Belgium is famous for its beers, chocolate and waffles, but there’s so much more in this wonderful country to tantalise your taste buds. Waterzooi is a creamy stew that dates back to the Middle Ages which consists of a range of ingredients including chicken, leeks, celery, double cream, egg yolks, nutmeg and parsley.

Boulets are traditional meatballs which are from beef or pork and smothered in a delicious rich gravy, while eel in green sauce is a Belgian creation where eels are cooked in fish stock with local herbs including sorrel, chervil, mint and parsley. Everywhere you go you’ll see stalls selling hot frites – which are similar to French fries – with a helping of andalouse, a mix of mayo, tomato paste and peppers. Belgium is big on scrumptious desserts, with waffles, puff pastries, sweet omelettes and tarts featuring heavily in the tasty treats available in cafes and restaurants.

 La Dame Blanche is a Belgian take on a hot fudge sundae featuring vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, cherries and a warm sauce au chocolat, while mattentaart is a wonderful doughy offering with a creamy cheesecake filling and puff pastry crust. Jenever, the national spirit of Belgium, is a fabulous juniper-flavoured liquor, while Duvel is a famous pale ale with a high alcohol content in a country that's renowned for producing some of the finest beers in the world.

Belgium is a year-round destination with a temperate maritime climate, meaning it enjoys pleasantly warm summers and moderate winters. June to August is a great time to enjoy a fun-filled cruise in Belgium, when the countryside is in full bloom, the beaches are inviting and the festival season is in full flow. .
Average summer temperatures range between 20°C and 25°C. Winter in Belgium is from November to March when temperatures usually range between 3°C and 7°C. The weather is regularly wet and chilly, with ice often freezing over the canals, making them suitable for ice skating. The autumn months of September and October are a good time to visit if you want a more laid-back experience where you can avoid the crowds. Average annual rainfall in Belgium is 32 inches, with the country getting an average 200 days of rainfall each year. It rarely snows in Belgium but when it does, it usually melts quickly and turns to slush.      

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to exciting things to see and do in fabulous Belgium. Must-see attractions include the World War I battlefields of Flanders, the Cathedral of Saint Bavo in Ghent, Meuse Valley, Mons Old Town, the Basilica of the Holy Blood in Bruges and The Rubens House in Antwerp. A canal cruise in charming Bruges is a great way to discover the city’s amazing architecture and culture and a visit to 17th century Grand Place in Brussels - considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe - is highly recommended. Natural wonders in this spellbinding country include the jawdropping Iron Age Sonian Forest, the stunning beaches at Knokke, the Valleys of the Burdinale and the Mehaigne, the pine forests and lakes at Hoge Kempen and Eifel Nature Park. Family attractions which deliver a feast of fun include Bruparck Theme Park, Plopsaland De Panne amusement park, Planckendael animal park, Antwerp Zoo and Mini Europe where you’ll find miniature recreations of more than 60 cities.
 Popular outdoor activities in Belgium include rafting and kayaking in the Ardennes, caving in the Caves of Han, boat trips in Ghent, horse riding on the North Sea beaches, and abseiling, climbing and ziplining at Parc Dinant Adventure. The fascinating cities of Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges and Ghent are also home to pulsating clubs and live music venues, excellent restaurants for dining and plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy, with everything from bustling markets to high-end designer stores.