Jenni F.United States
Maarten was a great guide! I would highly recommend his tours!
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Private tour in Ghent Maarten V
Taste the best of Ghent and Bruges: private tour
5.0
(13) reviews
-
9 hours
Private transportation
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
-
9 hours
Private transportation
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
Maarten V.
5.0
Guide rating
69
Reviews
Tours delivered
15 hrs
Avg. response time
Dear traveller, let me take you on one of my rollercoaster tours in Flanders and Brussels! My name is Maarten, father to a boy and a girl, married and living in Leuven for almost 20 years, born and raised near Bruges and worked for many years in Brussels. My hobbies are art and antiques, fine dining, travelling, bootcamp fitness, yoga and playing tennis. I fluently speak Dutch (of course), French and English. I have a masters degree in French. I currently study art history at Leuven University. I'm already a certified beer sommelier but now i'm becoming a zythologist (beer specialist). Hence, I do like a good beer from time to time but the stories behind our Belgian beers are also very fascinating. In 2017 I started guiding. A friend from India came to visit and I had to prepare a tour of the best of Belgium. This triggered and inspired me to become a certified guide for Flanders and Brussels. I'm strong at delivering high quality walking tours, asking clients their preferences and wishes so to fully give the best possible experience. I love travelling myself and always on the lookout for new things to see and discover in our amazing cities full of art and culture. In my personal citytrips I have to make sure there is a lot of variation between culture, action, foodie places to keep everyone of my family happy. It's this mix of variation I also bring to my tours. So most of the walking tours include - of course - tasting local specialties! The cities that I propose are Bruges, Ghent, Brussels and of course my home town of Leuven. In daytrips we can combine two cities or discover Bruges and the Flanders Fields. I feel very passionate about our rich history and art. Belgians love to eat and drink: our culinary traditions are truly phenomenal. But in the meantime I find it thrilling to show people how vibrant and innovative our cities are right now. Old and new go hand in hand! So if you want a high quality walking tour with lots of variety between fun, art, highlights and best things to taste: call on me! My strongest point is to customize the tours according to your wishes and expectations. Very welcome on my tours. Hope to see you soon and we will create lasting memories together! - guiding licence - driving licence - bachelor degree French Literature History from KUL (Catholic University of Leuven) - beer consultant (zythologist) - art history courses at KUL NONE
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Maarten V.
Discover the best spots and local specialties in 2 historic and thriving cities
Overview of your Ghent tour
Ghent and Bruges: both unique art cities of Flanders will capitivate your imagination Let's start the day to immerse together in the vibrant city of Ghent: a walking tour with local tastings. Ghent has the most stunning street in Flanders with the Graslei: a view you will never forget. Closeby we discover a true masterpiece still kept at its original setting: Agnus Dei by Van Eyck. After the 'high culture' we discover local specialties in the oldest candy shop and the best mustard in the world. A lunch in Ghent or Bruges, followed by a quick 30 minute car drive or train ride to Bruges. The very romantic Bruges will amaze you but has a different look and feel. This well preserved old city is like a time capsule. Discover my favorite things to do in this city. Grand Beguinage, Flemish Masterpieces a boat trip and a unique private Jerusalem chapel and. . . my favorite chocolates! Bruges is so much more than the highlights. Follow my footsteps, discover more! I can customize this tour according to your reques
Recent Reviews
Claudia M.United States
We loved our day with Maarten. Look no further and book with Maarten for an excellent time in Ghent and Bruges. Both cities are unique and a must see. From a candy store, to beautiful canal views, an amazing altar piece, castles, churches, architecture, city squares, flowers, green space... and wonderful lunch... this is a must tour with Maarten. He was so interesting, knew history, art, architecture, church history and on and on... as well as being personable and enjoyable to be with. We decided to stay in Brugge at the end of our tour because we were having such a great time and wanted to see the square at night. Thank you Maarten for a wonderful day and waffles during the one short afternoon shower. Perfect.
Travis K.United States
Very pleased with our day long tour of Bruges and Ghent. Maarten was so knowledgeable and passionate for the history and backstory. He was flexible with us due to the extreme heat on the day of our tour, which was out of anyone’s control. Would absolutely recommend.
Hanna K.United States
We had Maarten give us a city tour of Brussels as well as Bruges, and I'm glad we did. We originally were hesitant to book the same guide twice, because we'd be stuck if we didn't like him on the first tour, but weren't disappointed. He did a great job trying to keep every member of our group interested, and let us take detours as needed. It was nice having a customizable tour and a guide willing to be flexible. His knowledge and love for the cities really shined through, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide!
Patrick S.United States
Wonderful tour! Maarten provided us with an informative and enriching tour of Ghent and Brugge. Highly recommend!
Jane C.United States
Wow- we just spent the day with Maarten touring Ghent and Bruges and it was fantastic. Maarten is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate about his country and its history, kind, and fun to be around. I highly recommend this tour and especially this guide.
Your Ghent tour itinerary
The tour starts and finishes in Ghent! - pick up at Ghent Station (Sint Pieters) - walk (or take a quick tram ride) to city center - discovering amazing Graslei - Van Eyck: a Flemish Masterpiece kept at its original place - trick or treat: tasting sweets form the oldest candy shop in Ghent - lunch break (optional) - transfer to Bruges (30 minute drive) - discovering the romantic Beguinage - quick coffee or tea break in a unique setting - discovering Flemish Art - taking a boat tour - discovering the hidden gems of Bruges - wrap up the tour in Bruges and transfer back to Ghent Please contact me for a customized tour.
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: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan
Private car (in case of larger groups i can arrange an extra cab or public transport or shuttle bus tickets can be bought) Trains are very easy and a comfortable experience in Belgium; higly recommended, especially with groups larger then 4
What's included
Other: 1 bottle of water per person
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Bruges, Flanders, Belgium
Either in Ghent or Bruges according to your preferences: railway station; cruise ship terminal ; hotel ;....
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Food And Drink
Tour reference number
784441
Languages
English
Dutch
FrenchActivity level
Minimal
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Ghent best suited for?
This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historic and vibrant cities of Ghent and Bruges with a local expert. It's ideal for those interested in art, culture, and local specialties, as well as anyone looking to experience the unique charm of these Flemish cities. The tour is also suitable for families, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns, as it is kid-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
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
-
9 hours
Private transportation
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
-
9 hours
Private transportation
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.