Brussels To Berlin: A
European Journey

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.

Utrecht

Known for its tulips, windmills and bicycles, the Netherlands stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape. Sleepy rural towns and sophisticated cities lie within its expansive vistas, broken here and there by dikes, walls, canals and castles. The country is also home to one of Europe's most densely populated regions, which is located in an urban hub called Randstad. The area radiates in a circle from Amsterdam and includes The Hague, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, as well as the smaller towns of Delft, Haarlem and Leiden. Visitors will find vibrant art scenes, cultural activities, seasonal festivals and excellent pubs and restaurants in these destinations.

Historically speaking, the country's global influence stretches back centuries. That is, the Dutch East India Company established trading links with the East and West Indies in the 1600s, bringing a wealth of merchandise and cultural influences back to Europe. The Netherlands' Golden Age reached its zenith in the artworks of its master painters, namely, Frans Hals, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Johannes Vermeer. Today, their paintings hang from the walls of the country's many world-class museums and galleries.

Tourists generally visit the Netherlands to experience its capital city, Amsterdam, though nature lovers may enjoy the south's undulating landscapes of heath moors and shifting sands. They're best explored within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The historical city of Maastricht is tucked between the Belgian and German borders, and is definitely worth seeing.

Regarding global conflicts, the Netherlands has largely taken a neutral stance since the collapse of Napoleon's empire in 1814. That said, it suffered severely in World War II, when the Nazis invaded. Its neutral position and tradition of tolerance and liberalism would make it the logical location for the International Court of Justice, which is situated in The Hague.

Groningen

Franeker

Groningen

River Cruisining

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.

Munster

Minden

Calvörde

Hannover

Brandenburg

Brandenburg is a captivating federal state in north-eastern Germany, surrounding the capital city of Berlin and offering a rich blend of history, nature, and culture. Known for its wide open landscapes, tranquil lakes, and dense forests, Brandenburg provides a peaceful contrast to the bustle of nearby urban life. Its countryside is dotted with charming villages, historic towns, and grand castles, making it a rewarding destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and discovery.

The region has a fascinating historical heritage that stretches back for centuries. Brandenburg played a central role in the rise of Prussia and later in the development of modern Germany. Potsdam, the state capital, is especially renowned for its architectural splendour and royal legacy. The magnificent Sanssouci Palace, with its elegant gardens and terraces, stands as one of the area’s most celebrated landmarks. Elsewhere, medieval town centres, monasteries, and memorial sites reveal the many layers of Brandenburg’s past.

Nature is one of Brandenburg’s greatest attractions. With more than 3,000 lakes, numerous rivers, and expansive protected areas, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Spreewald, a unique biosphere reserve criss-crossed by waterways, is famous for its lush scenery and traditional culture. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, hiking, and birdwatching throughout the region. Seasonal beauty also defines Brandenburg, from bright spring blossoms to golden autumn woodlands.

Brandenburg is also shaped by its local traditions, regional cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Farmers’ markets, festivals, and crafts reflect a strong connection to the land and community life. Specialities such as Spreewald gherkins are widely associated with the area and add to its distinct character. Whether admired for its royal history, natural beauty, or quiet rural charm, Brandenburg offers an authentic and memorable experience that captures a different, gentler side of Germany.

Calvörde

Berlin

For most of the latter part of the 20th
century, Berlin was emblematic of the division between East and
West. When the Berlin Wall was brought down in 1989, the city had
two very distinct societies, both socially and economically.
However, more recent decades have seen Berlin embracing unification
and rebuilding itself as a cosmopolitan, exciting and efficient
modern European capital.

More than 100 streets have been
reconnected, and signs of the Wall's existence have all but
disappeared. But years of division are still reflected in the new
city's architecture, with a modern city of skyscrapers, retail
centres and urban developments in the West contrasting with the
remains of the pre-war city in the East.

For nearly 30 years, the Wall sealed off
the imposing Brandenburg Gate from the West, but now traffic passes
through it freely. Similarly, Alexanderplatz, which was one of the
main centres of 1920s Berlin and post-war East Germany, has once
again become one of the city's focal centres. The site of the
infamous Checkpoint Charlie that ensured no one illegally crossed
over from East to West is now a museum, and visitors can see the
East Side Gallery, a surviving chunk of the Wall riotously
decorated by street artists.

Apart from its unique historical status,
Berlin is once again a vibrant centre for the arts, with many
museums, galleries and theatres. At the Kulturforum, visitors will
find a number of impressive museums and concert venues from the
spectacular Berliner Philharmonie concert hall to the Picture
Gallery, which houses a vast collection of European paintings from
the 13th to 18th centuries.

Berlin also boasts a fantastic nightlife,
enjoying a vast array of venues and scenes catering to an extreme
range of tastes and delights. Berlin's calendar is also packed with
festivals and parties, from the Berlin Pride Celebration in June to
Jazz Fest Berlin in November. All this contributes to an
ever-evolving city, which ensures no two holidays to Berlin are
ever the same.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg is a captivating federal state in north-eastern Germany, surrounding the capital city of Berlin and offering a rich blend of history, nature, and culture. Known for its wide open landscapes, tranquil lakes, and dense forests, Brandenburg provides a peaceful contrast to the bustle of nearby urban life. Its countryside is dotted with charming villages, historic towns, and grand castles, making it a rewarding destination for visitors seeking both relaxation and discovery.

The region has a fascinating historical heritage that stretches back for centuries. Brandenburg played a central role in the rise of Prussia and later in the development of modern Germany. Potsdam, the state capital, is especially renowned for its architectural splendour and royal legacy. The magnificent Sanssouci Palace, with its elegant gardens and terraces, stands as one of the area’s most celebrated landmarks. Elsewhere, medieval town centres, monasteries, and memorial sites reveal the many layers of Brandenburg’s past.

Nature is one of Brandenburg’s greatest attractions. With more than 3,000 lakes, numerous rivers, and expansive protected areas, it is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Spreewald, a unique biosphere reserve criss-crossed by waterways, is famous for its lush scenery and traditional culture. Visitors can enjoy boating, cycling, hiking, and birdwatching throughout the region. Seasonal beauty also defines Brandenburg, from bright spring blossoms to golden autumn woodlands.

Brandenburg is also shaped by its local traditions, regional cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Farmers’ markets, festivals, and crafts reflect a strong connection to the land and community life. Specialities such as Spreewald gherkins are widely associated with the area and add to its distinct character. Whether admired for its royal history, natural beauty, or quiet rural charm, Brandenburg offers an authentic and memorable experience that captures a different, gentler side of Germany.

Potsdam

Berlin

For most of the latter part of the 20th
century, Berlin was emblematic of the division between East and
West. When the Berlin Wall was brought down in 1989, the city had
two very distinct societies, both socially and economically.
However, more recent decades have seen Berlin embracing unification
and rebuilding itself as a cosmopolitan, exciting and efficient
modern European capital.

More than 100 streets have been
reconnected, and signs of the Wall's existence have all but
disappeared. But years of division are still reflected in the new
city's architecture, with a modern city of skyscrapers, retail
centres and urban developments in the West contrasting with the
remains of the pre-war city in the East.

For nearly 30 years, the Wall sealed off
the imposing Brandenburg Gate from the West, but now traffic passes
through it freely. Similarly, Alexanderplatz, which was one of the
main centres of 1920s Berlin and post-war East Germany, has once
again become one of the city's focal centres. The site of the
infamous Checkpoint Charlie that ensured no one illegally crossed
over from East to West is now a museum, and visitors can see the
East Side Gallery, a surviving chunk of the Wall riotously
decorated by street artists.

Apart from its unique historical status,
Berlin is once again a vibrant centre for the arts, with many
museums, galleries and theatres. At the Kulturforum, visitors will
find a number of impressive museums and concert venues from the
spectacular Berliner Philharmonie concert hall to the Picture
Gallery, which houses a vast collection of European paintings from
the 13th to 18th centuries.

Berlin also boasts a fantastic nightlife,
enjoying a vast array of venues and scenes catering to an extreme
range of tastes and delights. Berlin's calendar is also packed with
festivals and parties, from the Berlin Pride Celebration in June to
Jazz Fest Berlin in November. All this contributes to an
ever-evolving city, which ensures no two holidays to Berlin are
ever the same.