Ghent & Bruges: Walks, Tastes & Tales

Tour a pair of picture-perfect medieval cities in Flanders, each frozen in time in its own way. Ghent is an hour’s coach drive across pastoral Flemish terrain and is home to St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where you’ll be wowed by the ornate carved pulpit and Van Eyck’s world-famous masterpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altar. From St. Michael’s Bridge, see the Old Port’s gabled houses and the Castle of the Counts – and catch the “Row of Three Towers” view as the spires of St. Nicholas Church, the Belfry and St. Bavo’s come into awesome alignment. Bruges is a smaller city than Ghent and a designated UNESCO World Heritage site; a walk through this glorious time capsule is like a stroll through an old master painting come to life. Your guide will lead the way along twisting, cobbled streets as you pass fabulously preserved Brick Gothic buildings with intricately gabled facades. Bruges’ many tree-lined canals add immense atmosphere of the setting. Signature landmarks you’ll see include opulent Town Hall, the Chapel of the Holy Blood and the carillon-topped Belfry Tower in Market square. Refresh yourself with lunch at a typical Bruges restaurant before some free time to explore the many chocolate and lace shops of Bruges.

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light raincoat and umbrella as lowlands weather can change rapidly.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.