Ghent (or Gent, as it's known in Flemish) was once Europe's largest medieval city outside of Paris. Today it's a beautiful and lively university town, intersected by peaceful canals and a well-preserved medieval centre. Take a private Ghent tour and experience this beautiful city in Flanders with a friendly and knowledgeable local guide.

Ghent is pleasantly free of the tourist crowds that converge on nearby Bruges. You may want to start your day with a coffee and wander through the city's historical centre, while your guide explains the history behind such monumental buildings as Saint Baafs Cathedral and the 12th century Gravensteen Castle. Find a seat at a local pub (your guide will know the best ones) to try a glass of Belgian Beer and a tasty meal of local Flemish cuisine. You may want to visit one of Ghent's renowned museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK) or Design Museum.

Your guide will happily accommodate your unique interests on your private Ghent tour.

Ghent

WW1 in Flanders Fields, the Ypres Salient, History tour with a local guide. Starts in Ypres.

As we take you along the old front line, an arc-shaped course, called the Salient, the topography, the relics, the monuments, the memorials and cemeteries tell us the story of so many lives lost for so little gains.

More than telling you what you can find in any good history-book, I'll tell you the stories of the local people, the soldiers in the trenches, the officers facing situations they were not trained for, the medics who had to cure wounds they had never seen before, how one learned to survive a chemical weapons attacks and more new weapons. . .

Empires were dismantled. New borders were drawn. The course of European history changed, but the history of the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, China and many other countries also took a new direction.

The world became a different place.

Tyne Cot Military Cemetery near Passchendaele

French graves inside Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery

Essex Farm Military Cemetery near dressing station where John McCraey served in 1915 and wrote his poem "In Flanders Fields"

The Messines Ridge New Zealand Memorial to the Missing

The war to end all wars. Why did Ypres, Flanders, become an important strategic landmark ?

Private walking Tour in Bruges with a Local

Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. In 2000 UNESCO include the entire historical city centre on the World Heritage list. The current city boundaries still coincide exactly with those of the medieval city centre, and the spaces and structures that were so typical of Bruges in the past have been preserved. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you imagine yourself to be in medieval times.

This tour is meant to be customized according to your specific interests. Please help me out and let me know in advance what you consider interesting and what you would like to focus on.

Discover the highlights of Bruges, with private local guide

Bruges Highlights halfday with chocolate tasting

My Classical Tour of Bruges takes about 3 hours. We don't actually walk too far, because it's a really small city, and there is something of interest around every corner, so we are frequently stopping and talking.

The Tour starts from either city centre 'Maarkt', or the point of collection. It finishes on Burg (Citizen) Square, central city, allowing you easy access to Horse drawn carriages, Boat tours, and City Centre shopping and dining. We will tread streets that were once generically called 'the smell of the city', we'll understand what makes our Bell Ringer Mr Wim Berteloot very happy, and I guarantee a thorough, fun look at the history and legends of Bruges.

Why are there over 400 statues of Mary, Mother of Jesus? And why are there bears all over the city? Answers await on my tour, alongside a wide selection of chocolates, waffles, beers and fries - all a finger's distance away.

On Special Request, these tours can also be conducted during evening/night hours.

Old St Jan's hospital and winter time. (you know what they say: frozen ice, cold swans :D

Once, an old 'Oaktree' Abbey existed within these walls, long lost, derelict and forgotten. Now our city's art museum, the Groeninge boast works from the Flemish Primitives up to 20th Century.

A glimpse of our fabulous Belfort on the main Maarkt square. Its Carilloneur (bell player) has many tricks and surprises for our visitors.

A casual glimpse into our oldest remaining Brewery - The Half Moon. I'll have to tell you why we are called the 'Fools of Bruges' and coincidentally, it's the name of the city's favourite locally-made beer, brewed here.

Flemish archtecture at its medieval best, with a modern guide called Natalie walking among its walls.

One of our 48 Godhouses - Now beautifully maintained and picturesque tiny homes to many generations of grateful and needy city people

A little wonky, our Belfort, clapping out some tunes from everyone's favuorite carilloneur, Wim Berteloot

The nostalgia to be felt on a misty morning in Bruges

Spring Daffodils during Corona times at the Church of our Holy Lady

The surprise peck on the cheek to make me blush

Making no joke of a seriously horifically calorific, delicious and unique Hot Chocolate

Pilgrim City, Host of the Holy Blood Procession, Bruges' St Jacob shells to lead the route to Santiago de Com[postela

Group pic at the Simon Stevin statue, a great mathemetician from Bruges

Our beautiful windmills *not usually a part of the classical tour, special request only

Refreshments at Bourgogne de Flanders Brewery

Empty at the thought of more corona news. Idyllic and at rest. The car park at St Jan's

To what calorific level of naughtiness does our best hot chocolate in town reach? Beyond counting :)

And on his head he wears two of the oldest waffles, ever

A private, half-day tour, taking a step into the historical past of a lost medieval city

Highlights of Ghent - Private Walking Tour

Once the second largest medieval city in Northern Europe, today Ghent is a buzzing and vibrant little town full of old medieval architecture and some great stories. Ghent has more than 400 protected monuments and 50 churches, as well as beautiful parks, medieval ruins, Art Nouveau buildings and so much more.

My city truly has a lot to offer.

On this two hour tour, I will show you the highlights of Ghent. We'll walk by the most important monuments in the historical center and I'll share the backstory of how Ghent became such a rich, prosperous and powerful city during the Middle Ages.

I will also tell you about the modern day life in Ghent and why I think Ghent is such an amazing place to live.

Also if you're interested, I could also show you some of my favourite places in Ghent to try Belgian beers, local specialties or chocolates that you may not otherwise find by yourselves.

Ready to discover the hidden gem of Belgium with a born and raised Ghentian?

Let's go!

The Castle of the Counts of Flanders, as seen from the canal.

The Great Butcher's Hall, river Lys, and the Ghent Beerhouse in the distance.

River Lys (Leie), flowing through the city of Ghent

See the best sights & monuments on foot in just two hours!

All you can see Zeeland tour, holiday province of the Dutch! Private tour from Zeeland

Zeeland has it all!! Fun, good country-life, Premium seafood (Yerseke the mussel capital of Europe!), Musea, numerous historic buildings, windmills everywhere, the most famous waterworks in the world and more flowers and bulb fields then the Keukenhof.
What's in the name? Sealand (translated) is surrounded by water and has a history claiming the land of the sea. You can see it everywhere. . . basically, it is a string of dikes, giant waterworks, bridges and dams. But water is life! So we as 'Zeeuwen' build a good and rich environment for ourselves and you are invited to share. I am happy to share this beautiful part of the Netherlands with you and show you the most intimate scenes, joyful cities like Middelburg or Zierikzee and bring you in contact with its inhabitants. Try mussels in Yerseke or taste the local sweet pride the bolus or drink a 'Zeeuws mosselbiertje' at a Sunny terrace. Zeeland stands for Holidayfun, good food and drinks, clean air and pristine waters of the 'Oosterschelde' National Park. C

Flowerfields, Beaches, Mussels, Fisherman places, Rural kindness and tons of culture

Discover Damme, the medieval village near Bruges

What do you think about not only seeing Bruges, but also the beautiful authentic Damme, a lost harbor town 5 km away from Bruges?

During its golden ages, from the 13th to the 16th century, Bruges had several outports. Damme was then an important port city. After all, all goods came here from the sea, before they were transferred to smaller ships.

Everyone always focuses on Bruges, but forgets about this Flemish village of only 11, 000 inhabitants, but with a great medieval past. History is very tangible in beautiful Damme. In addition to a typical star shape of the city (a result of its 17th century wall), the medieval town hall, church and hospital are still present.

Get lost with me through the winding streets and hear the stories of a distant past during this relaxing bike ride

Sports and games on the green edge of Bruges. Kubben, a game that is loved to be played by locals

Enjoy a maerlant beer after the bike tour, a typical beer from Damme

A last look at the Bruges belfry, before we leave for Damme

Nightfall is the best time to visit Damme

Bike ride from the center of Bruges to medieval Damme

  Sun, Oct 13: Today your private guide picks you up at your hotel at 9am. You'll tour with them today: Head to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Explore the palace grounds and catch the changing of the guard ceremony. Visit the National Folk Museum of Korea within the palace grounds. Stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village, where you can see traditional Korean houses. End the evening with dinner in Insadong, where you can try traditional Korean cuisine and enjoy the artistic atmosphere. Mon, Oct 14: Today your private guide picks you up at your hotel at 9am. You'll tour with them today: Morning: Visit Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden. This palace is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. 

Seoul Explore

5Days Seoul Tour

The Stolen Panel of the Ghent Altarpiece: lecture by your own art historian and no. 1 Dutch tourguide, INDOOR Live virtual tour

My name is Walda, I'm an art historian and private tourguide with more than 25 years of experience. I'm Toursbylocals no. 1 tourguide in the Netherlands with more than 350 five star reviews. I'm a private guide in many cities and museums in Europe and I teach art history in adult education since 1995.

In this tour I'm offering you a one hour live power point presentation from my home about the Stolen Panel of the Ghent Altarpiece. This robbery happened in 1934 from the St. Bavo Cathedral in the heart of Ghent city center in Belgium. It's one of the most important unsolved art thefts in the world. Many amateur detectives tried to find the panel, without any luck.

Here's an example of one of my online lectures; this one was about a very traditional feast in the Netherlands: Celebration on Dec 5 of Saint Nicholas (prefather of Santaclaus).

An online lecture with power point presentation from the safety of your own home!

My name is Walda, I'm an art historian since 1996 and Toursbylocals no. 1 tourguide in the Netherlands.

I'm a private guide in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Most of the time you can find me in museums, for example the Rijksmuseum to tell my guests everthing about Rembrandt and the masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour.

This is often combined with a city walk (Amsterdam Museum Square with Rijksmuseum in the background).

I can tell you all about any art historian subject of your interest.

In this lecture with power point presentation I'll tell you everything about the Stolen Panel of the Ghent Altarpiece.

Or maybe you are more interested in Vermeer and the Girl with the pearl earring! Watch this video: youtube.com/watch?v=NctWzydRFgk

When you book a (real!) tour to Ghent with me in 2021 or 2022 I will give you a full refund for the lecture.

The Ghent Altarpiece was painted by the famous Jan and Hubert Van Eyck in 1432.

In the Ghent City Museum SMAK lots of theories are presented.

Was the stolen panel hidden in this well in Ghent?

1 hr INDOOR Live Virtual Tour conducted by art historian from home in the Netherlands using live video-conferencing software

Bruges, the little Venice of the North - Private Three to Four Hours Guided Walk

PLEASE NOTE : I do NOT organise transport from the port to Bruges Old Town.   Easy :  "SHUTTLES" or "TAXI" leave from the port and take you to the gates of the old town ( Zeebrugge Cruiseship Passenger Terminal, 30minutes from Bruges City.).
The shuttle makes a stop at "Bargeplein", which is the meeting point for guides and customers - I can wait for you there!   I can also meet you at your hotel, or at the station exit or other meeting point, but not directly at the port!

Bruges is a Cinderalla city ! Unesco Heritage city !
The city was once a main port of shipment and welcomed plenty of artists and nobles from Europe during the 15th century. Bruges maintained its medieval appearance thanks to various factors from the last centuries, about which you will learn during the visit.
Take a boat trip on the canals, which is how Bruges earned the nickname of the "Venice of the North"
The itineraries are arranged to suit your needs and preferences (entertaining, academic, professional, etc.

A tailored service !

A 30-minute canal cruise (Activity Fee or Event Ticket)

A half day in Bruges, the city that will capture your heart !

Discover Bruges and Ghent in a day private tour

This private tour will start with me welcoming you at the Zeebruges Cruise terminal.
Walking tour through the historic center of the Bruges :
Our Lady Church , with the Michelangelo statue : Madonna with child (movie "The Monuments Men")
The Market square with its impressive Belfry and medieval guilt houses.
The Burg Square with the Holy Blood Chapel, the stunning beauty of the Gothic Hall at the City Hall.
The oasis of silence of the Beguinage and ending at the romantic" Lake of love" with the impressive swans.
Our tour will continue with a 30 minute drive from Bruges and we will start our walking tour in the historic center of Ghent with its famous 3 towers: the Belfry, the St Nicolas church and St Bavo's cathedral. Here you can admire the most famous Masterwork of the Flemish Primitives : the Adoration of Mystic Lamb. (called the altar piece in the movie "movie The Monuments Men).
Lastly, we will enjoy a 40 minute boat trip which will show you most of the highlights.
Return to your ship late afternoon

Admission fee to Michelangelo Madonna in Bruges and Boat trip in Ghent

Bruges De Burg (picture courtesy of Visit Flanders)

Bruges the classical picture (courtesy of Visit Flanders)

Bruges Canals (picture courtesy of visit Flanders)

A full day tour starting at the cruise terminal or any city/hotel in Belgium (within 100km range)

Brugge Full Day - Private Shore Excursion

Bruges: a unique medieval art city of Flanders will capitivate your imagination. Once the starting point of the European Tour by English aristocrats, you will quickly be amazed by romantic views everywhere. This well preserved old city is like a time capsule.

Brugge is Belgium's most visited town but many people stick around the market place. We will discover the highlights too but Bruges is so much more. A few streets away and you discover the quiet hidden gems off the beaten track. Let me show you my favorite things to do in this city. Grand Beguinage, Flemish Masterpieces, a boat trip, a unique private Jerusalem chapel and. . . my favorite chocolates!

Follow my footsteps, discover more!

I can customize this tour according to your requests

Discover the best spots and local specialties in this amazing Belgian city

Vimy Ridge and Belgian Canadian private battlefield Tour

Leaving your hotel in Bruges around 08:30.
Driving towards Vimy, (1h30) visiting the Grange Tunnels and the Canadian and German trenches. Going to the Memorial. Visit of the Visitor Centre.
Driving towards the Ypres area (1h).
Lunch.
Going to Tyne Cot Cemetery and Memorial, the largest CWGC cemetery in the world.
The Crest Farm Memorial in Passendale. Visiting the memorial of the Brooding Soldier in Sint Juliaan, 1st gas attack. Langemark German Cemetery.
Driving towards Ypres and Essex Farm Dressing Station where Dr John McRae wrote the poem in Flanders Fields.
Spending some time in Ypres and attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate.
approximately 20:20 leaving Ypres towards your hotel.

I can create a customized tour for you in case you have special requests

Full day tour with transportation and a private guide.

The Golden Triangle - Classic Walking Tour of Bruges

This tour brings us through the bustling south-side of medieval Bruges, where besides covering the main highlights it has to offer, we'll explore the fascinating history of the town. We'll encompass several different eras, from its humble beginnings in the 9th century through to the Golden Burgundian Age in the 15th century to its rediscovery in the 19th century.

Besides the historical background, I'll make sure you dive into Flemish/Belgian culture & art history with me, as I provide local insights and popular anecdotes on how it is to experience growing up/living in this UNESCO World Heritage Site today. 'Never a dull moment'- guaranteed.

Not to mention, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some chocolate tasting!

You can also opt to see the 'Madonna and Child' statue by Michelangelo inside the Church of our Lady or go inside the Groeninghe Museum to admire the 'Flemish Primitives' paintings, both for an extra expense.

Flemish National Holiday (11 july) on the market square.

Rozenhoedkaai - most photographed corner in Bruges

Favourite restaurant overlooking the Rozenhoedkaai.

Saying goodbye in front of the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Private Chapel of the Gruuthuse's inside the Church of our Lady.

Discover the history & must see highlights of the town!

Would you like to see Ghent's highlights but also discover a lesser known side of this beautiful city, away from the masses? Do you want to learn more about Ghent and its locals and discover some hidden gems and stories while also learn more about the history and the present of Ghent and Flanders? Do you want to know why Ghent is Belgium's most innovative and progressive city?

If you answered yes to these (or some of these) questions, I would love to have you on this tour! We will visit the most famous, not-to-be-missed attractions of Ghent but we'll go beyond the general touristic information and also link it to the present and the bigger picture. We'll then go out of the main touristic area and visit equally interesting and beautiful places where mostly locals spend their time.

This tour is meant to be customized according to your specific interests. Please help me out and let me know in advance what you consider interesting and what you would like to focus on.

See some of the absolute highlights of Ghent!

Ghent: An innovative and progressive student city

Hidden peaceful spots in the middle of the city

One of Ghent's 2 remaining beguinages: an oasis of tranquility

Discover Highlights, Hidden Gems and have a Local Experience

Authentic Ghent Private Tour

WW1 in Flanders Fields, the Ypres Salient, History tour with local guide. Starts in Bruges

As we take you along the old front line, an arc-shaped course, called the Salient, the topography, the relics, the monuments, the memorials and cemeteries tell us the story of so many lives lost for so little gains.

More than telling you what you can find in any good history-book, I'll tell you the stories of the local people, the soldiers in the trenches, the officers facing situations they were not trained for, the medics who had to cure wounds they had never seen before, how one learned to survive the gas attacks and other new weapons. . .

Empires were dismantled.
The course of European history changed, and also the history of the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, China and many other countries took a new direction.

The world became a different place.

Why did the battle turn so awefully wrong, in Ypres, Flanders? Private Tour

This Shore Excursion Tour includes all the best of Bruges in a full day tour.

It starts with car collection from the Zeebrugge Passenger Terminal and then evolves into a relaxed and all-encompassing day adventure of Bruges' city, covering historical facts, legends, architecture, culture, taste and even traditions.

Bruges was once once of Northern Europe's most affluent trading cities, and evidence is all around us in this small city. It is easy to relax and enjoy its surroundings while I support you with narrative to educate and entertain and satisfy any hunger you have. Traditions remain, architecture shines majestically and history is very alive in a city that was once forgotten, and you will struggle to want to leave.

We spend the day together, to take time to cover this city's former glory, visit its many wonderful locations and taste the food and drink traditions that remain to this very day. A lunchtime meal will restore energy levels, and the occasional traditional snack will not be amiss.

Church of Our Holy Lady - home of Michealangelo's piece 'Madonna & Child'.

The old 'Eekhout Abbey' (Oakwood), formerly very neglected, now housing the citys art collections from the Flemish Primitives 'Groeninge Museum'

Plaque for the Guild of Bruges Chocolatiers. Bruges has many traditions still in effect today.

Godhouse Meulenare-St Josef - one of 46 Godhouses in Bruges

Large beers are actually less popular - locals love a freshly served smaller beer to ensure quality doesn't interfere with quantity.

Burg 'Citizen' Square, a truely magical location full of history.

Gent tours

Explore with 97 tours and 23 guides.

Carl O.

$ 413 (USD)

Flavia F.

$ 305 (USD)

Natalie T.

$ 328 (USD)

Arn H.

$ 270 (USD)

Pieter v.

$ 745 (USD)

Koen G.

$ 345 (USD)

Young Y.

$ 2,505 (USD)

Walda B.

$ 153 (USD)

Danielle

$ 363 (USD)

Peter V.

$ 819 (USD)

Maarten V.

$ 558 (USD)

Claude V.

$ 1,069 (USD)

Jan S.

$ 322 (USD)

Natalie L.

$ 265 (USD)

Carl O.

$ 529 (USD)

Natalie T.

$ 777 (USD)

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