📍 Belgium

FLANDERS MEDIEVAL: CANALS, GUILDS, AND WAR MEMORIALS

Canal waters reflect guild spires, medieval stones whisper tales of trade, war memories darken the squares. Flanders is a waterway steeped in history.

≈ 6
Days
135
Km
3
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Admire Ghent's guild houses along the canals, savor Bruges' charm, discover peaceful Damme village and pay respects at Ypres. Flanders tells you centuries of history.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Gent

waterfront guild heritage spire

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10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
STAM — Ghent City Museum: panorama of the history of the city and Flanders
2
Sint-Michielsbrug: viewpoint over Saint Nicholas, Belfry and Saint Michael
3
Gravensteen — Castle of the Counts of Flanders (12th century)
🎯

Activities

→
Walking tour along the Lys (Korenlei/Graslei) and historic center
→
Tram/walking in the center (low emission zone, calmed traffic)
2
Day

Gent

waterfront guild heritage spire

Gent - Photo 1Gent - Photo 2Gent - Photo 3Gent - Photo 4Gent - Photo 5Gent - Photo 6Gent - Photo 7Gent - Photo 8Gent - Photo 9Gent - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Huis van Alijn — Museum of Belgian daily life (20th century)
🎯

Activities

→
Cruise on the Lys in Ghent (commentary mainly in English)
→
Strolling through the cobbled streets and thrift shops around the museum
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 50min
3
Day

Brugge

canal postcard chocolate lace

Brugge - Photo 1Brugge - Photo 2Brugge - Photo 3Brugge - Photo 4Brugge - Photo 5Brugge - Photo 6Brugge - Photo 7Brugge - Photo 8Brugge - Photo 9Brugge - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Tour of Bruges canals and Grand Place (Markt)
2
Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk — Church of Our Lady (exterior and neighborhood)
3
Belfry of Bruges (Belfort) — climb and panorama
4
Bruges Beer Museum — discovery of brewing traditions
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Free walk in the UNESCO historic center
4
Day

Brugge

canal postcard chocolate lace

Brugge - Photo 1Brugge - Photo 2Brugge - Photo 3Brugge - Photo 4Brugge - Photo 5Brugge - Photo 6Brugge - Photo 7Brugge - Photo 8Brugge - Photo 9Brugge - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Damme — historic center and canal
2
Schellemolen — listed Dutch windmill
3
Sint-Christoffelhoeve — Saint Christopher farm (exteriors)
4
Local market (depending on day) and old alleyways
🎯

Activities

→
Boat between Bruges and Damme (round trip depending on season)
→
Bike ride or walk along the canal tree alignments
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 30min
5
Day

Ieper

war memorial rebuilt square

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7 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Atlantikwall Raversyde (Ostend) — WWII bunker, trenches and fortifications
2
Nieuwpoort — Westfront/King Albert I Monument & Ganzepoot (Mole Memorial)
3
Diksmuide — Trench of Death (Dodengang)
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal route and dikes (photo stops)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h15
6
Day

Ieper

war memorial rebuilt square

Ieper - Photo 1Ieper - Photo 2Ieper - Photo 3Ieper - Photo 4Ieper - Photo 5Ieper - Photo 6Ieper - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
In Flanders Fields Museum — history of the Great War in Ypres
2
Ypres Cloth Hall (Lakenhalle) — architecture and heritage
3
Ypres Ramparts Cemetery — cemetery on the ramparts
4
Menin Gate — memorial; Last Post ceremony (every evening)
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Memorial loop near Boezinge: Colne Valley Cemetery & Caesar's Nose (country roads)
→
Strolling through Ypres market (local products)

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🛡️ Travel advice - Belgium

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, perfect for city walking and cycling, moderate crowds, pleasant weather.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, outdoor festivals, peak tourist season, higher prices, ideal for outdoor dining and beer gardens.

Fall (September-October): Comfortable temperatures, autumn colors, fewer crowds, excellent for museums and cultural activities.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions, shorter days, lowest prices except holiday period.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Belgium?

Medieval cities, world-famous chocolates, and exceptional beer culture in compact, easily explored country. Gothic architecture in Bruges and modern EU institutions in Brussels create diverse experiences. Art nouveau heritage and diamond trade add cultural depth while waffles delight visitors. Belgium perfectly combines history, culture, and culinary excellence.