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| Brussels (Bruxelles), Belgium |
Once seen never forgotten, the Atomium, the unique symbol of Brussels (Bruxelles in French), and one of its most visited tourist attractions!! Built for the 1958 World Expo, this structure represents the structure of a single atomic unit of an iron crystal magnified 165,000,000,000 times (165 billion times)!!
Brussels is a historic city and during the medieval period was the capital of the ‘Lowlands’, an area which roughly comprised of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. Today Brussels is the capital of the Kingdom of Belgium and is the largest city in the country, with the greater metropolitan area being home to an estimated 2.5 million residents, almost 25% of the country’s total population!! Home to several E.U. institutions, such as the Parliament, Council and Commission, Brussels is considered to be the defacto capital of Europe which has turned the city into the ‘Ultimate European City’ being a conglomeration of diverse cultures, languages and traditions!!
Historically the city dates from the fortress established in the 10th century by Charlemagne’s grandson, and any historical visit should start from the Grand Place which was built as a merchant’s market in the 13th century. Today this picturesque square serves as the main centre, and it is from here the tourist can plan the best way to see some of the varied architectural styles of the city, visit some of the 80 museums, numerous tourist attractions, shopping outlets, or decide which café, restaurant or bar in which to refresh yourself!!
Some of the more interesting historic sites to see include the Hotel de Ville, or Town Hall, located in the Grand Place, this magnificent building was constructed in the 15th century in the Gothic style and was designed with dozens of arched windows and sculptures. The Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula is well known for its clean architectural design, pure lines and lack of superfluous frills. The Church of Saint Nicholas is a little church which is almost hidden by the fine old houses that surround it!! The church contains a small painting by Rubens – ‘The Virgin and Child’. The Royal Palace or King’s Palace, built in the 19th century and today is home to the offices of King Albert II and is only used for state occasions. The National Palace is an elegant building and is today the Parliament Building.
Brussels is also home to 80 museums and galleries and if you only have time for one, visit the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. It is the premier art gallery from old ‘masters’ to modern collections, covering works by Peter Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Frans Hals.
One major tourist attraction that may be interesting for the gentlemen is Autoworld!! A massive collection of historic cars from as early as 1899 – well worth a visit!!
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Martin's Central Park Hotel
Brussels
 | Located in an oasis of tranquility, in the heart of the European Institution District, next to the beautiful Jubelpark, the hotel also benefits from easy access to the famous Grand Place and the main shopping streets.
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Renaissance Brussels Hotel
Brussels
 |  The Renaissance Brussels Hotel is situated in the European Quarter near the chic boutiques of Avenue Louise, European Parliament and the Grand Place. After a days sightseeing take advantage of the Fitness Centre complete with indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms. This is a delightful hotel with grea... |
Husa President Park Hotel
Brussels
| The hotel is located in the business district of Brussels and is very close to the North Station. However it is a good 25 minutes walk to the centre of Brussels so would suit those people who do not mind catching the train. The hotel has been completely renovated and offers more up to date facilit... |
Hotel President Nord
Brussels
 |  Located in the heart of Brussels and close to the famous Grand Place, the hotel prides itself on offering first class service. The decor is traditional but modern facilities are featured throughout including minibar in the rooms. With an intimate bar inspired by the old English gentleman's club th... |
Sofitel Brussels Toison d'Or
Brussels
|  The Sofitel is ideally located in the heart of the city, near the antique shops and museums, and overlooking the prestigious shopping area L Espace Louise. |
Hilton Burssels Hotel
Brussels
| The 27 storey Hilton Brussels Hotel enjoys a prestigious location right in the centre of Brussels. The hotel is just a five minute walk from the railway station and is close to all the city's major attractions. The rooms are elegant and well appointed. There are two restaurants and all the facili... |
Brussels Marriott Hotel
Brussels
|  Brussels Marriott Hotel is situated in the heart of of the city and within walking distance to the Grand Place and Mont des Arts. Set where an island once stood in a flowing river, this grand hotel now offers luxurious accommodations in an historic building. The guest rooms now have the plush new ... |
Thon Hotel Brussels City Centre
Brussels
|  The hotel is situated in the heart of Brussels, in close proximity to the new business district and next to the World Trade Centre. It is a warm Norwegian style property offering high waulity and comfort to guests. It is Belgium's second largest hotel, with a top floor fitness centre including a s... |
Holiday Inn Brussels City Centre
Brussels
| Close to the Grand’ Place and to the centre of Brussels and its shopping and business areas, the Holiday Inn Brussels City Centre is ideally located near the elegant Avenue Louise and only 15 minutes from the airport. Recently refurbished, the hotel offers 201 elegantly furnished rooms and suites. O... |
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Amsterdam Day Trip from Brussels
Tour
Brussels | Holland is only a stone's throw away from Belgium so don't miss the chance to visit Amsterdam on a comprehensive day trip from Brussels. Cross the Dutch border and enter a land of polders and dikes dotted with countless windmills before reaching the Amsterdam area. Take the opportunity to customise ... |
Brussels Bike Tours
Biking
Brussels | Brussels bike Tours are a fun and easy way to see the main attractions. The city is truly bike-friendly, car drivers are bike-aware and traffic is very low compared to other European cities. Cycling allows you to see more in less time, have fun and make new friends along the way. Bikes don't poll... |
Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop
Walking
Brussels | This is a chocoholics dream! A four hour guided walking tour following the trail of Brussels' top chocolate shops. Your knowledgeable local guide will point out the major sights and explain the history of Brussels and why its famous for mouth watering chocolate.
You will enjoy free samples and ... |
Ghent and Bruges Day Trip from Brussels
Tour
Brussels | Discover two of Flanders' special gems on a full day trip to Ghent and Bruges. No visit to Belgium is complete without a visit to these two beautiful cities, just a short drive from Brussels.
After a one-hour drive through the scenic Belgium countryside you'll arrive in Ghent. Here you will visit t... |
Brussels City Tour
Tour
Brussels | This in depth tour is a great way to see all the beautiful sights Brussels has to offer. Start with a short walk to the famousGrand Place and Manneken Pis. Continue by coach to the beautiful St. Michael's Cathedral, Congress column, the Royal Residence and Sablon district famous for its countless ... |
Belgium in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Tour
Brussels | You will begin this tour with an indepth look at Brussels, the Belgium capital, and view all the important sights including the Royal Palace, St Michaels Cathedral and the might Palace of Justice. Sample the best Belgian fries and prepare to partake in a Belgian chocolate demonstration where you ca... |
Brussels Beer Tasting Tour
Tour
Brussels | Brussels offers an astonishing range of quality beers - sample a traditional beer or be adventurous and taste some of the fun fruity beers. Brussels in particular offers many varieties of artisan brews, each with a different but delicious and unique flavor.
This beer tasting experience visits some ... |
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Highlights of Europe
14 days |  The Highlights of Europe tour is a very good one for the travellers who want to see what Europe has to offer. It has four - two night stays - which makes the tour more relaxing. You will also see the major tourist attractions in each country and it will give you a good idea of which places you wou... |
Traditional Grand European
19 days |  This trip perfectly fits its name. It covers all the "must see" cities and sights in Europe, bu also includes a Eurostar train ride from London to Brussels, a canal cruise in Amsterdam, a Rhine cruise, the Black Forest, the Rhine falls, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Sound of Music Salzburg, a private bo... |
Grand European
21 days |  Experience the handsome jewels of Europe's crown including London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Vienna and Paris. Spend seven nights in glorious Italy where you can really get to know Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and more. See the natural wonders of the Rhine Valley and the Isle of Capri too.
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Wonders of Europe
12 days |  This tour moves at a fast pace and covers 7 countries in 12 days. It will suit those travellers who have limited time and want to see quite a bit. There are two night stays in Rome and Paris. Begin in London with a full day to explore the city, then cross the Channel by ferry and continue by motor... |
Cosmopolitan Europe
15 days |  This tour will suit those travellers who want to see mainstream Europe and with Prague thrown in as a bonus. With five two night stays the tour gives you time to relax and have some free time as well.
Begin in London before crossing to Brussels and through Germany. Highlights include a Rhine Rive... |
Romantic European
20 days | This is a leisurely and varied tour of Europe, which includes two wonderful cities of Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest. Whether you are first time travellers to Europe or repeat visitors, you will all enjoy this great tour and with plenty of two night stays it has a more relaxed pace. After cros... |
Continental Introduction
14 days |  The name already tells you that this trip from Paris to London is paced to give you a quick taste of Europe. Start with a special welcome dinner with wine at a fine Parisian restaurant on your first night. Enjoy two-night stays in Paris, Rome, Venice and Amsterdam including major sights like the s... |
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