Belgium Shore Excursion: Romantic Bruges

 We took Norwegian Cruise Line's "Romantic Bruges" excursion on our June 2023 Norwegian Prima cruise. 

Our tickets were delivered to our cabin at embarkation because we booked online prior to the cruise.

At 9:00 am, we met in the Theater. Be sure your group stays together to ensure you get on the same bus.

We left the theater at 9:11 am and were on the bus by 9:18 am. Each set had a quiet box with headset and a map of Bruges.

We left the parking lot at 9:25 am. Our bus had 45 people on it.

Bruges was known as the Venice of the North because it was a hub of finance and trade. The old town is UNESCO World Heritage site because it offers a glimpse into life in the Medieval Times.

During the bus ride, be sure to look to the left for glimpses of the three towers: Belfry, Tower of Church of our Lady, and the town of the Catholic Church.

The city is still surrounded by a moat with a walking path around it.

We arrived in the parking area at 9:54 am and started the tour at 9:57 am.

The walking tour was 1 hour and 50 minutes. The only bathroom break was when one gentleman requested it by City Hall.

The walking tour included:

• -          Beguinage – a 13^th century community for women who were not married and were not nuns.
• -          Stepped Gabled homes and shops
• -          Old Hospital
• -          Church of Our Lady with the highest tower made from bricks
• -          Belfry Tower
• -          Tanner Square
• -          Fish Market
• -          14^th century City Hall
• -          Chapel of the Precious Blood Relic
• -          Market Square with Belfry Tower

At 11:43 am, we arrived at our entrance for the canal care. (There are five.)

We set sail at 11:56 am. It was two big steps in the boat.

The sail was beautiful and a repeat of some of the places included on the walking tour. It was easier to take pictures from the boat.

The canal cruise by itself is 12 euros if you’d like to do it on your own. There were very long lines.

At 12:30 pm we were off the boat. We took a 6 minute walk to our meeting spot. We had free time until 1:30 pm. The meeting spot square had restaurants and gift shops.

We met at 1:30 pm. It was about a 20 minute walk back to the bus.

At 2:00 pm, we were on our way back to the ship.

I’d estimate the total tour was about 2.5  to 3 miles.

At 2:30 pm, we were back at the port.