There’s just something about Belgium. Maybe it’s the friendly & welcoming people who with three official languages still find it easy to converse in English, the 4th unofficial language. Maybe it’s the stunning architecture decorating the quaint cobblestone squares. Or perhaps it’s the incredible cuisine found in the vast array of restaurants where each meal seems better than the last. Energetic and carefree, the overall mood in Belgium is infectious, summoning in all of us to live as Belgians and enjoy life to the fullest.

Well situated between France and Holland, the kingdom of Belgium encompasses all the best that Europe has to offer in an area no bigger than Maryland. Within the span of one day you can take a romantic cruise down a canal in Bruges, hunt for diamonds in Antwerp, enjoy waffles on the beach in Oostende, frolic in a festival in Binche, get lost in a castle in Namur, discover antiques at an outdoor market in Liege, and explore a fine art museum in Brussels. A dense train network connects all of Belgium and makes navigation simple and comfortable for travelers.

Often called the Essence of Europe, Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders in the north, a flatland criss-crossed by canals, is proud of its medieval art cities, Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. To the south in Wallonia, you will find the rolling hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. The city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies.

Belgium's history has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange, and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. It would be difficult to name a European country who didn’t want to stake their claim in Belgium at one time or another. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and present - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau.

Somehow, Belgium has maintained a low-key approach to all of this international sophistication. It is a country for connoisseurs, but connoisseurs who do not take themselves too seriously. Because the Belgians themselves certainly do not. And after all this we didn’t even mention the beer & chocolate.

Belgium – come taste how we live!

The northern part of Belgium is known as Flanders, the inhabitants are called Flemings, are Flemish and speak Dutch. Did you get all that? Cultural lesson aside, there are numerous historical cities in Flanders ready for you to explore. Each city is brimming with quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums and friendly outdoor cafes perfect for people watching and sipping on the local brews. All Flemish towns are unique in their own way and are conveniently located only a short train ride apart.

The scenic Flemish countryside is painted with soft green hills and winding roads dotted by black heather bordered by proud farms and peaceful canals. Cities in Flanders exhibit their charm with cobblestone streets, beguinages, gothic cathedrals and artistic treasures of internationally renowned paintings from the Flemish primitives to Breughel and Rubens and such modern masters as Permeke, Ensor and Magritte.

But there is a lot more to Flemish cities than just architecture and history. You can also enjoy your time discovering the colorful open-air markets, shopping galleries, breweries, European nightlife and stylish restaurants overflowing with local culinary delights. Festivals, exhibitions and feasts are part of daily life in Flanders from local parades, carnivals and pageants steeped in medieval history.

If you travel to the south of Belgium you will find yourself in a world of peaceful villages, welcoming locals, colorful carnivals and enchanting castles. The landscape of this region was once described by Ernest Hemingway as, “something out of a Grimm’s fairytale.” But it’s no fairytale - it’s Wallonia, also known as the Ardennes. The friendly inhabitants are known as Walloons and their official language is French except for a small area where they speak German. But not to worry, English is widely spoken  - albeit with a slight accent.

Wallonia is abundant in abbeys, citadels, parks and gardens, chateaus, and culture. The historic towns of Wallonia bubble over with pretty squares, interesting battlefields, outdoor markets, museums and restaurants serving regional specialties such as country ham and Trappist beer brewed locally.

The countryside of Wallonia is composed of woodland, moors, vast fields cut off with hedges and grasslands, all dotted with springs, streams, waterfalls, and lakes with the River Meuse as a bonus. Adventure is easy to find with hundreds of miles of signed pathways for walking and hiking, cliffs for climbing, streams for kayaking, greens for golfing and wide open skies for hot air ballooning.

Whether you visit Namur, capital of Wallonia, or a tiny village in the middle of nowhere you will be met by locals with a warm smile offering to assist you in any way that they can.

Brussels is the ultimate European city. As the headquarters to the EU (European Union) and NATO it is often referred to as The Capital of Europe. It is an international metropolis – a mosaic of languages, cultures, and traditions. Aside from the splendid and varied architectural styles of the city, Brussels also hosts over 80 museums, numerous tourist attractions, a vibrant nightlife, and more restaurants than you could count.

The starting point for any visit to Brussels is the Grand Place which was built as a merchant’s market in the 13th century. It serves as the center of the city and hosts numerous concerts and festivals including the Ommegang pageant held every July.

Shopping in the distinctive fashion boutiques, lingering over a delicious lunch in a bistro or a top restaurant, people watching from a street cafe, or picking up a unique antique on the Sablon - Brussels is a city you can call your own.