Belgium may be compact, but it offers a surprising variety of experiences shaped by centuries of shifting borders, artistic innovation, and culinary tradition. In Brussels, the Grand Place sets the stage for history and architecture in one square lined with ornate guild halls. The city is also home to the European Union’s headquarters, surrealist painter René Magritte’s former house, and a lively comic book trail that winds through murals of Tintin and other Belgian icons.
Germany offers a wide range of experiences, shaped by centuries of history, regional traditions, and striking landscapes. In Berlin, the past and present share the same streets. Visitors can walk along remnants of the Berlin Wall and then explore a thriving street art scene in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The city's Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses ancient artifacts and 19th-century masterpieces just a short walk from modern coffee shops and rooftop bars.
Bath is a city full of history and culture. Romans trekked many miles to bathe in the hot, soothing mineral waters of the Roman Bath. Majestic art collections were contributed to Bath from many different civilizations. The fan-vaulting at Bath Abbey has 614 memorial tablets that creates an extensive mural cenotaph to the people that contributed to the grandeur of Bath.
Ohrid, nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. Often referred to as the "Jerusalem of the Balkans" due to its rich cultural and religious heritage, Ohrid boasts an impressive array of Byzantine-era churches, including the stunning Church of St. John at Kaneo. Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, this church offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's spiritual past.
The commercial and cultural center for the Ruhr region on the Rhine River, Duseldorff is also the site of the Felderhof Cave where Neanderthal man was found in 1856.