Our streak of good weather continued into this morning as we disembarked at the port of Ostende under blue skies. From here it was a short half hour ride through the Belgian countryside to the city of Brugge (or Bruges, to use its French name). Considered something of a fairytale town with its canals, bridges, cobbled streets and churches, Bruges made its name as a merchant town and became extremely wealthy in the latter stages of the mediaeval period. We began with a walking tour following our arrival, beginning at the outskirts of the city and gradually making our way in through the beguinage, passing a large group of the town’s iconic swans. Once we made it to the town centre we boarded canal boats, the only vessels legally allowed to travel on its narrow canal system. From here we saw the city from a perspective not typically afforded to guests who remain on the streets, with many striking old buildings rising straight up from the waters. Balconies and various protruding structures overhang the canals, creating something of a cozy feeling in its crowdedness. After disembarking we continued to the town’s famous market square and went from there to lunch in 't Zwart Huis (The Black House). We had a typically Belgian meal of shellfish bisque and traditional Flanders stew. After this the group split. A number went cycling out in the local countryside while others enjoyed a chocolate making workshop. Others still opted to explore the alcoves, nooks and crannies of the city on their own. A sunny day in this iconic European city marked a perfect end to our exploration of Europe’s low countries before continuing on to our final destination of London, England.