Belgium is located in Western Europe, bordered by the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg, France, and the North Sea.

Belgium is divided ethnically into the Dutch-speaking Flemings and French-speaking Walloons, the 70,000 residents of the eastern German cantons, and the bilingual capital of Brussels. The population density is the second highest in Europe, after the Netherlands.

The official languages of Belgium are Dutch, French, German.

Small, quiet and unassuming, Belgium has everything its popular neighbours have, but goes relatively unnoticed by many travellers. Its extraordinary artistic heritage puts it on the map for art-lovers, but the country's delights extend well beyond the artistic realm.

The Royal Museum of Fine Art in Antwerp houses a vast collection of paintings from the 14th century onwards. These include Antwerp’s most significant painters - Rubens, Van Dijck and Jordaens. Built as a ‘temple to fine art’ for the 1894 Antwerp World Exposition, the building is decorated with Corinthian columns and two large bronze hoses.

The Groeninge Museum houses an extensive display of six centuries of Flemish, Dutch and Belgian paintings. The museum's many exhibitions include the world-famous collection of 'Flemish Primitive' art, works by an array of Renaissance and Baroque masters, a collection of paintings from the 18th and 19th-century and many pieces from the city's collection of post-war modern art.

The Town of Spa has been known since Roman times for its baths. It became so prominent the very word "spa" became synonymous with "a place to be restored and pampered" in the English language. Since the 16th century, the rich, royal and famous have come to Spa to be refreshed and rejuvenated by the curative powers of the region's waters and baths. If you are not interested in relaxing in its fine waters, Spa also offers beautiful architecture and unrivalled historic charm.

Antwerp has long been the world centre of diamond processing and the diamond trade. The famous ‘Antwerp cut’ and the advanced scientific research are documented in this fascinating museum. Each Saturday afternoon you can watch a diamond-cutter at work.