Copy it into your account, move it to your own dates and make it yours — swap stops, change the pace, add days.
Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.
Arrival and first stroll through the old town
Travel day with a long train journey: after checking in, a relaxed evening stroll is enough.
Bruges station is a good 20-minute walk from the centre, with buses running regularly.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
Your journey starts here. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you'll take the train towards Brussels and on to Bruges.
The entire old town of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage Site: canals, brick gables and largely car-free lanes invite you to wander. A first stroll between the market square and the castle sets the tone for the days ahead.
See tickets on WeGoTrip(affiliate link)
Classic hotel in a historic patrician house, just a few minutes' walk from the Grote Markt and easily reached from the station. An ideal base for the next three nights in Bruges.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Medieval old town and art
A whole day on foot in the compact old town, no need for any transport.
There's time at midday for a bite at a place on the market square or a tasting of Belgian pralines.
The 83-metre-high Belfry towers over the Grote Markt and is the symbol of Bruges. Climb the 366 steps and you're rewarded with a sweeping view over the red rooftops of the old town.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The central market square with its colourful gabled houses and horse-drawn carriages is the heart of the city. It's the perfect spot to watch the world go by over a coffee before heading on to the museums.
The Groeningemuseum showcases six centuries of Flemish painting, with highlights from the Flemish Primitives such as Jan van Eyck and Hans Memling. A compact museum you can comfortably cover in one to two hours.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Romantic Bruges and a village in the countryside
A relaxed day: Minnewater and the Beguinage on foot in the morning, a short trip to Damme in the afternoon.
If you fancy it, hire a bike in Bruges and cycle the flat canal route to Damme.
Minnewater, the so-called Lake of Love, lies at the southern edge of the old town and, with its swans and willows, is one of the most romantic spots in Bruges. Next door, the Beguinage invites you to a quiet stroll.
The medieval town of Damme, north of Bruges, was once an important harbour suburb and today draws visitors with its Gothic church, bookshops and a lovely canal promenade. In summer, the historic excursion boat Lamme Goedzak runs between Bruges and Damme.
North Sea coast by coastal tram
A combined day ticket for train plus coastal tram is worthwhile; De Lijn also offers day tickets.
The coastal tram is the longest tram line in the world and is something of an experience in itself.
The queen of seaside resorts welcomes you with a broad promenade, a fish market and a maritime flair. A walk along the sea, fresh North Sea shrimp and a glimpse of the old seaside architecture are all part of the day.
The well-preserved, pentagonal fort from the Napoleonic era lies in the dunes east of the town. The tour tells the military history of the coast, and from the ramparts you can look far out over the sea and harbour.
De Haan is the most charming coastal town in Flanders, with playful Belle Époque villas, flower gardens and a traffic-calmed town centre. The wide sandy beach invites a relaxed walk to round off the day.
Moving on and a first exploration of Ghent's old town
Check out of Bruges at a relaxed pace in the morning, and drop your luggage off early at the hotel in Ghent.
Tram 1 runs directly from Gent-Sint-Pieters station into the old town.
The Gothic Sint-Baafskathedraal houses the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers, one of the most significant works of Western art. The accompanying augmented reality experience brings the story of the altarpiece to life.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
Around the Belfry, Sint-Niklaaskerk and the historic guild houses, the medieval heart of Ghent unfolds. The lanes in between are lively, young and full of cafés.
Stylish hotel in a former post office building right on the Graslei, with views over the historic waterfront. It's hard to be more central in Ghent, and the station is quickly reached by tram.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Castle, art and the journey home
Ghent's highlights in the morning, then a relaxed trip to the train in the early afternoon.
Allow plenty of buffer time for the change in Brussels, so your journey home stays stress-free.
Long leg — plan in breaks.
The imposing 12th-century water castle stands right in the middle of the city and can be explored with an entertaining audio guide. From the battlements, the view stretches out over Ghent's rooftops and towers.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The two facing rows of houses along the old harbour, with their medieval guild houses, form one of the most beautiful cityscapes in Belgium. A coffee by the water is the perfect way to say goodbye to Ghent.
The end point of your journey: from Ghent, you'll travel by train via Brussels back to Frankfurt.
Copy it and move it to your own dates.
Free account, no credit card. Copying, moving and adjusting are included.