Belgium

From the rolling hills of the Ardennes, to the canals of Vlaanderen, to the sandy beaches and polders along the coast of the North Sea, Belgium is often referred to as the “Essence of Europe.” Nestled between France, Germany and the Netherlands, the country has adopted three official languages—Dutch, French and German—with English as the unofficial fourth. With such an accommodating spirit, it’s no wonder that the headquarters of both the European Union and NATO are found in the capital city of Brussels.

Fairly small relative to its neighbors, Belgium’s size is comparable to the state of Maryland… making a daytrip out of a visit to just about any part of the country. Most visitors find vacationing in Brussels to be less expensive than London, Paris and other western European capitals, making the city a great home base for trips beyond Belgium’s borders. London is less than two hours away via the Eurostar train, while the high-speed Thalys train will get you to Paris in less than an hour and a half.

With a Royal Family on the throne since its founding in 1831, this true kingdom claims more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. These incredible structures range from the ruins of a medieval castle at La Roche deep in the Ardennes forest, to the fairytale architecture of Castle of Antoing, which dates back to the 12th century.

Once a luxury reserved for the rich, fine chocolates are now an indulgence enjoyed the world over. And Belgian chocolates are renowned for being some of the finest. The country has more than 2,000 chocolate shops, producing an astounding 172,000 tons of the beloved confections each year. Dozens of guided tours, tastings and demonstrations are available in Brussels and beyond.

Another famed indulgence in Belgium is its beer. With more than 450 different varieties—from Blanche Beers and sparkling Gueuze, to the sweet and sour Red Beers and pale, Pilsner-like Golden Beers—the Belgians take their brews seriously. Locals and visitors alike enjoy the beer festivals that are held throughout the country each year.

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