Bruges & Ghent – Flanders Fairytale Cities – NEW TOUR
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Ghent, Belgium - Ghent Market Hall ©PT Wilding
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Boat at the Graslei ©Piet De Kersgieter
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Aerial view of Ghent ©Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
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Bruges
Discover the very best of two enchanting Flemish cities on this inspiring short break to Bruges and Ghent, where medieval charm, picturesque waterways and rich cultural heritage combine to create a memorable European getaway. This carefully designed three-night tour offers the ideal blend of guided sightseeing, relaxing canal cruises and free time to explore at leisure, making it perfect for groups seeking a rewarding and atmospheric Belgium short break.
Your stay will be based in a comfortable and well-located hotel, with a choice of three central Bruges options — the elegant Dukes’ Academie Bruges, the traditional NH Brugge, or the stylish Le Bois De Bruges — each just a short walk from Bruges’ famous canals, cobbled streets and welcoming cafés. Alternatively, groups may stay at VOCO Ghent, conveniently located only six minutes from the metro for quick and easy access into Ghent’s lively historic centre.
The tour includes a scenic canal cruise in Bruges, offering wonderful views of elegant gabled houses, medieval bridges and tranquil waterways. With time at leisure, guests can wander the charming streets, visit local chocolate shops, or join an optional walking tour or brewery visit.
A full-day excursion to Ghent reveals another side of Flemish heritage. A narrated canal cruise showcases the city’s rich mercantile past, gliding past historic guild houses and impressive Gothic architecture. Free time allows guests to explore independently or join optional experiences, including a chocolate-themed walking tour or general guided tour of the city.
Combining atmospheric old towns, scenic waterways and authentic Flemish culture, this tour provides an immersive introduction to two of Belgium’s most captivating historic cities.
Dates
On request 2026 and 2027
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Depart the UK and journey to Belgium, arriving at your Belgian hotel for a three-night stay. The evening is free to relax.
Day 2
Bruges
After breakfast, travel to the heart of Bruges for a scenic canal cruise, gliding beneath historic bridges and past elegant gabled houses. The cruise offers a wonderful introduction to Bruges’ medieval charm and architectural beauty.
Afterward, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Wander the cobbled streets around the Market Square, admire the Belfry Tower, or relax in a canal-side café.
Optional excursions include a guided walking tour of the historic centre or a visit to a local brewery to experience Belgium’s famed brewing traditions.
Day 3
Ghent
Today we visit Ghent, a vibrant city blending medieval grandeur with modern culture. Upon arrival, enjoy a canal cruise with commentary, taking in Ghent’s historic guild houses, churches, and waterways from a unique waterside perspective.
Following the cruise, enjoy free time for lunch and exploration. Stroll through picturesque squares, browse boutique shops, or relax beside the canals.
Optional excursions include a chocolate-themed walking tour celebrating Belgium’s world-famous sweets, or a general guided walking tour highlighting Ghent’s historic streets and hidden corners.
Day 4
Return to the UK
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and begin the journey back to the UK via the short sea crossing from France.
Suggested hotels
Voco Gent Expo ****
Voco Gent Expo, has been recently renovated, scheduled to be complete in May 2026 and is a 7-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, this relaxed, 6-minutes walk from Flanders Expo arena and convention centre and 6 km from Gravensteen castle museum. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, TVs, minifridges and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is a laid-back lounge bar and a gym, as well as a business centre and event space.
VocoInn Gent Expo has free onsite coach parking, last visited by Greatdays staff in February 2026.
Dukes Academie Bruges ****
The Dukes Academie is less than 100 metres from the famous Minnewater in a scenic and peaceful area of Bruges. The hotel includes a cosy bar and a terrace garden with a fish pond. Air conditioning, a TV and refrigerator are provided as standard in the rooms at Academie. Each room also has a private bathroom with a shower and a bath. The Beguinage is less than 150 metres away and a 10-minute walk from both the Grote Markt and coach parking area. A daily buffet breakfast is served in the cellar of the hotel. There is also a lounge with tourist information and computers with free internet access. Coaches can drop off passengers on arrival 100m away from hotel.
Last visited by Greatdays staff in February 2026
Bruges coaching restrictions – Due to local regulations limiting coach access to central Bruges, for arrival/departure transfers, coaches can drop off or collect passengers close to the hotels. However, coaches cannot collect passengers within the city for any day excursions – passengers must walk to the coach park on the edge of the city.
Voco Gent Expo ****
Dukes Academie Bruges ****
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| Select dates in 2027 | From £255.00 per person | From £115.00 per person |
