Brussels
The location of the foundations of the European Union, the Belgian capital Brussels, with its Flemish Grand’ Palace, famous Manneken Pis, Headquarters and site of the European Union’s Executive.
Brugge
In the 9th century Vikings settled at the end of the little river ‘de Reie’ and founded Brugge or Bruges. The name Brugge is probably derived from the old-Scandinavian word ‘Bryggia‘, which means ‘harbour, or mooring place’. Due to the geographical and social conditions, which allowed commercial maritime success in the Middle Ages, Brugge became one of the most prosperous cities in Europe. This wealth manifests itself in exceptional architecture and fine art such as Brugge’s Groeninge and Memling Museums, and Ghent Cathedral’s superb polyptych of the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. From Brugge we can conveniently access the cities of Ghent, the Birthplace of Charles V and the fine Flemish port, Antwerp, home of Rubens.