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Planet In1 Destination Europe - Belgium

Belgium is located in western Europe and is bordered by Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France and the North Sea. Multicultural and multilingual, Belgium sits at the crossroads of Western Europe and its capital city, Brussels, is home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as numerous international trade and finance companies.

Dutch-speaking Flanders, in the north, is a flatland crossed by canals containing the art cities of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. In the south is French-speaking Wallonia with its numerous castles and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai.

Belgium is deservedly renowned for its hospitality, gourmet food, luxurious chocolate and more than 400 types of beers! A sheer gastronomic delight.

Brussels, the capital, is more than 1000 years old. It is indeed a cosmopolitan city with festivals many and varied, from the annual Jazz Festival to the Parade of the Giants in May. Brussels has markets for everything: bird, flower, antique, flea, horse, dairy and of course fresh fish, with mussels from the North Sea a specialty. The historic square of the Grand' Place is the centre of the city's social and civic life. With its beautiful ornate buildings, it is used for festivals and markets, as well as a meeting place to have a beer and watch the world go by. The little statue of the Manneken-Pis is known throughout the world and has been given over 250 costumes by visiting dignitaries, which are housed in the Musee Communal. The Royal Palace, the House of Parliament, the Palais des Nations and the many museums (including the famous lace) give the visitor much to see and do.

Antwerp, the second largest city in Belgium and the second largest harbour in Europe, is by no means a second-class city. Antwerp is famous for diamonds, with more than 70% of the world's diamonds being cut, polished and traded here. The diamond district around the railway station is the place to visit for buying the girl's best friend. The city has become a fashion capital with many well-known designers making this a mecca for the fashion conscious. There are many examples of the architecture for which the city is famed but the most beautiful monument is the Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady containing the two masterpieces, the 'Raising of the Cross' and the 'Descent from the Cross' by Peter Paul Rubens.

Bruges on the river Zwin was one of the richest cities in the world between the 13 th and 15 th centuries. Bruges is a beautiful medieval city, rich in architectural and artistic treasures, especially lovely in summer with colourful flowerbeds and baskets and peaceful quiet canals and waterways. The best way to view the city is on foot or by boat.

Ghent experienced prosperity and decline over the years due to the popularity of the cloth trade. Today Ghent is a leading industrial centre and a major inland port. The Castle of the Counts of Flanders and Cloth Hall are well worth visiting, as is the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Bavo containing the Ghent Altarpiece or 'The adoration of the Mystic Lamb' by the Van Eyck brothers. This is reputedly one of the greatest works of art ever.