Best Bruges Shore Excursion - Small Group + Optional Canal Cruise
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This small-group tour is designed for cruise passengers docking in Zeebrugge, with direct pickup at the port and a maximum of 24 guests per group. Travel by air-conditioned bus to Bruges and explore one of Europe’s most beautiful medieval cities with a local English-speaking guide. Walk through cobbled streets and see top sights like Market Square, the Belfry, Basilica of the Holy Blood, the Beguinage, and the Lake of Love. Choose to include a 30-minute canal cruise for a scenic ride past historic bridges and canals—or skip the cruise and enjoy more time in the city for shopping, snacking, or exploring on your own. After the guided visit and your free time, return to the ship with time to spare. This tour is timed around your cruise schedule and gives you the best of Bruges with a relaxed pace and clear structure—no stress, no rushing.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This tour includes around 90 minutes of walking over cobblestone streets as the city center of Bruges is not accessible to buses
Please wear comfortable shoes
The pace is relaxed with regular stops, but this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility impairments or difficulty walking longer distances.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Pick up and drop off at Zeebrugge Port
Round Trip Air-conditioned bus transfer between Zeebrugge Port and Bruges
30 minute Canal Cruise (if option is selected)
Guided Bruges walking tour with a local guide (City center of Bruges is not accessible to buses)
English Speaking Guide
Guaranteed return to ship on time
Full refund in case your ship cannot dock
Free time for shopping
Small-group tour: maximum 24 guests per guide
Food and drinks
30 minute Canal Cruise (if option is not selected)
(Optional)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Cruise Terminal Zeebrugge
Embark on a unique shore excursion designed specifically for cruise passengers docking in Zeebrugge. Start your day with a warm welcome from an English-speaking guide and board a comfortable, air-conditioned bus for a relaxing ride to Bruges. This tour makes it easy to explore the city’s charm without the stress of planning or navigating on your own.
Bargeplein
Upon arrival in Bruges, your guide will lead you on a scenic 20-minute walk to the city center. The route starts at Bargeplein and takes you through Minnewater Park, where you'll pause at the famous "Lake of Love," a romantic spot known for its serene waters, graceful swans, and peaceful atmosphere. The route is flat, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Please note, this tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments.
Options
Shared Tour incl. Canal Cruise
Canal Cruise Included: This tour option includes a 30-minute canal cruise in Bruges.
Duration: 5 hours: The tour duration is 5-6 hours
Start at Zeebrugge: This tour starts and ends at the Zeebrugge cruise ship terminal and is designed for cruise ship passengers.
Shared Tour without Cruise
No cruise included: Please note this option does NOT include the canal cruise and guests will have extra 30 minutes of free time instead.
Duration: 5 hours: This tour takes 5 to 6 hours.
Start at Zeebrugge: This tour starts and ends at the Zeebrugge cruise ship terminal and is designed for cruise ship passengers.
Shared Shorex
Shared Tour with Canal Cruise
Canal Cruise Included: This tour option includes a 30-minute canal cruise in Bruges.
Duration: 5 hours: The tour duration is 5-6 hours
Start at Zeebrugge: This tour starts and ends at the Zeebrugge cruise ship terminal and is designed for cruise ship passengers.
Shared Tour Excluding Cruise
No cruise included: Please note this option does NOT include the canal cruise and guests will have extra 30 minutes of free time instead.
Duration: 5 hours: This tour takes 5 to 6 hours.
Start at Zeebrugge: This tour starts and ends at the Zeebrugge cruise ship terminal and is designed for cruise ship passengers.
Reviews
50 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
I thought small group...
Betty R,
Aug 7, 2025
- Viator
4.00I thought small group would be less than 12 people, but it is not. There are about 25 people in our group. There is no need to pay extra for “small group” as it does not make it a difference. The town is very charming and I wish the tour had an extra hour. We went back to the cruise ship too early. Also, in our tour, we lost 1/2 hr of time as the passengers did not check in with the tour guide, Burt, prior to hopping on the bus. The tour guide should have been standing next to the bus with the sign, instead of inside the port. So he made us wait for 1/2 hour on the bus! It cut our trip short. The tour guide provided clear details about the history and facts. And he offered us a piece of Belgium chocolate. The bus driver delivered free beer and water at the end of the tour.
Our tour guide was...
Andreanna M,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour guide was friendly and informative. This was our favorite British isles stop. We loved it!!
Beautiful town must see
Micky G,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
5.00It's a must see town. I would highly recommend this tour. Our guide Rita was amazing. She was a teacher and is sp passionate about her job. We loved her.
Great walking tour around...
leighanne z,
Jul 23, 2025
- Viator
3.00Great walking tour around the city. Our guide walked a lot faster than everyone in our tour and was about a block and 1/2 ahead of everyone for the tour. Never heard too much history due to this. I had to ask him to stop so we could get waters as it was a hot day. They don’t provide water so bring your own. Canal boat ride was fun! We had free time to meet back so you get about an hour of time to shop.
Nice guide. But he didn’t...
Paul b,
Jul 18, 2025
- Viator
3.00Nice guide. But he didn’t use headsets so it was hard to impossible to hear him. Lots of walking which is fine but being unable to hear most of he said meant it was mostly a long walk. Canal tour was nice.
Related Experiences
Operated by Vexperio