Glorious Ghent – A Taste of Flanders
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Ghent, Belgium - Ghent Market Hall © PT Wilding
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Gent-©Photos-Visit-Gent
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Gent, belgium - Ghent in winter © Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme
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Gent, Belgium - Ghent at night © Tom D'Haenens
Gorgeous Ghent
Cosy yet vibrant, medieval with an industrial edge – Ghent is a stunning Belgian city of towers and gables. This stunning port destination is located in the North-west and easy accessible from numerous cities. Ghent has a bustling food and beer scene and whilst visiting, be sure to take in the fabulous canal-side architecture. Equally as beautiful as Bruges, but often overlooked by tourists, Ghent is a fantastic destination with lots to offer. This fairy-tale town boasts bold, beautiful architectural styles on charming, winding lanes. The dramatic Belfry towers over the city, a majestic dragon overlooking the city from the pinnacle. Other headline sights are the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Count and the famous Graslei area. This is a wonderful area in which to stroll and sip coffee in canal-side cafes. Also, one of the most picturesque areas of Ghent is St. Michael’s Bridge. Furthermore, it’s a great place to view the surrounding architecture and a perfect spot to see the medieval towers of Ghent. So don’t forget your camera!
Fantastic Food in a Medieval City
Belgium is a foodie’s paradise. While there are many Michelin starred restaurants, the fantastic food can be enjoyed on every corner! Explore Ghent’s gastronomic sensations. Belgium has a huge reputation for its beer and chocolate. During your stay, enjoy a delicious beer tasting, and perhaps sample some more afterwards. Alternatively, you could attend a chocolate making demonstration to learn more about the process. Be sure to eat some Belgian fries, but there are also many other traditional local dishes to try!
Dates
Dates throughout 2021
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Arrive in Belgium
Travel to Belgium and check in to your hotel in Ghent.
Day 2
Canal Cruise & Ghent’s delights!
Today we take to the canals and streets to discover Ghent. Begin with a 40 minute canal cruise followed by tea and coffee. Then, take a 2 hour walking tour around old squares and along streets enjoying the different architectural styles as well as stopping for tastings of the regional and typical Ghent products. Enjoy all the sights the city has to offer such as a large and regal dragon perched atop the Belfry, which soars over the city. The magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Count and the famous Graslei area with its many canal side cafés and restaurants. Alternatively, visit the old meat hall, now housing shops and cafés and experience the wonderful aromas, or simply wander around the famous Graslei and Korenlei, a favourite with both locals and tourists.
Day 3
Ghent’s Gastronomy
Today, perhaps continue your culinary adventure. Family-run chocolatiers offer demonstrations and, of course, samples. Why not visit YUZU, a unique chocolate shop fusing Belgian chocolate with unusual and exotic flavours. Frituur Filip, a renowned food outlet, offers the best Belgian frites (fries) in town. Remember – never call them French fries in Belgium! In the afternoon, enjoy a tasting of another of Belgium’s favourite pastimes – beer. Indulge in a tasting at the Gruut Brewery and perhaps discover a new favourite. Tonight, perhaps dine at the De Witte restaurant, a traditional Belgian restaurant offering great views of the Graslei. Perhaps indulge in a local classic, Flemish stew.
Day 4
Return to the UK
It’s time to depart Ghent and return to the UK. Why not add an extra night and discover the sights of Flanders’ other beautiful and historic cities.
Suggested hotels
Holiday Inn Gent Expo ****
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo 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.
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo has free onsite coach parking.
Express by Holiday Inn Gent ****
The Express by Holiday Inn Gent is located 2.5km from the centre of Gent and 2.9 km from Gent-Sint-Pieters railway station. The contemporary rooms feature coffee-makers, free Wi-Fi and TVs, as well as pull-out sofas. There is a bright brasserie, bar, meeting facilities and a terrace.
Ibis Gent Kathedraal ***
The Ibis Gent Kathedraal is situated directly opposite Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in the centre of Ghent. The contemporary rooms feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Other amenities include a cafe/bar and a business centre.
Novotel Gent Centrum ***
The Novotel Gent Centrum is set in a tranquil square in a central location, 3-minutes walk from the Saint Bavo Cathedral, a 5-minute walk from Gravensteen castle and 5 km from the Museum of Fine Arts. The contemporary rooms feature TVs, seating areas and minibars. The stylish restaurant with a terrace serves international cuisine. There are 2 bars, including a fashionable cocktail bar and a Medieval-style cellar. Other amenities include a gym, a pool and saunas, plus an indoor playground and a children’s library.
You may also be interested in:
The 3 B’s of Belgium – Blankenberge, Battlefields and Bruges
| 4 days by Land and Sea | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| October 2020 | From £172.00 per person | From £79.00 per person |
| 2021 dates | Price on request | Price on request |
Prices by air and by train are also available on request.
