Rhine Experience Belgium

Duisburg

Situated in the heart of Central Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany is an established and rewarding tourist destination. Its sweeping land is varied, with turreted castles and medieval villages tucked below snow-capped mountains, and amid lush river valleys and dark and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with such fantastical tales as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood.

Despite the beauty and romance of the German countryside, most first-time visitors head straight for one of the country's famous cities. Each year, millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city's Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and gemutlichkeit, while Berlin promises an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and a truly wild and exotic nightlife. Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, promising business opportunities and great shopping and dining experiences, while Hamburg is more of a picturesque urban experience, full of canals, parks and gardens.

Germany seldom disappoints, which can be expected from a country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen.

Antwerp

Antwerp is perhaps best known for its
diamonds, and the city's sparkling allure attracts the glitterati
with a thriving fashion and entertainment culture. The city also
has countless shopping opportunities, trendy bars and nightclubs
for the fashion-conscious and young at heart.

As the second-largest city in Belgium and a
major European port, Antwerp has a more modern face than many of
its neighbours. Much of the city was destroyed in World War II, but
its history is present in its beautifully-preserved Gothic and
Baroque architecture. At the centre of the city is the Grote Markt,
with the baroque Brabo Fountain in the middle. The work of baroque
sculptor Pieter Paul Reubens is visible all over the city, most
notably at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts.

A visit to Antwerp is a must on any Belgian
holiday. Indeed, the city does a uniquely European balancing act of
old and new, offering plenty of pretty sights, good museums, family
attractions and sidewalk cafés.

Brussel (Bruxelles)

Home of the European Union, Brussels has become a bustling
centre for bureaucrats and businessmen and is a thriving
cosmopolitan metropolis. The buildings in the city are a
fascinating mix of architectural styles, and there are numerous
museums of interest throughout. Within the 14th-century city walls
is the compact centre of the old city with the beautiful Grand
Place at its heart. Visitors rarely stray beyond the walls of the
'petit ring' of the city centre, clearly defined from the newer
glitzy quarters by its narrow maze of streets. This is where the
key sights can be enjoyed, together with the best bars and
restaurants.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the art and architecture,
marvel at the bizarre sight of the Mannekin-Pis statue, and spend
time shopping for traditional souvenirs such as Belgian chocolate
and lace. The National Opera House and many other theatres host a
variety of events and concerts for those wanting some high culture,
and there are plenty of restaurants offering gastronomic delights.
These outings can be rounded off by a drink or two in any one of
the lively bars located near the Grand Place.

Vibrant and energetic, Brussels is a city of museums and
architecture among Europe's finest, a shopper's fantasy and a
diner's capital.

Gent (Ghent)

Ghent is an old medieval city that has long
been overshadowed by Bruges, but nevertheless holds plenty of
exciting attractions for visitors and is far less crowded than
other Belgian cities.

The city was once the heart of the cloth
trade and one of the largest medieval cities in northern Europe.
Today, the old centre boasts many historic buildings including St
Bavo's Cathedral, the Castle of the Counts (a turreted castle with
a moat and bell tower, which make for great views), the Town Hall
and the 15th-century Cloth Hall.

Ghent's city centre is wholly modern
however, and the city's large university population mixes with an
eclectic blend of expats and artists to give the city a diverse and
cosmopolitan air.

Despite being off the beaten track for many
tourists, Ghent offers good museums, lively nightlife and excellent
restaurants serving the best in Flemish cuisine.

Belgium's small size ensures that Ghent is
less than a 40-minute train ride from major cities such as Bruges
and Brussels, and within easy distance of other interesting tourist
destinations, like Courtray and Ostend. A weekend in Ghent is the
perfect way to cap an idyllic holiday in Belgium.

Willemstad

Willemstad, nestled in the province of North Brabant, Netherlands, is a charming, star-shaped fortress town celebrated for its exceptional preservation of 16th-century defenses. Originally named Ruigenhil, the town was strategically renamed after William the Silent and is a prime example of Dutch military architecture. Visitors can trace the entire perimeter by walking or cycling along the well-maintained ramparts and bastions, which offer commanding views of the surrounding water and countryside, perfectly illustrating the seven-pointed star layout . Beyond its unique fortifications, the town is home to the historic Mauritshuis Museum, detailing local history and the town's military past, and the distinctive Koepelkerk (Dome Church). The small, scenic harbour further adds to its appeal, providing a tranquil spot to relax by the water's edge.

The town is compact and ideal for a leisurely day trip, inviting visitors to stroll its cobbled streets and admire the traditional Dutch houses. While in Willemstad, a must-do is visiting one of the five surrounding historic fortifications, such as Fort Sabina, which offers a deeper look into the region's defensive history with its impressive network of corridors. The peaceful marina area is the social heart of Willemstad, dotted with cozy waterside cafés and restaurants, perfect for enjoying the quiet atmosphere. For those seeking to explore further, the town acts as a gateway to the nearby waterways, with a summer Waterbus service providing connections to other beautiful spots like the Tiengemeten nature reserve.

Duisburg

Situated in the heart of Central Europe and bordering nine other countries, Germany is an established and rewarding tourist destination. Its sweeping land is varied, with turreted castles and medieval villages tucked below snow-capped mountains, and amid lush river valleys and dark and mysterious forests. It is also a place of fairytales, where minstrels first regaled audiences with such fantastical tales as Sleeping Beauty and Little Red Riding Hood.

Despite the beauty and romance of the German countryside, most first-time visitors head straight for one of the country's famous cities. Each year, millions of litres of beer are consumed in Munich during the city's Oktoberfest, where locals and visitors discover true German revelry and gemutlichkeit, while Berlin promises an abundance of sightseeing opportunities, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the ruins of the Berlin Wall and a truly wild and exotic nightlife. Frankfurt is Germany's financial powerhouse, promising business opportunities and great shopping and dining experiences, while Hamburg is more of a picturesque urban experience, full of canals, parks and gardens.

Germany seldom disappoints, which can be expected from a country that gave us Beethoven and Bauhaus, Goethe and Glühwein, Lager and Lederhosen.