Welcome to Western Flanders
The smallest of towns in this region feature fabulous medieval city centres, complete with belfries and begijnhoven. Bruges and Ghent top the bill, but even lesser-known places such as Oudenaarde and Veurne retain wonderfully picturesque town squares. Ypres and Diksmuide are charming, too, and all the more extraordinary for having been meticulously rebuilt following WWI. Scars and souvenirs of the Great War remain... Read More
Top experiences in Western Flanders
Western Flanders activities
WWI Battlefields Tour of Flanders from Bru
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.
Round-Trip Shuttle Service from Zeebrugge to Bruge
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.To board your shuttle bus, just disembark your cruise ship and take the complimentary free red port shuttle that goes from your ship to the gate.If your mooring quay is the official cruise quay (= Swedish Quay, Zeebrugge) then you can perform the following steps: Outside the gate: head to the roadway, turn right, and walk about 80 yards (75 meters).There you will find your shuttle busses near the ticket-sale point. If your mooring quay is other than 'Zweedse Kaai/Swedish Quay', please do perform the following steps: take the FREE RED port shuttle towards the gate Look for our flags, banners and tent in your immediate vicinity. Our staff will be happy to take care of you so you will be in Bruges at no time.
3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour
Experienced local bicycle tour guides will meet you at 10am at Antwerp's Central Station, and take you on a morning ride around the city's main attractions. At each stop, your guide will provide ample historical and current daily living information. Over the course of this comprehensive, 3-hour bike tour you will ride through parks, along the Scheldt river — and even through an impressive pedestrian tunnel underneath the river. You'll discover the lofty neighbourhood surrounding the Museum of Fine Art ('t Zuid), the winding streets of Antwerp's historical center, and the up-and-coming waterfront neighbourhood to the north. The price of the tour includes the cost of your bicycle rental, your helmet rental, and luggage storage. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a snack to keep you fueled up during the tour.
Bruges Highlights Private Tour with a Local
Discover the main highlights of Bruges during a 2-hour private tour with a local host. Belgium may be known for chocolate, fries and beer, but what is Bruges famous for? Find out the answer to this question and more during your private guided tour. Your guide will walk you over the canals of Bruges while explaining the history, the unknown interesting facts and slowly uncover the beauty of this amazing city. You'll also get to see the Basilica of the Holy blood, go over the oldest bridge in town and make a stop at the traditional fish market. You won't get to miss out on the Saint Salvador Cathedral either. See amazing architecture on the way and even check out the Beer museum. Your tour includes a free tasting of the best chocolate, and great deals for waffles and beer. Suggested Tour: Start - Meet guests First Stop - Bruges history in a nutshellSecond Stop - Checking out the canal views, oldest bridges and the beer wallThird Stop - Stops at Burg Sq Town Hall and Basilica of the holy blood and Astrid Park/gazeboFourth Stop - Fish market visit, Minnewater/lake of love and enjoy the architectureFifth Stop- Stop for chocolate, beer or waffle tastingLast Stop - Finish off with Market Belfry and Beer MuseumAbout your host: A local guide working in Bruges for the past few years who loves to show travelers around all the cool and interesting places where locals like to spend their time.
3-Hour Private Highlights with Non-Classic Stories Tour in Antwerp
Start your trip in Antwerp with this highlights tour with your private guide Etienne. During the tour you will get to see the best architecture buildings, local street and hear interesting answers to some peculiar questions. Start your tour at the Grand Market Place, following a stop here you will get to discover in mini-alleys where you get to escape the crowds and take in relaxing vibe of this beautiful city. You'll also get to enjoy the water as you'll be visiting the riverside and the castle in Antwerp. Here is a great opportunity for you to compare new architecture with old architecture and neo-architecture. Your host will let in to little secrets of the city and give you the answers to some interesting questions, such as: where were they hiding the poor people in the earlier days?If you want to see Antwerp in a nutshell, this is the tour for you. Let your guide Etienne know if you want to see anything in particular, he'll be happy to create a personalized tour for you. Here is your itinerary: 10:00 - Central Station discovery11:00 - Jewish neighborhood walk12:00 - Diamond area exploration12:30 - Coffee & Chatting Stop About Etienne: Is passionate about his city as been a city guide for 2 years. A keen basketball coach among many other hobbies.
Antwerp Bike Tours
Classic Tour: During this 3-hour tour we cycle through old and new parts of the city, experience the uniqueness of different neighborhoods, from medieval buildings to Art Nouveau. Enjoy the rooftop view on The MAS or stroll along the dockyards. The most complete and therefore ideal tour to start discovering the beautiful city of Antwerp.Kids Tour: A family fun tour. Discover the highlights, admire the view from upon the MAS-rooftop and cycle at 101 ft (31 m) below surface during this light and easy 2.5 hour tour, included time to play.Classic Night Tour: In this short version of our Classic Tour you will sense the vibrant evening atmosphere of Antwerp. During this 2-hour ride we cycle along beautifully illuminated squares and historical buildings. The perfect start for an unforgettable night out in the city.The Koninck Tour: The perfect tour for epicureans. Discover the city highlights combined with a visit to the Beer Experience Center of City Brewery De Koninck. Cycling tour, visit and beer tasting included.Burie Chocolate Tour: Our ‘chocolate-lovers’ tour. Discover the city highlights and enjoy the fabulous chocolate creations of chocolatier Burie. In this tour you’ll find out the story of chocolates and taste some delicacies accompanied by a coffee, tea or a homemade chocolate milk. Chocolate gift to take home is included.Seafood Tour: With this tour that appeals to the senses, stop at one of the more popular fish restaurants for some food and tea. Feed the senses with a local treat that represents a tour and tasting all in one.