Founded in the 9^th Century by the Vikings, the settlement became very quickly an important international harbor thanks to a sea–arm called the Zwin that connected Bruges to the North Sea.

From the 12^th C on, traders from all over the known world came to the city to sell their products to each other and buy Flemish cloth , making Bruges an international financial and trading center as well as the ware house of the North European Hansa cities.

Several countries had their own representatives in Bruges: the Italians, the Germans, the Scottish, the Spanish, making the city a true European Center with its splendid late-Gothic buildings and churches and its famous Flemish painters like Van Eyck or Memling.

With the progressive silting of the Zwin and the competition of Antwerp, the bigger harbour, Bruge’s wealth started declining beginning of the 16^th C, slipping a century later , after its former glory was only a memory, into a winter-sleep that lasted several centuries.

In the middle of the 1800′s Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium.

The 20^th C however brought new life. The city was rediscovered throughout the world-wars by international tourism and its unique medieval heritage became a fascination for millions of people all over the world making Bruges one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Europe.

DAY 1

Your private, licensed driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel or apartment at 07:00.

The drive to Bruges will take about 3h30 ( you will stop half-way for coffee and croissants).

After parking the van in the center of town, your guide will walk with you to the market

place ,the medieval heart of the city surrounded by spectacular neo-gothic buildings where you will start your visit at the imposing 83 m high BELFRY TOWER, the proud symbol of Bruge’s independence for centuries with its original cloth hall that used to house 384 sales stands.

The stiff climb of its 366 staircases with a display of the old treasury room will be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama and the lovely music of a carillon consisting of an impressive clock mechanism of 47 bells.

After passing the statues of Jan Breydel and Peter de Coninck,the heroes of the “battle of the Golden Spurs” that won Bruge’s independence, you will have a look at the impressive PROVINCIAL COURTHOUSE before joining the BURG SQUARE, the heart of the administrative Bruges with the Gothic TOWN HALL dating from 1376, one of the most beautiful buildings of the city , its monumental front facade displaying the town weapons and its large staircase leading to the so called Gothic Hall with spectacular wall paintings that illustrate the most important historical events of Bruges.

Next to the Town Hall you will have a look at the former COURTOF JUSTICE with the statues of Moses and Aaron on the facade and its famous chimney in wood , marble and

alabaster built in 1528, before visiting the CHAPEL OF THE HOLY BLOOD that houses the Relic of the Holy Blood that was brought back from Jerusalem after the second crusade by Diederik van den Elzas ( visit of the Romanesque Basilius chapel on the ground level and of the Gothic Chapel with the Relic on the first floor).

After the visit your guide will take you to a nice local restaurant where you will enjoy LUNCH.

It is time now for a very interesting and relaxing BOAT CRUISE (around 45 minutes) on the Canals of Bruges, these remarkable city arteries where you will discover secret gardens, picturesque bridges, and wonderful still lives.

Before leaving you at your hotel, you will have free time to explore some of the 49 CHOCOLATE boutiques of Bruges ( Bruges is the world capital of chocolate) and having a closer look at some of the many shops that sell crafts (lace, jewels, tapestries…)

DAY 2

Your second day starts with the private guided visit of the GROENINGE MUSEUM where you will discover the highlights of the world-famous collection of Flemish Primitives like Van Eyck, Van der Goes, Memling, Gerard David as well as various Renaissance and Baroque masters.

After the visit and a short break for coffee, your guide will walk with you to the CHURCH OF OUR LADY with its 122 meter high brick steeple (the highest in Europe) that dominates the skyline of the city. This “high spot” of stonemason’s art in medieval Bruges, plays host to a rich collection of art treasures of which the crowning glory is the “Madonna and Child” by Michelangelo, the only work of the master that left Italy during his life time.

The choir aisle is also a treasure trove of exceptional wood carvings, and the 16^th C ceremonial tombs pf Maria of Burgundy and Charles the Bold as well as other painted tombs from the 13^th and 14^th C.

Next to Our Lady’s Church is one of the marvelous, medieval residential courts called “GODSHUIZEN” { the houses of God}, a group of houses built out of mortar and charity with their picturesque gardens, whitewashed facades and glorious silence, the city’s havens of peace{ visit if time}.

Your guide will take you now to a small local BEER BREWERY { Belgium is the world capital of beer } where you will discover the secret of making beer and taste a glass at the end {if you want}.

It is now time for a nice LUNCH in a typical local restaurant.

After lunch , you will have a look at the former HOSPITAL that houses some exceptional paintings of HANS MEMLING like the legend of St Ursula , the marriage of St Catherine or the Wisemen.

You will have a short time for a last small shopping before driving back to Paris after these 2 unforgettable days.

Founded in the 9^th Century by the Vikings, the settlement became very quickly an important international harbor thanks to a sea–arm called the Zwin that connected Bruges to the North Sea.

From the 12^th C on, traders from all over the known world came to the city to sell their products to each other and buy Flemish cloth , making Bruges an international financial and trading center as well as the ware house of the North European Hansa cities.

Several countries had their own representatives in Bruges: the Italians, the Germans, the Scottish, the Spanish, making the city a true European Center with its splendid late-Gothic buildings and churches and its famous Flemish painters like Van Eyck or Memling.

With the progressive silting of the Zwin and the competition of Antwerp, the bigger harbour, Bruge’s wealth started declining beginning of the 16^th C, slipping a century later , after its former glory was only a memory, into a winter-sleep that lasted several centuries.

In the middle of the 1800′s Bruges was the poorest city in Belgium.

The 20^th C however brought new life. The city was rediscovered throughout the world-wars by international tourism and its unique medieval heritage became a fascination for millions of people all over the world making Bruges one of the most exciting tourist attractions in Europe.

Your private, licensed driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel or apartment at 07:00.

The drive to Bruges will take about 3h30 ( you will stop half-way for coffee and croissants).

After parking the van in the center of town, your guide will walk with you to the MARKET SQUARE, the medieval heart of the city surrounded by spectacular neo-Gothic buildings where you will start your visit at the imposing 83 m high BELFRY TOWER, the proud symbol of Bruge’s independence for centuries with its original cloth hall that used to house 384 sales stands.

The stiff climb of its 366 staircases with a display of the old treasury room will be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama and the lovely music of a carillon consisting of an impressive clock mechanism of 47 bells.

After passing the statues of Jan Breydel and Peter de Coninck,the heroes of the “battle of the Golden Spurs” that won Bruge’s independence, you will have a look at the impressive PROVINCIAL COURTHOUSE before joining the BURG SQUARE, the heart of the administrative Bruges with the Gothic TOWN HALLdating from 1376, one of the most beautiful buildings of the city , its monumental front facade displaying the town weapons and its large staircase leading to the so called Gothic Hall with spectacular wall paintings that illustrate the most important historical events of Bruges.

Next to the Town Hall you will have a look at the former COURT OF JUSTICE with the statues of Moses and Aaron on the facade and its famous chimney in wood , marble and

alabaster built in 1528, before visiting the CHAPEL OF THE HOLY BLOOD that displays the ampul reputed to contain the blood of Christ that was brought back from Jerusalem after the second crusade by Diederik van den Elzas ( visit of the Romanesque Basilius chapel on the ground level and of the Gothic Chapel with the Relic on the first floor).

After the visit your guide will take you to a nice local restaurant where you will enjoy LUNCH.

It is time now for a very interesting and relaxing BOAT CRUISE (around 45 minutes) on the Canals of Bruges, these remarkable city arteries where you will discover secret gardens, picturesque bridges, and wonderful still lives.

Before heading back to Paris, you will have free time to explore some of the 49 CHOCOLATE boutiques of Bruges ( Bruges is the world capital of chocolate) where you will discover this tasty universe by eating and sampling chocolate.

All bookings must be made via the reservation form featured on our website.

Response will be forthcoming within 48 hours. PRIVATE TOURS PARIS will confirm your booking request once we have received 20% of the total cost of the trip. The remaining 80% is due on the day of the visit or trip. All prices and fares are quoted in Euros. The rates are based on current tariffs and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

We accept payment of your deposit via Visa, Mastercard or Paypal and we can also accept your balance payment cash or via Visa and Mastercard, Amex is not accepted.

Cancellation, modifications and refunds

Once you have paid your 20% deposit your trip is confirmed.

Any cancellation of a booking must be in writing and shall only be effective upon its acknowledged receipt by PRIVATE TOURS PARIS.

 For cancellations made between 7 days and 48 hours before the date of the trip we reserve the right to retain 20% of the full fee.

 For cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour we reserve the right to retain the full fee.

No refunds are given (1) in case of force majeure (2) if you leave your program after it has begun for any reason whatsoever, or miss any scheduled sightseeing or visit or no showing up .

By enrolling on one of our trips, you agree to respect all decisions, instructions, and rules given by our guides.

While on tour, please communicate your wishes and/or difficulties to our staff (on time!). Our guides are very often the only ones who can really help you. Please do not wait until the end of the tour to make your comments or suggestions, or talk about what you feel, need or wish. No claim could be accepted if not mentioned to the guide.

What is included

Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary; ground transportation during the program; transfers where applicable; fully-guided visits as noted in the itineraries

What is not Included

Accommodations, meals, drinks except when noted in the program. Personal expenses

PRIVATE TOURS PARIS reserves the right to modify booking procedures, terms and conditions and/or program prices at any time without notice