Silversea Luxury Cruises To ZEEBRUGGE

This tour offers a combination of a biking tour in the Flemish countryside with some free time in the beautiful medieval city of Bruges.

Depart by coach from the pier for a thirty-minute drive to Bruges with the Bruges on your own tour. After being outfitted, leave Bruges and escape into the silence and beauty of the flat countryside. Travel along tree-lined canals and through quaint Flemish villages and past farmlands dotted with windmills. Stop at a local pub for a Belgian beer or soft drink, then start your return ride to Bruges.

Once back in Bruges, enjoy some leisure time to visit the town or explore the many quaint shops offering Belgian chocolates or world-famous Belgian lace.

At the appointed time, meet your guide who will escort you to the waiting coach for the transfer back to Bruges.

Explore the highlights of Bruges: the iconic tall, narrow buildings reflected on the water, the charming cobblestone streets, and most importantly, the delicious Belgian chocolate!

Guided City Walk in Charming Bruges

Begin with a 30-minute drive from the pier to the town of Bruges and enjoy a 90-minute guided walk through one of the most well-preserved towns in all of Europe. Photography lovers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the quintessential charm of the old market squares and colorful, steep-roofed houses lined along the lovely canals throughout the place that stand as an iconic symbol of old Europe.

Along the way to Bruges City Centre walk through the Grand Market Square, which has been in use as a major meeting centre since the year 958, with a weekly market established from the year 985. The Grand Market Square (known by locals as the Markt) lives up to its name for the impressive architecture that lines the large expanse of the square, with many pointed rooftops and tall, narrow windows. Most prominent is the Belfry Tower, built in 1240 as a watchtower and now the most iconic landmark of the city.

Walk through Burg Square, admiring the stunning examples of many varieties of architecture, from Gothic to Renaissance to the Neo-Classicist. In Burg Square, stop to take a photo of what is arguably the most beautiful building of Bruges, the Gothic Town Hall (built in 1376).

Chocolate Museum Visit and Praline-Making Workshop

Your walking tour leads you to Choco-Story, the Chocolate Museum in Bruges, Belgium. Enjoy a visit on your own for an hour to learn about the history of Belgium's chocolate industry, the process of chocolate-making, from plant to finished product, with access to a vast library of cocoa and chocolate resources.

Choco-Story is housed within the "Huis de Crone" building, built in the 16^th century originally as a wine tavern. on Sint-Jansplein in central Bruges. The mission of the museum is "to make known the story of the transformation of cocoa into chocolate and to promote the health and quality aspects of Belgian chocolate."

After an hour to yourself to learn all about chocolate, its origin and the production, enjoy a workshop that demonstrates how to make praline. Leave with the knowledge of how to make your very own sumptuous Belgian chocolates and impress your friends at home. The highlight of this workshop is tasting your own finished product!

At the end of your excursion take a 30-minute walk to the coach and return to the ship.

This program offers the flexibility of shopping and sightseeing at your own pace while still having the convenience of easy and reliable transportation to and from the town and the availability of a knowledgeable guide.

Bruges

Depart by coach from the pier for a thirty-minute drive to Bruges along with guests on the Biking to Damme tour. En-route, an experienced guide, who will lead you to Walplein Square, provides you with a brief background on the city, its main points of interest and answers any questions regarding sites, dining and shopping.

As is the case with many of the strategically located towns and cities throughout Europe, both large and small, Bruges was first established as a Roman fortification by the legions of Julius Caesar in the first century BC. Bruges was granted its town charter in 856 AD and developed into an important trading hub during the Middle Ages. With its public squares and canals, many of the buildings from that period, though restored over the centuries, still grace this beautiful and historic city.

At the appointed time, meet your guide who will escort you to the waiting coach for the transfer back to Zeebrugge.

Learn the art of diamond cutting and explore one of the most charming towns in Europe, which appears as if out of a book of fairy tales with its narrow, tall buildings reflected on the water.

Begin with a 30-minute drive from the pier to the town of Bruges and enjoy a guided walk through this extremely well-preserved place, lined with cobblestone streets. Photography lovers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the quintessential charm of the old market squares and colorful, steep-roofed houses lined along the lovely canals throughout the place that stand as an iconic symbol of old Europe.

Arrive at the Diamond Museum of Bruges (Diamantmusem Brugge) for a rare and exclusive guided visit by the museum's owners. While the greatest share of Belgium's diamond industry is not in Bruges (it is in Antwerp), Bruges is known as the place that the technique of cutting diamonds was developed. Learn the unique process developed here of using diamond dust to polish these precious gems sought after around the world. Meet the Museum's owner (or his son) and take your private tour, hearing about the diamond industry along the way. Enjoy the unique opportunity to observe a diamond-cutting demonstration and some time to explore the museum independently.

After your Museum visit, set out on your own to explore any part of Bruges that captured your interest on the guided walk. Stop at a café to relax and watch the people pass by, go shopping, or take more photographs to capture images of this strikingly lovely, memorable European town.

Take a short 15-minute walk to the coach and return to the ship.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Ghent, Belgian chocolates are served en route. Ghent is a dynamic modern city with a centre straight out of the Middle Ages.

Ghent City Walking Tour

Upon arrival at the centre of this Medieval city, your guided walking tour commences at St. Michael's Bridge. From here, take in splendid views of Ghent's three glorious Medieval steeples, the early-Gothic St. Nicholas Church, the Belfry dating from 1314 and the honey-coloured tower of St. Bavo's Cathedral in the background.

Canal Boat Ride

Next, proceed to the pontoon and board a canal boat for a cruise through this historic city. Along the way, see highlights that include the impressive Castle of the Counts, Fish Market, 13th-century Monasteries, and the ancient port of Ghent with its mercantile houses.

Free Time

During your canal cruise, approximately 1 hour of free time is made available for browsing the area shops at your leisure; handmade lace and delicious chocolates are popular items here. Afterwards, re-board your coach for the approximately one-hour return drive to the pier.

This accessible Zeebrugge shore excursion brings you to the charming medieval town of Bruges for a memorable time of exploration in the charming city center. See the 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood and the stately Bruges City Hall, experience a true Renaissance gem, the Palace of the BrugseVrije, and enjoy some free-time at the Simon Stevin Square, with shops and historical highlights nearby.

Start your day by meeting your driver and accessible van at the Zeebrugge cruise dock. From here, you will head out on a short drive to the town of Bruges.

Upon arrival in Bruges, your tour guide will escort you on a leisurely guided tour in very heart of the city. As you make your way through the city. you will see some of the very best highlights of the city, including the famous Beguinage, an architectural complex created to house beguines. You will also pass by the famous Brewery Half Moon, an authentic and historic brewery in Bruges, and the stunning, historic Church of our Lady.

Enjoy the beautiful setting as you walk/stroll along the picturesque canal passing by the EU College before reaching the wonderful Tanners Square, named after the leather workers whose guild used to be here.

While in Bruges, you will also see the 12th century Basilica of the Holy Blood, the stately Bruges City Hall, and a true Renaissance gem, the Palace of the

BrugseVrije - all located at the breathtaking old traditional European plaza, Burg Square. Enjoy exploring the vibrant Market Square, peppered with historical highlights including the 12th century Belfry of Bruges, the Provincial Court and the Statue of real life heroes Breydel and Coninck.

The final part of your tour will be spent near Steenstraat, the main shopping street in Bruges, at the lovely Simon Stevin Square.

Here, you will have some free time to buy souvenirs, enjoy a traditional waffle, taste a local beer or just soak in the atmosphere on your own. If you prefer to stay with your guide during this hour, you are also welcome to do that.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and is specially designed for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair or a scooter. Full time wheelchair users, are kindly requested to contact shoreconcierge@silversea.com in order to provide further details and determine if the tour is suitable for them. The tour route avoids steps and stairs. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. An accessible vehicle with a wheelchair lift or ramp will be used for transportation. Guides are not allowed to push wheelchairs. A minimum participation of 4 guests is required to operate the excursion at the advertised rate. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Embrace the Old World beauty and charm of Bruges during a scenic sightseeing tour of this romantic city.

Depart the pier for the approximate 30-minute drive to Bruges, and Belgian chocolates served en route. Upon arrival in Bruges, often referred to as the 'Venice of the North', commence your guided walking tour through the twisting, narrow streets of the city.

Bruges City Tour

The Medieval aura surrounding Bruges dates from the early-Middle Ages, when the town was world-renowned for its prosperous wool and cloth trade, and as a trading centre and port. The silting of the Zwin Estuary that linked the city to the sea resulted in the decline of Bruges' importance as a trading port. Over the past decade, however, restoration of the old houses, gabled façades and cobblestone streets has made Bruges one of the greatest attractions in Belgium. Large areas have been closed to vehicular traffic.

The Burg

Your first stop is the Burg, a Medieval square in the centre of Bruges and the highlight of this Old World city. See the Town Hall, a jewel of Gothic-style architecture from the 14th century, and among the oldest of its kind in Europe. A bridge arching over the narrow Ezelstraat links the Town Hall with the graceful Old Recorder's House.

Basilica of the Holy Blood and Belfry (ouside visit)

On a corner of the Burg stands the Basilica of the Holy Blood. A vial thought to contain drops of Christ's blood is kept in its chapel. From here, proceed to the renowned Belfry. This 275-foot (83-metre) Medieval tower is the city's centrepiece, and dominates Bruges' ancient market square. The Belfry has a carillon and boasts 47 bells.

Canal Boat Ride

At the conclusion of your walking tour, take a 30-minute canal boat ride along the serene waterways of this historic city, and see the arching stone bridges and lovely settings that give Bruges its special character.

Following your boat ride, some free time is made available for lunch and shopping at the Walplein at your leisure; handmade lace and delicious chocolates are popular items here. Afterward, re-board your coach for the approximate 30-minute return drive to the pier, passing by the Lake of Love en route.

Explore Zeebrugge at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Zeebrugge at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Zeebrugge at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Zeebrugge at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Ypres was one of the great Flemish cloth towns of the Middle Ages. Occupied by the German army for one night at the beginning of the Great War, it fell under control of the Allied Forces in 1914. Some five million British and Commonwealth soldiers passed through Ypres on their way to the salient. Reduced to rubble by constant bombardment, the town has come to symbolize the meaningless slaughter of the Great War. Now restored to its former grandeur, Ypres contains numerous poignant sites and monuments linked to the war.

Take time to remember those who lost their lives at one of the British Cemeteries, followed by a stop at Menin Gate, a famous War memorial of the First World War. 'In Flanders Fields' Museum is not a traditional war museum. It is about ordinary people who endured the war, the soldiers, nurses, fugitives and children. The innovative high-tech methods used within the Museum earned 'Flanders Fields' the title of 'Best European Museum'.

Menin Gate

Depart the pier for the one-hour drive to Ypres. On the way, a stop is made at Tyne Cot cemetery for a visit. Continue the drive and make a brief photo stop at the 'Menin Gate'. This famous British War memorial of the First World War is by far the most important edifice in Ypres for the British visitor. Designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield, the names of 54,896 missing soldiers are engraved in its walls.

In Flanders Fields Museum (inside visit)

Then continue to the In Flanders Fields museum. This newly renovated museum is not a traditional war museum. It is about ordinary people who endured the war. Before returning back to the ship, visit the Essex Farm Cemetery. Probably one of the most visited sites in the salient, and this is principally because of its association with John McCrae, writer of the famous poem In Flanders Fields. Next to the cemetery is a marker with the date May the 3rd 1915, commemorating the writing of this poem.

Following this stop, re-join your coach for the return drive to the ship.