Medieval Cities – Ghent and Bruges Short Break (based in Ghent) – 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 Ghent and Bruges, 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.
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. Bruges is often described as the ‘Venice of the North’, a truly beautiful city boasting many canals, cobbled streets and remarkable architecture. 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 brewery visit.
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
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to Belgium
Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkirk. Continue through France and into Belgium and the city of Ghent for the next 3 nights. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Ghent Sightseeing and Canal Cruise
Take to the canals and streets to discover Ghent. Starting with a canal cruise with commentary, taking in the historic guild houses, churches, and waterways from a unique waterside perspective, it is a vibrant city blending medieval grandeur with modern culture. A guided walking tour, following the cruise, will allow you to discover the sights of Ghent including the regal dragon perched atop the Belfry, the Castle of the Counts and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’, a work of art recognised world-wide. Other attractions include Graventsteen Castle with its own torture chamber. During the tour, stops will be made for tastings of regional and typical Ghent produce.
The rest of the day and evening is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Optional beer tastings and chocolate making demonstrations are available. We are also able to arrange group meals at the hotel or a local restaurant (please ask for details).
Day 3
Medieval Bruges
After breakfast, travel to the heart of Bruges and meet up with a local guide for a walking tour which will highlight the most important sights and attractions of the historic centre. Grote Markt is the main square, bounded by colourful, ornate and historical buildings. After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore.
Some options could include a visit to the interactive Historium museum which brings to life the history of Bruges or take a canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective as you glide beneath historic bridges and past elegant gabled houses which also gives the city its nickname of ‘Venice of the North’.
Wander the cobbled streets around the Market Square, admire the Belfry Tower, stroll around the Benguinage, or relax in a canal-side café. Maybe take a horse and carriage ride, another way to see the city.
Optional group visits to a Brewery for a beer tasting or to see traditional lace making or chocololate making demonstrations are available (please ask for details).
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.
4* Novotel Ghent Centrum
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 |
| On request |
