"Welcome in Flanders, Belgium.
How can I help you?"
Hello, my name is Yves
I started guiding in Ghent in 2014 - not as a polished tour guide, but as someone who simply refused to do “average.” I was a shy student looking for a way in, and the streets became my classroom: real people, real questions, real curiosity about Belgium beyond the obvious.
So I did what serious guides do: I studied history at Ghent University, then took that knowledge outside - into the squares, alleys, castles, and cafés where the city’s story actually makes sense. But I learned something quickly: travelers don’t come to Belgium for a lecture. They come for a feeling - to understand where they are, how it became what it is, and how to experience it without wasting time.
That’s the moment Beardbarian changed from “a tour” into a premium, story-driven experience. I stopped performing and started listening. Guests from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and across Europe taught me what makes a great private tour in Belgium: smart pacing, flexibility, clear storytelling, and authentic places you’d never find alone.
That’s how Beardbarian Tours was born - built on fresh eyes and local depth. I keep exploring Belgium the same way you do: breweries, medieval towns, hidden courtyards, castles, and the food that belongs to each place. Whenever I can, I bring my wife and two sons along, because if it’s not good enough for my family, it’s not good enough for yours.
If you want to discover Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp (and beyond) with a guide who blends academic rigor with real fun - I’d love to craft your day. You bring the curiosity; I’ll handle the story, the flow, and the details.
Welcome to the Beardbarian horde!
Meet my crew
Honestly, I didn’t expect Beardbarian to grow the way it did. I started out simply wanting to give a great, story-driven tour - and suddenly more and more travelers were reaching out, asking for the same kind of experience in more cities, on more dates, with more flexibility than one person can physically deliver.
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So I had to expand - not to “scale a product,” but to make sure we can help more people explore Belgium properly, without losing what made the tours special in the first place. You can't just "get" more guides, or dropship tours - without losing what makes us special.
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That’s why I hand-picked a small team of guides who share the same curiosity and care for the craft. I trained them to shape their own historical knowledge and passions into engaging narratives, sharpened their planning and pacing so the experience feels smooth, and we meet regularly to review feedback and keep improving our routes and service.
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The result: even when I’m not the one holding the flag at the front, you’re still getting the Beardbarian style - warm, well-paced, and packed with stories worth taking home.
Trusty Teacher
Ceddrich
Graduated history at the same university as the Beardbarian. He's a dutiful history teacher, but he loves it when he gets to share his passion for stories outside of a classroom, with a crowd that isn't forced to sit down.
When he's not teaching or guiding, he takes his lovely family to folk concerts and history trips.
Unapologetically Unorthodox
Simon
Another teacher breaking through the wall. A real-life Burgundian, he knows all about good food - and has a nose for beer.
A philosopher and historian at heart, he doesn't shy away from engaging in deep conversation - as deep as the pint you're willing to share with him.
Affable Adventurer
Tony (Antoon)
Studied history at the university with the Beardbarian - and then taught him how to swing a sword. This man's charisma was too much to be caught in a desk, so it spilled over into the streets.
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A fun-loving guide, this barbarian knows all the taverns to rest your feet after your adventure in the dungeon, errrm, I mean citytrip.
Merciless Mastermind
Calix
If Calix is in on board for your tour, you will be left with no choice: you WILL be entertained. This amicable American has studied history both in the university (where we met) and in the field (where we also met).
On top of that, he has been granted an license as Born-again-Belgian by the Beardbarian, as a testament of his enthousiasm and knowledge about all things Belgium. Make sure you drink enough coffee before your tour, to match this high-energy guide!
Curious Companion
You?
You have a brain that is easily infected by random facts, but have the drive to turn these pieces into wonderful stories. Having an extra compass for the emotions of your audience, you can flip a tale around to make it endearing for anyone listening to you. Most of all, you want to use your energy to make people part of what it means to explore the world - and develop yourself as someone who can create the best Belgium anyone could wish for.
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Leave your details behind here (Dutch form): if your spirit matches our philosophy we will get in touch!
Beardbarian's friends
On my way to become the Beardbarian, I've often worked with other companies - where I met other guides. They developed their knowledge and skills largely through their own path - and they'll jump aboard once in a while! So don't be surprised if you meet one of these colourful crewmates on your tour.
Bold Beermaster
Patriek
Patriek is a connaisseur of all things malty and hoppy. He and the Beardbarian met while both were freelancing beer-themed tours. Now he still does beer-themed tours, and runs tours at a couple of breweries in the area where he lives.
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Did you know Patriek designed his own beer? He'll tell you all about it if you end up on a history or beer tour with this man!
Sarcastic Soldier
Andy
When the Beardbarian and Andy crossed paths, it was like mixing beer and more beer - awesome. Leading the changes in Bruges' guiding culture, Andy showed me that guided tours can be fun for both young and old.
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A military man and proud father of 2 boys, Andy knows what it means to serve and protect. He knows Bruges like no other, and has written some books on the subject!