Your day trip to Bruges (Brugge, in Dutch) kicks off with a scenic train ride from London. Ticket in hand, head to London’s St Pancras railway station and catch the Eurostar to Brussels, then connect to Bruges railway station where your expert guide awaits your arrival. Your day is divided into a 3-hour guided tour, followed by 3 hours of exploring Bruges’ memorable sights on your own.
Follow your guide through to downtown, learning how Bruges’ prominent city center became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Weave through winding canals which lead to the port and learn how Bruges was once the chief commercial city in the world.
Along the way, stop at the Kantcentrum, home to lace designer stores. See the intricate details of each design and learn about the history of this unique craft. Next, step into the Heilig-Bloedbasiliek church where your guide will explain the significance of a supposed vial of Christ’s blood.
Stroll on and visit Begijnhof, a semi-monastic community which is today kept by Benedictine nuns. Listen to your guide explain how this was once home to a convent of widowed and single women who wished to serve God. Observe the white houses and experience the tranquility of their gardens.
Say farewell to your guide and begin touring on your own, perhaps walking to the Groeninge Museum, built on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey. If you'd like, explore six centuries of Flemish and Belgian paintings, viewing fine primitive and modern pieces on display (own expense). When you feel hungry, head to a local bistro for tastes of savory cuisine. Continue on to interesting shops and places recommended by your guide before meeting up with your group in late evening and heading back to London by rail.
