Welcome to Northwest Belgium
The provinces of East Flanders (Oost-Vlaanderen) and West Flanders (West-Vlaanderen) make up Northwest Belgium, though comprise only around half of the total Flemish region that covers the whole of northern Belgium.
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Northwest Belgium activities
Flanders World War I Battlefields Tour from Brussels
Start your day with a pickup from your centrally located Brussels hotel, or alternatively, meet your guide in the center of town. Leave the city by coach and travel southeast toward the town of Vladslo, your first destination of the day! Stop to see the German Military Cemetery of Vladslo, the most important German cemetery from WWI, and as you walk through the hauntingly peaceful area, look out for the Käthe Kollwitz sculptures Grieving Parents – a heartrending portrayal of how the war impacted people at a personal level. Continue to the small city of Diksmuide to visit the Trench of Death, a stretch of the Western Front (the trench lines from Belgium to the Alps) that now serves as a symbol of Belgium’s heroism and resistance. See the impressive Gate of Peace (IJser Gate) and Yser Tower (IJzertoren), and then leave the city, passing alongside the Peace Mill and the Canadian Monument in St Julien.Stop in Passchendaele, and see how this once chaotic battlefield has turned into a sleepily tranquil town. Sit down for a hearty ploughman's lunch in a local restaurant, and then travel to Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where some 35,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth forces are laid at rest. The sheer amount of graves puts the tragic scale of WWI into a semblance of perspective. Walk around and learn about the significance of this dignified site for nations around the world, not just the Commonwealth countries.Head to the Essex Farm Field Hospital next and see the impeccably preserved bunkers where John McCrae penned his famous poem In Flanders’ Fields. Hear how the soldiers were treated in the bunkers’ narrow, darkened corridors and then visit the In Flanders’ Fields Museum to learn the story of WWI in the Flanders region from an audio-guided tour. Entry to the museum is included, but you will be required to pay for a poppy as you go inside. This payment goes toward a war veterans charity.Visit Hill 60 – home to a series of strategically significant tunnels– and then travel to Ypres for some free time for dinner (own expense). In the early evening, meet your guide to attend the Last Post Ceremony at Ypres’ Menin Gate. Taking place daily, the ceremony is a simple, yet moving, tribute to the bravery of those who died defending their town. At the end of the ceremony, return to your coach and drive back to Brussels. Your tour finishes in central Brussels around 10pm.
Zeebrugge to Bruges Round-Trip Shuttle Service
This shuttle service is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get into the historic center of Bruges from your cruise ship. The shuttle will drop you off at Bruges' official bus parking lot in Bargeplein.Earn your money back and travel ‘free’ to Bruges with our Benefit Card! After all, when you travel with us, your ticket automatically allows you to enjoy various discounts and advantages in the best shops in Bruges and Zeebruges.We want you to eat the best French fries, buy the best chocolate and visit the most fascinating museums in the city. That’s why we’ve selected the best places that offer you as a cruise passenger the nicest discounts.How does it work?Very easy. You buy a transfer ticket to Bruges and receive a ticket and Benefit Card from us. With this card you can enjoy substantial discounts and lots of advantages in the best Bruges shops. You show your ticket and the shop manager will pierce a small hole in your ticket.So ... the more you shop, the cheaper you travel to Bruges!Directions to Departure Location1. Arriving with your cruise ship at Swedish quay? (= official, standard cruise quay) By disembarking you cruise ship at Zeebrugge you will see the FREE Port Shuttle. Just take this shuttle and relax, the bus driver will take you to the Cruise Terminal. When you come out of the terminal, turn left and walk to the main road. At the corner you will see our Cruise Express Van.2. Where should I go when I moor on another quay?We cannot influence the mooring quay of your ship. The primary cruise quay is “Zweedse Kaai/Swedish Quay”, from which you find above the instructions to get to our pick up location.If your mooring quay is another than “Zweedse Kaai/Swedish Quay”, please do follow the next steps:a. At your cruise ship there will be a FREE Port Shuttle towards the gate. You have to join this.b. When arriving at the gate please look around for our clear flags, banners, tent, friendly staff and busses. Our friendly staff will take care of you so you will be in Bruges at no time. Our staff will be happy to take care of you so you will be in Bruges at no time.
Flanders World War I Battlefields Tour from Bruges
Leave central Bruges by coach and travel southwest toward the town of Vladslo, your day’s first destination! Stop to see the German Military Cemetery of Vladslo, the most important German cemetery from WWI, and as you walk through the hauntingly peaceful area, look out for the Käthe Kollwitz sculptures Grieving Parents – a heartrending portrayal of how the war impacted people at a personal level. Continue to the small city of Diksmuide to visit the Trench of Death, a stretch of the Western Front (the trench lines from Belgium to the Alps) that now serves as a symbol of Belgium’s heroism and resistance. See the impressive Gate of Peace (IJser Gate) and Yser Tower (IJzertoren), and then leave the city, passing alongside the Peace Mill and the Canadian Monument in St Julien.Stop in Passchendaele, and see how this once chaotic battlefield has turned into a sleepily tranquil town. Sit down for a hearty ploughman's lunch in a local restaurant, and then travel to Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, where some 35,000 soldiers from the Commonwealth forces are laid at rest. The sheer amount of graves puts the tragic scale of WWI into a semblance of perspective. Walk around and learn about the significance of this dignified site for nations around the world, not just the Commonwealth countries.Head to the Essex Farm Field Hospital next and see the impeccably preserved bunkers where John McCrae penned his famous poem In Flanders’ Field. Hear how the soldiers were treated in the bunkers’ narrow, darkened corridors and then visit the In Flanders’ Field Museum to learn the story of WWI in the Flanders region from an audio-guided tour. Entry to the museum is included, but you will be required to pay for a poppy as you go inside. This payment goes toward a war veterans charity.Visit Hill 60 – home to a series of strategically significant tunnels– and then travel to Ypres for some free time for dinner (own expense). In the early evening, meet your guide to attend the Last Post Ceremony at Ypres’ Menin Gate. Taking place daily, the ceremony is a simple, yet moving, tribute to the bravery of those who died defending their town. At the end of the ceremony, return to your coach and drive back to Bruges. Your tour finishes in central Bruges around 9pm.
Bruges Highlights Private Tour with a Local
Already picturing yourself discovering the Venice of the North? Wandering past cobblestone streets and dreamy canals that connect with jaw-dropping historical buildings, and picturesque views? Get ready to fall under Bruges’ magical spell and its charming medieval atmosphere! This private tour is all about the best highlights and must-sees of Bruges. The best part? The local touch and hidden gems that your host has in store for you! Step back in time as you say ‘hallo’ to beautiful city squares surrounded by gingerbread houses and cobbled alleys that hold tons of stories. See horses and carriages ride past you and hear the traditional bell tower ring, it’s truly magical! Go off the beaten track with your local friend and head to a local neighborhood where you can cross the canals to a quaint scenery. Stumble upon a hidden Gothic church where you can step inside and be amazed by its beautiful interior. It’s chocolate o’clock and time to visit an authentic Belgian Chocolatier! Do as the locals do and indulge some delicious treats, before making your way to the Church of Our Lady that stands tall in the sky. Don’t forget to marvel at one of Europe's oldest hospital buildings right next to it. How about a peek into the oldest working brewery in town? This local hotspot has a fascinating story about a remarkable underground pipeline exclusively for beer and your local host can tell you all about it! Top off your tour with a visit to a tranquil and hidden oasis in the city center with a lane filled with beautiful beguinage and almshouses. Tucked away, the serene and peaceful lake of love awaits. Enjoy the scenery as your local friend can tell you all about its magical legends.
Private Medieval Tour With a Local Guide in Bruges
Stroll through the cobbled streets of Bruges and enjoy the stories of this medieval city during this 1 hour and a half private tour. After meeting with your guide in Market Square, you will proceed through the city and it's notable landmarks. You will discover the murderous past of The Burg, the myth surrounding the Minnewater.As you wander through the medieval streets, you will hear of the local heroes and vagabonds. Want to see something in particular? Let your guide know and they can create a personalized route for you and your group.You'll end the tour near The Begijnhof, where you can ask any final questions of your guide before proceeding on your way and the guide can also recommend you some amazing places to drink a tea or a coffee.
Ghent Guided Sightseeing Boat Trip pass the Graslei, Vleeshuis
This is a boat trip in the historical heart of Ghent. It is an informative boat trip along the River Leie which takes you through the city of Ghent to let you discover the period of the Middle Ages. See the silent witnesses of the prestigious and glorious past: the beautiful fronts of houses of the Graslei (the medieval port), the big old meat-market as well as the rugged and steep walls of the Castle of Counts. Admire the only traditional remaining wooden house front.There are open and covered boats available and there will be guided commentary so you can enjoy the views while also learning about the city of Ghent.