So you’re in London. You have a day to spare, and you’d like some frites and crepes instead of fish and chips. Where do you go? Head to St. Pancras Station, hop on the Eurostar fast rail line, and you’ll be on the continent in just over an hour. Since the completion of the English Channel Tunnel (Chunnel) linking London to Calais, France, you don’t have to deal with the slow speed of the ferry or the expense and lack of spontaneity of an airplane. Just get yourself a timetable, head to the station, plunk down your money, sit back and relax.
Calais
One hour and two minutes from London. The ultimate destinations on Eurostar’s two routes are Paris and Brussels. Whichever you choose, the first city the train takes you to is Calais, right across the water from the white cliffs of Dover. For a wonderful view, you can go right to the city’s Light Tower. The magnificent Town Hall makes you feel like you’re in France with all the Rodin sculptures surrounding it. There’s a Modern Art Museum and a War Museum which is located in an actual bunker. And don’t miss the Cité Internationale de la Dentelles et de la Mode, a museum devoted to the manufacture of lace. If you finish dinner and find you’re in no hurry to head back to London, then there are many great Calais hotels where you can rest your head so you can tell people you slept in France.
Lille
One hour and 20 minutes from London. This is where the Eurostar splits between the train going to Brussels and the train going to Paris. A vibrant city due to its large student population, Lille is also a city of many museums. There’s the Musée des Beaux-Arts covering European art from 15th – 20th century, the Museum of Natural History, with its stuffed animals, the Musée de l’Hospice Comtesse, which is located in a former hospital and the Musée d’Art et d’ Industrie de Roubaix: La Piscine, set in a classic Art Déco swimming pool. If you’re lucky enough to be in Lille on a Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday morning, you can shop for fresh fruits and veggies, books, suitcases, shoes, perfume and even French undergarments at the Marché de Wazemmes open market. There are also many Lille hotels available if you want to spend the night.
Paris
A French cafe just over two hours from Hyde Park
Two hours and 15 minutes from London’s St. Pancras Station is the City of Light. Whether it’s your first or 100th trip to Paris, the old stand-bys never fail to impress. You’ll be pulling in to the Gare du Nord, which is in walking distance from the Opera Garnier and the Pantheon, and just a little further are the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe and more. Going further afield, you can pay your last respects Père-Lachaise Cemetery or the Catacombs. And imagine the surprise on people’s faces when you return from your London trip with pictures of yourself in front of the Eiffel Tower. If you want to sleep closet to your return ride, there are plenty of hotels near the Gare du Nord where you’ll be catching your London-bound train.
Brussels
One hour and 51 minutes from London. Going the other way, the Eurostar takes you to the Gare du Midi in Brussels, which is also surrounded by many hotels. From here it’s easy to get to the Grand Place-Grote Markt, where you can discover many beautiful 300 year-old buildings, along with the city tower. It all comes alive at night when the city puts on a music and light show. Be sure to try a “gaufre de Liège-Luikse wafel” (Belgian waffle with caramelized sugar) and one of the little shops on the northeast corner. Nearby photo ops include the infamous Manneken Pis Statue, depicting a child doing what we all have to do sometimes. To go from the past to the future, you can visit gleaming Atomium, left over from the 1958 World Fair.
Antwerp
Two hours and 53 minutes from London. Though the Eurostar technically ends in Brussels, Europe’s regular rail lines are quick as well, and the ancient city of Antwerp is just sitting there waiting to be visited. Here you can find the Rubenshuis, once home to the great painter and now a museum. The 1351 Cathedral of Our Lady is quite magnificent, and the 19th century Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. If you want to go older, check out the Medieval guild houses surrounding the Old Market Square, as well as the square’s wonderful City Hall, which blends Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. Many Antwerp hotels put you right in the middle of the action. And all less than three hours from London!
The country is not widely known for its winter sports. That distinction goes to the Alpine regions of Switzerland, Italy and even France. However, Belgium offers great opportunities for winter sports—and not just on the Ardennes. Although the nation’s highest peak reaches a mere 694m, the vast landscapes of Lihge, Luxembourg and Namur boast spectacular cross-country runs. In fact, there are over 60 cross-country skiing pistes on the Ardennes plateaux! Meanwhile, 10 Alpine resorts showcase the striking Hautes Fagnes nature reserve. Here are the avid skier’s best bets in Belgium:
Mont des Brumes
Situated between Francorchamps and La Gleize, Mont des Brumes is unique in the fact that it provides ample opportunities for Alpine downhill skiing in Belgium. The resort boasts one of the longest ski trails in the country—and the most beautiful in Wallonia. The highest point reaches 550m, and the length of the trail is a full kilometer. It is possible to rent ski equipment onsite, but please remember that snowboards are not allowed. Those who like to toboggan, however, can use the 150-metre track for free! Nearby hotels in Brussels and Liege (try the Best Western Univers Hotel or the Holiday Inn Liege) make it easy to spend the day here.
Skiers at Mont des Brumes
Baraque de Fraiture
The largest ski resort in Belgium, Baraque de Fraiture commands a great portion of the eastern Cantons landscape. Its dynamic terrain offers opportunities for night skiing, snowboarding, sledging, and snowscooter and snowmobile tours. The variety and affordable rates (day passes start at just 10 euros) make Baraque de Fraiture an especially great destination for families. While there, be sure to take advantage of the Belgian Ardennes’ famous après-ski offerings. Culinary treats like fine cheeses and chocolates are easy to find near the slopes and hotels in Baraque de Fraiture.
La Gleize
Close to panoramic hiking trails and the racetrack at Francorchamps, La Gleize is a popular destination year-round. However, the mountainous terrain really comes alive during the winter. This is when La Gleize and the neighboring resort of Mont des Brumes draw winter sports enthusiasts of all levels. After an exhilarating day of cross-country skiing, take a tour of one of the town’s fascinating World War II monuments. Museums and other attractions are easy to find as well. Meanwhile, there is no shortage of great hotels in La Gleize.
Ovifat
Ovifat is a picture-perfect village nestled within the striking acres of the Domaine des Hautes Fagnes. The resort comprises 3 slopes with 3 lifts. However, despite its relatively small size, the destination is quite popular with beginners and more experienced skiers. It’s a great choice for those looking to take advantage of Belgium’s beautiful terrain without having to deal with the traffic and crowds within larger resorts. The highest peak reaches 650m, and there are plenty of attractive hotels near Ovifat.
Ovifat in Winter
Malmedy
Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing are both possible on the Ardennes pistes of Malmedy and the nearby town of Robertville. To best explore the scenery, take a guided snow scooter tour; the necessary equipment for hire is readily available. Additionally, Malmedy has a wonderful ice rink that is open from December to until January each year. The rink is one of the region’s premiere tourist attractions during the wintertime. It is within easy walking distance of several great hotels in Malmedy, like l’Esprit Sain and the Auberge de la Fagne. Malmedy also offers a wealth of traditional Belgian bars and cafes that provide welcome respite after a long day spent in the snow.
See more of this beautiful country with our Belgium videos collection.
When traveling around Europe or to any foreign country, one must take certain precautions. First-time travelers, especially, must be aware of certain dangers and situations to avoid. We want all of our clients to remain safe and happy while traveling, so we’ve provided you with a few important tips:
Pack Light – But Not Too Light
To avoid becoming a target while on holiday, be sure to pack as light as possible—and do not carry with you anything that may be seen as flashy or expensive. Keep valuables to a minimum, and store them in different places (ie. in various bags or pockets, or in a money belt) instead of all together.
Don’t forget the important stuff: extra glasses or contacts, travelers checks, credit cards (which are much safer to carry than cash) and any necessary medications (stored in their original, labeled containers.)
Be sure to label bags with your contact information and if possible, lock your luggage.
Remember that many hotels in Europe have safes for your convenience. Use them.
Plan Ahead
Before you travel, be sure to stay up-to-date on any current travel alerts or warnings. This information can be accessed 24 hours a day on the Internet, by phone or through your travel agent, local embassy, library or tourist bureau.
Be sure to thoroughly research the country that you are planning to visit. You definitely want to be aware of any laws or customs that are unlike those you are used to.
Make photocopies of your travel documents, credit card information and passport just in case something is lost or stolen later.
Keep In Touch
Let others know about your travel plans. Provide a family member or close friend with a copy of your itinerary and the contact information of all Europe hotels you plan to stay at.
Notify your credit card company and cell phone provider of your plans to leave the country in advance. This will help to avoid any hassles or dangers down the line.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Avoid potentially shady “short cuts” like narrow alleys or dimly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night, and steer clear of any public demonstrations or civil disturbances.
Keep your belongings close to your body, and be wary of strangers trying to get your attention or jostle you. They could be attempting to distract you while an accomplice steals your things.
To avoid being scammed, remember this one simple rule: If a deal seems to good to be true—it probably is.
In the United States, Memorial Day is celebrated at the end May as a time to remember those who gave their lives in military duty to preserve global peace and freedoms. In Europe, various countries have similar holidays (such as Remembrance Day in the UK), and in the US it is not uncommon for veterans and others to embark on special tours of landmarks to recognize in person the events that changed our history and honor those brave enough to make it happen. For some, the journey is personal – whether reliving the camaraderie of fellow soldiers, or remembering a loved one who served. Monuments across the continent remain to remind us that peace is definitely the more preferable option.
Last night we happened to catch the last half of Saving Private Ryan, a beautifully-realized film that shows as accurately as possible the scars of war. We got to thinking, if one planned a tour of World War II monuments to visit as part of a remembrance holiday, what should be seen? Some museums and sites popped instantly to mind, while others took some research. These are highly recommended places to visit any time of year for your own pilgrimage.
Perhaps one of the most popular museums in the Netherlands, the house that once served as a hiding place for Anne Frank and her family is probably one of the best known in the world. Here visitors can peek at the secret annex where Anne wrote in her diary and dreamed of liberation. A poignant stop on any Dutch tour.
Site of some of the bloodiest battles of World War I, Flander Fields is now known for the poem of the same name, and for the poppies that grow there. The tiny red flowers are traditionally handed out on Remembrance Day, “lest we forget” the thousands of men who perished. Day tours into the beautiful Belgian countryside are chartered year round to take visitors onto the former battlefields and through neighboring towns ravaged by the war, but since restored to their former glory.
Stately memorials surrounded by lovely gardens highlight this large visitor center dedicated to those from around the world who fought for freedom and preservation of peace. There are remembrances for veterans of all the major world conflicts, and admission is free to anyone who wishes to stroll the grounds in reflection.
We were reading the CNN.com travel section today when the word chocolate caught our attention. Of course, when does chocolate not do that, but the story about Koln and its many sites inspired us to collect a list of chocolate-related sites in Europe to visit the next time you’re abroad and jonesing for something sweet. There are specialized tours geared toward chocolate exploration – you can travel from cafe to chocolatier to cafe again, sampling and savoring cacao across the countryside. Or, if you’re itinerary is already set and you’re looking for a diversion until the next stop, there are a few sidetracks you can make.
We must admit, we had a bit of fun researching this article, and now our stomachs are growling, so while we break for the stash of Kit-Kats under the desk we’ll leave you to consider these tours and attractions next time you’re in Europe.
The name is known the world over for their creamy milk bars and seasonal cream-filled eggs, and when you come to Cadbury World in Birmingham it’s probably the closest you’ll get to spotting an Oompah Loompah or two running the show. This is a whimsical journey through the production, packaging and marketing of Cadbury varieties – full of fascinating history and surprises. How many factories do you know have a simulated jungle to explain where cocoa comes from?
You’ve seen Ritter Sport brands, those square, waffle-thick bars filled with whole hazelnuts, marzipan, or dreamy dark mousse. In Waldenbuch near Stuttgart is where you’ll find new bars produced, and at the factory you can watch a demonstration in German and English of how Ritter Sport varieties are made, plus stock up for the ride home! There are nearly 20 different bars available now, so if you find one you can’t normally find in your area, get ‘em while you can!
Of course, if you’re headed to Belgium this year it’s a given you’re going to enjoy some chocolate. You wouldn’t go to Philadelphia without eating a cheesesteak, or Chicago without trying a deep dish pizza, right? In Brussels, there is Planète Chocolat, fine purveyor of chocolates created in the grand Belgian tradition. Guests are welcome to browse their chocolate museum and discover how cacao is pressed into cocoa to become the dessert we all love, and if you have time you can schedule a chocolate history walking tour through the city.
Pop quiz: can you think of 150 different ingredients to infuse in a chocolate bar? Bovetti Artisan Chocolatier bear the Bordeaux region of France has, and when you visit their shop/museum you’ll see for yourself what flavors await you. From rosemary to mango to even flower petals, surely if it’s edible they’ve enrobed it at one time.
Bovetti’s chocolate museum takes visitors through an actual greenhouse of cocoa plants where one can see a demonstration of harvesting, roasting, and production. You’ll learn why single-origin varieties (chocolate produced from cacao from one region) tastes differently from other types, and kids have the opportunity to mold their own tasty treat.
Wherever in Europe you find yourself this year, you’re certain to find a chocolate indigenous to the area that carries the unique flavor of the region. With the money you save on affordable European hotels, you can take plenty home as gifts, assuming you don’t eat everything on the trip back.
“Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.” – Judith Viorst.
It’s true. Chocolate is one of the most adored foods in the entire world. It comes in many different forms: dark, light, white, milk, bittersweet, baking … and the list goes on. However, one the part of the world that gets the most respect for chocolate production is Belgium. Since the 18th century, this country has perfected the process of making irresistible treats and has gained notoriety for it.
For today’s Food Day Friday, here are some interesting facts about the adored Belgian chocolate:
Giving chocolates as gifts began in 1912, when Belgian chocolates were hand-wrapped in specialty paper exclusively for Belgian chocolates. This paper is called Ballotin.
One of the biggest differences between Belgian chocolate and American chocolate is the percentage of cocoa per volume. (It shouldn’t be surprising that Belgian chocolate is much richer!)
Chocolate contains pheryletylanine, which can counteract nervous depressions in your body, making it an anti-depressant.
There are more than 2,100 chocolate shops and factories in Belgium, anywhere from small family shops to larger factories.
In 1990, chocolate exports totaled $604.5 million! More than four-fifths of Belgium’s chocolate are sold within Europe, though. The U.S., Canada and Japan make up 10 percent of Belgian chocolate sales.
The Belgian community is so proud of their chocolate, they host the Chocolate Passion Festival every year around Valentine’s Day in Brussels.
Because of it’s attention to detail and authenticity, most Belgian chocolate is still handmade in small shops.
Mouth watering yet? Go ahead and satisfy that sweet tooth. Hopefully, this gives you a little bit of insight on what makes chocolate so good. Next time you’re in Belgium, stop into a local chocolate shop and have a bite of something sweet. You won’t be disappointed!
When most people look back at their time in high school, it’s easy to remember that over-enthusiastic teacher who wanted his or her students to be as passionate about the lesson as they were. Whether it was the English teacher who read Shakespeare aloud in class with a heavy accent, the history teacher who presented organized slideshows of historical landmarks all over the world, or the anatomy teacher who sang songs about the different systems of the human body — we most likely rolled our eyes and entertained them for a moment.
However, there is one place in Brussels, Belgium that might have the ability to turn us all into over-enthusiastic physics or chemistry teachers.
Atomium, an exact replica of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times, is sure to “wow” anyone who visits it. Standing 102 meters high, this spectacle was built for the World Fair in Brussels in 1958 (commonly referred to as Expo 58) and symbolizes a future filled with bright ideas and progress for generations to come.
According to its Web site, it wasn’t intended to survive past Expo 58, but has become and international landmark as well as an icon in Brussels. It is definitely deserving of being an addition to your road map and game plan while visiting Belgium. Before planning your trip, be sure to check out affordable hotel rooms while you are in Brussels, too.
Even if you don’t want to channel your inner geek, Atomium is the place to go to get the perfect view of the entire city, grab a bite to eat at the resturant in the top and get inspired to have the next big idea.
When traveling around Europe or to any foreign country, one must take certain precautions. First-time travelers, especially, must be aware of certain dangers and situations to avoid. We want all of our clients to remain safe and happy while traveling, so we’ve provided you with a few important tips:
“Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands – and then eat just one of the pieces.” – Judith Viorst.
When most people look back at their time in high school, it’s easy to remember that over-enthusiastic teacher who wanted his or her students to be as passionate about the lesson as they were. Whether it was the English teacher who read Shakespeare aloud in class with a heavy accent, the history teacher who presented organized slideshows of historical landmarks all over the world, or the anatomy teacher who sang songs about the different systems of the human body — we most likely rolled our eyes and entertained them for a moment.