Paris: Bruges and Ghent Day Trip with Boat Ride and Tastings

Discover Bruges and Ghent in One Day: A Practical Review of This Belgian Adventure from Paris

Traveling from Paris to Belgium for a day trip offers a chance to see two of the country’s most captivating medieval towns—Bruges and Ghent—without the hassle of overnights. For $683 per person, this 13-hour excursion promises a blend of scenic drives, guided exploration, culinary treats, and a taste of Belgian craft beer. Expect to visit iconic sights, stroll through winding streets, and indulge in local flavors, all with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

What we particularly like about this tour is the guided walk through Bruges, allowing us to soak up the medieval atmosphere with a knowledgeable guide, and the boat ride in Ghent, which offers a relaxing perspective of the city’s canal-lined architecture. Plus, the Belgian beer tasting provides a genuine flavor of the region’s brewing tradition.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that some reviewers have expressed frustration over the discrepancy between what’s advertised and what’s actually included, especially regarding tastings and activities. This highlights the importance of managing expectations and clarifying what’s part of the package before you go.

This trip is ideal for travelers who enjoy combining sightseeing with culinary experiences and don’t mind a long day on the road. If you love exploring historic towns with a touch of local flavor, and you’re okay with some potential surprises or changes in the itinerary, this tour could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Visit Two Medieval Cities: Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” and Ghent, famous for its preserved architecture and lively scene.
• Guided and Scenic: Guided walking tours in both cities help you appreciate local history and architecture, while a boat cruise in Ghent offers a unique water-level view.
• Belgian Tastings: Chocolate, waffles, and beer are highlights, although some reviews note these are not always included as promised.
• Flexible & Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned coach with hotel pickup and drop-off ensures a hassle-free day.
• Long Day, Rich Rewards: The 13-hour schedule means you’ll get a comprehensive taste of Belgium, but be prepared for an early start and late return.
• Review Caution: Some travelers have found the experience lacking, especially regarding promised tastings and activities; checking what’s included is advisable.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Comprehensive Look at the Paris to Bruges and Ghent Day Trip

Starting off in Paris, the tour begins with a hotel pickup, which is a major convenience. The journey to Belgium takes about three hours in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, giving you time to relax or review the itinerary. There’s a planned rest stop mid-morning or early afternoon, which helps break up the drive and refresh before reaching Bruges.

Exploring Bruges: The Venice of the North

Once in Bruges, the city’s fairy-tale charm is immediately apparent. Its medieval architecture and winding canals create a scene straight out of a storybook. A knowledgeable guide leads a walking tour through the main sights—think medieval squares, historic churches, and quaint bridges. This guided approach helps you understand the city’s history beyond just snapping photos.

One of the tour’s highlights is the focus on Belgian chocolates and waffles. During the visit, you’ll get to taste some chocolates—though some reviews point out that the tasting might be limited or not as extensive as expected. We loved the opportunity to indulge in freshly made waffles, which are a Belgian staple, even if the guide mentions they’re at your own expense. The charm of Bruges lies in wandering its cobblestone streets afterward, browsing local shops, and soaking in the atmosphere.

The tour includes a traditional Belgian lunch at a local restaurant, giving you time to savor regional dishes. It’s worth considering that lunch is at your own expense, so budget accordingly. Whether you choose hearty stews or lighter fare, this meal provides a nice break and a chance to enjoy the local culinary vibe.

Scenic Drive and Ghent: Waterways and Beer

After about four hours in Bruges, the group boards the coach for a scenic one-hour drive to Ghent. Here, the landscape shifts from medieval to a more vibrant, lively city. Ghent’s well-preserved medieval buildings and charming canals make it a perfect place to explore from multiple angles.

The boat cruise along Ghent’s canals is a relaxing way to see the city’s historic architecture from a different perspective. It’s a gentle cruise, offering views of castle-like structures and quaint bridges, giving a sense of how the city’s waterways have shaped its history.

Following the cruise, the focus shifts to Belgian beer tasting at a local brewery. This part of the tour is often praised: according to reviews, guides are knowledgeable, and the beer selection is excellent. We enjoyed the opportunity to sample some of Belgium’s finest brews, which are renowned worldwide. It’s a genuine treat for beer enthusiasts or anyone interested in understanding the region’s brewing traditions.

Returning to Paris

The day wraps up with a three-hour drive back to Paris, arriving late in the evening. The long day can be tiring, but the variety of experiences makes it worthwhile for many travelers seeking a taste of Belgium without an overnight stay.

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The Realities and the Review Insights

While the tour offers a solid itinerary, some travelers have raised concerns. One reviewer, Gloria, described her experience as “completely misrepresented,” noting that tastings and activities like the boat ride were not included or were cut short. She mentions, “We got back after 15.5 hours without doing everything,” which is a reminder that the actual experience can sometimes fall short of expectations.

On the plus side, many appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to taste Belgian chocolates, waffles, and beer—even if some items are at your own expense or not included in the base price. The value for money can be judged based on the convenience of the all-inclusive transport and the variety of experiences packed into the day.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Wear comfortable shoes: Both cities have cobblestone streets that demand sturdy footwear.
• Manage expectations about tastings: Confirm what’s included beforehand; some reviewers found them to be more sales pitches than genuine tastings.
• Bring weather-appropriate clothing: Belgium’s weather can change quickly, so an umbrella and layers are a good idea.
• Be prepared for a long day: The 13-hour schedule means lots of walking and sitting—bring snacks if desired.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This day trip suits travelers who want to see two beautiful Belgian towns in one go and enjoy some authentic tastes without the hassle of making independent arrangements. It’s perfect if you enjoy guided tours, scenic boat rides, and beer tastings, and don’t mind a packed schedule.

It might be less ideal for those seeking a luxury experience or expecting every advertised tasting activity to be included. The variability in reviews suggests that voice concerns or clarify what’s included when booking.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If your idea of a great day is combining historic sightseeing with culinary delights, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Belgium’s medieval heritage and food culture. The guided walks provide context and depth, while the boat cruise and beer tasting add memorable local flavor.

At the same time, it’s essential to recognize that some aspects might not match expectations—such as tastings that are limited or activities that seem optional. Yet, for many, the convenience of visiting Bruges and Ghent in one day coupled with the insider insights from guides makes this a worthwhile adventure.

This trip is best suited for travelers comfortable with long hours on the road, eager to explore multiple sights in one day, and open to a bit of unpredictability. If you’re after a relaxed, immersive experience, you might prefer a slower-paced local tour. But if you’re enthusiastic about ticking off two charming cities from your bucket list in a convenient way, this day trip offers plenty of value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Paris.

How long is the drive to Belgium?
The trip from Paris to Bruges and Ghent takes about three hours in an air-conditioned coach, with a planned rest stop en route.

What activities are included in the tour?
You’ll enjoy guided walking tours in both Bruges and Ghent, a canal boat ride in Ghent, tastings of chocolates and waffles, and a beer tasting at a brewery.

Are all tastings and activities included?
Not necessarily. Some reviews mention that tastings and activities like beer tasting or boat rides might not be fully included or are at your own expense. Confirm details before booking.

How much free time is there?
Expect around four hours in Bruges and about two hours in Ghent, with some flexibility for shopping, exploring, or relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly mentioned, the activities—walking, boat ride, tasting—can appeal to families, but consider the long day and walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, an umbrella, and possibly some cash for meals or purchases not included.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering some flexibility if your schedule shifts.

In the end, this tour offers a well-structured but potentially variable experience. It’s perfect if you want a quick, guided taste of Belgium’s top towns and are comfortable with some unpredictability. Just keep your expectations aligned with the reviews, and you’re likely to enjoy this scenic, flavorful day trip from Paris.

You can check availability for your dates here: