From Zeebrugge: Private Bruges with Canal Boat Shore Excursion
5.0 / 5 · 6 traveler reviews
This Shore Excursion is designed for cruisers who want to explore Bruges with a private guide throughout the entire experience. It combines pick up from the cruise port, a walking tour through the historic city center, free time to explore at your own pace, and the option to include a canal cruise. It is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. Your local guide will pick you up at Zeebrugge port, lead you to your transportation, and together you will drive to the medieval city of Bruges (around 30-minute drive). Upon arrival, begin a walking tour through Bruges’s cobbled streets, canals, and historic landmarks, including Market Square, Burg Square, and the Belfry Tower. After the walking tour, enjoy free time to explore Bruges independently or choose to include an optional canal cruise through the city’s picturesque canals. Your guide will remain available throughout the excursion before accompanying you back to Zeebrugge port well before your ship’s departure.
Your experience
Stop 1
Disembark your cruise ship and meet your professional local guide right at the Zeebrugge Cruise Terminal, who will accompany you throughout the excursion. Together, you will board your pre-arranged taxi and comfortably drive to Bruges historical city center (approximately 30 minutes drive) while your guide shares insights and commentary along the way. Once in Bruges your approx 90min walking tour begins along various sights of this medieval city.
Stop 2
Walk by Pont du Béguinage (Begijnhofbrug), a charming historic bridge leading into Bruges’s peaceful Beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once home to a community of religious women. Surrounded by canals and whitewashed houses, it is one of the city’s most picturesque and tranquil corners.
Stop 3
Enjoy this photo stop at the The Gruuthusemuseum, a beautiful medieval mansion that once belonged to one of Bruges’s wealthiest and most influential families. Located along one of the city’s picturesque canals, the building reflects the prosperity and importance Bruges enjoyed during its golden age as a major European trading center.
Stop 4
Rosary Quay (Rozenhoedkaai) is one of the most photographed spots in Bruges, famous for its postcard-perfect views of the canals, medieval buildings, and historic bell tower. It is considered one of the city’s most iconic and scenic viewpoints. After a day filled with exploration and enchantment, we will return to the Cruise Terminal in Zeebrugge, ensuring you are back on your ship with plenty of time to spare.
Stop 5
The Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of Bruges’s most important religious landmarks, famous for housing a revered relic believed to contain the blood of Jesus Christ. The historic basilica is known for its beautiful architecture, richly decorated interior, and centuries of pilgrimage tradition. The perfect photo stop.
Stop 6
The Belfry of Bruges is the city’s most iconic landmark and a symbol of Bruges’s medieval wealth and independence. Towering over Market Square, this historic bell tower dates back to the 13th century and offers one of the most recognizable views in all of Belgium.
Stop 7
Market Square (Markt) is the lively heart of Bruges, surrounded by colorful guild houses, historic buildings, cafés, and restaurants. For centuries, this bustling square has been the center of trade and daily life in the city and remains one of Bruges’s most vibrant and iconic locations. Here your free time (between 60-90min) for independent exploration begins. A perfect place to relax at a café terrace, enjoy traditional Belgian waffles or chocolates, shop for local souvenirs, climb the Belfry Tower for panoramic city views, or simply stroll through the charming cobblestone streets and soak in the unique atmosphere of Bruges. Your guide will remain available throughout your free time and will be happy to provide recommendations and helpful tips to make the most this part of the independent exploration.
Stop 8
No visit to Bruges is complete without experiencing its iconic canals. During the approximately 30-minute boat ride, you’ll pass beneath historic bridges, alongside medieval buildings, and through quiet canals that cannot be experienced on foot. Canal tickets can be added during the booking process and will be arranged in advance for you. Your guide will lead you to the canal entry point on time. Boats operate with the general public, and short waiting times of around 15–20 minutes may occur during busy periods. Please note that choosing the canal cruise will reduce your free time in Bruges.
Stop 9
At the end of your free time in Bruges, meet your guide again at the pre-arranged meeting point before returning together to your private vehicle for a comfortable transfer back to Zeebrugge cruise terminal, well before your ship’s departure. Before your free time begins, your guide will clearly explain the exact meeting location and return time.
What’s included
- Professional local English speaking tour guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Canal Boat Ride Included
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Meeting and pickup
When you disembark from your cruise ship, please make your way outside to the terminal entrance. A representative will be waiting for you displaying a greeting sign “Vexperio".
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a private tour reserved exclusively for your group.
- Bruges’s historic center is mostly car-free and is explored on foot (cobbelstone). Please inform us in advance of any mobility requirements or walking challenges
- Your tour guide will accompany you throughout the entire excursion. The suggested schedule includes both guided walking time and free time, but as this is a private tour, these portions can be adjusted flexibly according to your group’s preferences.
- Your guide will lead you past Bruges’s main historic landmarks while sharing commentary and stories along the way. As this is a private tour, the walking route can also be adjusted if your group has any specific interests or requests.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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