Autorondreis West Benelux

About the destination: Scheveningen, is one of the eight districts of The Hague, as well as a subdistrict (wijk) of that city. Scheveningen is a modern seaside resort with a long, sandy beach, an esplanade, a pier, and a lighthouse. The beach is popular for water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.

About the destination: At the South of Holland we found the city of Middelburg, capital of the province of Zeeland and is also is the main town on the island of Walcheren. The streets of this city have an almost labyrinthine way, it is full of historic buildings that recall its period of maximum splendor between the S. XV to XVII. The most significant building in the city is probably the Stadhuis, that is, the city council. This spectacular building was built in 1452 by Anthonis and Rombout Keldemans. There is a tower of 55 meters and is decorated with statues of the Counts of last Holland. His past is palpable in the path of Middelburg, ranging from channels that zigzag respecting defensive ancient sites of the fortress and now occupied by some mills until forming circles beautiful streets in the old town. One of the most visited tourist attractions is the Abbey, located in the inner circle and which was founded in 1103. Other points of interest near the Abbey interest are the Museum and the Renaissance palace Zealand Sint Jorisdoelen. Children can visit Utropia where they can feed and pet birds. Middelburg certainly is a lovely town and has the hospitality of its inhabitants. Perfect for visiting family.

About the destination: Bruges is Europe’s sleeping beauty. It is the best-preserved example of northern Renaissance architecture in Europe, with the beauty of its romantic canals and remarkable facades matched only by its art. Bruges is a museum pulled inside out, displayed with loving touch and subtlety that most curators can only dream of. After dark buildings and canals are beautifully illuminated and the sight is just breathtaking. The centre of town is the Markt, a gorgeous square presided by the remarkable Beffroi, a medieval bell tower and one of the city's most prominent symbols. For a beautiful panorama of the city’s circular perimeter, climb the steps of the Beffroi. The 14th century Stadhuis, the town hall, is a good example of flamboyant Gothic architecture. Many Flemish masters worked in Bruges, some of their masterpieces are housed in the excellent Groeninge Museum. The perfectly preserved medieval tower of Our Lady's Church is the highest tower in Bruges. The Church of our Lady contains Michelangelo´s soft and touching Madonna and Child, there is also a fantastically ornate wood pulpit. Located in the right-hand corner of Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, dating from 1150, is made up of a Romanesque lower chapel and a Gothic upper chapel. Two levels are strikingly different: the Romanesque lower level is austere with little ornamentation, whereas the Gothic upper level is pulses with colourful detail. The two chapels are connected by a grand brick staircase, which climbs behind the grand facade facing the square. Today’s stairs and facade are a 19th-century reconstruction of the 1533 Renaissance versions, demolished during the French occupation following the French Revolution. The Minnewater, dubbed Lake of Love, and its lovely park is one of the first things you see in the city of Bruges, when arriving by train or coach. The lake and surrounding park offer an excellent retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city`s sights and streets. The many resident swan couples form the finishing touch to its romantic character. At the Lake of Love Bruges seems even more picturesque than usual. Charmingly medieval, Bruges is a unique place. Strolling along its alleys, picturesque canals and verdant ramparts you cannot but fall hopelessly in love with her elegant mysteriousness.

About the destination: Spiritual bulwark of Flanders, second Belgian port and major industrial centre, Ghent is also a university city that has a feeling of vitality. Built at the confluence of the Leie and the Scheldt, the city is crisscrossed by numerous canals and waterways. Hometown of Charles V, Ghent is full of history and monuments, and old neighbourhoods and docks are full of poetry. The lighting makes a simple evening stroll into something extraordinary. Gravensteen, meaning castle of the counts in Flemish, is an impressive sight. Built in 1180 by Philippe d’Alsace, count of Flanders, Gravensteen Castle is a worthwhile visit for anyone who enjoys history. Featuring walls that measure two meters thick, Gravensteen includes a torture museum, showcasing various torture methods that were once used at the castle. The Gravensteen Castle is located on the eastern bank of the river Leie, right in the heat of Gent's historic city centre. The impressive gothic cathedral is one of the landmarks of the city. Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is a beautiful structure with so many things to see inside that you should think of it as a visit to a museum. The tower rising up in front is impressive, one of the three tower that dominates the city centre, the others belong to Belfort and St. Nickolas church. The cathedral houses the famous altarpiece painting, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. The Belfry Tower, Belford, was erected in 1380 as a symbol of the self-governed and independent city of Gent. It was later also used as a treasury and watch tower. The Belfry is one of the three towers, which dominate the skyline of the historic city centre. The Brabant Gothic style tower is 91 metres tall and can be climbed for panoramic views. The third tower that dominate the skyline belongs to St. Nicholas' Church. The church was constructed in the 13th century and is the best example of Scheldt Gothic in Belgium. One of the oldest churches of the city it stands right in the heart of Ghent. Beautifully classical, Ghent is a compact, authentic city where the past and present co-exist in perfect balance.

About the destination: Antwerp is located on the eastern bank of the river Scheldt, which is linked to the North Sea by the Westerschelde estuary. The city has one of the largest seaports in Europe. Antwerp has long been an important city in the Low Countries, both economically and culturally. Antwerp’s appeal derives from its unique mix of styles and peoples. First there’s the no-nonsense part of town around Centraal Statio; the shipping, diamond, and garment industries are headquartered here. Then there’s the art and culture that wealth has bought throughout the centuries. Flemish Old Masters, particularly native son Rubens, are well-represented here. Finally, there is the immense port with its own smoky trees. There is more to see and do in Antwerp than in any other Belgian city. Start with a walk through the oude stad, old town, beginning at Grote Markt, where the Stadhuis, town hall, stands as a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. The nearby Cathedral of Our Lady has a spectacular Gothic tower. Its interior is richly decorated with stained glass and it houses some of Rubens' most famous paintings. Close by there is the Steen, a beautiful story-book fortress which dates from the 12th century. The Plantin Moretus Museum is a delightful must. Plantin turned printing into an art during the 16th century, and most of his tools and presses are here on display. The picturesque courtyard and Rubens paintings also make the visit worthwhile. Save time to visit Rubenshuis, one of the best museums of its kind in the world. Rubens lived and worked for nearly 30 years in this sumptuous house. His garret is exquisitely furnished and richly stocked with art treasures. Few tourists get to Cogels-Osylei, an avenue with an uninterrupted procession of art nouveau mansions, each one seeming to outdo the one before it in architectural fantasy. Antwerp is a very cultural and vivid city. Discover for yourself this effervescent trading, artistic and cultural centre with its typical atmosphere of a port for the ships of the world: cosmopolitan, slightly exotic and at the same time so hospitable.