Description
Guided tour of Ghent with a private guide
Ghent is located about 50 km from Brussels and is considered a historical jewel of Belgium. The city is the birthplace of Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and heir to the House of Habsburg. Ghent played an important role during the industrial revolution in continental Europe and is where the first labour movement was established in 1859. Today, the city has maintained its medieval centre, and several of its Gothic buildings are listed as a World Heritage Sites by Unesco.
Enjoy a personalized visit with a passionate guide who will make you discover the history of a historical jewel in Belgium. Ghent has managed to preserve a medieval centre where magnificent Gothic buildings stand out, some of which are listed as World Heritage Sites.
Highlights:
- Discovery of historical and fascinating places.
- Diverse tour focused on art, culture and architecture.
- Opportunity to admire the work of the famous Van Eyck brothers, “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb”.
- Original experience planned at the bar De Dulle Griet.
- Pick up by our guides in Ghent itself or from Brussels (day trip).
- Routes defined according to your needs and preferences.
- Visit alongside a passionate guide and attentive to your expectations and remarks.
- Tailor-made services for groups, individuals, 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).
- Quick and easy booking (free cancellation*).
“Our guides, experts in the history and the legends of Ghent, 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 Ghent that are 100% customizable in terms of content, duration and means of transport.
The must-see places to visit in Ghant:
- Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, a spectacular Gothic church decorated with majestic Baroque ornamentation. Step into the marble choir and private chapels, admire Peter Paul Rubens’ painting “Saint Bavo Enters the Convent at Ghent” and the Rococo pulpit, and go into the Romanesque crypt, where you can also admire its frescoes. Optional visit to the altarpiece “the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers, which is one of the most important works of art of the Middle Ages.
- The market square, the Belfort tower, and the covered market.
- The City Hall, an extraordinary building combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
- The churches of St. Nicholas, St. James, and St. Michel, three parish churches that stand as a reminding of Ghent’s medieval past.
- The Graslei and Korenlei, old port of the city and one of the most scenic places in Ghent, where you can admire the river Leie and the old guildhalls.
- Gravensteen, a medieval castle that was the former residence of the Counts of Flanders.
- Patershol, picturesque area with buildings of charming brick facades where restaurants and cafés offer you the best of the Flemish cuisine.
- The medieval butchery, an imposing Gothic building of 1408 that is one of Europe oldest meat markets.
Examples of other places of interest and particular topics that can be addressed during the visit:
- Graffiti alley in Ghent: people sometimes say you can recognise a vibrant city by its street art. Ghent is a hip and free-thinking cultural city where everyone is welcome and free to do their thing. Werregarenstraatje in Ghent is a public canvas for young street artists.
- Gravensteen: a medieval castle that was the former residence of the Counts of Flanders. A weekend trip to Ghent is simply not complete without a visit to the mysterious ‘Castle of the Counts’. This important sight in Ghent is a castle with a very turbulent past, closely intertwined with the complex—often stormy—political and social history of the city. It is the only remaining mediaeval castle with a moat and largely intact defence system in Flanders. Your visit to the Castle of the Counts will give you a complete picture of heraldic culture in the 12th century. The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are open to visitors.
- Patershol: this particularly beautiful corner of Ghent is a city within the city. Forget where you are for a moment and travel back in time to the Middle Ages. Have fun discovering centuries of history in this gorgeous part of town! Breathe in the nostalgia of old customs. Enjoy art and architecture. You will love the picturesque streets full of cosy restaurants, down-to-earth pubs and trendy bars.
- Vlasmarkt: during the Ghent Festivities you can party the night away at this square. But even during the rest of the year this is the place to be for party people. It’s the epicentre of the Ghent nightlife scene. Charlatan is a centrally located, large, alternative dance pub which hosts different performances every week. Next door you’ll find a small alternative club and a record label. Across the square there are a few more entertaining dance pubs.
- Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning you can head to Sint- Jacobsplein for a cup of coffee and some treasure hunting at the flea market.
- St Bavo’s Abbey: a hidden oasis, Ghent is an all-in city trip, with historic charm and modern-day vitality. Are you thrilled by mysticism? You’re bound to love these ruins. This site is steeped in history. In the 7th century, Amand of Ghent founded St Bavo’s Abbey here, in an attempt to convert the inhabitants of Ganda to Christianity.
We have a team of professional guides who will accompany you at all times and who will adapt to your pace.
Practical information:
Price:
- 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.
Meeting point:
- The choice is yours. Pick-up in Ghent (at the meeting point that suits you best) or in Brussels (private excursion).
Duration:
- 3 hours or 6 hours.
Language:
- The tour is exclusively in English.
Included:
- English speaking guide.
- Private and personalized tour.
- Routes defined according to your needs. May be included: transport, museum entrances, meals, drinks, …Book one of our packages above or send us a message for more information or for any special request.
Not included:
Frequently asked questions:
Group size:
In order to guarantee a quality service, our private tours and excursions are limited to a maximum of 25 people per guide.
When to book?
We advise you to book as soon as possible to ensure the availability of guides for the desired visit. You can book up to 24 hours in advance.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Gabriel Bravo (store manager) –
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We do responsible tourism.