Cruising to Belgium’s historic cities of Bruges and Gent via a wealth of traditional towns and villages is easily achieved via a network of interlacing canals and gentle rivers. Head for the family-friendly beaches and sand dunes at Nieuwpoort or explore the attractive Westhoek cruising region with its surrounding open fi elds and nature reserves.
Visit the World War memorials at Ypres and surrounding villages, or cruise to the beautiful town of Bruges and enjoy chic shopping in its narrow cobbled streets before enjoying the nation’s favourite dish – moules frites – served in style with mayonnaise and accompanied by one of over 300 locally brewed beers. Imposing facades and ornate buildings typify the wealthy city of Gent – Belgium’s ancient capital, which has a fi ne collection of museums and shops to visit as well as an ancient Belfry and cloth market. Oudenaarde is the centre of the Flemish tapestry industry which still thrives today while Oudenburg is one of the oldest towns in Belgium and home to a lively weekly farmers market that is well worth visiting.
The beauty of cruising in Belgium is that you can easily tailor your cruise to be as culturally busy or sublimely relaxing as you choose, and because no one else ever seems in a hurry, you don’t have to either!