Private Bruges Guided Tour: Discover City's Rich Trade History

Bruges, once hailed as the “New York of the 14th century,” flourished as one of Europe’s leading trade hubs. This guided tour reveals the city’s cosmopolitan spirit, highlighting its international influences and remarkable heritage. Accompanied by an official licensed city guide, you’ll uncover captivating stories and explore landmarks that shaped Bruges’ identity. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers, this experience offers a fresh perspective on the city’s past and its pivotal role in European commerce. • Discover Bruges’ legacy as a thriving trade center • Experience the cosmopolitan influences that define the city’s character • Gain expert insights from an official licensed city guide - Explore Bruges' historical significance as a trade city - Discover the cosmopolitan elements that shape the city today - Guided by an official licensed city guide for expert insights - Ideal for history lovers and travelers seeking cultural depth

Itinerary

1. The Market Square: commercial metropolitan heart of Bruges. The Water halls, cloth halls and guild houses. (20 min)
2. The guild houses of the four major guilds in Bruges: The leather makers, the maconneries, the carpenters and bakers guild. (20 min)
3. The Italian Quarter: Lodges of Genuese, Venitians and Florentines. Inn Ter Beurze, the heart of finance. (15 min)
4. Discover the story in the church of the elite and it's proper art. (20 min)
5. Hof Bladelin. Residence of Thomaso Portinari and Pieter Blandelin. The banker of the Medici and tressholder of the Counts of Burgundy. (15 min)
6. See the Spanish quarter: docking place of the Spanish and the Spanish embassies. (10 min)
7. Meet Jan Van Eyck: the most important painter of it's time and diplomat for the Count of Burgundy. See The Poorters lodge, the toll House and the house of the pijnders. (20 min)
8. See the family church of the Adornes family. A rich trader family from Genua. Hear it's prosperous story. (15 min)
9. See the political heart of Bruges with all it's historic buildings. The Justice courts, city Hall and Basilica of the Holy Blood. (25 min)
10. Hear about the craftsmanship of the leather makers and their guild. (10 min)
11. See the magnificent City Palace of the the family of Gruuthuse. The most influant family of Bruges. (10 min)
12. Hear the story of the proud of Bruges and its strategical position int the city. The Church with the most important history and art in the city. (20 min)

Meeting & end point