Bruges On Your Own

by coach & on foot

This experience is ideal for those guests who prefer to spend a the day exploring the beautiful city of Bruges independently, without having to negotiate public transport links to do so.

Bruges in French or Brugge in Flemish is an exquisitely preserved medieval town. It had the good fortune of being linked to the sea by a navigable waterway and the city became a leading member of the Hanseatic League in the 13th century, when the town established Europe's first stock exchange.

Departing from Dunkirk, an approximately 65-minute drive will bring you to one of the coach parks on the outskirts of Bruges. From here, your time is your own. Enjoy a walk into the city centre. As you enter the historical old town, the beautiful medieval atmosphere is immediately evident. Cobblestoned streets twist and turn, and centuries-old buildings hover over the main canals. Some of the sites you could explore include the Marketplace with its beautiful merchant guild houses, the Belfry Tower, Town Hall and the Gothic-style Chapel of the Holy Blood.

Maybe you will choose to take a canal boat ride along the tranquil waterways of this romantic, historical city and marvel at the Flemish architecture.

You’ll have no problem finding a lovely location to purchase lunch or a snack (at your own expense) during your free time. Maybe savour a local Belgian beer and sit and watch the world go by or even visit the Beer Museum.

Shops are plentiful and overflowing with souvenirs including delicious renowned Belgian chocolates, finely made tapestries and, of course, Belgium’s world-famous lace - so the shopping opportunities are hard to resist.

Following your independent adventure to Bruges you will return to the coach park for the return journey to the ship.