Itinerary

The Experience

Your second day in Belgium offers you the chance to visit one of two national gems: beautiful Bruges, the capital of West Flanders and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, or fascinating Ghent, the capital of East Flanders, whose long history does not weigh on its vibrant present. Belgium’s second-largest city, Ghent, abounds in medieval architecture, but nothing museum-like about the city. It’s lively and brims with cutting-edge boutiques and galleries. Since cars are entirely banned in Ghent’s historic center, it’s a particularly pedestrian-friendly area. Stroll with your guide from the Church of Saint James, with its two Romanesque towers, to the Friday Market square, which, as its name suggests, was the site of a huge market every Friday in the Middle Ages. You’ll pass the magnificent 15th-century Great Butchers’ Hall and the elegant medieval trading houses that line Graslei and Korenlei streets. Your last stop is the Belfort, the great bell tower that rises above the Old Town. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore and savor Belgian treats on our included foodie tour. Enjoy the remainder of your afternoon exploring Ghent independently with a complimentary return shuttle to the ship.

Alternatively, you may choose a scenic drive to Bruges, which gives Amsterdam a run for its money as the “Venice of the North” as you cruise through the UNESCO-designated city center. The town grew up around a fort built by the first Count of Flanders to defend against Viking invaders. By the 14th century, Bruges had become the center of the international cloth trade. Merchants and traders worldwide came to Bruges for Flemish cloth, and the town’s bounty of beautiful churches and mansions testify to its prosperity. The city also became a financial services center, offering banking, money-changing, and maritime insurance. Your local guide will take you past the Begijnhof and the Church of Our Lady to the canal cruise terminal, where you’ll board boats for a cruise through Bruges’s picturesque canals. Swans share the quiet backwaters of some canals; others are lined with tall brick townhouses and open up to splendid views of historic churches. After a close-up look at the city and lunch on your own,  see it from above: the Belfry Tower, looming over Market Square, offers an incredible view of the city. This afternoon, return to Ghent to enjoy some independent exploration before heading back to the ship later this afternoon.