Raymond

Christmas Cruising through Belgium between Ghent and Bruges

Deborah cruising

Christmas Magic on a Cruise: A Fairytale Getaway Between Ghent and Bruges (Port-to-Port Package)

Brussels - GHENT - AALTER - BRUGES - Brussels

Set sail along the Belgian canals to discover the Christmas Markets. Located in the north of Belgium, Ghent and Bruges will immediately transport you; let yourself be enchanted by the magic emanating from this unique atmosphere. Both cities dress up in their finest attire to charm you during the month of December

raymond christmas market cruising map

GHENT - AALTER - BRUGES

DAY 1: Brussels - GHENT

Possibility of transfer(1) by coach from Brussels to Ghent. Boarding at 5 p.m. Excursion included: guided tour of the Ghent Christmas market(3). Discover the jewel of the North and Flanders and its Christmas market during your walking tour. Located in the historic heart of the city, the Christmas market immerses you in an enchanting world with its countless lights and festive decorations that make Ghent's buildings sublime.
Stroll freely through the lively aisles, you will be enveloped by the enchanting aroma of mulled wine and sweet delights. Spot in many chalets the decorative objects made by local artisans. Return to the boat.

Crew introduction and welcome cocktail. Dinner on board.

DAY 2: GHENT - AALTER

Morning excursion included: guided tour of Ghent and tasting of local specialties. Departure on foot towards the city center, you will be charmed by the authentic atmosphere of this Flemish city, with its cobbled streets, peaceful canals and rich architectural heritage. Let yourself be tempted by tasting local specialties with your guide, where you will truly immerse yourself in the culinary and historical soul of the region. Freely explore the Ghent Christmas Market(3), a magical place located in the heart of the city, which stretches from Saint Bavo Square to Korenmarkt Square. Return to the boat. Lunch on board.

Departure by boat to Aalter. Enjoy hot chocolate and bredeles on board. You'll sail through nature on the Ghent-Bruges Canal. Enjoy the gentle scenery, relax, and admire the panorama of the Flemish plain unfolding before your eyes.

DAY 3: AALTER - BRUGES

Morning cruise to Bruges. Tasting of Belgian sweet specialties on board. Arrival in Bruges in the early afternoon. Excursion included: Bruges, Christmas market and its brewery. For a little over a month during Advent, the city of Bruges adorns itself with its winter attractions and two markets are dedicated to Christmas time: the first on the large Markt square, the second on Simon Stevin square. During your visit, you can find many local artisans and their creations or indulge in a little sweet treat.

In the heart of Bruges, the Burgundy of Flanders (2) is known for its picturesque setting and artisanal expertise. The Brasserie, a brewing tradition dating back to the 18th century, combines modern techniques with artisanal methods. Then, enjoy your free time to discover the dozens of wooden chalets offering artisanal treasures, from finely handcrafted Christmas decorations to local treats, and marvel at the market's illuminations.

Return to the ship on foot. Dinner on board and gala evening.

DAY 4: BRUGES

Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 a.m. Possibility of a coach transfer(1) from Bruges to Brussels. End of our services..

BRUGES - AALTER - GHENT

DAY 1: Brussels - BRUGES

Possibility of transfer(1) by coach from Brussels to Bruges. Boarding at 5 p.m. Excursion included: guided walking tour of the Bruges Christmas market. Let yourself be seduced by the warm atmosphere of this city and its magical illuminations. For a little over a month during the Advent period, the city of Bruges is adorned with its winter assets and two markets are dedicated to Christmas time: the first on the large Markt square, the second on Simon Stevin square. During your visit, you can find many local artisans selling their creations or indulge in a sweet treat. Introduction of the crew and welcome cocktail. Dinner on board.

DAY 2: BRUGES

In the morning, excursion included: guided tour of Bruges, visit and beer tasting at the Bourgogne des Flandres Brewery. Departure on foot with your guide to visit Bruges to discover its picturesque streets and historical heritage. Then, visit and tasting at Bourgogne des Flandres(2) which occupies a very special place in the Belgian brewing landscape. It is a typical example of the Flemish beer tradition. Free time and return to the boat. Lunch on board.

DAY 3: AALTER - GHENT

Morning cruise to Ghent, Tasting of Belgian sweet specialties on board, discover the melting galette originating from Belgium and Flanders made from brioche. Arrival in the early afternoon in Ghent. Excursion included: guided tour of the Ghent Christmas market (3) and tasting of local specialties. Departure on foot to the city center of Ghent and discover the center as a pedestrian space like an open-air museum where the typical Flemish architecture reveals an undeniable medieval heritage. Tasting of local specialties with your guide during your visit. Then visit the Christmas market located in the historic heart of the city, it immerses you in an enchanting world with its countless lights and festive decorations that make the Ghent buildings sublime. It stretches from the Sint-Baafsplein to the Korenmarkt, passing by the Botermarkt and along Klein Turkije. Stroll freely through the picturesque streets of the town, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, and see the decorative objects made by local artisans in the many chalets. Return to the boat on foot. Dinner on board and a gala evening.

DAY 4: GHENT

Buffet breakfast on board. Disembarkation at 9 a.m. Possibility of a coach transfer(1) from Ghent to Brussels. End of our services

Rate includes: 6-night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, drinks from the bar, and excursions. Bicycles are available for cycling.

2026 RATES

DATES	SHIP	ITINERARY	PER PERSON RATE DOUBLE	SINGLE RATE

Dec 6, 14	Raymond	Bruges to Ghent	$1275	$1825
Dec 2, 10	Raymond	Ghent to Bruges	$1275	$1825

Rate includes: 6 night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, drinks from the bar and excursions. Bicycles available for cycling.

22 passenger Raymond

Cruises in Belgium

The MS Raymonde is a beautiful Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22
passengers, in 11 cabins spread over two decks. The size of the cabins is 9m2 (including a PRM cabin of 11 m2) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest
detail and the 6 crew members guarantee a personalized service. The decoration is stylish with an elegant and intimate atmosphere.
Located on the upper deck are the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, the lounge bar and a relaxation area
with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.
A journey aboard the MS Raymonde promises an unforgettable getaway on the water.

FEATURES:

Barge - New for 2014
Size of barge: 128 ft by 17 ft
Number of Passengers: 22
Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 11
Crew: 6
Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
Salon: Salon with comfortable sofas, bar area and separate dining room with seating for 22.
Bar: All drinks and meals included on board (excluding champagne & drinks from the wine list)
Deck: Sundeck with tables, chairs, and umbrellas for shade, barbecue and jacuzzi at the prow of the barge.
Cabin Features: Eleven cabins, all twin-bedded, with TV, each approximately 97 sq. ft., all with large windows and ensuite bathroom with shower. safe, internal telephone, individual AC control
Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Motor coach
Accessibility: Steps to cabins.
Bicycles: Yes