Zeebrugge Shore Excursion

This is the most popular Zeebrugge shore trip and you will understand why it is so popular once you reach the charming town of Bruges with its lovely canals, Gothic Town Hall, elegantly stepped facades and more.

After meeting your Zeebrugge tour guide at the pier you immediately depart for Bruges. Upon arrival you start a Bruges walking tour by visiting the Beguinage. A beguinage, or begijnhof in Dutch, is a courtyard surrounded by small homes, typically surrounding by a wall and secluded from the local town by one or more gates. In the case of Bruges, the beguinage is also cut off from the town by canals and bridges. Pious catholic women who lived and dressed like nuns (though they did not take formal vows) lived in these small quarters. This tradition started in the 13th century. Poor and elderly beguines were housed by wealthy benefactors. The homes you see today are from the 17th century and the area is one of the most charming and tranquil in Bruges.

Very close by your tour guide will show you the Lake of Love. At one point, Bruges was a port city and the Reie River emptied into the harbor of Bruges at this location. Later the river was dammed and canals brought water further into the town. Today the lake is surrounding by a park and the water is graced by the symbol of Bruges, white swans. On the lake your tour guide will also show you and talk about the history of the Gothic Lock Keeper's House.

This Bruges tour includes a stop to sample some of the Belgian Chocolates which are famous around the world. You may think you have tasted them before, but fresh chocolates are much better than boxed.

Your walking tour continues as you explore the iconic Market Square which has been used as a market place since the year 958 AD. The square is filled with Gothic Revival buildings, a 250 foot tall bell tower, the famous Burg, rows of stepped facades and outdoor caf̩es serving Belgian specialties and beer. Your tour guide will provide detailed explanations about this beautiful square and its historic buildings. The square was pedestrianized in 1996 and has since become one of the most beautiful squares in all of Europe.

After your Bruges walking tour you have free time to enjoy lunch (meal not included) in one of the many caf̩es. Your tour guide is happy make suggestions and tell you about the local specialties.

After lunch you enjoy one of the special treats of Bruges, a boat canal tour. These popular boat cruises take you by some of the most picturesque settings in all of Europe and is a must for any visitor to Bruges.

You end your time in charming Bruges with a short amount of free time. There are plenty of shops to entertain you or if you would enjoy it, your tour guide would be happy to take you to a lace making demonstration or a Belgian beer tasting. Another idea is to climb the steps to the top of the Belfry for views over the Market Square. However, with only one day the fairytale ends too soon.

At the completion of this private Zeebrugge shore excursion you are brought back to the pier.

Mobility: NO wheelchairs