Belgium

Country Highlights

• Discover the medieval center of Bruges and stroll along the city’s winding canals.
• Visit Antwerp, the “Diamond City,” and admire the art of Peter Paul Rubens.
• Take a boat excursion to medieval Ghent’s historic center.
• Sample jumbo mussels and golden, twice-fried frites. Don’t forget to wash it down with a local brew.

Belgian Waffles

Discover the real Belgian waffles the country is famous for. There are actually two distinct types of waffles: the Brussels waffle and the Liège waffle. The Brussels version is a light, yeasted dough cooked to a golden perfection and usually heaped with toppings like melted chocolate and fresh fruit, while the Liège version is a richer dough sprinkled with chunks of melty, caramelized pearl sugar. Try them both and choose your side in the nation’s great waffle debate.

Military History

Since well before the founding of what is now modern Belgium, the land here has been ravaged by battles and seized by invaders. It’s often called the “battlefield of Europe,” making it a prime destination for military history buffs. From Roman ruins to World War II monuments and memorials, the scars of battles past provide an opportunity for visitors to experience and reflect on the past on a deeper level.

Brewing Heritage

Sample the wide variety of beers available in the country that arguably does it best, and discover the rich history associated with them. Belgian monks have been brewing beer since as far back as 750 A.D. From the tightly regulated Trappist beers brewed in monasteries and rooted in ancient tradition to the modern craft beer movement, there is a beer for every palate here, and more than enough brew tours to keep you busy.