Breathtaking Bruges
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Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Horse and carriage ride in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
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Bruges at night
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Grand Place Grote Markt ©VisitBrussels, Jean-Paul Remy
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Boat at the Graslei ©Piet De Kersgieter
This delightful short break gives you two full days to explore one of Belgium’s most famous and beautiful cities. Bruges is one of the best-preserved small cities in Europe and has long captivated visitors with its mix of medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and quaint, narrow streets.
During your time in Bruges, explore the old town and experience the Belgian lifestyle. Another important aspect of visiting Bruges is visiting chocolate shops and sampling the local beers. Around every corner, beautiful architecture and picturesque canals await. Embark on a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective. During your leisurely cruise, wind through the city and pass under the many bridges. Alternatively, view the city from above by ascending the imposing Belfry, which towers over the market square.
Perhaps visit the fascinating Historium where you follow the story of a young apprentice in medieval times, thus learning more about life in the city during that era. Gain insight into art, religion and trade. Relax with a Belgian beer tasting – with so many different types to try, you may stumble upon a new favourite. Or if beer isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty of chocolate to be found. Furthermore, the city’s many museums host numerous fine examples of Flemish Art. The chance to visit the Notre Dame church will thrill art lovers because it houses Michelangelo’s Madonna. To admire the art form of lace, visit the Kant Centrum. You can watch demonstrations of this intricate craft above the museum.
Dates
22 September, 15 November, 13 & 20 December 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Travel to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque. Continue the short journey through France into Belgium and arrive at your hotel in Bruges for the next 3 nights.
Day 2
Bruges Guided Tour and Canal Cruise
Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the city which will highlight the most important attractions of the historic centre. Wander the maze of cobbled streets and see remarkable architecture. Grote Markt is the main square bounded by colourful, ornate and historical buildings. Following on from this, enjoy a canal cruise which will show the city from a different angle and where you will discover the many waterways that give the city the nickname of ‘The Venice of the North’.
After the cruise, explore the city at leisure. A museum worth visiting is the interactive Historium which brings the history of Bruges to life. Walk around the Benguinage or see the city from a different perspective on a horse and carriage ride. If you are feeling energetic climb the 366 stairs of the Belfry for a birds eye view. There are plenty of shops to browse around as well as cafes, bars and restaurants.
Day 3
Explore Bruges at leisure – some suggestions could include:
Food and beer enthusiasts
Bruges Beer Experience – Learn about the history and heritage of Belgian beer. Taste, smell, and touch ingredients, discover the museum’s collection, and finish with an optional beer tasting. (Note: Not suitable for people with walking difficulties or wheelchair uses as lots of steps)
Choco Story – Discover the fascinating story of cocoa and Belgian chocolate and explore an interactive museum. There is also the option to prepare your own sweet treats with a chocolate-making workshop (Note: There are steps to negotiate throughout the museum). Alternatively, some of the local chocolate shops offer demonstrations.
Museum of Belgian Fries – Answer all the questions that you have ever had about fries at the Frietmuseum, housed in the Saaihalle, one of the most beautiful buildings in Bruges, which is an attraction in itself. Don’t miss the chance to try some fries yourself in the medieval cellars of the building.
Historical Interest
Historium Museum & VR ticket – Journey back in time and experience life in the Middle Ages at Historium Bruges. Start your visit with a virtual flight over the medieval city and immerse yourself in Bruges in the year 1435.
Museum of the Church of our Lady – Discover the artistic treasures within. See Michelangelo’s ‘Madonna and Child’ and the tombs of Charles the Bold and Mary of Burgundy.
The Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde – with its white-coloured house fronts and tranquil convent garden was founded in 1245. This little piece of UNESCO world heritage was once the home of the ‘beguines’, emancipated lay-women who lived in silence as much as possible. Today, some nuns from the Order of Saint Benedict and Order of Vincent de Paul live there, as well as single women.
Stadhuis – The monumental City Hall (1376-1421) is one of the oldest in the Low Countries. An absolute masterpiece is the gothic hall, with its impressive vault and 20th century murals depicting the history of Bruges.
Minnewater – A romantic hotspot par excellence! Once people believed that water nymphs (“minnen” in Dutch) lived here, and thus the lake acquired its name. Add to that a tragic love story, mysterious trees and an abundance of greenery and you get a place overflowing with romance. The best photos can be taken from the Lake of Love bridge, or by the Lockhouse.
Market Square/Belfry – The beating heart of Bruges has long been dominated by the Belfry, 83 metres high and the city’s most prominent building. Those who climb to the top of the Belfry are rewarded with a breath-taking panorama. In the Market Square itself marvel at the imposing Provincial Court and the many colourful stepped gables.
Arts and Crafts
Lace Making Demonstrations – The Lace Centre (Kantcentrym) is located in the renovated old lace school of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. The story of Bruges lace is told in the Lace Museum on the ground floor and demonstrations are organized in the lace workshop on the second floor.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Belgium and return home. We retrace our route back to Calais or Dunkerque for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK.
Optional extra day suggestions
Brussels is the Capital of Belgium at the centre of European culture with almost 90 museums, beautiful parks and gardens and abound with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The highlight of city has to be the spectacular cobbled square of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its decorative architecture, the Royal Galleries and the little bronze statue of a small boy, Manneken Pis, a renowned symbol of Brussels. Guided tours for groups – walking or by coach are possible.
Ghent is a beautiful medieval city and port destination, very similar to Bruges with it’s canals and cobbled streets. Many historical sights include the regal dragon perched on top of the Belfry, the Castle of the Count with its own Torture chamber and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ a world-recognised work of art. Guided walking tours, canal cruises and brewery visits are possible.
Suggested hotel (s)
4* 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.
4* Hotel le Bois de Bruges
4* Martin’s Hotel, Bruges
4* NH Hotel, Bruges
- 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.
- Greatdays can arrange group lunches or dinners in the hotel or local restaurants (please ask for details)
4* Dukes Academie, Bruges
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 22 September, 15 November, 13 & 20 December 2026 | From £385.00 per person | From £205.00 per person |
