Bruges Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

9-Nights European Affair & The Chelsea Flower Show

Price: $4,400 - # of Days: 9 days
European Affair & The Chelsea Flower ShowExperience the finer things in life as you cruise through the canals of medieval Bruges and witness the world’s largest flower auction in Amsterdam. Arriving into London, Britain puts its best foot forward with the internationally renowned Chelsea Flower Show...

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7-night Holland & Belgium in Spring Southbound Cruise

Price: Please call for rates - # of Days: 7 days

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7-night Belgium and Holland in Spring Cruise

Price: Please call for rates - # of Days: 9 days

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7-night Hidden Waterways of Flanders and Holland Cruise

Price: $5,790 - # of Days: 7 days

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Overview

Introduction

Located about 60 mi/95 km northwest of Brussels, Bruges, Belgium, is known for its scenic canals, ancient squares, beguinage (a typical Flemish medieval housing concept), art museums featuring exclusive artistic heritage such as paintings by the Flemish primitives, architecture and some of the best lace in the world. The city center is compact and all attractions are within walking distance from the market square (Grote Markt).

Bruges is also famous for its gastronomy. Foremost, it is known as the chocolate capital of the world and is home to more than 50 chocolatiers producing their own handmade chocolates. Obviously, beer is a local must, with lots of cozy pubs serving top-notch Belgian Trappist beers or local ales. It hosts one of the top gastronomic restaurants in Belgium, Hertog Jan, which boasts three Michelin stars.

More than 80 bridges were constructed over the city's network of canals, which in summer teem with tourist boats offering narrated tours. Although you'll undoubtedly have to share the city with a number of tourists, we think Bruges, is a must-see.

Must See or Do

Sights—The Belfry Tower for a 360-degree perspective of the city; a boat ride on the canals to enjoy the city's spirit and atmosphere.

Museums—Groeninge Museum, featuring key works of the Flemish primitive painters as well as expressionism and post-war modern art.

Memorable Meals—Three-Michelin-starred Hertog Jan for the freshest local fine dining; atmosphere and French cuisine with an Asian twist at Guillaume; the freshest fish in the city at Den Gouden Karpel.

Late Night—Beer tastings at 't Brugs Beertje, where there are more than 300 choices of beers; dancing at De Coulissen.

Walks—A romantic stroll at the Minnewaterpark (Lake of Lovers) and nearby beguinage; a hike on the city's ramparts (Brugse vesten).

History

Potpourri

The name Bruges is believed to have originated from the local word bryggia, which means "mooring place" or "landing stage."

Because the city has a number of quaint little streets and romantic canals, Bruges is often referred to as the Venice of the North, although it shares this title with other northern European cities, including Amsterdam and Stockholm..

The average depth of a canal in Bruges is only 6 ft/2 m. The average depth of one of the largest canals that surrounds the city is only 10-13 ft/3-4 m.

Location