Highlights of the Low Countries

Amsterdam is dubbed the Venice of the North, and for good reason. Spanning more than 60 miles, the city’s 165 canals define Amsterdam and provide the perfect backdrop to the iconic 16th century buildings that seem to be floating sleepily on the calm waters. Art is central to Amsterdam’s cultural identity, as the city’s museums are abundant in masterpieces by Van Gogh, Vermeer, Rembrandt, and several other geniuses of Dutch painting. Traditionally a bike-friendly city and with a mind to ensure a relaxed lifestyle for residents and visitors alike, Amsterdam never stops improving and expanding its cycling infrastructure and facilities.

Despite its small size, Bruges is a city of wonders where divine beauty coexists with the mundane pleasures of exquisite chocolate and locally brewed beer. In the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. This splendor is evident in Bruges’ sophisticated architecture that features magnificent buildings with unique ornamental elements, such as golden figures and countless turrets. Wandering around the cobblestone lanes of one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world feels like a journey into the past. Back in the present, the city’s peaceful canals mirror the unfathomable beauty of Bruges, capturing it in what seems to be an eternal moment.

The birthplace of Tintin, the Smurfs, and several other famous comic strip characters, Brussels is also the capital of Art Nouveau architecture and the ultimate symbol of the European Union. Home to over 80 museums of all shapes and sizes and for all tastes, the multifaceted capital of Belgium is a laid-back multicultural city with an inescapably authentic and irresistibly quirky character, where the flavors of chocolate, beer, and fried mussels come together to create the city’s mesmerizing scent. Conveniently located between London and Paris, Brussels has always been a hub for international artists and the perfect starting point for a trip across Belgium and beyond.