time to browse independently around Bruges. The city centre is transformed by the charming Christmas Markets in the city’s squares; browse around the pretty stalls selling hand-made decorations, gifts, chocolates and tasty local delicacies. The traditional step-gabled buildings decorated with sparkling lights, the huge Christmas tree and the ice rink in Market Square all add to the delightfully festive atmosphere.
Your guide will lead you to the romantic ‘Lake of Love’ to rejoin your coach for the journey back to the ship.