Belgium · CANAL CRUISES
Good canal cruises fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 12 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
A 150-minute guided walking tour plus canal boat in Ghent, with St Bavo’s Mystic Lamb, belfry views, and a Leie/Lieve cruise for $32.
“I loved learning about the history beyond your eyes It’s a lot of information to digest but it’s always better with a guide. Thanks so much!”
Small-group day trip from Paris to Bruges with guide-led walk, canal cruise views, and free time for chocolate, waffles, and shopping.
“John Baptiste was such a fun and knowledgeable guide! Bruges is beautiful and I can’t wait to go there again.”
Half-day Bruges tour from Zeebrugge with guided medieval stops, a 45-minute canal cruise, shopping time, and on-time return to port.
“Maryjane was very knowledgeable of the area. She took her time and didn’t rush us around. The canal ride was my favorite part of the trip.”
Half-day Bruges shore excursion from Zeebrugge with a local guide, cobblestone walking tour, free time for chocolate and an optional 30-minute canal cruise.
“This was a shore excursion that was for cruise ship passengers docking in Zeebrugge. Our ship arrived in the morning and the Vexperio crew was already waiting there. They brought us to Bruges and we had a little walk to town from the bus drop off. We saw the main highlights with a guide called Andy, who was very professional, courteous and knowledgable. Some people took the canal cruise, but we opted for going for lunch and had a beer and chocolte tasting as well. All in all this was a really wonderful experience. We will be coming back for more cruises in Europe in the futur and will definitely…”
Romantic Bruges canal quest: a smartphone story game through 15 sights, self-paced in English, ending at Lake of Love. Private, from $7.20.
“You see lots of things you probably would not find in guide books and some amazing historical facts. The views are brilliant.”
Bruges shore excursion from Zeebrugge with guided medieval sights, reserved canal cruise, photo tips, and Market Square shopping time.
“Tour guide was extremely competent and knowledgeable. Knew what to do and where to go, what to avoid, what was worth the crowds. She seemed to know everyone in town. The city is incredibly beautiful and we saw everything advertised”
Bruges shore tour from Zeebrugge with a canal boat ride plus medieval sights and free time at Markt, designed to meet your ship.
“We had a great experience on the tour. She was very knowledgeable and informative and managed the group activities very well. I would highly recommend this tour.”
Guided Bruges day from Zeebrugge with chocolate, beer, waffles and a 45-minute canal cruise, with guaranteed timely ship return.
“The guide Charlene was amazing. We would take her over and over and over again. She gave us so much wonderful information so delightful. Had a zest for life and made the experience amazing!!”
Bruges shore excursion with Zeebrugge pickup, medieval sights, 2 hours at Markt, and an included 45-minute canal cruise.
“Not enough radio receivers for the group to hear to tour leader. A few did not work and a few had dead batteries. We left the cruise terminal late due to waiting for late passengers. Which then left the rest of the tour a bit rushed. To her felt very disorganized. The radio receivers could have been distributed on the bus on the way to the starting point as opposed to once we exited the bus. It would have saved the time. The cheerleader had a lot of knowledge though at times seemed to get frustrated with the guests. And made the mistake of voicing some of her concerns while…”
Cruise-day Bruges from Zeebrugge with an English guide, air-conditioned transfers, guided walking sights, and optional 30-minute canal cruise.
“We had a great time. Very Knowledgeable. Very kind. My Grandson liked his Bear Vincent. So nice to give out free chocolates and beer and water at the end of the tour.”
Private Bruges shore trip from Zeebrugge with A/C transport and included 30-minute canal boat ride, plus Market Square free time.
“Bruges is a beautiful small town. Our guide, Yves, was very knowledgeable, full of information. He was very charismatic and kept our attention the whole time.”
Private Bruges walk with a licensed guide, medieval landmarks, and a 30-minute canal cruise for a smart first-time city overview.
“Host was amazing!!! So much fun. We recommend. Beer was very good. A great experience. Learned a lot about Bruge.”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
