13 Days of Western European Wonders

Über das Reiseziel: From its breathtaking medieval centre to its 21st-century temple to Surrealism, the new Magritte Museum, Brussels offers the visitor a great deal more than just beer and chocolate and is resoundingly unlike its unfortunate staid image as the home of EU bureaucrats. Indeed, Brussels is a creative, dynamic city. Its compact city centre is clustered with bars, restaurants and museums set along cobbled streets. Inevitably, most tourists head to the Grand-Place. With its ornate Flemish guild houses, impressive Town Hall and buzzing atmosphere, it would be difficult to find a more beautiful square in the whole of Europe. It deservedly is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the city’s crowning jewel. Wander next to the nearby Royal and Sablon districts teeming with art galleries and antique shops. Throw away your map and meander down a myriad side streets, discovering flea markets, art-deco houses and boutique stores. The Bruxellois take pride in their self-effacing, intellectual sense of humour, underpinned by a strong appreciation of the bizarre. The city has a long-running love affair with the Surrealist art movement, pioneered by René Magritte, and with classic comic strips, epitomised by Hergé's boy hero, Tintin. There's a telling irony in the fact that the city's best-known landmark is the Manneken-Pis, a tiny statuette of a urinating boy. Meanwhile, all of this sits alongside world-class collections of art, fabulous cooking including mussels, frites, waffles and whelks, some of Europe’s best and unique beers (literally, there are thousands of varieties), and master-chocolatiers. The city’s cultural calendar is packed with events for everyone from the massive, raucous Foire du Midi street fair every July teeming with stalls and fairground attractions to the legendary Christmas Market that takes centre stage in the Place Sainte Catherine with 240 stalls, a skating rink, a big wheel, and numerous rides. One of the biggest events is Art Brussels, showcasing the city’s edgier, creative side and a hub for art connoisseurs from around the globe. If you’re a Euro-loving national, check out the European Quarter, centered around Schuman and the Berlaymont. Its liveliest part is the Place du Luxembourg: all its bars fill up around 6pm on week days with some of the 20,000 diplomats, politicians and civil servants who reside in the city after Brussels became the centre of international political following WWII. Open your eyes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all that Brussels has to offer.

Über das Reiseziel: Paris, situated on the river Seine, is the capital and largest city in France. It is one of the most iconic cities in the world and it is considered one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, so much so that is has been dubbed the City of Love. Paris offers historical sights, monuments, a pleasant atmosphere, lovely cafés, parks and museums to satisfy any traveler. A large part of this City of Light, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is home to some of the greatest old building in the world such as Le Tour Eiffel, Notre Dâme, Sacre Coeur, L´Arc de Triomphe, Palace of Versailles, the Moulin Rouge or the Hotel des Invalides. There is no ending of the list of things you have to see in this city, but Le Louvre, one of the finest museums in the world of art and culture, should not be missed. Paris remains vastly influential in the realms of art and design and is home to some of the most impressive modern buildings such as La Défense, the Centre Pompidou, the Institut du Monde Arabe or the Stade de France. Paris is a city of immense vitality and beauty and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. With its history and architectural patrimony, Paris is the city everyone wants to see.

Über das Reiseziel: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that never fails to delight visitors with its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. This beautiful city offers something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to foodies and party-goers. One of the most iconic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the picturesque bridges and colorful houseboats that line the waterways. The city is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, Amsterdam has plenty of options. The city's main shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques. And when it comes to dining, Amsterdam is a food lover's paradise. From traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the globe, there's something to suit every taste. When the sun goes down, Amsterdam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Head to the famous Red Light District for a taste of the city's more risqué offerings, or hit up one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city's streets. No matter what your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Über das Reiseziel: Berlin, die Hauptstadt Deutschlands, ist eine Stadt der Geschichte, der Kultur und der Kunst. Es ist ein Ort, der die Geschichte der Welt geprägt hat und weiterhin das Zentrum der deutschen Politik und Kultur ist. In Berlin gibt es viel zu sehen und zu tun. Beginnen Sie Ihren Besuch am Brandenburger Tor, einem Symbol für die Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands nach dem Fall der Berliner Mauer. In der Nähe befindet sich der Reichstag, das beeindruckende Gebäude, in dem der Deutsche Bundestag tagt. Von der gläsernen Kuppel aus haben Sie einen atemberaubenden Blick über die Stadt. Für Geschichtsinteressierte bietet das Jüdische Museum und das Holocaust-Mahnmal einen emotionalen und lehrreichen Einblick in die dunkle Vergangenheit Deutschlands. Ein Besuch der Berliner Mauer-Gedenkstätte, wo Sie einen Abschnitt der ursprünglichen Mauer sehen können, ist ebenfalls ein Muss. Kulturliebhaber werden von der Museumsinsel begeistert sein, einer Sammlung von fünf Museen, darunter das berühmte Pergamonmuseum und das Alte Museum. Für Kunstliebhaber ist die East Side Gallery, eine 1,3 Kilometer lange Abschnitt der Berliner Mauer, der von internationalen Künstlern bemalt wurde, ein absolutes Highlight. Berlin ist auch bekannt für sein pulsierendes Nachtleben und seine vielfältige Gastronomie. Probieren Sie traditionelle deutsche Speisen wie Bratwurst und Sauerkraut, oder genießen Sie ein Bier in einer der vielen Brauereien der Stadt. Ob Sie ein Geschichtsinteressierter, ein Kulturliebhaber oder ein Abenteurer sind, Berlin hat etwas für jeden zu bieten. Es ist eine Stadt, die Sie auf jeden Fall besuchen sollten. Erleben Sie die Faszination Berlins und tauchen Sie ein in eine Stadt, die niemals schläft.