About this experience
We will immerse ourselves in the unique atmosphere of a medieval Flemish city, where everything has remained as it was 500 years ago. I will take you on the most picturesque route, introducing you to the history of Bruges, its peculiarities, and traditions.
Bruges is a true gem of Belgium! Narrow medieval streets, small and large squares, cathedrals and churches, a large market square, monasteries; lacemakers weaving unique lace right on the streets; fishermen at the fish market, built in the style of Napoleonic times; clip-clopping of horses harnessed to carriages and wagons; nuns going about their business...
Time seems to have stood still here, but people live, study in schools and colleges, work. They work in numerous Flemish shops, where you can find almost anything; they invite you to restaurants with authentic Flemish or Belgian cuisine, where you can taste ancient local dishes - rabbit with plums, duck with oranges, eel in green sauce, mussels in wine sauce, and cock-a-leekie soup. By the way, gourmets and connoisseurs of exquisite cuisine believe that gastronomy and culinary arts in the northwest of Belgium are much better than in other regions of Flanders!
What to expect
I will show you all this and of course, tell you the rich and sad history of Bruges. Who are the Beguines and how do they fundamentally differ from nuns; how the river 'left' the city; why swans lived in the city even in the most hungry times? You will hear about the 'royal' gifts to the city from citizens, about diamond dust and unique diamond cutting; about religious holy places; about colorful processions. You will learn how the sculpture 'Madonna with child' by Michelangelo himself ended up in the city, and who was instrumental in rediscovering and appreciating this amazing city.
We will also discuss the gastronomic symbols of Belgium: beer, oysters, chocolate - and if desired, we will taste them!
I offer you two route options to choose from:
First option (3-3.5 hours) - a leisurely introduction to the city: even those who do not like walking much will not get tired. During the walk, you can board a boat and cruise along the most picturesque canals of the city. You will get unforgettable impressions and a lot of stunning photos!
Second option (3.5 hours) is suitable for those who love and are interested in painting. We will stroll through the historical center and visit small but amazing museums with masterpieces of Flemish primitives. Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling, Hieronymus Bosch, Rogier van der Weyden - you will get acquainted with the artists of the Northern Renaissance who glorified Flanders for centuries. They are the ones who invented oil paint, which later spread throughout Europe and gave a new impetus to the Italian Renaissance. We will also talk about the differences between the Northern and Italian Renaissances.
