ANTWERP, BELGIUM

We depart our ship for the approximate one-hour drive to Ghent – today 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 are some 16 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 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 – home to a collection of torture devices – and the ‘Row of the Three Towers’. The towers belong to: St Nicholas Church, interestingly used as a stable during the French Revolution; the Belfort (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 old port, the Meat House and the City Hall before visiting the Cathedral, where Emperor Charles V was baptised.

We should now have some free time to explore the chocolate and lace shops near the Cathedral, before the walk back to our coach and the return drive 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. Please note that due to religious ceremonies, it is not always possible to view the inside of the Cathedral, in which case an explanation will be given outside. Time permitting, there may be an opportunity for some shopping. A bottle of mineral water will be supplied.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES