Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
4 Days
Visiting: Belgium
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEC5
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
From:
$575 (USD)Tourhub Members Discount - Sign In
NB: Prices correct on 11-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Medieval buildings, romantic squares, pretty canals, world-class art; Bruges is a lavish feast for the eyes. This being Belgium, it also provides satisfaction for the tastebuds, with flavoursome local beers, the crispest frites and, of course, world-renowned chocolate. A perfect destination to explore by foot, Bruges is ideal for discerning travellers keen to discover a city where history, culture and cuisine combine like nowhere else.Â
You'll immediately soak up the unique atmosphere of Bruges' beautifully preserved historic core, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of its gabled buildings were built on wealth accrued from the textile industry that transformed the city into one of Northern Europe's most important trading centres during the Middle Ages. Whether strolling by one of the many waterways that give Bruges its 'Venice of the North' moniker, sipping coffee in the old market square with bells from the 13th-century Belfry peeling in the background, or taking a gentle trip by horse and carriage, the city's ambience is sure to instil a sense of tranquility.Â
Art-lovers will be attracted to the wealth of exceptional works to be found across the city. Bruges was at the heart of the Flemish Primitive movement, and one of its earliest members was Jan van Eyck, Bruges' most famous resident. You can see several of his classic paintings at the superb Groeningemuseum, while the 12th-century former hospital of Sint- Janshospitaal houses detailed works by renowned artist, Hans Memling. Throw in Pieter Brueghel (the Younger and Elder), Hieronymus Bosch, Michelangelo, Magritte and Dalàand it's clear that Bruges offers something for every art lover.Â
Another unmissable sight is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. As you enter through its gilded facade you'll be transported to 12th-century Flanders. In the upper chapelle in a silver tabernacle you'll find the Basilica's  star attraction - a phial said to contain drops of Christ's blood, reputedly brought back from the Holy Land after one of the Crusades.
If your penchant is for nothing more than to wander the city and unearth some hidden gems, you'll be rewarded at every turn. Meander through the cobbled lanes and you may spot 18th-century windmills, tiny chapels, rows of almshouses and even a silent religious order of Benedictine nuns. A break in one of Bruges' cosy restaurants or cafes is a must, too; your only quandary is which delicious dish to choose from or whether to pick a dubbel, tripel or lambic from the extensive list of Belgian beers. A treat for all the senses, Bruges is sure to capture you in its romantic spell.Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Take the late morning/early afternoon Eurostar service from London St Pancras International to Lille. On arrival, we transfer by coach to your hotel for three nights in Bruges' old town.Â
Day 2
After breakfast we take a guided walk to discover the highlights of this alluring city. We begin in its medieval heart, the Markt, which has served as the main market square since the 10th century. Towering 272 feet over the colourful gabled buildings framing the square is the Belfry and its 47-bell carillon. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 366 steps to the top, the reward being a breathtaking view of Bruges and the Flanders countryside extending beyond. We also visit two other notable buildings in the Burg, the city’s second main square – the elegant Gothic Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the 18th-century law courts – plus the Basilica of the Holy Blood. Another must-see is the Church of Our Lady, which houses Michelangelo’s beautiful white marble sculpture, Madonna and Child. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore. The Groeningemuseum and Sint-Janshospitaal are home to sublime works of art and you can find museums dedicated to Belgium’s holy trinity of beer, chocolate and frites. Later this afternoon, we can arrange an optional boat tour of the canals so you can see the city from a waterside perspective (subject to seasonal operation).
Signature Experience:
Get under the skin of a Belgian passion – beer. On a behind the scenes visit you’ll explore a leading brewery located right in the heart of the city, De Halve Maan’. Here a unique two-mile-long pipeline to a bottling plant on the city’s edge has been constructed and you’ll discover more about this and the history of this ‘temple of brewing’ in the atmospheric cellars before ascending to the viewing platform for fantastic 360° views over Bruges. This enlightening brewing experience concludes with a lunch of hearty Belgian specialties which is of course accompanied by a glass of the finest local beer.
Day 3
Late morning, for those interested, a coach leaves Bruges to visit Ypres and nearby Great War battlefields. Alternatively, you can simply choose to remain in Bruges to spend your time as you please. The battlefield tour centres on Ypres, which was almost flattened during the First World War as Allied and German forces fought for control of this strategically important town. The countless lives lost are remembered with a moving ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial each evening at 8pm. You can also visit the Passchendaele Memorial Museum, which shines a light on some of the darkest days of the Great War. During the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917, over 500,000 troops died in just three months as the Allies attempted to take the village of Passchendaele. We visit the bunkers, craters and trench sites of this monumentally bloody battle. The day concludes with a visit to the world’s largest Commonwealth cemetery at Tyne Cot, its sea of 11,961 graves reflecting the First World War’s staggering loss of life. Returning to Bruges in the late afternoon, you cannot fail to be touched by the sights and sounds of this unforgettable trip back in time.Â
Day 4
Belgian chocolates are known as the finest in the world, and this morning we visit one of the few establishments in Bruges where they are still made by hand. During the demonstration you’ll learn all about this artisanal craft, including the top-quality ingredients that are used and the techniques involved in making these delicious luxuries. Later, a coach returns you to nearby Lille for an afternoon Eurostar service back to London St Pancras International.Â
What's Included
-
Change your booking free up to 45 days before travel
-
Explore the fascinating medieval history of Bruges on an illuminating walking tour of its many highlights
-
Covid Cancellation protection included as standard
-
Discover the significance of Flanders during the First World War in a thought-provoking visit to Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery
-
Learn how the world’s finest chocolates are made at one of Bruges’ last surviving traditional chocolatiers
-
Three nights’ accommodation, including all local taxes, in a choice of quality three to
-
Click here to see our departures exclusively for solo travellers
-
The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms and Double Sole Occupancy rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement.;The price includes: Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar coach Transfer from Lille to your hotel in Bruges Three nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast All local accommodation taxes The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager Included excursions are: a walking tour of Bruges, a chocolate making demonstration, a visit to the First World War battlefields. Occasionally the opening times of the places of interest vary, and if this happens we may change the order of the visits on this tour. Not included in the price is:;entrance fee to the ‘Halve Maan’ brewery museum which is approximately €7.50 and payable locally, the boat trip which is approximately €6.40 and payable locally, entrance to the Flanders Field museum which is approximately €7 and payable locally, entrance to the Passchendaele Memorial Museum which is approximately €7;payable locally.
Check out our Q&As
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
-
I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
-
Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
-
What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
2024 Jul
2024 Aug
2024 Sep
2024 Oct
2024 Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025
Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 23, 2024 - Jun 26, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 10, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Nov 03, 2024 - Nov 06, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Nov 20, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024Sunday - Wednesday
Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 04, 2024Wednesday - Saturday
Mar 12, 2025 - Mar 15, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 19, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
May 11, 2025 - May 14, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
May 25, 2025 - May 28, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 18, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jun 25, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 09, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 16, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 20, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 10, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Sep 24, 2025 - Sep 27, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 22, 2025Wednesday - Saturday
Nov 05, 2025 - Nov 08, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."