Bruges, Belgium
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The detailed historical account of how six European countries - Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, ...
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Overview
Medieval architecture, meandering canals and exquisite chocolate and beer: it's no wonder that more than 2 million tourists flock to this Belgian city each year.
Nunneries, belfries, guild houses, stone-paved squares and canals provide fascinating glimpses into Bruges’ past. Today, the old center of Bruges is an internationally recognized World Heritage Site and the most popular destination in Belgium, but architecture and history are just part of the city’s appeal. Enjoy some of Belgium's famous beer and rich chocolate as you discover all that Bruges has to offer.
Walking is the simplest and perhaps the best way to see the compact town, but there are other options. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride from the park near the tranquil Minnewater or a boat tour of the stunning Canals of Bruges.
At the center of Bruges is its Grote Markt, a pedestrian zone featuring exquisitely decorative architecture. Climb the Belfort for the finest views of the city. Other places of interest include the Heilige Bloed Basiliek (Basilica of the Holy Blood), St. Salvator's Cathedral, Old St. John's Hospital and numerous bridges over the canals. If you have a rainy day, visit the Groeningemuseum and admire the mastery of the region's artists through the ages. Get insight into the religious history of Bruges at Begijnhof, a nunnery that has been in operation since the 13th century. It's not just the history you must sample, however. Belgium is renowned for its unique brews, so be sure to try several beers along with your moules frites (mussels and fries). For dessert, visit Choco-Story, The Chocolate Museum, where you can study the history of Belgian chocolate before sampling this famous export.
Bruges is a perennial tourist attraction. It’s busiest during the summer when music and dance festivals fill the weekends. Cactus Festival in July features rock and reggae in Minnewaterpark. August's MAfestival focuses on early music with organ, harpsichord, pianoforte and baroque choirs.
Travel Tips
We can arrange a variety of transportation options throughout Europe to make your Europe vacation truly spectacular. Whether you simply need transportation between the airport and hotel, or you want to charter a private yacht or jet, we offer you choice and will manage the important details.
While traveling in Belgium we recommend :
- Private transfers at time of booking - All transfers include a meet-and-greet by English-speaking drivers, luggage assistance, and bottled water in modern vehicles to and from all points of entry as well as between cities.
Currency
- The Euro is the official currency of the European union and its member countries. Other European Currencies include the Swiss Franc and the British pound. Exchange rates vary by currency and economic seasonality.
Tipping Etiquette
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge
- Porters: $1
- Taxi's: Round Up
Time Difference
- Belgium is GMT + 2 hours
Europe spans three time zones:
- Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) which is 5 hours ahead of Eastern standard Time.
- Central Standard Time which is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
- Eastern European Time which is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
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Entry Requirements
- A passport is required when traveling outside of your country. If any passenger carries anything other than a Passport supplied by your home country, please contact the Consulate of the country(s) you are visiting to verify document requirements. If you do not have appropriate documentation, you will be denied entry. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return trip for international travel.