Brussels Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Bruges & Ghent
Explore the two best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe. A highlight of the tour is a cruise ride along Bruges' romantic canals.
WHAT YOU VISIT
St. Bavo's Cathedral - Charles V, the first Hapsburg to become Holy Roman Emperor, was baptized in Ghent's primary cathedral in 1500. The interior features an ornate pulpit of white Italian marble and Danish oak, but the cathedral's greatest treasures are Rubens' painting, St. Bavo's Entrance into the Monastery, and a supreme masterpiece of Western art, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb (1432) by Hubert and Jan Van Eyck.
Bruges - Cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals are hallmarks of this medieval city. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, Town Hall, Our Lady's Church and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
CANAL BOAT RIDE
A highlight of your visit to Bruges is an approximately 30-minute ride along Bruges' romantic canals.
SHOPPING
Your excursion includes free time in Bruges to shop for souvenirs, Belgian chocolates, tapestries and Flemish lace.
LUNCH
Stop for lunch at a restaurant in Bruges to sample Belgian specialties.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southeast through the Flemish countryside to Ghent. After your excursion of Ghent, continue for approximately 45 minutes on to Bruges.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Ghent is approximately one-hour each way.
The drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30-minutes each way.
Best Of Brussels
A visit to the capital of Europe includes a walking tour through the heart of the old town, the magnificent Grand Place. View the ornate Baroque façades adorning the guild houses, and then continue past Town Hall and St. Hubert Gallerie with its arcade of shops.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Brussels Old Town - Your guided walking tour takes you to the heart of the Old City, the magnificent Grand Place, once a medieval market and today, the main square. View the ornate Baroque façades adorning the guild houses, and then continue past Town Hall and St. Hubert Gallerie with its arcade of shops. Wind down popular Butchers' Street, home to restaurants and cafés and visit one of Brussels' most famous sights, the "Manneken-Pis", the bronze statue of a boy whose irreverent spirit epitomizes Brussels.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Atomium - This huge monument of an iron molecule was erected for the 1958 World's Fair.
SHOPPING
Spend time in the historic Old Town shopping for fine Belgian chocolates, exquisite tapestries, Flemish lace and souvenirs.
LUNCH
Be treated to regional Flemish specialties in a restaurant located near the Grand Place.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From the pier, drive to Brussels; your narrated city tour passes King Boudewijn Stadium, the Centenaire, the Chinese Pavilion, the Japanese Tower and the royal castle of Laeken. The return trip to Zeebrugge passes the Royal Palace, the European Parliament, the Cinquantenaire and the Koekelberg Basilica.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Brussels is approximately two-hours each way.
Historical Bruges & Canals
Step back into time on a visit to one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Bruges - Cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals, are hallmarks of this medieval city. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, the Town Hall and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
CANAL BOAT RIDE
A highlight of your visit to Bruges is an approximately 30-minute ride along Bruges' romantic canals.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Church of Our Lady - The 13th century church is home to an array of art tresures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.
SHOPPING
Your excursion includes free time in Bruges to shop for souvenirs, Belgian chocolates, tapestries and Flemish lace.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southeast through the Flemish countryside to Bruges.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30-minutes each way.
Bruges & Belgian Chocolates
Explore one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities, and then indulge in a chocolate making demonstration and tasting while learning the secrets of Belgian chocolatiers.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Chocolate Making Demonstration - Learn the secrets of Belgian chocolatiers - acknowledged as the finest chocolate makers in the world. A professional chocolatier demonstrates the art of making chocolates by hand, using only the finest and purest ingredients with no preservatives or artificial flavorings. Afterwards, indulge in a tasting of Belgian's gourmet export.
Bruges - Cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals are hallmarks of this medieval city. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, Town Hall and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Church of Our Lady - The 13th century church is home to an array of art treasures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.
SHOPPING
Treat yourself to a box of fine Belgian chocolates at the conclusion of your chocolate-making demonstration and tasting.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southeast through the Flemish countryside to Bruges.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30-minutes each way.
This tour has a limited capacity.
Ypres - In Flanders Fields
The region of Flanders became internationally famous with the 1915 British publication of Lt. Colonel John McCrae's poem - "In Flanders Fields" - which illuminated the sacrifice of human life in the World War II.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Ypres - In the middle ages, Ypres was one of the most important cloth producing and cloth trading cities of the county of Flanders. World War I ravaged the area and by 1918 almost nothing remained, the city had been caught between the frontlines of the German and Allied armies. Rebuilt after the war, the town today is a small quiet provincial city.
Tyne Cot Cemetery - A cottage used to stand on the site of what today is a military cemetery. British soldiers abbreviated the word cottage to "Cot" and coupled it with the name of the river Tyne in northern England, the cemetery entrance is a reminder of this cottage. At the back of the cemetery, stands a wall with the 33,783 names of the soldiers reported missing from August 16, 1917 until the end of the war.
In Flanders Fields Museum - This award-winning museum is located inside the Cloth Hall on the Market Square in the center of Ypres. Your self-guided visit of the museum chronicles the ordinary citizens who endured the war with multimedia displays that brings the history to life.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Menin Gate - One of the original city gates was rebuilt and today lists the names of the soldiers reported missing from before August 16, 1917, a total of 54,896.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southwest through the Flemish countryside to Ypres.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive to Ypres is approximately 1 1/4 hours.
Antwerp City Highlights & Diamondland
Take a guided walk through the Old Town; visit Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral - home to Rubens' greatest masterpieces - and tour the city's largest diamond emporium.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Antwerp Old Town - Your short guided walk takes you to the old marketplace lined with gabled guild houses. Pass the Town Hall and the famed Brabo statue. Step into medieval Antwerp with a stroll down the narrow Vlaaikensgang or Pie Alley, and then proceed to the Groenplaats, graced with a statue of the great Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens.
Our Lady's Cathedral - The interior of Belgium's largest Gothic cathedral boasts seven naves, 125 pillars and three stunning masterpieces by Rubens - The Elevation of the Cross, The Descent from the Cross, and The Assumption.
Diamondland - Antwerp is the world's diamond capital; Diamondland is one of its most prestigious establishments. Tour the showroom; see polishers, setters and goldsmiths at work, and learn how diamonds are graded according to international standards for color, clarity, cut and carat. Browse or shop among the showroom's 2,500 pieces of jewelry and unset stones.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Cogels Oseylei - This graceful residential street is lined with exquisite Art Nouveau buildings.
Rubens' House - One of the foremost painters in western art history, Peter Paul Rubens lived, worked and finally died at the age of 64 in this house.
LUNCH
A three-course lunch will be served at a local restaurant/hotel.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
You will drive through Antwerp, passing such landmarks as the Jewish diamond district and the Museum of Fine Arts.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive to Antwerp is approximately 1 3/4 hours each way.
This tour will not operate on voyage 5623.
Belgium Beer Tasting & Bruges
Each beer in Belgium is served in it own special glass; explore one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe, and then indulge in a special beer tasting.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Bruges - Cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals are hallmarks of this medieval city. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, Town Hall and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
YOUR BELGIUM BEER TASTING
A beer expert will introduce various Belgium beers. Your experience includes a tasting of four different Belgium beers each in it unique glass; Belgiums feel that the container each beer is served in affects the taste of the beer.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Church of Our Lady - The 13th century church is home to an array of art treasures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.
SHOPPING
You will have approximately 40 minutes of free time for shopping in Bruges.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southeast through the Flemish countryside to Bruges.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30-minutes each way.
Bruges On Your Own - Full Day
This excursion is designed for passengers who have visited Bruges before, or for passengers who just wish to sightsee at their pace, following their own itinerary.
BRUGES ON YOUR OWN
A motorcoach transports you from Zeebrugge to Bruges. En route, you receive a city map and information. On arrival, a coordinator escorts you to the marketplace. You will have over two hours for independent sightseeing and shopping. At the agreed time, rendezvous with your coordinator at the marketplace and return to your motorcoach for the trip to Zeebrugge.
SPECIAL NOTES
This is a non-guided excursion and does not include lunch or any entrance fees.
The walk from the drop-off point in Bruges to the town center is approximately 1 1/2 miles.
Bruges On Your Own - Half Day
This excursion is designed for passengers who have visited Bruges before, or for passengers who just wish to sightsee at their pace, following their own itinerary.
BRUGES ON YOUR OWN
A motorcoach transports you from Zeebrugge to Bruges. En route, you receive a city map and information. On arrival, a coordinator escorts you to the marketplace. You will have over two hours for independent sightseeing and shopping. At the agreed time, rendezvous with your coordinator at the marketplace and return to your motorcoach for the trip to Zeebrugge.
SPECIAL NOTES
This is a non-guided excursion and does not include lunch or any entrance fees.
The walk from the drop-off point in Bruges to the town center is approximately 1 1/2 miles.
Bruges Sampler
Combine a walking tour of one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities with a half day to explore on your own.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Bruges - Cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings and canals, are hallmarks of this medieval city. Your guided walk takes you past the marketplace with its guildhalls, the Belfry, the Town Hall and the Gothic Chapel of the Holy Blood.
CANAL BOAT RIDE
A highlight of your visit to Bruges is an approximately 30-minute ride along Bruges' romantic canals.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Church of Our Lady - The 13th century church is home to an array of art tresures including Michelangelo's white marble Madonna and Child.
LUNCH & SHOPPING ON YOUR OWN
Your excursion includes approximately three hours of free time in Bruges to shop for souvenirs, Belgian chocolates, tapestries and Flemish lace and enjoy lunch on your own.
WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
From Zeebrugge, you will travel southeast through the Flemish countryside to Bruges.
SPECIAL NOTES
The drive between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30-minutes each way.
This tour is not available on every voyage.
Princess Golf: Royal Zoute Golf Club
Golf Professionals are unanimous in considering Royal Zoute as one of the most outstanding courses on the continent.
YOUR GOLF GAME
Played as early as 1909, Royal Zoute used to go by the name of the Bruges Golf and Sports Club. From the beginning the British influence had been prominent and most of the first professionals came from across the Channel. Play was suspended during the First World War and the course was badly damaged at that time. After the War, a new course was built and in 1925, through the offices of the president, Sir Maurice Lippens, the King graciously allowed the Club to assume the title of Royal Zoute Golf Club. This courses is designed on sandy soil and the greens are considered the best in the country. It integrates native flora and fauna, from birches and poplars, to pines and hawthorns. Strong winds can make it especially challenging. Par: 72, 6,752 Yards.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Royal Caribbean
Zeebrugge is a port in northwestern Belgium, 10 miles north of Brugge and 60 miles from Brussels. Interestingly, it is actually an "artificial port," built because the existing marine channel to Brugge at the time had become clogged with silt. Because of its strategic location, Belgium has often been targeted by opposing military forces, which has contributed to Zeebrugge's rich history. In 1918, during World War I, British naval forces sank block ships in Zeebrugge's harbor to block the entry of German submarines. In 1944, the entire port was destroyed by the retreating Germans.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
One of the best views of the area can be found at the Markt or Market Square. Situated at the center of the ancient walled city of Bruges, the Market is lined with 17th-century gabled houses and dominated by the 14th-century Belfort or belfry. Visitors can climb the 350 steps to the top of this 270-foot tower for a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Other Fun Things to Do
Make the most of your stop and explore nearby Brugge. Walk its quaint cobblestone streets and over its flower-lined canals. Admire the many beautiful bridges for which the city was named ("brugge" means bridge in Flemish). Gaze upon rows and rows of spectacular gothic buildings and attractive gabled homes.
Take a quick tour of the medieval city of Gent as well, and see some of the countless works of art in its renowned Museum of Fine Arts.
Walk through the world-famous Grand Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares. The extraordinary ensemble of Baroque façades was built on the very spot where Brussels' first inhabitants held their market in the 12th century. Get a Taste of Local Flavor
Much of Belgium's cuisine is similar to that of its neighbors to the north and south. Moules marinieres (marinated mussels), lapin a la biere (rabbit in beer), and croque-monsieur (ham and cheese toasted sandwich) are some of the local specialties. Belgian chocolates are considered some of the best in the world.
Local Currency
The Euro (EUR), the currency of the European Union, is the official currency of Belgium. Many stores and restaurants also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate. When shopping, remember there is a Value-Added Tax added to most purchases.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Holland America
None.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Seabourn
None.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Costa
None.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Carnival
None.
Brussels Shore Excursions - Celebrity
Antwerp Sightseeing With Lunch
Antwerp lies on the Scheldt River approximately 31 miles north of Brussels. Its name, according to legend, is derived from handwerpen or "hand throwing." A Roman soldier allegedly cut off the hand of a giant and flung it into the river. In the 16th century, Emperor Charles V made Antwerp the world's most important trading center, and a hundred years later Rubens and his contemporaries made their city an equally important center for the arts.
A 2-hour drive via the highway passing the typical Flemish countryside will lead you to the beautiful city of Antwerp. Begin the walking tour by passing through the city center, passing the Vlaeykengang, one of the old streets now completely renovated with restaurants and small cafes. On arrival at Grote Market or Market Square, see the statue of Brabo and the Renaissance Stadhuis or City Hall. The Stadhuis was built in the 1560's during the city's golden age, when only Antwerp and Paris had more than 100,000 inhabitants. Guild houses and a large number of restaurants surround the square. A short distance north, a visit will be made to Our Lady's Cathedral, Antwerps Gothic masterpiece with its white 400-foot spire. Among the Cathedrals many art treasures are four Rubens altarpieces. His "Descent from the Cross" is flanked by panels showing Mary's visit to Elizabeth and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. Some free time is given to investigate the lace and chocolate shops around the cathedral.
Returning to the coach you will make a photo stop at "Rubens' House." On Pieter Paul Rubens' 21st birthday, he enrolled as a Master at the St. Lucas Guild. In 1600, he left for Italy where he spent 8 years as court painter to the Duke of Mantua. In 1611, Rubens returned to Antwerp, bought the building on the Wapper, and enlarged it to provide a home and studio that had all the trappings of a palazzo. It was there that he received scores of distinguished guests and built his dazzling career. Lunch will be served at a restaurant near Rubens' House with a view on the inner courtyard.
After lunch, continue with a sightseeing drive through the city, where a stop will be made in the famous "diamond district" and participants will have an extensive visit. See how rough diamonds are cut and polished, transforming them into the stunning precious stones familiar to all.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.5 mile over cobblestone and uneven surfaces. Several venues involve steps to enter. The drive between Zeebrugge and Antwerp is approximately 2 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions. The order of the tour may be altered at the discretion of the guide.
Biking Tour to Damme
After a 30-minute coach ride to Bruges, you will stop at the edge of town to retrieve your bike for a countryside ride north towards the Dutch border. The bike tour includes Damme, canals, windmills and bunkers. Leave town and escape into the silence and beauty of the flat countryside. Travel along the tree-lined canals alive with herons to eel anglers hiding amongst the reeds and lilies; quaint Flemish villages strung along country lanes; and farmland dotted with windmills. During your trip, you will stop at a local pub for a Belgian beer. Your coach will return you to your ship via the same route.
Note: Guests must be in good health and be comfortable riding a bicycle with hand brakes for this moderately strenuous tour that includes approximately 10 miles (3 hours of cycling). Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks involved in any biking excursion. Participants must be at least 63 inches (160 cm) in height. A parent must accompany children under the age of 16. Please wear the appropriate walking or sports shoes. This tour will operate in all weather conditions so participants should take appropriate weather gear with them, carry a backpack for belongings and take extra bottled water with them to stay hydrated during the ride.
Bruges & Belgian Chocolates
Belgians are renowned for their gastronomic prowess, the manufacture of fine "Belgian Lace," and the production of exquisite chocolate. If you have never tried Belgian chocolate before, or if you have and want to know more about how they produce such an outstandingly delicious confectionery, join this excursion.
After a 30-minute drive from the port, arrive in Bruges where your guided walk will begin. Often called Die Scone or "the beautiful," the charm of this lovely medieval city will capture you immediately. Smaller and more contained than many other old Flemish cities, Bruges gives the impression that you have stepped back in time. Your guide will walk with you through the narrow, twisting cobbled streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled facades. See the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.
You will see a demonstration of how Belgian chocolates are made by hand. A professional will demonstrate the centuries-old tradition of making handmade chocolates, using only the finest, freshest and carefully selected ingredients. You can ask questions and taste different varieties. You will have the opportunity to purchase a box of delicious Belgian chocolates at the end of your chocolate-making demonstration. Free time will be given to browse through the lace shops around the city center before boarding the coach for the return to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over cobblestone streets. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Travel time between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 30 minuttes each way, depending on traffic conditions. The order of the tour may be altered at the discretion of the guide.
Bruges On Your Own
This excursion is organized for the guests who have already visited Bruges and want to explore and shop independently. An escort will be on the coach to assist you and answer questions en route to Bruges. You will be escorted from the parking area to Walplein Square and informed of when to meet the coach for your return to the ship. You will have the time to sightsee, shop or dine at your own pace.
Note: This tour involves approximately 3 hours on your own. The amount of walking is at the guest's discretion. Please note that this tour is non-guided and does not include lunch or entrance fees. If guests should miss the return coach, transportation back to the vessel is their own responsibility and at their own expense. The drive between port and Bruges is approximately 30 minutes each way, dependent upon traffic conditions.
Bruges Sights & Beer Tasting
There is no doubt that Belgium is the country of beer since it offers more than 450 varieties of brew. Belgium, with its widely varying landscape offers a range of beers with the most contrasting tastes and flavors. Beer is deeply rooted in culture and tradition and is more than just a drink. Belgian brewing has kept pace with technology and produces beers that correspond to consumer demand, but at the same time, Belgium maintains the traditional character and range of beers, which never fail to amaze the foreign visitor.
After a 30-minute drive from the port, you will arrive in Bruges where your guided walk will begin. Often called Die Scone or the beautiful, the charm of this medieval city will capture you immediately. Smaller and more contained than many other old Flemish cities, Bruges gives the impression that you have stepped back in time. Your guide will lead you through the narrow, twisting cobblestone streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled façades. See the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.
The highlight is undoubtedly a beer seminar with beer tasting at a local café where the beer expert will explain the history of Belgian beer brewing. Together with your beer expert, you will explore the taste and flavor of four different beers. With Bruges being filled of lace, chocolate and beer shops, your free time will allow you to search for the perfect souvenir or treat.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over uneven and cobblestone surfaces, inclines and 5 to 20 steps. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Time permitting; guests will be given approximately 30 minutes for shopping and browsing.
Bruges Sightseeing
Bruges in French or Brugge in Flemish, is an exquisitely preserved medieval town. It had the good fortune to be linked with the sea by a navigable waterway and the city became a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century, when the town established Europe's first stock exchange.
Upon arrival in Bruges a guided walk through the historical center will introduce you to this beautiful, romantic city. During the walk, your guide will point out such major sights as the Market Square with its Guild houses, the Belfry Tower, and Burg Square. Burg Square is the focal point of ancient Bruges, on the left is the Provost House built in 1665 and across the square is a row of magnificent buildings. The Stadhuis, or Town Hall, dating from the 14th century, has a wonderfully ornate façade covered with statues and the Oude Griffe, the former Recorder's House from the 1530s, is ornamented with impressive windows. Stop to admire the exterior of Chapel of the Holy Blood.
Take a rest with a 30-minute guided canal boat cruise. See the beauty of medieval Bruges from a different perspective from the canals and waterways of the city. Free time will be given to browse through the lace and chocolate shops around the Wallplein before boarding the coach for the return to the ship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 mile over cobblestone streets. Travel time between Zeebrugge and Bruges is approximately 0.5 hour each way. Tour sequence may vary at the discretion of the guide.
Brussels Sightseeing With Lunch
This tour will be a combination of city sightseeing from the coach and a walking tour around the Grand Place. A drive of 1.75 hours takes you to Brussels where skyscrapers and hotels have modernized the skyline of this French and Flemish-speaking city. It is a banking and trade center, as well as the headquarters for NATO and the European Community. Old Brussels, with its narrow cobblestone streets, recalls the city's medieval past.
Discover the city's important monuments during your orientation drive. Pass the exhibition halls of the Centenaire, the Atomium, a gigantic representation of an iron molecule built for the 1958 World's Fair, the Chinese Pavilion, Japanese Tower and the King's Castle in Laeken as the coach makes its way to the city center. There you will have a view of the Royal Palace before leaving the coach at the railway station to begin a guided walk through the St. Hubert Gallery to the Rue des Bouchers, which is the center of the gastronomical district of the city. Lunch will be served in one of the city's fine restaurants.
After lunch, proceed with the walking tour to the world famous Grand Place, one of Europe's most beautiful squares. The extraordinary ensemble of baroque façades was built on the very spot where Brussel's first inhabitants held their market in the 12th century. It was the heart of community life during the Middle Ages. The marvels you can admire date after the reconstruction of the 17th century. Among the remarkable buildings dominating the Grand Place are the 15th century Gothic City Hall and the Guild houses. A short walk from the Grand Place stands the 17th century bronze statue by Jerome Duquesn of a small boy that is the city's official mascot. Time permitting; guests will have some free time before rejoining the coach for the return to the port. Pass the Koekelberg Basilica on the return journey to Zeebrugge.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.75 mile over cobblestone streets with 25 steps at the lunch venue. The drive between Zeebrugge and Brussels is approximately 1.75 hours each way, depending on traffic conditions. The order of the tour may be altered at the discretion of the guide.
Ghent Sightseeing
Ghent is home to one of the world's greatest oil paintings, Van Eyck's "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb." This dynamic modern city has a center straight out of the Middle Ages. It was the weavers from Ghent, joined by others from Bruges, who took up arms to defeat the French in 1302.
Begin your walking tour at St. Michael's Bridge, with its view of Ghent'sthree glorious medieval steeples. The closest is that of the early GothicSt. Nicholas Church. Behind is the Belfry dating from 1314 and in the background rises the honey-colored tower of St. Bavo's Cathedral. The tour continues with a walk through the old town pass the 300-foot Belfry and onto St. Bavo's Cathedral. Visit the interior of the St Bravo's cathedralwhere you will view the famous Van Eyck painting, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb." Free time will be given to browse through the lace and chocolate shops around the Cathedral before boarding the coach for the return to theship.
Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.5 mile over cobblestone streets and several steps. Travel time between Zeebrugge and Ghent is approximately 1 hour each way, depending on traffic conditions. The order of the tour may be altered at the discretion of the guide. This tour will not operate on Sunday morning.
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