A DAY IN ROMANTIC BRUGES

In a nutshell

A real gem set amongst the glistening canals, Bruges is a city whose Medieval spirit lives on. The historic centre was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site and it is easy to see why. An unmissable journey in one of the most romantic cities on the continent.

Main stops

• Guided tour of Bruges, alleys, canals
• Market square, Belfort, Burg, City Hall, Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Canal boat trip, Lake of Love

The programme

• Within the Middle Ages, this city proved itself to be an important strategic port becoming the epicentre for trade between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. This development also saw the introduction of new commercial and financial techniques and, in 1309, the first stock exchange in the world was established here. The great artists of the city including Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and Gerard David, enjoyed the protection of the rich aristocracy, at least up until prosperity reigned, as seen with the opulence of buildings and constructions within the city. Commercial decline began at the end of the 15th Century, characterising the city as an eternally Medieval place of the past, the premise on which its present charm is based.
• After a journey of approximately 30 minutes by coach, we will reach Bruges and set off on a guided tour of the city. Bruges, or Brugge in Flemish, is often called 'Die Scone', 'the beautiful'. Smaller and more concentrated than most other Flemish cities, it immediately brings us back in time. The guide will lead us through narrow and windy cobbled streets, and show us picturesque ancient buildings, the most evocative canals and the well looked-after façades enriched with gables and pediments.
• We will enter the busy market square, where the Belfort can be seen, one of the most important symbols of the city. In the past, this ancient Medieval tower housed treasure and communal archives, and served as an observation point. A narrow and steep stairwell leads to the top. Within another ancient square, the Burg, it is possible to admire the City Hall, the oldest public building in Belgium and one of the best examples of Brabantine Gothic style, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, built between 1134 and 1157.
• The highlight of the tour is the canal boat trip. A truly romantic half an hour of navigating the calm waters of the canals to admire this magical city from a privileged and novel position.
• We will have some free time to wander and lose ourselves within the various alleys or to visit the numerous lace and chocolate stores found all over Bruges. The guide will lead us to the romantic Minnewater, the 'lake of love', a navigable lake nestled in an idyllic spot. From the bridge created in 1740, it is possible to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Good to know

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
  
• The excursion involves long periods of walking, it is therefore recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with mobility problems.