Belgium is situated in Europe and bordered by France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The rivers and gorges of the Ardennes contrast sharply with the rolling plains that make up much of a countryside rich in historic cities, castles and churches.

The north coast of Belgium stretches for 69km (43 miles) from Knokke near the Dutch border to De Panne on the French border with an unbroken chain of resorts and sandy beaches. The Ardennes area is famous for its cuisine, forests, lakes, streams and grottos.

Bruges, the city whose fortunes in the Middle Ages were built on the cloth trade, is definitely worth visiting. A variety of attractions are on offer including boat trips or walks along the canals.

Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the centre of the European Union and NATO, features many sights including St Michael and St Gudule's Cathedral (13th-16th century) and the famous Grand-Place.

Belgian cuisine is similar to French, based on game and seafood but it is their beer that demands close attention. Two of the most popular are Lambic, made from wheat and barley, and Trappist.

Brussels has a very active and varied nightlife with a heavy accent on theatre.