Bruges & Ghent by Train: Small-Group Tour with Boat Ride

Patershol, Ghent, Brussels



Discover the medieval charm of Bruges and Ghent on a guided day trip from Brussels. Explore the historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the highlights of Ghent.

This guided day trip from Brussels visits the medieval cities of Bruges and Ghent, suited for travelers interested in history and culture.

Highlights

  • Discover the medieval charm of Bruges and Ghent on a guided day trip
  • Explore the historic center of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • See the romantic Lake of Love, the Begijnhof, and Walplein Square
  • Admire the Church of Our Lady and the medieval Old St. John’s Hospital
  • Visit the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral in Ghent

Description

Meet your guide in central Brussels and enjoy a comfortable train ride through the Belgian countryside to Bruges. Explore Bruges’ historic center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view landmarks such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater), the 13th-century Begijnhof, and Walplein Square.

Stroll along Stoofstraat, visit the medieval Old St. John’s Hospital, and admire the Church of Our Lady with its notable brick tower. Pass historic sites including Gruuthuse Palace and the Dijver Canal. Stop at Rozenhoedkaai, a well-known city corner, and explore Market Square (Grote Markt) featuring the Belfry tower.

After free time for lunch and optional chocolate tasting, continue by train to Ghent. On a guided tour, visit the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, home to the famous painting The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.

See the Belfry, the Gothic and Renaissance Town Hall, and St. Nicholas’ Church near the Masons’ Guild House. Walk along the medieval harbor of Graslei and visit the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square. Enjoy free time in Ghent before returning to Brussels by train.

Includes

  • Train journey from Brussels to Bruges and Ghent, return included
  • Guided walking tour of Bruges with a professional guide
  • Guided walking tour of Ghent with a professional guide
  • Free time in Bruges to explore, shop, or enjoy lunch at your own pace
  • Free time in Ghent to discover the city’s atmosphere and local sites

Excludes

  • Lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Chocolate tasting

Important Information

  • The itinerary order may change due to train schedules or local conditions; the tour may start in either Bruges or Ghent, but all visits and activities will be maintained.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Booking tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring weather-appropriate clothing. The best time to visit is during mild weather months to enjoy outdoor exploration fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour begins in central Brussels where you meet your guide before boarding the train.
Participants travel comfortably by train between Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.
The tour includes visits to the historic center of Bruges, the Lake of Love, the Begijnhof, and Walplein Square.
In Ghent, the tour visits the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
Yes, the tour includes a boat ride to view Bruges and Ghent from the water.
The tour is a full-day experience departing and returning to Brussels.
Yes, the historic center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ghent is known for its medieval landmarks.
Yes, the tour is designed for travelers interested in the rich history and culture of Bruges and Ghent.
Check the official booking website for the most up-to-date hours and availability information.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again