Duration: approx. 4.5 hours

Ghent is home to one of the world’s greatest oil paintings, Van Eyck’s ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’. This dynamic modern city has a centre straight out of the Middle Ages; it was the weavers from Ghent, joined by others from Bruges, who took up arms to defeat the French in 1302. An hour coach drive will transfer you to Ghent where for a pleasant walking tour. Your exploration will begin at St. Michael’s Bridge with its view of Ghent’s three glorious medieval steeples, the closest one is that of the early Gothic St. Nicholas Church. Your guide will point out key monuments such as the Meat House and the City Hall. During your visit to St. Bavo’s Cathedral you will see the ornate wooden pulpit and the world famous oil painting of ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ by the Van Eyck brothers. After the visit a little free time is scheduled to browse around the historic district or to look for souvenirs in the many lace and chocolate shops. Return to Zeebrugge.

Combine a few hours out to marvel at the beauties of Bruges and to learn Belgium’s finest export product: chocolate. A 30-minute coach drive will take you to Bruges (Brugge in Flemish), an exquisitely preserved medieval town and a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13^th century. Upon arrival in Bruges a guided walking tour through the historic district will introduce you to this beautiful, romantic city. Your guide will point out the major sites such as the Market Square with its Guild houses, the Belfry Tower and Burg Square. This square is the focal point of ancient Bruges, on the lift is the Provost House built in 1655 and across the square is a row of magnificent buildings. The Stadhuis, or Town Hall, dates back to the 14^th century and has a wonderfully ornate façade covered with statues and the Oude Griffe, the former Recorder’s House from the 1530’s, is ornamented with impressive windows. Next stop will be at a Belgian chocolatier’s workshop to see how raw chocolate bars re made into the fine Belgian chocolates using only the freshest and best ingredients. At the end of the demonstration you will have time to purchase some Belgian chocolates and to pay a brief, independent visit to the Chocolate Museum. After some free time to search for the perfect souvenir in the many lace and chocolates shops, your guide will lead you past the romantic Lake of Love and back to your coach.