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A moment of tranquility on a canal

An Enchanting Cruise: Exploring the Christmas Markets in Ghent and Bruges

Bruges to Ghent - Example 4 Day Cruise aboard MS Raymonde
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Embark on a 4-day holiday cruise aboard MS Raymonde through Belgium, visiting Bruges and Ghent during their Christmas celebrations. Join guided walking tours of each city’s festive market, where local crafts and seasonal treats fill the squares. Discover Bruges’ medieval streets and visit the Bourgogne des Flandres brewery for a tasting. Cruise along the Ghent-Bruges-Ostend Canal, savoring Belgian hot chocolate, bredeles, and traditional waffled wafers. In Ghent, stroll through a pedestrian-friendly center lined with Flemish architecture, festive lights, and holiday stalls. Enjoy local delicacies and time to explore at your own pace. This adventure combines historic charm, culinary experiences, and the atmosphere of Belgium’s most celebrated holiday destinations.
Church and Arch Bridge in Ghent, BelgiumWander the quaint streets of BrugesEnjoy a cozy Christmas market with loved onesBruges, BelgiumView along the riverA moment of tranquility on a canal
Highlights
  • Discover Bruges Christmas market with guided walking tour and tasting
  • Visit Bourgogne des Flandres brewery for authentic Flemish beer sampling
  • Explore Bruges’ medieval streets and historic architectural landmarks
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Brussels | Embark | Bruges

ou may take a coach transfer from Brussels to Bruges. Board the ship at 5:00 p.m., then head out on a guided walking tour of Bruges’ Christmas market. See the Grote Markt and Simon Stevinplein squares filled with seasonal stalls, local crafts, and holiday foods. Meet artisans, browse handmade goods, and taste traditional treats. Return to the ship for a welcome drink with the crew, followed by dinner on board.

Day 2: Bruges

Start the day with a guided walking tour of Bruges, exploring its streets and historic landmarks. Continue to the Bourgogne des Flandres brewery for a visit and a tasting of its classic Flemish beer. Spend some free time in the city before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, cruise toward Aalter along the Ghent-Bruges-Ostend Canal. Sample hot chocolate and bredeles as the Flemish countryside passes by.

Day 3: Aalter | Ghent

As you cruise towards Ghent this morning, join a tasting of a sweet Belgian treat that originated in Flanders—thin, waffled wafers that melt in your mouth. You'll arrive in Ghent in the afternoon. Included excursion: A guided tour of the Ghent Christmas market(3) and a tasting of local specialties. Ghent's city center is a pedestrian's dream—an open-air museum where Flemish architecture accents the indisputable beauty of its medieval heritage. You'll leave on foot with a guide for a tour and tasting. You'll also visit the Christmas market located in the city center, where countless lights and festive decorations accent Ghent's marvelous architecture. The market extends out from Sint-Baafsplein, along the Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to the end of the Korenmarkt. Enjoy some free time strolling along the city's picturesque streets, cheerfully decorated for the holidays, and browse the stands where local craftspeople sell their wares. After the tour, you'll return to the ship on foot. Tonight is the festive gala evening.

Day 4: Ghent | Brussels | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. Possibility of coach transfer between Ghent and Brussels.

Ship/Hotel

MS Raymonde

Relax on the MS Raymonde as she sails the canals of France
Modern decor on the MS Raymonde
Tasteful design on the MS Raymonde

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,444 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Additional fuel surcharge based on current cost of Brent Oil prices; please contact us for actual cost.
Standard cabins on the MS Raymonde
Main Deck
10 cabins with a size of 9m² with high windows and amenities include a TV, telephone (for internal calls only), bathroom, safe, independent air-conditioning, and wi-fi.
Standard cabins on the MS Raymonde
Upper Deck
1 PRM cabin with a size of 11m² with high windows and amenities include a TV, telephone (for internal calls only), bathroom, safe, independent air-conditioning, and wi-fi.

Notes

20% discount on children between 2-10 years
30% discount for 3rd person in triple cabin
Included
  • 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 3 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • Accommodation in double cabins
  • Excursions included in the package selected
  • All port fees
  • Wi-fi access
  • All meals are served in one service. Breakfast is buffet style, and lunch and dinner are served at the table
  • In the case of cruises offering extensions in hotels, the catering services are only as those detailed in the programs concerned
  • Drinks included on board (excluding special cards) and a drinks package for meals taken outside the ship (1/4 wine or 1 mineral water and 1 coffee per person and per meal)
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers
  • Cancellation and baggage insurance
  • Routings (unless otherwise stated), airport taxes, and handling fees
  • All services not mentioned in the program

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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