Ghent and Bruges in One Day

Experiencing Bruges and Ghent in a single day is the perfect way to see Flanders’ top architectural gems. I have designed a comprehensive yet relaxed itinerary, ideal for couples or small groups. This is a fully customizable Ghent and Bruges private tour: just you and your party, paced to match your interests. Choose the format that works best: a 10-hour trip with transfers from the Netherlands or a 6-hour option meeting directly in Belgium.

Historic Ghent: Counts, dragons, and the Van Eyck altarpiece

We will spend about two hours exploring Ghent on foot. I will show you the historic center, a surprisingly grand area that often flies under the radar compared to Brussels. Since seeing all of Ghent in a day is ambitious, I have curated a route highlighting the absolute must-sees. We will uncover how medieval merchants lived and discover why locals earned the nickname “noose-bearers.”

• Walk through the Patershol district to Gravensteen — the massive stone Castle of the Counts of Flanders.

• See the fortress of knight Geeraard the Devil and the Friday Market square.

• Step inside St. Bavo’s Cathedral to view the Van Eyck altarpiece, and I will explain why this work revolutionized global painting.

• Approach the Belfry tower with its dragon figures. Its bell tower houses a carillon — a historic instrument used today to play not only classical music but also modern hits.

Legendary Bruges: Canal swans and movie locations

The drive between the two cities takes just 45 minutes. I will guide you through the most atmospheric spots and give you a solid grounding in the history of Flanders. You will experience authentic old-world Europe, spot locations from the movie In Bruges, and get a complete feel for the city in just one day.

• Walk to Burg Square to examine the details of the historic City Hall and the merchant guild houses.

• Find the Bonifacius Bridge and Minnewater Lake with its white swans — the exact filming locations for the movie In Bruges.

• Head to the Belfry watchtower, and inside the Church of Our Lady, I will show you the original marble Madonna by Michelangelo.

We will take culinary breaks in both cities. You will have the chance to taste, compare, and decide for yourself whether Ghent or Bruges crafts the best beer and Belgian chocolate.

Pricing and itinerary options

This route is fully flexible. I tailor the itinerary to your preferences before we even set off. The order of the cities can easily be swapped: starting in Bruges and ending in Ghent is just as logical and seamless.

Option 1: With transfer from the Netherlands

• Duration: 10 hours.
• Price: 850 euros.
• Travel in a comfortable vehicle accommodating up to 6 passengers, featuring onboard Wi-Fi and bottled water. A child seat is available upon request.

Option 2: Meeting in Belgium

• Duration: 6 hours.
• Price: 450 euros.
• Ideal if you are already in Belgium or plan to arrive independently by train or car.

What is included

• Custom itinerary planning based on your preferences (please share these before the trip).
• Transportation and complete logistics management (for Option 1).
• Walking tour of Bruges (2 hours).
• Walking tour of Ghent (2 hours).
• Belgian chocolate tasting.

What is not included

These optional extras are paid separately on the spot:

• Canal cruise tickets: 15 euros in Bruges; 9.50 to 12 euros in Ghent.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride in Bruges: 60 euros per carriage (holds up to 5 people).

• Van Eyck altarpiece entrance: 12.50 euros.

• Belfry of Bruges entrance: 15 euros.

• Halve Maan brewery tour: 16 euros, including a tasting set.

• Personal expenses: Food, drinks, and souvenirs.

More to see in Belgium and the Netherlands

I can organize routes to other iconic destinations for the remaining days of your trip:

• Private Author’s Walking Tour of Amsterdam

• Brussels Private Walking Tour

• Private Tour of Antwerp

• Private Day Tour from Brussels to Luxembourg via Namur & Dinant