An exclusive experience aboard a private cruise, reserved for our small group, to discover the most authentic heart of Flanders from a privileged perspective. Sailing among canals and atmospheric landscapes we reach Bruges and Ghent, cities that guard centuries of history, art and architecture. At this magical time of year the two cities dress up for the festivities: Christmas markets, sparkling lights and the scent of traditional sweets accompany every stroll along the canals.
The itinerary, day by day
Sunday 6 December - Boarding in Bruges and Christmas markets
Departure and arrival in Brussels in the late morning. Transfer to Bruges.
At 5:00 pm we board the MS Raymonde for a cruise reserved exclusively for our group, exploring the Christmas markets along the canals of Belgium.
After a welcome on board, we plunge straight into the magical Christmas atmosphere with a guided visit to the Christmas markets of Bruges. We stroll among cobbled streets and canals reflecting the sparkling lights of the festively decorated town, wrapped in the scent of hot chocolate, spices and mulled wine. During Advent, Bruges becomes a little enchanted treasure chest, between carols echoing in the squares and stalls of local crafts and traditional sweets.
We discover the two main markets: the one in the Grote Markt, the beating heart of the city dominated by the imposing belfry, and the more intimate one in Simon Stevinplein, ideal for those seeking a cosy, romantic atmosphere.
Then, introduction of the crew and a welcome cocktail. Dinner on board and overnight stay.
Monday 7 December - Bruges UNESCO, brewery and cruising to Aalter
Breakfast on board. The morning is dedicated to a guided tour of Bruges, a UNESCO World Heritage city and keeper of the most authentic soul of Flanders. With our guide we set off on a walking tour among picturesque streets, enchanting canals and elegant medieval buildings that tell of centuries of history and tradition, amid the scents of chocolate and craft beer.
This is followed by an included visit to a typical brewery, where we discover the production process and taste the traditional Flemish beer. Free time for shopping. Lunch is served on board.
In the afternoon we set sail towards Aalter along the Ghent-Bruges-Ostend canal, among green countryside, windmills and small Flemish villages. Aalter, a serene spot surrounded by woods and pastures, is the perfect place to relax on board, enjoying the quiet of the scenery and the magic of the sunset on the water.
Dinner on board and overnight stay.
Tuesday 8 December - Ghent and its markets, gala evening
Breakfast on board. Morning cruise towards Ghent. Lunch on board.
Arrival in Ghent in the early afternoon. Guided visit to the Christmas market of Ghent with a tasting of local products. The old town turns into a true Christmas paradise: the market, in the heart of the city, stretches from Sint-Baafsplein along Botermarkt and Klein Turkije to the lively Korenmarkt, creating an itinerary of irresistible scents, colours and flavours. Among the stalls we find local crafts, typical sweets and Flemish specialities, accompanied by the warmth of mulled wine and Christmas tunes.
Free time to wander the streets decorated for the festivities. At the end of the visit, we return on board. Gala evening and overnight stay.
Wednesday 9 December - Disembarkation and return
Breakfast on board. End of the river cruise. Transfer to Brussels and return.
Gallery
Everything you need to know
What's included
- 4-day river cruise (3 nights) along the canals of Belgium aboard the MS Raymonde, full board
- Drinks on board, excluding the special drink list
- Multilingual on-board staff assistance
- Welcome cocktail, gala dinner and entertainment
- Port taxes
- Medical-baggage and cancellation insurance
- Il Giardino Segreto assistance
What's not included
- Return flights
- Airport taxes
- Airport transfer service
- Tips, extras, personal expenses and anything not expressly listed under what's included
Recommended flights
We will be glad to help you find the most convenient flight based on your departure city and your needs.
General information
- The ship: MS Raymonde, an elegant Premium vessel exclusive to Il Giardino Segreto. 38.50 m long and 5.07 m wide, she welcomes a maximum of 22 passengers in 11 finely appointed cabins over two decks, with a refined restaurant, a lounge bar and a jacuzzi area on the upper deck, and a crew of 6 for personalised service.
- Single-use cabins are available in limited numbers and subject to reconfirmation: please contact us to check availability.
- On request: a guided tour of Brussels can be arranged (for flights departing in the late afternoon) or extra nights in Brussels can be added.
