We will leave our ship for a drive of approximately 60 minutes, on a highway through typical Flemish countryside, to Ghent. Today it is the third largest city in Belgium, but once the biggest town in Western Europe due to the growth of the cloth trade. Ghent is one of the most beautiful historic cities in Europe, with a pleasant old centre scattered with monuments and sumptuous buildings, bestowed by the previous counts of Flanders – reminding us of the city’s glorious past. Among these monuments there are some sixteen museums, five abbeys, six castles and ten churches.

Upon our arrival we will commence a walking tour of the centre of Ghent. Our walk will take us on to St Michael’s Bridge, from where there is an impressive view of the whole medieval city centre, including the old port with its gabled guild houses, the Castle of the Counts and the ‘Row of the Three Towers’. The towers are: St Nicholas Church, interestingly used as a stable during the French Revolution; Belfry, with a carillon of 44 bells and an enormous copper dragon on its spire; and St Bavo’s Cathedral, home of the famous Van Eyck brothers’ painting, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. We shall walk past the Belfry Tower and pay a visit to the Cathedral where Emperor Charles V was baptised.

As the year end draws near, the Christmas Markets blossom in many cities and towns in Belgium. The festivities really begin with St Nicholas on December 6th. The Christmas Market will be located in front of St Bavo’s Cathedral. In around 50 wooden huts we will find a wide range of Christmas goods, craft products and delicacies. In addition, an ice skating rink offers fun for young and old. Shops display holiday treats such as marzipan, flat hard cakes known as ‘klaasjes’ and ‘speculoos’ – gingerbread moulded in the form of St Nicholas. An array of products will be available in a friendly atmosphere. This market with its cheerful lights, delicious aromas and a vast number of stalls promises a true Christmas atmosphere.

Our guide will then meet us for the return journey to our ship.

TOUR NOTES: There are approximately two hours of walking involved in this tour. Cobblestones and a few steps will be encountered. This tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. Entry to the Cathedral may be denied due to religious services, which may not have been advised in advance. Refreshments are not included, but may be purchased at the Christmas Market at our own expense.