Page 17 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

DISC OVERING BEL GIUM AND L UXEMBOURG  15

Citadelle (p209) and the majestic
Collegiale Notre­Dame (p209).
Later, check out the Grotte la
Merveilleuse (p209), one of the
country’s best caves for stalactites.
Visit the Château de Vêves (p211)
next, before heading to the
Domaine des Grottes de Han
(p215), the most celebrated of
the Ardennes cave systems.
Within the same complex is the
Reserve d’Animaux Sauvages
(p215), an excellent safari park.
Day 8: Bouillon to
Luxembourg City
Start at the stunning Château- Baroque portico of the Rubenshuis, crested with a splendid frieze, Antwerp
Fort de Bouillon (pp236–7),
once owned by legendary cru­ Museum (p234) and Mardasson with a visit to the Grote Markt
sader Godefroid de Bouillon. Hill. From here, it is an easy (p148), before moving on to
Then, drive on to Luxembourg drive north to Liège (pp220–23), the striking Rubenshuis
City (pp244–9) and spend the home to two fine museums, (pp154–5), once the home and
rest of the day exploring the the Musée Grand Curtius (p221) studio of Paul Rubens. Enjoy
picturesque Old Town on foot. and the Musée de la Vie lunch in one of the cafés at
Be sure not to miss the splendid Wallone (p220). the lovely Groenplaats (p151).
Palais Grand­Ducal (p244). Spend the afternoon exploring
Day 11: Central & Eastern Koninklijk Museum (pp156–7)
Day 9: Around Luxembourg Flanders that houses a fine collection
Drive north to Echternach Start your day at the Bokrijk of works by Flemish painters
(p255), which makes a good Openluchtmuseum (p171) for an from the 15th century to the
base for a tour of the Petite insight into life in pre­industrial present day.
Suisse Luxembourgeoise rural Flanders. From here, head
(p254). Stroll around the park to Leuven (pp164–5). Amble Day 13: Ghent
soaking in its landscape around its cobblestoned Drive north to Ghent (pp134–9)
characterized by steep valleys, central square, the Oude Markt and dedicate a full day to
gushing streams and dramatic (p164), one of Belgium’s prettiest. this amazing city, once the
rock formations. Then, move Wrap up the day with a visit to largest and richest in Europe.
on to the pretty little town of the elaborate Stadhuis (p164). Soak in its rich history at the
Vianden (p255) to explore the Design Museum Gent (p137);
towering Château de Vianden Day 12: Antwerp be sure to reserve a good
(p255), complete with original Once a busy industrial port and couple of hours for exploration.
Gothic towers. End the day now a centre of high­end fashion Later, take a walk down the
in Esch-sur-Sûre (p257), a design, Antwerp (pp148–59) Graslei and Korenlei (p137)
small town famed for its offers many attractions. Begin embank ments, lined with
setting on a loop of the fabulous townhouses. While
eponymous River Sure. around central Poeljemarkt,
visit the Stadhuis (p136), the
To extend your trip… 12th­century St Baafskathedral
Spend a day exploring (p136) and the Belfort (p136).
the vineyards and wine
cellars of Moselle Valley Day 14: Brussels
(pp252–3), a short drive Begin at the Place Royale (p68),
east of Luxembourg City. where some of the finest
palaces in Europe can be seen.
The Palais Royal (p68) boasts
Day 10: Bastogne to Liège a striking Throne Room (open
Bastogne (p234) is the perfect for a few weeks in summer
base for exploring the hills and only). Set aside plenty of time to
valleys of the Ardennes, which see the treasures of the Musées
were once the site of the Royaux des Beaux-Arts (pp72–7).
Ardennes Offensive (p235). Visit After lunch, take a walk around
the many museums and mon­ the Grand Place (pp60–61),
uments devoted to the battle, Equestrian statue of William II at Place which is fittingly the country’s
particu larly the Bastogne War Guillaume II in the Old Town, Luxembourg City finest public square.

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