Bruges Private tour
Description:
Private guided tour of Bruges
Considered by many to be the most beautiful Belgian city. The little «Venice of the North» is full of a thousand wonders for us to discover. The guided tour of Bruges with our personal guide is the unique opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in the center of one of the only Belgian cities listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Let us admire and indulge the splendid historical monuments; take advantage of the breathtaking views, take a stroll on the canals to take magnificent photos.
Our private tour in Bruges consists of a general overview of the magnificent medieval city with a discovery of the magnificent medieval buildings as well as the characteristic red brick buildings of Flemish cities in small winding streets.
There are a large number of unmissable buildings to visit in Bruges and thanks to this guided tour of Bruges, the city center of this magnificent medieval city will soon have no more secrets for you.
So book your guided tour of Bruges now to be able to fully enjoy it!
Additional information
Type of activity: | Private tour |
---|---|
When: | Every day |
Time: | You choose |
Duration: | You choose |
Language: | English |
Meeting point: | You decide. To be agreed with the guide. |
Responsible tourism: | This activity respects the codes of responsible and sustainable tourism. |
Highlights:
- Discovery of the center of Bruges, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Historical visit, with guaranteed charm: discovery of historical monuments, stroll on the canals…
- Circuits defined according to your needs and preferences.
- Pick-up in Bruges or from Brussels.
- Tailor-made service for particular groups, companies or tour operators.
Our guarantees:
- Responsible tourism: This activity respects the codes of responsible and sustainable tourism.
- We work in partnership with the Brussels Tourism Office.
- More than 10 years of experience.
- Certificate of Excellence since 2013.
- Professional guide (English-speaking), certified by the Bruges Tourist Office.
- Quick and easy booking (free cancellation*).
“Our guides, experts in the history and the legends of Bruges, have prepared a number of routes and guided tours that can be tailored to your needs.”
Program:
Tailor-made service: the itineraries are arranged to suit your needs and preferences. We have prepared for you several circuits and guided tours of Bruges that are 100% customizable in terms of content, duration and means of transport.
The must-see places to visit in Bruges:
- The ancient city wall park. Admire parts of the ancient city wall and the ancient moats while taking fresh air.
- Markt Square, the tenth century city market that has been for a millennium the economic heart of Bruges. Admire its imposing guildhalls and its bellfort tower, which is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Belgium.
- Burg Square, the political heart of the city, place in which the city was born around the castle of the first Count of Flanders. Admire the oldest Gothic city hall of the Low Countries, the Basilica of the Holy Blood (it treasures a relic of the blood of Jesus Christ), and the civil register built in Renaissance architecture.
- VisMarkt (fishmarket) and the Tanners’ Square, two of the oldest squares in Bruges with their beautiful guildhalls and lovely cafés and restaurants.
- GroeningeMuseum (possibility to enter the museum and see the paintings of the Flemish Primitives).
- Our Lady of Bruges is one of the oldest churches in the city. Admire its impressive tower that is still one of the tallest brickwork towers in the world, and take a look to its art treasures, including Michelangelo’s Madonna with the child.
- Old St. John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where you can appreciate 800 years of European architecture, learn about its history, and visit the museum of Hans Memling.
- Brewery “De Halve Maan” is the only brewery still operating in the city center. During lunchtime try one of the famous Bruges beers and a “Flemish Carbonnade”, a traditional beef stew made with local beer.
- The Beguinage. Visit one of the best-preserved examples of medieval gated communities in which only women could live. Learn about its history, visit its courtyard, appreciate its unique architecture and art treasures (including the oldest sculpture of Our Lady of Bruges), and enjoy a moment of calm and contemplation.
- The “Lake of Love” is one of the main water reservoirs that nourish the canal system of “the Venice of the North”. Admire a stunning panoramic view of the city in a bucolic spot that seems to whispers into your ears the secrets of the city.
Examples of other places of interest and particular topics that can be addressed during the visit:
- Hansa Quarter: from the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was an important trading centre at the crossroads between the Hansa cities of Scandinavia, England and Germany (known collectively in those days as the ‘Easterners’) and the most important commercial regions in France, Spain and Italy. The Spanish traders established themselves at Spaanse Loskaai (Spanish Unloading Quay), while the Easterners set up shops on the Oosterlingenplein (Easterners’ Square). Places where you can still feel the atmosphere of days long gone by.
- The Flemish primitives: during Bruges’ Golden Age, the 15th century, the fine arts prevailed. In the wake of the prestigious Burgundian dynasty, the great Flemish Primitives made a name for themselves. The world-renowned works of Jan Van Eyck, Hans Memling and those of other prominent Flemish Masters can be admired at the Groeninge Museum, St John’s Hospital, St Saviour’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady. Michelangelo’s world famous ‘Madonna and Child’ can also be found in the Church of Our Lady.
- Canals of Bruges. Experience the city by following an age old tradition. Cruising Bruges’ canals – the remarkable city arteries – you will discover secret gardens, picturesque bridges and wonderfully beautiful views. Although it sounds incredible, Bruges’ loveliest places ooze even more charm when you admire them travelling by boat.
- Brugse Vesten (Bruges’ City Ramparts): while the picturesque town center is endlessly fascinating we mustn’t forget Bruges’ city ramparts. The green lung encircles almost the entire town and offers a variety of interesting locations worth discovering. You can for example admire the four remaining windmills as well as several medieval town gates. The modern Conzettebridge spans the entrance to the small marina and is just one of many bridges that frequently open for boats. The ramparts between the train station and Ezelpoort town gate allow you to leisurely stroll and enjoy nature. A tour along the ramparts is an ideal opportunity to process all your Bruges impressions.
- Religious heritage: over the centuries many of Bruges’ churches, monasteries, abbeys and chapels have been active centres of religious life. This accounts for the city’s remarkable ecclesiastical heritage. But this patrimony is testimony to more than just its religious past. If the stone façades could speak they would have countless fascinating stories to tell about evolutions in education, the economy, society and culture:
- L.V.-kerk Museum (Museum of the Church of Our Lady): the 115.5 metre-high brick church tower, the second tallest of the world, illustrates the craftsmanship of the Bruges builders. Inside you can find a wealth of art treasures, with Michelangelo’s world-famous Madonna and Child as the absolute highlight. The rich church interior contains numerous paintings, 13th and 14th century painted crypts and the 15th and 16th century tombs of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold.
- Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (Saint Saviour’s Cathedral): Bruges’ oldest parish church (12th–15th century) has amongst its treasures a rood loft with an organ, medieval tombs, Brussels tapestries and a rich collection of Flemish paintings (14th-18th century). The treasure-chamber displays, amongst others, paintings by Dieric Bouts, Hugo van der Goes and other Flemish primitives.
- Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood): The Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of an upper and a lower chapel. The lower chapel, dedicated to Saint Basil, is a rare example of Romanesque architecture in the coastal region. The Relic of the Holy Blood, said to have been brought to Bruges by the crusaders, is kept here in the Chapel of the Holy Blood. The Chapel was built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, but is mainly important for its late-19th century neo-Gothic decoration. The church was raised to the status of basilica in 1923, due to the special veneration of the Holy Blood.
- Adornesdomein – Jeruzalemkapel (Jerusalem Chapel): The Jerusalem Chapel is the private chapel of the Adornes family, an Italian merchant family from Genoa. The chapel was consecrated in 1429 and was inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The architecture, layout and extraordinary relics provide an exceptional illustration of the great reverence of the Adornes family for Jerusalem. The tomb, the wonderful stained glass and the relic of the Holy Cross are unique.
- Sint-Annakerk (St Anne’s Church): this simple Gothic single-nave church, built in the 17th century, surprises with the opulence of its rich Baroque interior – the result of donations by wealthy local patrons. Admire the intricacy of the marble rood-screen, the rich wooden panelling with inset confessional booths, the canvases of Jan Garemijn and the largest single painting in all Bruges.
Unusual activity recommended in Bruges:
- Bike trip to Damme: on the natural journey that links Bruges to Damme along the Sluis canal, also known as the Napoleon canal and Flanders fields. We will observe a magnificent landscape full of large trees called poplars. These trees were intentionally planted in rows parallel to both sides of the canal. The poplar’s reflection in the water and the bike lane along the canal creates a worthy scene that allows a deep breath of fresh air and a great spot to take pictures. In addition, this route is a stop-over site for water birds such as cormorants, ducks or herons, surrounded by potato fields and cattle and sheep farms. This description can explain why today Flanders recognizes this landscape in the middle of its famous polders as a natural monument.
We have a team of professional guides who will accompany you at all times and who will adapt to your pace.
Practical information:
Price:
- Private guide service:
- 190€ (guided tour of 3 hours – up to 10 people).
- 230€ (guided tour of 3 hours – up to 15 people).
- 300€ (guided tour of 3 hours – up to 25 people).
- 310€ (guided tour of 6 hours – up to 10 people).
- 400€ (guided tour of 6 hours – up to 15 people).
- 500€ (guided tour of 6 hours – up to 25 people).
When:
- Every day.
Starting time:
- The choice is yours.
Duration:
- 3 hours or 6 hours.
Language:
- The tour is exclusively in English.
Included:
- English speaking guide (certified by the Bruges Tourist Office), expert and passionate about the history of Bruges and Flanders.
- Private and personalized visit.
- Routs defined according to your needs. Can be included: transport, entrances to museums, meals, drinks, … (we take care of everything – on request when booking).
Book one of our packages above or send us a message for more information or for any special request.
Not included:
Terms of service:
Booking:
- The reservation is free and without charge.
- You can book up to two hours in advance.
Cancellation:
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the start of the tour.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the maximum group size for the guided tour of Bruges?
To ensure the best possible service, visits are limited to 25 participants per group. For larger groups, we must contact Bravo Discovery.
When should I book my guided tour of Bruges?
It is advisable to reserve our places as soon as possible to ensure availability. We can book up to 24 hours before the start of the visit.
Does the guide pick us up from our hotel for the guided tour of Bruges?
Yes, the guide will be happy to pick you up from our hotel in Bruges or wherever you like in the city center of Bruges.
During the visit, can I take a boat tour in Bruges?
Yes, it is quite possible to complete your visit to Bruges with a boat trip on the canals of Bruges. The boat tour allows you to experience the city like all those who have preceded you for centuries. Navigate the canals, the arteries of the city of Bruges, and discover the secret gardens, the charming bridges and the marvelous still lifes. It may seem curious but the sights of Bruges have even more charm when you admire them from the water.
Is it possible to also visit museums during the guided tour of Bruges?
Yes, it is possible to visit museums or parts of museums. Nevertheless, the entrance fee of the desired museums are not included in the initial price of the tour. We recommend to visit the museum which is dedicated to the painting of the Flemish primitives “Groeninge Museum” and the Saint-Jean Hospital.
Is it possible to do tastings (chocolate or beer) during the guided tour of Bruges?
It is very possible to do tastings during the visit. If you want to do a chocolate tasting, a supplement of 7 euros per person is required for the tasting of 3 chocolates.
For the beer tasting, please send us an email with the number of people as well as the number and types of beers wanted so that we can send you a clear and precise quote.
What are the places of interest and special places that we can also visit in Bruges?
Bruges is a city rich in culture and it is totally to add them to the visit. Here are the two main themes offered by Bravo Discovery:
The Hansa district: From the 13th to the 15th century, Bruges was the commercial crossroads between the Hanseatic cities of the Far North, England, Germany and the main commercial cities of France, Spain and Italy. Spanish merchants established themselves on the Spaanse Loskaai and in the Spanjaardstraat, those from the north established themselves on the Oosterlingenplein. Nowadays, you can still smell the atmosphere of yesteryear in some neighborhoods.
Brugse Vesten (Ramparts of Bruges): Even if the picturesque city center remains fascinating, we cannot forget the ramparts of Bruges. The green lung surrounds almost the entire city and is full of interesting places to discover. For example you can admire the four windmills as well as the remains of the city gates that date back from the Middle Ages. The Conzettebrug is a modern bridge that spans the entrance to the small marina; it is one of many bridges that are regularly open to river traffic. A walk along the ramparts is the perfect opportunity to let all the impressions of Bruges settle.
What are the elements and places of the religious heritage of Bruges that we can visit?
Over the centuries, Bruges has seen the emergence of many centers dedicated to religious life: churches, convents, abbeys and chapels. A very important ecclesiastical heritage has been preserved. It does not only bear witness to the spiritual past. Its walls also contain fascinating stories about developments in education, the economy, culture and life in society.
We can visit some of these religious centers in Bruges such as:
L.V.-kerk Museum (Museum of the Church of Our Lady): The 115.5 meter brick tower of the Church of Our Lady, the second tallest in the world, illustrates the skill of the Bruges builders. Inside you find a rich collection of art: the world-famous Madonna and Child by Michelangelo, numerous paintings, painted burial vaults from the 13th and 14th centuries and the mausoleums from the 15th and 16th centuries of Marie de Bourgogne and Charles the Bold.
Sint-Salvatorskathedraal (Saint-Sauveur Cathedral): The oldest parish church in Bruges (12th-15th century) has, among other things, a rood screen and organs, medieval tombs, Brussels tapestries as well as a rich collection of Flemish paintings (14th -18th century). The cathedral treasury also contains paintings by Flemish primitives, such as Dirk Bouts and Hugo van der Goes.
Basiliek van het Heilig Bloed (Basilica of the Holy Blood): The Basilica of the Holy Blood consists of a lower chapel and an upper chapel. The lower chapel, dedicated to Saint-Basile, is a rare example of Romanesque architecture in the coastal region. The relic of the Holy Blood, said to have been brought to Bruges by the Crusaders, is kept here in the Chapel of the Holy Blood. The chapel was built in the 15th century in a Gothic style, but is most important because of its 19th century neo-Gothic decor. The church was elevated to the rank of basilica in 1923 due to the special cult of the Holy Blood.
Adornesdomein – Jeruzalemkapel (Jerusalem Chapel): The Jerusalem Chapel is the private chapel of the Adornes merchant family from the city of Genoa, Italy. Its architecture, its layout and its particular relics are an extraordinary illustration of the great veneration of the Adornes family for Jerusalem. The mausoleum, the magnificent stained glass windows and the relic of the Holy Cross are unique.
Sint-Annakerk (Sainte-Anne Church): This sober single-nave Gothic church, built at the beginning of the 17th century, surprises with the splendor of its Baroque interior. Its development was made possible by donations from wealthy residents of Bruges. Admire the marble rood screen, the oak paneling with integrated confessionals, the paintings by Jan Garemijn, but also the largest canvas in Bruges.
What if we have additional questions about the Guided tour of Brugge?
In case of additional questions please do not be afraid to contact Bravo Discovery directly, we would be happy to help.
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