My wife and I will be joining you. I am also glad to see a choice of Ghent or Brugge. Too much to see in one day when combined. We selected Ghent because we spent 3 days and 2 night in Brugge on a previous trip. It's a hard choice but I would pick Brugge over Ghent. If you are coming in early then it an easy train ride to either with Ghent being 40 minutes and Brugge around an hour although there is some variation base on which train. The Brussels central station is about a 12 minute walk from the pre-stay hotel. There is limited vehicular traffic in the central aspect of Brugge and walking is key. Based on Tauck's recommendation you will need to walk 3 miles. Best things in Brugge: chocolate, beer, the market square with a climb of the Belfort, a canal ride, the Church of our Lady with one of the few Michelangelo statues outside of Italy, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and a visit and/or tour of the De Halve Brewery. Based on past river cruises the transport to the ship from the hotel usually requires people to assemble at the pre-stay hotel around 230ish. It would be tight but in theory you could visit either on Saturday.
Ben, we're doing the Hidden Waterways cruise which is similar to this one - just in the summer instead. Our day 4 is the same choice of Bruges or Ghent. Per the letter we got from Tauck is sounds like Ghent might be the easier - I have hip issues I'm dealing with so I might opt for that. Do you have a best things list for Ghent or will this be new to you too?
Claudia I went to Ghent during one my river cruises but Tauck did not go so I booked a tour with Viator and went to both Ghent and Bruges, I was interested in seeing the art that was recovered by the Americans from the Nazis in both places, the Panel of the Adoration of the Lambs in St Bovos Church in Ghent and Michelangelo's Madonna and Child in Bruges can't remember the name of the church.
They are both lovely towns I remember going on a short boat cruise in Bruges.
Does anyone know if Tauck is specifically taking us to see the Van Eyck alterpiece in Ghent? I believe they’re taking us into the Cathedral but I’m not sure if it includes seeing the alterpiece.
Since the tour has changed from previous years(Bruges/Ghent were combined) there probably is not a definite answer on this. I had been told that even when they were combined there was enough time to see the altarpiece. Even if it not included we should have able time to view it on our own. See you soon
My itinerary for Hidden waterways says we'll visit St Bavo church. Visiting the church is free to enter but a ticket is needed to see the alterpiece which is in a sort of museum there. Whether Tauck pays for it isn't clear. I'd bet yes though.
We went on this terrific trip last year. Our friends went to Ghent and saw the altarpiece. They never mentioned having to purchase a ticket. Although it’s likely too late, if interested try to get tickets now for Anne Frank house. There is only one official website.
I can't even imagine having to choose between Ghent and Bruges. We spent 3 nights in Ghent and two nights in Bruges. They are both magnificent. If you go to Ghent it's a must to see the wonderful altarpiece at St Bavo. So, call Tauck and find out if they include a viewing. If not, I would ask when and how long your free time is. And, if necessary, see if you could stay longer to see the altar and then take a taxi back to the boat. If there is still time, moules for lunch is a local specialty.
We had the Belgium specialty, moules, in Brussels on a different tour. My only criticism is that the traditional way of consuming them is with an accompaniment of french fries, which I declined. I would have preferred some crusty bread to sop up all that glorious broth. Brussels' mussels were divine.
For those who have already sailed, what did you see on the Brussels highlight tour besides the few things listed in the travel documents? We will be there a day early and don't want to duplicate.
My friend and I are cruising the April 12 northbound for this trip. Would love a suggestion around Brussels that isn't part of the next day itinerary. We are both traveling as singles from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Comments
I’m booked on April 12th Northbound. I’m from Ocala, FL.
We are booked April 12-20. Belgium and Holland in spring. We are also from New Jersey. Very happy to see Ghent as optional excursion!
Eileen and Keith
My wife and I will be joining you. I am also glad to see a choice of Ghent or Brugge. Too much to see in one day when combined. We selected Ghent because we spent 3 days and 2 night in Brugge on a previous trip. It's a hard choice but I would pick Brugge over Ghent. If you are coming in early then it an easy train ride to either with Ghent being 40 minutes and Brugge around an hour although there is some variation base on which train. The Brussels central station is about a 12 minute walk from the pre-stay hotel. There is limited vehicular traffic in the central aspect of Brugge and walking is key. Based on Tauck's recommendation you will need to walk 3 miles. Best things in Brugge: chocolate, beer, the market square with a climb of the Belfort, a canal ride, the Church of our Lady with one of the few Michelangelo statues outside of Italy, Basilica of the Holy Blood, and a visit and/or tour of the De Halve Brewery. Based on past river cruises the transport to the ship from the hotel usually requires people to assemble at the pre-stay hotel around 230ish. It would be tight but in theory you could visit either on Saturday.
Ben, we're doing the Hidden Waterways cruise which is similar to this one - just in the summer instead. Our day 4 is the same choice of Bruges or Ghent. Per the letter we got from Tauck is sounds like Ghent might be the easier - I have hip issues I'm dealing with so I might opt for that. Do you have a best things list for Ghent or will this be new to you too?
Ghent will be new to us.
Claudia I went to Ghent during one my river cruises but Tauck did not go so I booked a tour with Viator and went to both Ghent and Bruges, I was interested in seeing the art that was recovered by the Americans from the Nazis in both places, the Panel of the Adoration of the Lambs in St Bovos Church in Ghent and Michelangelo's Madonna and Child in Bruges can't remember the name of the church.
They are both lovely towns I remember going on a short boat cruise in Bruges.
Does anyone know if Tauck is specifically taking us to see the Van Eyck alterpiece in Ghent? I believe they’re taking us into the Cathedral but I’m not sure if it includes seeing the alterpiece.
Since the tour has changed from previous years(Bruges/Ghent were combined) there probably is not a definite answer on this. I had been told that even when they were combined there was enough time to see the altarpiece. Even if it not included we should have able time to view it on our own. See you soon
My itinerary for Hidden waterways says we'll visit St Bavo church. Visiting the church is free to enter but a ticket is needed to see the alterpiece which is in a sort of museum there. Whether Tauck pays for it isn't clear. I'd bet yes though.
This will be our first cruise of any kind and really looking forward to it and meeting lots of new people. See you all soon.
We went on this terrific trip last year. Our friends went to Ghent and saw the altarpiece. They never mentioned having to purchase a ticket. Although it’s likely too late, if interested try to get tickets now for Anne Frank house. There is only one official website.
I can't even imagine having to choose between Ghent and Bruges. We spent 3 nights in Ghent and two nights in Bruges. They are both magnificent. If you go to Ghent it's a must to see the wonderful altarpiece at St Bavo. So, call Tauck and find out if they include a viewing. If not, I would ask when and how long your free time is. And, if necessary, see if you could stay longer to see the altar and then take a taxi back to the boat. If there is still time, moules for lunch is a local specialty.
Have a really great time!.
We board today. We spent yesterday in Bruges. If you are looking for a really fun couple of hours there the waffles and beer experience is fantastic
We had the Belgium specialty, moules, in Brussels on a different tour. My only criticism is that the traditional way of consuming them is with an accompaniment of french fries, which I declined. I would have preferred some crusty bread to sop up all that glorious broth. Brussels' mussels were divine.
Rsdmom, Did Tauck provide you with a water bottle? Just finishing getting my gear together
Ben, they do provide water bottles and they are very nice ones
For those who have already sailed, what did you see on the Brussels highlight tour besides the few things listed in the travel documents? We will be there a day early and don't want to duplicate.
My friend and I are cruising the April 12 northbound for this trip. Would love a suggestion around Brussels that isn't part of the next day itinerary. We are both traveling as singles from Albuquerque, New Mexico.