Rich in history and architecture (and chocolate), Belgium is full of surprises - from charming canals to tall step-gabled merchant's houses and impressive floral displays.
With more castles per square metre than any other country, Belgium is home to captivating medieval buildings, romantic squares and stunning canals. And on a river cruise, you can enjoy all this plus a luxury five-star experience. Relax in a roomy cabin or suite, tuck into delicious locally inspired menus and get to know like-minded travellers as you discover all that Belgium has to offer. Journey down the charming canals and waterways of this historic country, passing through the diamond capital, Antwerp, and the perfectly preserved medieval town of Bruges. Accompanied by expert Tour Managers, moor in these delightful settlements and dive into the heart of Belgian culture. Taste Bruges’ finest beers, savour the crispiness of Belgian fries (their secret? They’re fried twice) and of course, your trip won’t be complete without sampling the world-renowned chocolate (and buying a few bars to smuggle home).
Once you’re done exploring, continue with your cruise adventure, enjoy the onboard refreshments, splash in the pool or simply sink into the breathtaking views of the historical country. Our favourites are the sublime landscapes, distinguished in purples and yellows and greens.
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Belgium uses the Euro, having adopted the currency in 1999. They were one of the first countries to adopt the Euro, along with Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
Bruges
The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Medieval Bruges is on foot. Wander through a maze of cobbled streets, stop beside pretty canals and stumble on romantic squares lined with gabled buildings. The entire city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a brilliant example of a medieval settlement. It's also compact - ideal for a long weekend getaway.
Brussels
One of the greenest cities in Europe, Brussels is also rich in history, architecture, gastronomy and culture. It's a bustling, welcoming city with many museums and art galleries to enjoy.
Antwerp
A historic city, with a reputation in the diamond trade, the buildings here are beautiful and the streets are very picturesque - it's no wonder the city boasts a slew of accomplished painters such as van Dyck, Pieter and Pieter Paul Rubens. It's also home to one of the world's oldest zoos.
Ghent
Quirky, historic and cultural, Ghent has an enjoyable mix of all three. From the Castle of Counts which houses the Arms Museum and the Museum of Judicial Objects to the Vrijdagmarkt - a working market which dates back to the 12th century, there's plenty to entertain.
Chocolate tasting
Home to luxury chocolate brands such as Godiva and Guylian, Belgium is famous for its chocolate and a visit here is the perfect excuse to take your love affair with the sweet treat to the next level. There are many chocolatiers in the major towns and cities, many offering a chocolate tasting pairing the velvety smooth Belgium chocolate with unusual flavours to create something truly unique.
Visit Ypres
Synonymous with the horrors of the Great War, Ypres played a huge role in WWI. Today, the town serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives here with cemeteries and museums with insightful exhibits on life during wartime.
Enjoy a drink in Markt Square Bruges
Soak up the beating heart of Bruges in its bustling Markt Square - best enjoyed with a glass of Belgian beer.
Summers are fairly mild in Belgium - perfect for those who don't like the heat - whereas winters are damp and cool with frequent fogs.
The hottest months to visit are June, July and August with average highs of around 23°C and average lows of 14°C but it can reach up to 30°C, similar to other European destinations.
Typical Belgian dishes include potatoes, leeks, grey shrimp, white asparagus, Belgian endive (a type of lettuce) and local beer, along with European staples - meats, cheeses and butter.
Belgians like to eat and drink and the cuisine is a wonderful mix of sweet and savoury. While you visit you must try Belgian Fries (double fried, of course), waffles, carbonnade flamande (made with Belgian ale, beef, onions, bay leaf and thyme) and their world-famous Belgian chocolates.
Tipping isn't standard practice in Belgium, as most service staff are paid a fair living wage. Most restaurants automatically include a 10-15% tip in the bill - but if the service is excellent, you can leave more if you want.
65% of Belgians are Christians, with most adhering to the Roman Catholic faith (which also means there aren't many shops open on a Sunday), almost 7% are Muslim and around 20% have no religious affiliation.
Thanks to an extensive network of waterways and man-made canals crisscrossing through Belgium, a river cruise is a great way to see more of its beautiful countryside. We'll moor in the heart of quaint towns and bustling cities close to the action so you can step off and start exploring straight away.