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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Bruges and Ghent

Independent 7-day rail trip linking Bruges and Ghent

Illustration of Bruges and Ghent

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation between Bruges and Ghent, running 7 days and 6 nights. Travelers arrive in Bruges by train on day 1 and check in for a three-night stay, with an included city tour to learn the medieval city's history and time to browse its chocolate shops and climb the 83-metre Belfry Tower for views over the market squares. On day 4, a short train ride carries travelers to Ghent for three more nights, with an included scenic river cruise past the Gravensteen castle. Ghent's remaining days are spent exploring gothic architecture and winding canals at your own pace. Because it's independent rather than escorted, most sightseeing beyond the two included tours is self-planned, which suits travelers who are comfortable navigating two Belgian cities without a guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • Bruges accommodation is listed as a choice of six hotels for the three-night stay (Die Swaene, Dukes Academie, Hotel Navarra, Hotel Acacia, Martin's Relais or Grand Hotel Normandy), so the actual hotel and comfort level depend on which one is booked.
  • Only two of the 7 days (day 1 and day 4) involve a train journey; the rest of the trip is city sightseeing time in Bruges and Ghent.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bruges

    Your Journey Begins in Bruges

    Welcome to beautiful Bruges. Take the train from Brussels and upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. Once settled in your hotel, why not take a stroll around the town, and go in search of the city's finest chocolate shops.

  2. Day 2overnight: Bruges

    Bruges

    Bruges is a medieval masterpiece of a city, full of pretty canals and cobbled streets. Learn the stories of Bruges' rich history on an informative city tour. During your stay, don't miss a visit to the Historium.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3overnight: Bruges

    Bruges

    After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy another day discovering the delights of Bruges. Stroll through historic market squares, indulge in traditional Flemish cuisine, and take in panoramic views from the 83-metre high Belfry Tower.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ghent

    Bruges to Ghent

    Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before boarding a train for the short journey over to Ghent. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Why not spend the afternoon enjoying a bit of retail therapy, heading to the Kouter area for boutique shops.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Ghent

    Ghent

    Ghent is lesser known but indeed larger than Bruges and is a charming university city. There is also an imposing castle, the Gravensteen, in the heart of the city. Get a unique view of the city on a scenic boat ride.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Ghent

    Ghent

    After breakfast today, head out for another day of sightseeing. Take time to enjoy the grand gothic architecture or enjoy a boat tour along the winding canals.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7rail

    Depart Ghent

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Vacation Specialists will be happy to assist you.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrive in Bruges by train and browse the city's chocolate shops.
  • Day 3Take in panoramic views from the 83-metre high Belfry Tower after strolling Bruges's historic market squares.
  • Day 4Take the short train from Bruges to Ghent.
  • Day 5Take a scenic boat ride past Ghent's Gravensteen castle.
  • Day 6Take a boat tour along Ghent's winding canals past its gothic architecture.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Bruges
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Ghent
  • City Tour of Bruges
  • Scenic river cruise in Ghent

Questions travellers ask

Does this trip include train travel?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, arriving in Bruges by train on day 1 and taking a short train to Ghent on day 4.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's independent. Beyond the Bruges city tour and Ghent river cruise, travelers explore both cities at their own pace.
What hotels are used?
Bruges accommodation is a choice of six hotels including Die Swaene, Dukes Academie and Grand Hotel Normandy Bruges; in Ghent the trip stays at the Novotel Gent Centrum.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in Bruges and three nights in Ghent, for 7 days and 6 nights total.
What is included besides the hotels and rail travel?
A city tour of Bruges, a scenic river cruise in Ghent, and breakfast each morning.
What does it cost?
Prices start at $959 per person.

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