Medieval Ghent

Back in 1500, Charles of Ghent was born a stone’s throw from St Bavo’s Cathedral; he became Charles V, ruler of an empire where the sun supposedly never set. That lineage still echoes along the merchant quays and in the stone heft of the 12th–13th‑century Castle of the Counts. Two streets away, St Nicholas’ lantern tower recalls the cloth guild’s grip on trade. Since 2020, the freshly restored Ghent Altarpiece lays bare Jan van Eyck’s glazing in a way no living visitor had seen before, a quiet shock for anyone who thought they knew Flemish painting.

Your dedicated driver collects you at your hotel—Brussels pickup via the E40 runs about 55 minutes—and drops you by the Graslei, with the Mercedes on standby throughout. You set the pace for St Bavo’s, the castle, and the belfry while parking, traffic, and tweaks are handled for you; cross St Michael’s Bridge for a waffle or a local ale, then slide over to Patershol for ten unhurried minutes. Flexible route, warm boot for shopping bags, and a smooth return when you’re done exploring.