Group Tour Operator & DMC for holidays to Belgium
Breathtaking Bruges “Canals, Chocolate and Beer”
-
Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
-
Horse and carriage ride in Bruges ©Visit Bruges, Toerisme Brugge, Jan D'Hondt
-
Bruges at night
-
Grand Place Grote Markt ©VisitBrussels, Jean-Paul Remy
-
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
29 March, 28 April, 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 Sightseeing
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. A canal cruise 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.
Alternatively, visit Choco-story, a contemporary museum where you can discover the history of Belgian Chocolate and see chocolate making demonstrations or head to Bruges Beer Experience, a must do visit for those who wish to experience the most fascinating aspects of beer with it’s unique bar with a view of the market square.
Day 3
Bruges sightseeing or optional Full/Half day excursion to Brussels or Ghent
A further day to explore more of Bruges or take the opportunity of visiting another of Belgium’s great cities – Brussels or Ghent.
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.
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.
Featured hotel
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.
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.
4* Dukes Academie, Bruges
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| 29 March, 28 April, 22 September, 15 November, 13 & 20 December 2026 | From £385.00 per person | From £205.00 per person |
