Saint Michael's Church, Ghent

This tour offers a surprisingly large number of sights: - St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church - Old guildhalls of boatmen, masons, grain measurers, fishmongers, hagbutters, etc. - The Castle of the Counts, the Princes’ Court and the Rabot - The old Fish market facing the even older Meat Hall - The more than solid 13th-century Monasteries previously occupied by Augustinians and Dominicans - The Ancient Port of Ghent with its mercantile houses, etc. - The picturesque teahouses opposite the scenic marina - The old Law Courts of Ghent, the Opera, the Handelsbeur concert hall - The 'Krook' - Going through the tunnels under the Laurentplein - The Castle of Gerald the Devil and the Episcopal Palace - The Nederschelde, alongside the Reep, until the Scaldis water lock

Join an entertaining local guide on a culinary and historical journey through the charming streets of Ghent. This walking tour combines the city’s rich heritage with its vibrant flavors, offering a perfect blend of sweet and savory treats at exceptional locations. We don't serve full meals, as this is not a traditional food tour. What is on the menu? Think cheese croquettes paired with authentic Ghent mustard, delicious Belgian pralines crafted by a Gault Millau-rated chocolatier, and a local beer enjoyed in a cozy 13th-century pub. Sample jenever (a local spirit) and try homemade broccoli beignets alongside delicious potato waffles with pickles. You’ll also visit Ghent’s oldest candy shop. But there’s more! As you stroll through Ghent’s medieval heart, your guide will share captivating stories, lots of fun facts, and fascinating historical facts that bring the city to life. A culinary adventure through Ghent you will never forget!

We start with a brief introduction at Vrijdagmarkt and then go on an explorer journey for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time you will find out where the name Ghent comes from and visit the very origins of our city, which is almost 1400 years old. Explore sites such as our yacht harbour (Portus Ganda), the tree medieval towers (Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church) and the historical harbour with Graslei and Korenlei quays, where the hustle and bustle never ceases. It is the also area where all trade took place during the late medieval times, which resulted in Ghent being the most prosperous city in Northern Europe at the time. Ghent is however so much more then this. It is the home of 3 beguinages, some exquisite museums, parks, host of the 1913 World Expo and capital of street art (and we do not just mean the popular Graffiti Street). Furthermore, it is a lively city where visitors, residents and students meet. This tour is an ideal introduction to Ghent and combines history with the the latest developments. Ghent is a continuous evolving city and we are very proud to show her to the world! Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

At the start of the tour, the fairy-tale-looking Gravensteen Castle, surrounded by a moat, reveals the sinister yet interesting past when Ghent’s medieval ruler, Counts of Flanders, used the site as a barbaric prison. Today, the most attractive icon of the city is still in a great preservation state and houses a unique museum of dungeons and torturing tools for which another visit to explore is highly recommended. Continue to visit The House of Alijn in the cozy cobblestoned Patershol Quarter, which used to accommodate textile workers in the 15th century. The highlight of the museum which was once a hospice for sick children is not its exhibitions but a lovely courtyard garden and a typical working-class pub secluded behind a group of quaint houses, adding to the nostalgic beauty of the place. Then, head to the true centre of Ghent where its 14th-century City Hall prominently stands as the hub of the community witnessing historical events as well as important moments of its citizens. Its grand façade is a cocktail of architectural styles and laden with intricate details, most notably the sober sculptures of the Counts of Flanders. A stone’s throw away is the towering silhouette of the Ghent Belfry, built onto the Cloth Hall in the flamboyant Brabant Gothic style. For centuries, the stunning tower, recognized by UNESCO, has served as the town’s clock, treasury, and watchtower by the side of the hall which is an ode to the cloth industry once thriving in the city. Just opposite is St. Bavo's Cathedral, the oldest church in the heart of Ghent. But the town’s symbol of wealth in medieval times is another church nearby: St. Nicholas' Church, which defines the Ghent’s skyline, together with the cathedral and the belfry. Its opulent façade displays a harmonious mixture of Romanesque and the Flemish Gothic style. Behind the church lies the Korenmarkt Square, the heart of the Old Town beating with its vibrant rhythm. The bustling neighbourhood offers the best of both worlds with its attractive blend of old-world charms, including the imposing former post-office building and quaint artisan shops, and the modern conveniences of numerous cafés, restaurants, and outdoor markets. Make a perfect end to the tour capturing breathtaking views in all directions and great photography opportunities from the viewpoint of Saint Michael's Bridge. The historic stonework spans the Leie River at the most strategic spot with the sober-looking Saint Michael's Church and picturesque Wheat Quay on one end and the scenic Grass Quay and Old Town’s centre on the other.

Your adventure kicks off when we pick you up from your Amsterdam hotel in a comfy, air-conditioned Mercedes. This is how you start your trip in style! When we get to Ghent, you're in for a treat with the city's old-time charm. First stop? Gravensteen Castle. This place is like a time machine to the 12th century, showing you what medieval life was like and giving you awesome views of the city. Then, we're off to see the famous Belfry of Ghent. It's not just any tower; it's a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with history. And you can't miss St. Bavo’s Cathedral, where the Ghent Altarpiece will blow your mind with its beauty. Walking through Ghent is like stepping into a storybook, with streets full of ancient buildings that tell tales of the past. Want more? You can choose to visit Saint Michael's Church to get into Ghent's spiritual side, or take a peaceful boat cruise on the canals for some picture-perfect moments. These extras let you make the trip your own, whether you're all about the stunning buildings or the calm of the water. And hey, don't forget to try some of Ghent's famous chocolates and local dishes. It's a chance to dive into the city's food scene. This private tour is your ticket to discovering Ghent's history, amazing architecture, and yummy eats, all from the comfort of your own private car.