Highlights of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg

About Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, boasts a captivating history that dates back to its 12th century beginnings as a modest fishing village. Over time, the city flourished into a bustling commercial center, and, by the 17th century, played a pivotal role in global trade. The establishment of the Dutch East India Company during the colonial era further fueled periods of prosperity, cultural blossoming, and architectural advancement. The city's charm has remained as vibrant as ever, offering modern-day tourists a dynamic and multicultural hub in a wonderful atmosphere, surrounded by a unique, impressive architectural maze.

The old city of Amsterdam, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," is a testament to its immense cultural heritage. Built along the banks of its iconic canals, the old city is home to rich cultural heritage full of artistic masterpieces. Renowned museums in the museum district, situated on the Singelgracht canal, showcase the best works of Dutch painters like Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and other luminaries of the art world. Amsterdam is known as one of the friendliest cities for cyclists, with cycling deeply ingrained in the local culture. Embrace the city's spirit by renting a bike and joining the vibrant atmosphere as you pedal along the bike paths, gaining a unique perspective on the picturesque canals, charming atria, and stunning buildings. When it comes to culinary delights, Amsterdam offers a diverse array of experiences. Savor the local delicacies and don't miss out on stroopwafels (caramel-filled waffles), bitterballen (meatballs), pannenkoeken (pancakes), and the delectable Gouda or Edam cheeses. The bustling food markets like Albert Cuyp and Foodhallen are a treat, serving up an enticing array of local and international dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing local beer or indulge in the distinctive flavor of Jenever, the local gin, for a truly immersive culinary experience. Amsterdam is home to a wealth of attractions- here are just a few to get you started: The Floating Flower Market, famously known as Bloemenmarkt, is a local gem. Throughout the city's history, flower merchants used to ply their trade from boats navigating the canals. As the 19th century progressed, trade flourished on floating rafts anchored in the Singelgracht canal. Today, it stands as the only floating flower market in the world, offering a stunning array of the finest blooms and flower seeds from the Netherlands. During the spring season, the market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful tulips, making it a must-visit destination for flower enthusiasts. The Anne Frank House is where Anne and her family hid during the horrors of World War II. The house has been converted into a museum that offers a deeply moving experience, showing where the family lived in a concealed space in her father’s office for over two years, evading the Nazi persecution that targeted the Jewish community in Amsterdam. Tragically, in 1944, they were discovered and sent to the Bergen-Belsen extermination camp, where Anne met her untimely and cruel end. Yet, her diary survived, and is a chilling testament that touches the hearts of millions of readers worldwide, serving as a poignant reminder of the vital significance of empathy and compassion. Begijnhof, a historical complex dating back to the early 14th century, was created as a religious community for women embracing a monastic way of life, dedicated to prayer and acts of kindness. Originally located outside the city walls, it was eventually relocated to its present position in the heart of the city center. Encircled by captivating historic buildings, the enclave boasts several remarkably well preserved wooden houses—a rare sight in Amsterdam, given the city's tumultuous history of fires. Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein are two squares that are famous for their vibrant nightlife, attracting visitors with an array of bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment options. In Rembrandt Square there is a monument to the painter’s memory with statues depicting characters from his well-known painting, "The Night Watch." Leidseplein is also home to the casino and the National Theatre. The Eye Film Museum is the Dutch national museum dedicated to photography. Situated along the city's waterfront, the building alone is an attraction with its distinctive and striking architecture! The museum contains a rich collection of films, photographs, posters, as well as other memorabilia related to cinema, and it features various exhibitions that celebrate the history, development, and meaning of filmmaking in the Netherlands and abroad. On the top floor of the museum, there is a panoramic balcony with an amazing view of the city and the waterfront. Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!

About Eindhoven

As university city, Eindhoven has a large student population, giving Eindhoven a young population, whose recreational needs are catered to by several different festivals and clubs. Eindhoven was also the main location of The Philips Company, who undertook a lot of effort in the "cultural formation" of its workforce and gave the city both cultural institutions and sporting institutions. Eindhoven is also known as the City of Light, due to the Company Philips originating there because of the several projects involving lighting up buildings of the city. During Carnival, Eindhoven is rechristened Lampegat (Hamlet of Lamps); referring to the important role of Philips in the Eindhoven community.

As university city, Eindhoven has a large student population, giving Eindhoven a young population, whose recreational needs are catered to by several different festivals and clubs. Eindhoven was also the main location of The Philips Company, who undertook a lot of effort in the "cultural formation" of its workforce and gave the city both cultural institutions and sporting institutions. Eindhoven is also known as the City of Light, due to the Company Philips originating there because of the several projects involving lighting up buildings of the city. During Carnival, Eindhoven is rechristened Lampegat (Hamlet of Lamps); referring to the important role of Philips in the Eindhoven community.

About Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city of Luxembourg itself is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications and despite the city's comparatively small size, it has several notable museums: National Museum of History and Art, Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Natural History. Luxembourg City is also famed for its wide selection of restaurants and cuisines, including four Michelin starred establishments. Landmarks include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, the AM Tunnel art gallery and the Grand Ducal Palace.

Luxembourg City is the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The city of Luxembourg itself is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, on account of the historical importance of its fortifications and despite the city's comparatively small size, it has several notable museums: National Museum of History and Art, Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Natural History. Luxembourg City is also famed for its wide selection of restaurants and cuisines, including four Michelin starred establishments. Landmarks include the Gothic Revival Cathedral of Notre Dame, the fortifications, the AM Tunnel art gallery and the Grand Ducal Palace.

About Liege

The 16C palace is built on the Place St Lambert. An archeological display can be visited under the Place St Lambert. The perron on the nearby Place du Marche is the symbol of the city. It stands in front of the 17C city hall. The church of Saint-James is the most beautiful medieval church in Liege, built in Flamboyant-Gothic style, The main museums in Liege are: MAMAC, Museum of Walloon Life, and Museum of Walloon Art & Religious Art. The Grand Curtius Museum is an elegantly furnished mansion from the 17th century along the Meuse River. Other sites of interest include the historical city centre, the Hors-Château area, the Outremeuse area, and the parks and boulevards along the River Meuse.

The 16C palace is built on the Place St Lambert. An archeological display can be visited under the Place St Lambert. The perron on the nearby Place du Marche is the symbol of the city. It stands in front of the 17C city hall. The church of Saint-James is the most beautiful medieval church in Liege, built in Flamboyant-Gothic style, The main museums in Liege are: MAMAC, Museum of Walloon Life, and Museum of Walloon Art & Religious Art. The Grand Curtius Museum is an elegantly furnished mansion from the 17th century along the Meuse River. Other sites of interest include the historical city centre, the Hors-Château area, the Outremeuse area, and the parks and boulevards along the River Meuse.

About Antwerp

Antwerp is the second most populous city in Belgium. In the 16C, Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens ("Antwerpia nummis"); the houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city. Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843, and is home to more than 6,000 animals (about 769 species). One of the oldest zoos in the world, it is renowned for its high level of research and conservation. Antwerp had an artistic reputation in the 17C, based on its school of painting, which included Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, the two Teniers and many others. Antwerp is home to many interesting sites and museums.

Antwerp is the second most populous city in Belgium. In the 16C, Antwerp was noted for the wealth of its citizens ("Antwerpia nummis"); the houses of these wealthy merchants and manufacturers have been preserved throughout the city. Antwerp Zoo was founded in 1843, and is home to more than 6,000 animals (about 769 species). One of the oldest zoos in the world, it is renowned for its high level of research and conservation. Antwerp had an artistic reputation in the 17C, based on its school of painting, which included Rubens, Van Dyck, Jordaens, the two Teniers and many others. Antwerp is home to many interesting sites and museums.

About Bruges

Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 122.3m, making it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges' most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells. The city still employs a full-time carillonneur, who gives free concerts on a regular basis.

Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. The historic centre of Bruges has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 122.3m, making it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture Madonna and Child, which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges' most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells. The city still employs a full-time carillonneur, who gives free concerts on a regular basis.

About Brussels

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.

Brussels is the capital and largest city of Belgium and the capital of the European Union. Brussels has grown from a 10C fortress town to a sizeable city. The architecture in Brussels is diverse, spanning from the medieval constructions on the Grand Place to the postmodern buildings of the EU institutions. Main attractions include the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Gothic town hall in the old centre, the St. Michael and Gudula Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Laeken. Another famous landmark is the Royal Palace. The city has had a renowned artist scene for many years. Brussels is known for its local waffle, its chocolate, its French fries and its numerous types of beers.