Medieval Ghent – Castles and Gastronomy
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Ghent, Belgium - Ghent Market Hall ©PT Wilding
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Graslei in Ghent ©Courtesy of VisitFlanders
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Ghent at night ©Tom D'Haenens
Cosy yet vibrant, medieval with an industrial edge – Ghent is a stunning Belgian city of towers and gables. This stunning port destination is located in the north-west of Belgium and easy accessible from numerous cities. Ghent has a bustling food and beer scene and whilst visiting, be sure to take in the fabulous canal-side architecture. Equally as beautiful as Bruges, but often overlooked by tourists, Ghent is a fantastic destination with lots to offer. This fairy-tale town boasts bold, beautiful architectural styles on charming, winding lanes. The dramatic Belfry towers over the city, a majestic dragon overlooking the city from the pinnacle. Other headline sights are the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Castle of the Count and the famous Graslei area. This is a wonderful area in which to stroll and sip coffee in canal-side cafes. Also, one of the most picturesque areas of Ghent is St. Michael’s Bridge.
Belgium is also a foodie’s paradise and has a huge reputation for its beer and chocolate. While there are many Michelin starred restaurants, the fantastic food can be enjoyed on every corner! On this tour explore Ghent’s gastronomic sensations, enjoy a delicious beer tasting or alternatively, visit a local chocolatier to see the process of chocolate making first hand. Do not forget to try some famous Belgian frites as well as many of the other traditional local dishes on offer.
Dates
On request 2025 and 2026
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Depart the UK
Drive to Dover and take the short sea crossing to Calais. Continue to Ghent for the next 3 nights. After check-in the rest of the day and evening is at leisure.
Day 2
Ghent Sightseeing and Canal Cruise
Today we take to the canals and streets to discover Ghent. Beginning with a 40 minute canal cruise followed by a 2 hour guided walking tour. En-route stops will be made for tastings of regional and typical Ghent produce. Enjoy many of the sights including a large and regal dragon perched atop the Belfry, which soars over the city and the magnificent St. Bavo’s Cathedral which is home to the The Ghent Altarpiece ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ a work of art recognised worldwide and is made up of a total of 18 panels forming scenes from the Bible. (Group visits/tours bookable in advance – charges applicable).
The rest of the day and evening is free to explore the city further at your own pace.
(Note: If preferred, the canal cruise and walking tour can be split, i.e. take the cruise in the morning and the walking/tasting tour in the afternoon)
Day 3
Gravensteen Castle and Ghent’s Gastronomy
First stop today is a self-guided audio tour of the ‘Castle of the Count’. Go back in time in this medieval fortress with a moat which also boasts a unique collection of torture equipment! The gatehouse, ramparts, keep, count’s residence and stables are accessible to visitors.
From here continue on your culinary adventure. Family-run chocolatiers offer demonstrations and, of course, samples. Discover what beer is all about at the Gruut Brewery (group visits and tastings possible) and Frituur Filip who, allegedly, make the best Belgian frites in town! For a group dinner together why not try the De Witte Restaurant offering traditional Belgian fayre, include the famous Flemish Stew,with views of the Graslei (pre booking for groups essential).
Of course, there is plenty of other things to see and do in Ghent and it is easy enough to explore on foot.
Day 4
Depart Belgium
It’s time to depart Ghent and drive to Calais for the short sea crossing to the UK.
Suggested hotels
Holiday Inn Gent Expo ****
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo is a 7-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, this relaxed, 6-minutes walk from Flanders Expo arena and convention centre and 6 km from Gravensteen castle museum. The hotel features free Wi-Fi, TVs, minifridges and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is a laid-back lounge bar and a gym, as well as a business centre and event space.
The Holiday Inn Gent Expo has free onsite coach parking.
Ibis Gent Kathedraal ***
The Ibis Gent Kathedraal is situated directly opposite Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in the centre of Ghent. The contemporary rooms feature air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs.
Other amenities include a cafe/bar and a business centre.
Novotel Gent Centrum ***
The Novotel Gent Centrum is set in a tranquil square in a central location, 3-minutes walk from the Saint Bavo Cathedral, a 5-minute walk from Gravensteen castle and 5 km from the Museum of Fine Arts. The contemporary rooms feature TVs, seating areas and minibars. The stylish restaurant with a terrace serves international cuisine. There are 2 bars, including a fashionable cocktail bar and a Medieval-style cellar. Other amenities include a gym, a pool and saunas, plus an indoor playground and a children’s library.
Van der Valk Gent ****
Van der Valk Hotel Ghent is located 10 minutes from the city centre and has a view on the Ghelamco Arena. In total, the hotel has 10 floors with 262 rooms. Besides meeting and event facilities, the hotel also has a fitness, a wellness and a Skybar.
| Departure date | 4 days / 3 nights | Single Supplement |
| May 2025 |
From £259.00 per person | From £95.00 per person |
