Admire the charms of Bruges on a full-day tour from Amsterdam that includes a guided walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval city center. Enjoy free time to explore on your own, whether you'd like to examine lace artworks at the Lace Centre museum, visit monuments like the Jerusalem Church and the Saint-Sang Basilica or taste Belgian delicacies such as chocolate and beer. There's something for everyone in this historic city, considered a gem of Belgium.
Your day starts with morning pickup in central Amsterdam or at the foot of the A'DAM Lookout tower. Get comfortable on a smaller size coach for the scenic 3-hour drive south to Bruges, also known as the Venice of the North due to its numerous canals.
When you arrive in Bruges, your guide orients you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center during a walking tour that includes an introduction to the history and culture of Bruges and Belgium. Afterward, have free time in the canal-laced city and find a spot to purchase your lunch. You may want to try Belgian specialties such as moules frites (fried mussels), pommes frites (french fries) and Belgian waffles, topped off with delicious Belgian beer. For a dessert treat, stop into one of the city's many exquisite chocolate boutiques.
Once you have satisfied your appetite, you will be able to enjoy more time on your own to explore. You can stroll past quaint houses with elaborately decorated facades, delve into the street markets or purchase a ticket for the Lace Centre (Kantcentrum) museum and learn about this Flemish craft.
Near the Lace Centre stands the Jerusalem Church, which was modeled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre when built in 1428 by a wealthy pilgrim who had recently returned from Jerusalem. Other highlights include the magnificent main square (Grote Markt), the Place du Bourg with the Saint-Sang Basilica, the Beguine Convent and the Gothic-style Town Hall.
After a full afternoon taking in the wonders of Bruges, rejoin your coach for the return journey to Amsterdam.
