Ann G.United States
Dirk was friendly, informative, accommodating. He knows Antwerp well and took us to interesting spots. He has a good sense of humor! Highly recommend.
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Private tour in Ghent Dirk-Diego V
Heart of Ghent Walking Tour
4.9
(19) reviews
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Dirk-Diego V.
4.9
Guide rating
103
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
I am fascinated by the multicultural history of Flanders' cities & beyond. My aim as a local guide is to provide you with a personal and professional service: not only to tell you the history, but also to show you these cities of today. I studied economics & public relations at the Artevelde Hogeschool Ghent and by ending up in the travel industry, I took the opportunity to travel all continents. After my active career I took a course of general history and guided different parties in Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp and Brussels. With pleasure I share my experience and knowledge with interested travelers from all over the world for whom I put my best foot forward. "You are a bridge-builder between diverse people", that's how a friend-writer once told me. I believe this is an appropriate description of myself, because looking for beauty in people, architecture, culture and music is my passion. Being on the road I find more interesting than the end goal itself. As the famous scientist Einstein ever pretended: "logic takes you from A to B, imagination takes you everywhere". *studied economics & history *experienced traveler & touroperator *multiple language skills *highly empathic ability *open minded Recommended to travel by train in Belgium: no traffic jams, no reservations needed, high frequencies, very affordable. For your extra comfort, consider buying a 1st class ticket. On weekends travel at half price. Reduced price if you're 65+
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Dirk-Diego V.
Discover the medieval past & vibrant present
Overview of your Ghent tour
The unique blend of old and new architecture will surprise everyone with a sense of curiosity in the past & present of Ghent. Once the medieval Manhattan due to their towering facades which dominated the centre in the 13th and 14th century. In that period the most important city in the northern part of Europe after Paris, thanks to the lucrative textile trade for centuries. With such an eventful past, Ghent today remains a dynamic city for both older & young people from all over the country and home to the largest university in Belgium. Famous in Flanders for its various cultural activities. Ghent attracts more and more travelers from abroad, because this small but vibrant metropolis is a history book in a nutshell: a delight to discover by foot. Let me guide you in my beloved hometown where I live and work since more than half a century. I am confident that after you see and feel Ghent, you will enjoy this little big town.
Recent Reviews
Alex K.United States
Dirk is a thoughtful, knowledgeable person, striving to share as much factual information about the history of the town, country and fully answering questions which went beyond the scope of the tour. Highly recommend this professional guide. Alex K.
Michael H.United States
Dirk was great to work with in arranging the 2 tours through Ghent and Brugges. He helped me plan and time the visit, how to set up the trains, easy to meet, very knowledgeable and easy going. Excellent guide for both cities.
Kathleen M.United States
Dirk is a very experienced and interesting tour guide. We enjoyed the history and stories as we walked through Ghent. He is so easy to listen to and always adds a little humor.
Dale F.United States
Excellent tour of Ghent with Dirk for my wife and myself. A native of Ghent that knows the history well along with a few interesting caveats! He lets you know which ones are fables! Passionate about the history of Belgium and Flanders. Highlight was The Mystic Lamb. Highly recommend Dirk for a guide and hope to return one day again to Ghent to explore further. Dirk is a very knowledgeable and experienced guide.
Brent W.Canada
Dirk was a great guide. He provided a very thoughtful and knowledgeable tour, and we were able to see so much of the city in a short amount of time. We had a wonderful time and would recommend Dirk and his tour of Ghent.
Your Ghent tour itinerary
Saint Bavo's Cathedral (The Mystic Lamb/The Ghent Altar Piece by Van Eyck Bros); The Belfry Tower; The Town Hall; The Friday Market; Patershol; The Old Vleeshuis; Fish Market Castle of the Counts; The Old Port; Saint-Pieters Abbey & Church
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
easy walking tour
What's included
Other: tips for chocolate/waffle tasting, lunch or dinner
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fee to The Ghent Altarpiece/Mystic Lamb painting by the Van Eyck brothers €12,50 (optional), including the painting by the famous PP Rubens
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
1 Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein, Gent, Vlaams Gewest, 9000, Belgium
Meet in the lobby of your hotel, when centrally located, or in the main hall of the Ghent Sint-Pieters train station
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
461045
Languages
English
Dutch
FrenchActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Ghent best suited for?
This private tour in Ghent is perfect for travellers who are curious about both the medieval past and vibrant present of the city. It's ideal for those who enjoy exploring history by foot and want to connect with a local guide like Dirk-Diego V. for deeper insights into Ghent's unique blend of old and new architecture. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Ghent be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.