Bruges is an exquisitely preserved medieval town. Linked with the sea by a navigable waterway, the city became a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century.

Upon arrival in Bruges, a guided walk through the historical center introduces you to this beautiful, romantic city. During the walk, your guide will point out such major sights as the Market Square with its Guild houses, the Belfry Tower, and Burg Square. Burg Square is the focal point of ancient Bruges, flanked by many magnificent buildings. See the Town Hall, the former Recorder's House from the 1530's, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood.

Your walk then takes you to a Belgian chocolatier’s demonstration to see, firsthand, how raw chocolate bars are made into the fine Belgian chocolates using only the freshest and best ingredients. At the end, there is some time to purchase some if you wish and pay a brief independent visit to the Chocolate Museum. Bruges is full of lace and chocolate shops, and your free time will allow you to search for the perfect souvenir.

Your guide will lead you past the romantic Lake of Love on the way back to your coach.

Take a guided tour of Bruges, where the charm of this lovely medieval city will capture you immediately. The highlight of this tour will undoubtedly be a beer tasting session at a local cafe. Beer is deeply rooted in culture and tradition in Belgium and is more than just a drink, with the country offering more than 450 varieties. Your beer expert will explain the history of Belgian beer brewing and you'll explore the delicious taste and flavor of four different kinds of beer.

There is no doubt that Belgium is the country of beer. What other country can offer more than 450 varieties of beer? Beer is deeply rooted in culture and tradition and is more than just a drink. These are certainly not the only reasons why Belgium deserves its title 'Beer Paradise'. After a 30-minute drive from the port, you arrive at Bruges where your guided walk will start. Often called 'Die Scone' or 'the beautiful', the charm of this lovely medieval city will capture you immediately. Your guide will walk with you through the narrow, twisting cobbled streets, passing by picturesque scenes of ancient buildings, tree-lined canals and gabled facades. From the exterior, see the bustling marketplace, Belfry Tower, the Town Hall and the Chapel of the Holy Blood. The highlight of this tour will undoubtedly be a beer tasting session at a local cafe. Your beer expert will explain the history of Belgian beer brewing and you’ll explore the delicious taste and flavor of four different kinds of beer. As Bruges is full of lace, chocolate and beer shops, your free time will allow you to search for the perfect souvenir. Your guide will lead you by the romantic 'Lake of Love' on the way to your coach that will bring you back to the ship.

OVERVIEW

Follow a gourmet guide through the historical heart of Bruges and sample foods that best reflect the cuisine. UNESCO declared Bruges a World Heritage site for its medieval and Gothic architecture so the setting is extraordinarily atmospheric. Even so, the focus will be on food, especially snacks favored by the locals. You will enjoy a thick Belgian waffle and sample a selection of Belgian chocolates, which are exceptionally rich due to their high cocoa content and pure cocoa butter. You will also get to taste Brugge Old Cheese which has a distinctive flavor and aroma. A refreshing Brugse Zot beer and crispy fries – a side dish often cooked in beef tallow – round out the tastings. All your snacks will be enjoyed on the go as you continue your tour. Afterwards, you can independently explore Bruges.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk along the cobblestone streets of Bruges and sample the city’s signature snacks.
• Enjoy rich creamy Belgian chocolates and a traditional Belgian waffle.
• Snack on flavorful Brugge Old Cheese, which is named for its longer aging time.
• Try a Brugse Zot beer and the local fries, which are double-fried unlike French fries.
• Admire the architecture that earned Bruges a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Walk through Ghent’s historical city center with a gourmet guide that will describe the enticing attributes of the signature foods that you sample. After a panoramic drive to the outskirts of Ghent, you will cruise along a canal to St. Michael’s Bridge, where the walking tour will begin in earnest. The 360º view from there presents three medieval towers, including the 14th-century Belfry, which is so architecturally rich that UNESCO named it World Heritage site. You will likely be familiar with several of the products that you sample, which will include rich Belgian chocolates and a locally brewed Belgian beer. The lesser-known local snacks may be even more memorable. One of them is kroakemandels, a Ghent specialty of deep-fried salted peas. The other one is cuberdon, a hard-shelled cone-shaped sweet with a gooey raspberry center. Following the tastings on the go, you will be free to explore other areas of Ghent on your own.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sample classic Belgian snacks while walking through Ghent with a foodie guide.
• Enjoy rich creamy Belgian chocolates and a refreshing Belgian beer.
• Snack on items synonymous with Ghent, including salted fried peas and a raspberry sweet.
• Start the walk at a bridge that overlooks three towers, one a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore further on your own during free time in the medieval heart of Ghent.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.